How do artists tell powerful stories without a single word? Join emerging comic artist Nex Vierling for an insightful exploration of visual storytelling and the artistic techniques that make graphic novels, manga, and animation such compelling forms of communication. Drawing from their own experiences as a professional comic creator, Nex reveals how every artistic choice—from character expressions and body language to environmental details, composition, and design—can convey emotion, personality, and narrative in ways that transcend dialogue.
Through examples from comics, manga, and anime, attendees will discover how visual cues shape audience perceptions, establish atmosphere, and create meaningful connections between characters and readers. The session examines how artists use subtle details to communicate complex emotions, build immersive worlds, and guide storytelling through imagery alone, demonstrating why visual literacy is an essential skill in both art and everyday communication.
Nex brings a unique perspective to the conversation as one of the few teenagers in decades to contribute to an official DC Comics property, having made their professional debut as an inker on The Power Company: Recharged #1 – All In. A protégé of comic creator Ray Anthony-Height, Nex combines traditional artistic training with a deep appreciation for manga and anime, drawing inspiration from creators such as Junji Ito.
Perfect for artists, writers, educators, students, and fans of visual media, this engaging presentation offers a deeper understanding of how imagery can communicate ideas, emotions, and stories with remarkable power. Attendees will leave with new tools for interpreting visual narratives and a greater appreciation for the artistry behind some of the world's most memorable stories.