Meet the Artists!
Our students participated in Optimist Comics Academy, a 10 - week comic publishing workshop where they developed original characters, built the worlds they inhabit, and crafted stories to share with all of you!
Get to know our Artist Alley All-Stars!
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Aiden Yarbrough
Spill the Beans Cafe
Aiden is a ten year old artist that has been participating in self taught art since he could pick up a pencil or pen. He is also a yellow / black belt in jujitsu as well. He spends the majority of his time drawing both digitally and manually as well as animating. His goal is to become a professional animator.

Duke Kullman
Restoried Bookshop
Duke is 11 years old and entering 6th grade. His influences include Dav Pilkey, John Patrick Green and Jeffrey Brown. Duke loves being an artist and is excited to have his first comic published. He really enjoyed meeting and working with other kids with the same interests in comic creation as him.

Grayson Pierce
Pilsen Arts Community House
Grayson is 9 years old and loves reading Dog Man, drawing, building with LEGO, playing video games, and traveling with his family. His favorite color is blue, pizza is his favorite food, and he enjoys using his imagination to create fun stories and adventures.

Zekhi Gray
Spill the Beans Cafe
About three years ago, I decided that one of my many dreams was to become a published manga creator. My family is always pushing me to keep going and not settle for one dream when I can have them all. From the story to the drawings, that's all me, and I thank God to be able to share my gifts. - Zekhi Gray

Andrés Guereca
Restoried Bookshop
Andrés Guereca is entering his sophomore year at Northside College Prep High School. He has enjoyed creating entertaining characters and stories since he was little. Andrés is grateful for the opportunities that Mr. Nate have given him with Optimist Comics to further his artwork and story telling skills and is looking forward to publishing more in the future.

Jamir Dorsey
Pen and Paper: A Joint Creative
I’m Jamir and 12years old. I have been passionate about drawing since I was 6 years old. My love for art has grown through the guidance and encouragement of my dad, who is a tattoo artist, and my big brother, who have both shared valuable tips and techniques with me. I enjoy expressing my creativity through every piece I create and look forward to continuing to grow as an artist.

Promise-Grace Brown
Haibayô
Hi my name is promise I’m 13 years old and I like to do all kind of art and I’m very creative I also like red pandas and burger items because I have a small collection and I also have a very deep passion for the rainbow. I have been doing art for Like half my life and I’m very serious about my cat. I love my interests very much and I make friends fast if I want to.

De'Aria Moore
Pen and Paper: A Joint Creative
De'Aria is a young author with a big imagination and even bigger heart. She loves creating stories that inspire kindness, courage, and Hope, and she dreams of one day becoming "The Princess President" so she can help people and make the world a better place.

Graysen Jackson
PACH
From the moment Graysen read his first graphic novel, drawing comics has the center of his world. Graysen combines his love of reading and drawing to escape into his creative space in every free moment, always attempting to surprise his readers or make them laugh. When he's not creating, Graysen enjoys bike riding, karate, carnivals, and video games.

Zachary Velazquez
Restoried Bookshop
Meet the Author: Zachary
Hi! I’m Zachary, and I’m 8 years old. I love creating comics, dreaming up new superheroes, and turning my wild ideas into adventures on the page. My biggest inspirations are my family, Marvel heroes, and all the amazing things I notice in the world around me.
When I’m not making comics, you’ll usually find me reading a good book, inventing new characters, or talking to anyone who will listen about my next big story idea. My imagination is always working overtime!
I have 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and 2 dogs, so there’s never a shortage of inspiration (or excitement!) at home. People say I have a kind heart, and if you hear someone humming or singing while drawing, it’s probably me.
Thanks for reading my comics—I hope they make you laugh, smile, and imagine your own incredible adventures!





