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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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Creating A Character (Part II)
Character Archetypes

Castaneda's Red Book: Part I, pg. 6

Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)

QR Code for Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
What
This Studio Card production is part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project produced by Made Collaborative Studio, and features Carl Jung’s Archetypes of the Unconscious Mind. This Studio Card sets forth the 12 primary character archetypes which we hope help participating youth with their own creative projects and ideas.
When
These 12 character archetypes can be used by participating youth for their own independent collaborations, just as they have been used by others throughout the course of time, from the ancient Greek plays to modern day Star Wars trilogies.
Who
These character archetypes are important to understand because unlike character stereotypes, which are superficial generic generalizations, archetypes are said to have been deduced through the development of storytelling over tens of thousands of years, indicating repeating patterns of individual and group experience.
Why
Character Archetypes can help one gain a better understanding and development of literary characters and stories for not only our Made Collaborative comic publications, but also independent collaborations of any participating youth and others.
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Creating Characters!

How All Great Stories Begin

Studio Card #2: Creating Characters!

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Brief
Welcome to the Made Collaborative Studio! This Studio Card #2 represents your first step on a creative journey with us. We begin this collaborative virtual studio just as it began in a classroom in the West Side of Chicago years ago - by providing you with an opportunity to create your own original comic character(s).
Scope
As you might expect, creative collaboration is at the heart of the Made Collaborative Studio. We believe in sharing stories, intertwining ideas and giving a voice to participating urban youth and collaborators like you. ALL OF YOUR STORIES MATTER. And that's why we begin this virtual journey with the creation of your own original character, some of which may be including in our Back of the Yards comic series!
This & That
The most intriguing submissions to this and all of our Studio Card may highlighted on our website. We'll showcase them on our "This & That" blog. And a few of you may also be invited to take part in one of our regular Zoom workshop sessions to further develop selected characters.
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Who is…
Carl Castaneda?

Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?

QR Code for Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
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