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We develop original comics and creative content with the participation of after-school programs and youth. And we've created this virtual platform so that you can participate in this collaborative process.

The Back of the Yards comic book series, a Made Collaborative production, is a project that was born in collaboration with participating urban youth in the West Side of Chicago. It is a Creative Commons project (meaning everyone can access and share it here digitally for free, as well use the characters for their own projects) and with this virtual creative studio platform, we will continue those collaborations with interested parties here virtually.

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Our virtual Studio Cards are designed to facilitate collaboration with you by providing you context on topics, concepts, characters and the people behind our comic project, along with related opportunities for you to provide your own collaborative input to us (i.e., your “Studio Notes”) which we will use as a basis for our weekly virtual Zoom workshop sessions.   And it all starts with a click on the back of any card!

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Who is…
Dan Dougherty?

Who is Dan Dougherty?

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Summary Traits
TBD
Core Personality Traits & Values
TBD
Archetype
The Magician
Motto
TBD
Collaboration Background
TBD
Debut
Eric started working with Jimmy Briseno and Manny Dominguez in the very early days of this Made Collaborative project back in 2014, during initial meetings with youth in the after school programs of Chicago.
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The Hero’s Journey (Part I)
A Call to Action

Studio Card #4: The Hero’s Journey (Part I) – A Call To Action

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Summary
This Studio Card production was developed by the Made Collaborative Studio as part of its comic series the Back of the Yards. With this Studio Card, we present you with a summary of the Hero's Journey, which is a framework that helped many to develop their own creative projects through the centuries and with that, it is our hope this summary may help participating youth with their own creative projects.
When
The Made Collaborative Studio began as a modest grass roots project started by a ragtag group of participating artists in Chicago and was designed to provide a unique collaborative opportunity for after school programs and participating youth from our urban communities.
Who
This Made Collaborative Studio project technically started over 10 years ago as only a kernel of an idea in the mind of the project’s founder on one of his many bus rides home and through much trial and error over the years, evolved into the Made Collaborative Studio virtual model that exists today.
Why
The Made Collaborative Studio was created to help promote creative thought and provide a unique (and free) collaborative experience for afterschool programs and participating youth alike.
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Who is…
Carl Castaneda?

Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?

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Brief
Carl Castaneda is a comic character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series; a Creative Commons project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. Mr. Castañeda is a mysterious teacher and mentor who guides our main characters on their road to realization. Glimpses at his own foggy past reveal that he embarked on a similar journey long ago.
Core Personality Traits & Values
He clearly knows more than what he is saying, but the best teachers do not give they answers but merely point the way.
Primary Archetype
The Mentor
Motto
“Your dreams are part of the same primal energy that brings all existence into being!”
Collaboration Background
Mr. Castañeda is a character developed by Len Kody. He is a way of tying the various narratives and characters created by the first wave of participating youth as part of an after school program in the West-Side of Chicago.
Debut
Issue #2 of the Back of the Yards comic series
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And we will regularly highlight collaborative submissions made by you on this virtual platform here within this "This & That" project blog, as well as announce any new creative projects, featured Studio Cards, and upcoming virtual Zoom workshops!

Our Inaugural “This & That’ Blog Post!

December 7, 2024

A Virtual Creative Studio We develop original comics and creative content with the participation of after-school programs and youth. And...
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Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book. iPad/iPhone users, submit images from FILES (NOT from Photo Library). 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Collaborate with professional artists by contributing some artwork of your own! Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW