Who is Eric Nyamor?

Who is ...

Eric Nyamor?

Brief	Erihii Nyamor (aka Eric) keeps things grounded and real while being one of the team’s biggest dreamers. His anime-influenced art adds both vibrance and credibility to the project. Since the launch, he’s played a key role in artistic and character development.
Core Personality Traits & Values	Eric combines his passion for storytelling with a strong belief in the transformative power of art. He’s both a visionary and a collaborator, using creativity to connect and inspire.
Archetype	The Creator
Motto	"No matter how hard or impossible it is, never lose sight of your goals."
Collaboration Background	Erihii has been creating dynamic art and characters for as long as he can remember. His recent projects include collaborations with the Nashville Black Market and illustrations for children's books across Tennessee.
Latest Work	Linked below you'll find Erihii's Instagram for the latest on work and appearances. Further info can also be found on his "I Can Draw" website. The Yas x Yen IG is a production journal of Nyamor's graphic novel in progress.

The Call to Adventure: Eric’s Early Journey

Erihii Nyamor, born in Grand Rapids to Nigerian parents, discovered his love for art at an early age. His passion for drawing often got him into trouble, but it was his unwavering determination to create that set him apart.

From sketching his early characters to collaborating with authors and local creatives, Erihii’s journey as an artist was always fueled by his vibrant imagination and desire to inspire through his work.

Trials and Triumphs: Erihii’s Rise

As Erihii continues his artistic journey, he stands at the threshold of a new chapter. Having faced the trials and tribulations that shaped his path, he is now more determined than ever to push the boundaries of his creativity. His work, infused with a blend of cultural pride and imaginative flair, continues to inspire those around him.

With each new project, Erihii not only hones his craft but also empowers others to find their own artistic voice. His journey has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation, but the ultimate adventure lies ahead—one where he fully realizes his potential and leaves an enduring legacy in the creative world.

The Final Ascent: Erihii’s Path to Legacy

Erihii now stands at the threshold of a new chapter. After facing the trials that shaped his path, he’s more determined than ever to push his creative limits. His work, rich with cultural pride and imagination, continues to inspire.

With each project, Erihii sharpens his craft and empowers others to discover their artistic voice. His journey has been one of growth and resilience, but the greatest adventure lies ahead—where he fully realizes his potential and leaves a lasting legacy.

Let’s Collaborate!

Let's Collaborate

Yaz x Yen is Erihii's current graphic novel project.

Yas is an emo angel from Paradise. Unlike most angels, she’s a badass. She cusses, listens to metal, and loves dark clothing.

Yen is a demon from the Phantom Realm. Unlike most demons, she’s a softie. She’s kind, likes fairies, and loves sunflowers.

Sunflowers do not grow in the Phantom Realm, so Yen goes to Purgatory to pick some. There, she meets Yas, and the two form an unlikely bond.

Related Studio Cards

And Every Great Character Has
A Hero’s Journey

Studio Card #2 | Creating Your Own Hero’s Journey!

Brief

In the previous Studio Card, you took your first creative steps—bringing a character to life and exploring what makes them unique. Now, it’s time for their journey to begin. Every hero, from the first stories ever told to today, follows a path filled with trials, transformation, and discovery. Welcome to the Hero’s Journey!

Scope

The first five stages of the Hero’s Journey form a Call to Action. We meet your hero, step into their world, and watch as a challenge disrupts the balance. Will they answer the call? Will they step onto the rocky road of adventure? Or will they cling to blissful ignorance?

This & That

The Made Collaborative has developed a storytelling template rooted in ancient methods intrinsic to human nature. We invite you to engage in the same process that urban youth and our cadre of professional collaborators have used to shape Back of the Yards. Join us in building a richer, deeper world—on the comics page and beyond. And who knows? Your story could become part of it.

And Action!
Create an Illustration!

Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!

Collaboration Summary

With this collaboration series, we will work with aspiring illustrators that may be interested in developing new illustrations that could ultimately be incorporated into our Back of the Yards comic series!

