Who Am I?

Horizon Therapeutics supported the ANGEL AID “Who Am I?” Graphic Novel Workshop. Fifteen young adult artists (ages 18 - 30) worked together over 6 weeks to tell their Rare Disease story through graphic design.

Taught by Pixar artist Mimia Arbelaez, participants worked online together to learn about lines, forms, emotions, color and animation. At the end of the class each student had a complete graphic novel. 

Arbelaez was thrilled to teach the course. “We created the workshop with ANGEL AID because we learned that young adults with rare diseases didn’t have a ton of opportunities or communities where they could connect and express themselves artistically within their peer groups. And many of them have such amazing personal stories.”

“I was so excited to participate in the ‘Who Am I?’ workshop” said participant Abbey H. with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. “I’ve been told if the book/character you want doesn’t exist, write it yourself. So, this is exactly what I want to do with a character based on my experiences. This class has been amazing.” 

Meet Some of Our Winter 2021 Artists

Click on the images below to see examples of these artist’s graphic novels.

If you are interested in participating in a future class or would like to sponsor a Who Am I? workshop, please email Programs2@AngelAidCares.Org with subject “Who Am I? Graphic Novel Workshop Interest.”