Adjusting for Different Ages: Creators’ Considerations

Sunday, 5/3/26
12:00 - 1:00
Panel • McGinty Room

When pitching your work, it's important to have a clear age-range in mind for your audience – but how does that choice impact planning a comic? Join Ashley Robin Franklin, Bianca Xunise, El Carrel, and Jessi Zabarsky for a discussion moderated by Matt Griffin. Panelists will share their experiences and advice when tailoring work for various ages, shedding light on what’s exciting and challenging when moving between intended audiences. 

Ashley Robin Franklin (they/she) is a queer cartoonist and illustrator based in Austin, Texas, and originally from the Rio Grande Valley (that’s south South Texas). Notable works of theirs include: The Skin You’re In, an adult horror comics collection, and The Hills of Estrella Roja, a YA mystery/romance graphic novel. Follow Ashley: @arfranklinstein on instagram, arfranklinstein.com

Bianca Xunise (they/she) Bianca Xunise’s work has been regarded as ‘gripping narrative[s], relatable situations, and evocative artwork with an aesthetic that oozes with late-1970s zine flair.’  With two Ignatz and an NAACP Award under their belt, Bianca enjoys being a voice for those who march to the beat of their own drum and hopes that their comics are comforting to those who feel like they don’t fit in. Follow Bianca: @biancaxunise on instagram, biancaxunise.com

El Carrel (they/them) El Carrel, originally from Normal, IL, is a nonbinary illustrator who creates whimsical zines and comics for the young and young at heart while living in Chicago! Follow El: @elcarrel on instagram, www.elcarrelillustration.com/

Jessi Zabarsky (she/her) makes comics about small journeys and big feelings, with queer themes and folksy environments. Her first two graphic novels are 'Witchlight' and 'Coming Back', and she also self publishes smaller comics. Follow Jessi: @hug_box on instagram, @hugbox.bsky.social on bluesky, https://cargocollective.com/hugbox

Matt Griffin (he/him) Matt Griffin is a comics creator who makes heartwarming stories for all ages; he has a PhD in Communication Studies with a focus on media audiences and fandoms. His comics and research publications have appeared in Little Village Magazine, SKTCHD, and Feminist Media Studies. Follow Matt: @pup_jump on instagram, @pupjump on TikTok, https://linktr.ee/pupjump