At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), imagination met creativity as young comic enthusiasts transformed their favourite characters into vibrant 3D clay sculptures. The ‘3D Comics Workshop’, held on Saturday in the bustling Activities Hall, offered an immersive experience where children could bring their unique characters to life using clay, colours, and a touch of imagination.
Led by Victoria Yurtsever and her team from Yellow Moves, a UAE-based company known for its dynamic art workshops, the event guided participants through the creative process—from sketching their own superheroes to crafting them in three dimensions. “Watching them bring flat characters into the 3D world is inspiring. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about experiencing a new layer of creativity,” said Yurtsever, who highlighted the importance of merging art and technology in storytelling.
Instructor Valeria Lotorieva emphasised the workshop’s unique appeal, encouraging attendees to take on the challenge of envisioning and then designing their characters. “This 3D process makes characters feel real to them. It’s all about seeing their ideas from every angle and giving their imaginations a new form,” she said. “We wanted young artists to create something personal, something that captured their perspective and personality.”
Participants were thrilled to watch their creations come to life. Rania Al Mansouri, age 12, exclaimed, “It’s amazing to see my character become real; I never thought my drawings could look so lifelike.” Meanwhile, 15-year-old Omar Haddad, a Marvel fan, saw the workshop as an exciting blend of art and technology: “This workshop shows how comics can be a journey through art and tech, and I’m excited to take my designs further.”
This 3D Comics Workshop was one of over 600 creative sessions offered at SIBF 2024, catering to all ages and interests. With sessions covering heritage, media, technology, arts, and creative writing, SIBF continues to foster a rich environment for creative expression and learning.