Collaboration Background

When we began this project, it was based on a simple premise that all of us have the ability to be creative. However, we also recognize that this creativity can come in many different forms and with that, some of you may actually be talented illustrators. So it is that with this Action Card collaboration series, we will present you with opportunities to submit your illustrations by providing you with possible comic scenes, newly developed characters and/or other comic settings to choose from, all updated regularly!

This & That

Action Card cover illustrated by Andrew Dimmett. Content developed by Jimmy Briseno, Len Kody and … you? Learn more on how by linking to the QR Code above.

Who is…
Russell Patterson?

Google Form Widget

Summary Traits

Russell is a very shy and creative young man. He is a grade or two younger than the rest of our young principal characters.

Core Personality Traits & Values

Russell Patterson has an extremely vivid imagination and a very active dream life. He just may be the most talented and creative student at New City High, but he lacks confidence so he too often daydreams as a means of escape.

Archetype

The Dreamer

Motto

“It is okay to live a life that others don't understand”

Collaboration Background

Russell’s character was initially developed during the original Made Collaborative in-person classroom collaborations with youth in the fall and winter of 2013, as part of an after school program in the West-Side of Chicago.

Debut

Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series

Who is…
Andre Davis?

Studio Card #4: Our New Comic Hero

Brief

Andre Davis 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. Andre is a young African American high school youth who suddenly obtains god-like superpowers through an encounter he has in an alley within his Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Core Personality Traits & Values

Andre is bright, inquisitive and self-reliant, always searching for the truth and a greater understanding of himself and others … but he may also be susceptible to the trappings of his newfound power …

Archetype

The Hero

Motto

“To dare is to do.”

Collaboration Background

Andre’s character was initially developed during the original Made Collaborative in-person classroom collaborations with youth in the fall and winter of 2013, as part of an after school program in the West-Side of Chicago.

Debut

Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series

Creating A Character (Part II)
Character Archetypes

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.

All Stories Start With

A Great Character!

OLD Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!

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.

Who is…
Len Kody?

Who is Len Kody?

Brief

Storyteller, troublemaker and a native son of Chicago, Len Kody serves as the Creative Director and Chief of Marketing for the Made Collaborative Studio. Professionally, Len's career has seen many moons and seasons, including six years as a public school English Teacher in both Chicago and LA.

Core Personality Traits & Values

Made Collaborative's mission marries Len's most ardent aspirations with his prolific passions. He's a crusader and a creator who believes in the power of comics and creativity to change the world.

Archetype

The Magician

Motto

“I can do this all day.”

Collaboration Background

As a writer, Len has been collaborating to create comics for casual consumption since he was a kid. His recent efforts include Chicago: 1968 (with Tony Maldonado) and Master Jesus (with Steve Bialik).

Debut

Project founder Jimmy Briseno tapped Len shortly after Made Collaborative's initial outreach to urban youth.

All Stories Start With

A Great Character!

Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!

Brief

Scope

This & That

Who is…
Jimmy Briseno?

Who is Jimmy Briseno?

Summary

Nothing to see here. Jimmy is ordinary ... check that, he's underordinary. Just made up a word to describe Jimmy. It's fitting.

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.

Who is…
Dan Dougherty?

Who is Dan Dougherty?

Summary Traits

TBD

Core Personality Traits & Values

TBD

Archetype

The Magician

Motto

TBD

Collaboration Background

TBD

Debut

My Skill

Web Designer 50%

Who is Eric Nyamor?

The Call to Adventure: Eric’s Early Journey

Trials and Triumphs: Erihii’s Rise

The Final Ascent: Erihii’s Path to Legacy

Let’s Collaborate!

Table of Contents

Related Studio Cards

Studio Card #2 | Creating Your Own Hero’s Journey!

Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!

Google Form Widget

Studio Card #4: Our New Comic Hero

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

OLD Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!

Who is Len Kody?

Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!

Who is Jimmy Briseno?

Who is Dan Dougherty?

Submit Your Artwork

Submit Your Artwork

Submit Your Artwork

Submit Your Artwork

Submit Your Artwork

Submit Your Artwork