Teamwork for Dream work: Writers and Artists Making Comics Together
Saturday, 5/2/26
2:00 - 3:00
Panel • McGinty Room
Understanding each other’s craft is vital when teaming up with other creators. Join Jamila Rowser, Steenz, Beth Hetland, and Kyle O’Connell for a discussion moderated by Sarah Beacon where they’ll share advice and experiences collaborating to create comics. Whether you consider yourself a writer, visual artist, or enthusiast - this panel will shed light on how teaming up shapes comic projects.
Jamila Rowser (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and publisher. She’s known for her debut graphic novel, Wash Day Diaries, co-created with Robyn Smith, and as the founder of Black Josei Press. Follow Jamila: @jamilarowser on Instagram and Bluesky, jamilarowser.com
Steenz (they/them) is a St. Louis based cartoonist, professor, and editor. They're the cartoonist on the new graphic novel Side Quest: A Visual History of TTRPGs, and the syndicated comic strip ‘Heart Of The City’. Steenz currently teaches at Webster University and SVA while editing titles from independent publishers and creators. They’re also Board President of SLICE (The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo). Follow Steenz: @ohheysteenz on Instagram and Bluesky, oheysteenz.com
Beth Hetland (she/her) Beth Hetland is a critically acclaimed award-winning cartoonist and educator. Her recent book, TENDER published by Fantagraphics, received the 2025 Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize. Follow Beth: @bethhetland on Instagram, beth-hetland.com
Kyle O’Connell (bio coming soon)
Sarah Becan (she/her) is the coauthor and illustrator of the comic book cookbooks Let’s Make Ramen!, Let’s Make Dumplings!, and Let's Make Bread!, and is the creator of “I Think You’re Sauceome”, an Ignatz-nominated autobiographical webcomic. She was awarded a Xeric Grant and a Stumptown Trophy for her first graphic novel, The Complete Ouija Interviews, and released her first solo comic recipe book, Let's Make Cocktails! in April of this year. Follow Sarah: @sarahbecan on Instagram and Bluesky, Newsletter, sarahbecan.com