Creative Storytelling Studio
Koekoeā Studio specialises in storytelling through graphic novel or long form comic, animation, spoken word and installation.
Graphic Novel Creation
Crafting compelling narratives through stunning illustrations and engaging storytelling in graphic novel format.
Animated Storytelling
Bringing stories to life with dynamic animations that enhance the narrative and engage audiences.
Explore our unique approach to storytelling that blends art and narrative for unforgettable experiences.
Visual Storytelling Art
Graphic Narratives
Manu Fly to the Sea is a work of creative graphic non-fiction being written and drawn into life. It's produced chapter by chapter in zine form, installed in open studio settings for engagement and via tabling at comic conventions. A later iteration will be as a complete work in book form with accompanying video animations.
Koekoeā Open Studio 2025
I came back for another year, and a new iteration of immersive storytelling: July Open Studios Pop-up.
There were zines to read, large drawings that fell and unfurled like scrolls to walk among, sound, work and animated drawings. This exhibition formed part of experimentations as part of my practice-based PhD at Te Whiti o Rehua, School of Art, Massey University.
I loved sharing this process with everyone who came this year and boy, was it busy. Some days I had 90 people visit! While the installation was an engaging time for me, it is clear I just need to set aside the the next few months to focuse on finishing the written and drawn work that is the story I am trying to tell and not thinking too much on the mode of telling it will eventually take.
Best conversations:
Hikohiko - the dancing light of the sun reflected on the water during raumati - summer.
木漏れ日 Komorebi - the word in Japanese for sunlight filtering through trees - the effect of light dappling through leaves and branches on the forest floor.
Don’t be calculating in your work. That is a very Western approach. Write for yourself with purity and innocence. Let the knowledge sit with you and your loved ones first.
Installation took place at Cambridge Artspace, Cambridge, UK.
Welcome to Koekoeā Studio
Koekoeā Studio blends storytelling and artistry to create graphic novels and animated experiences that captivate and inspire, connecting with audiences through the power of visual narratives.
Storytelling
Workshops
Online and face to face classes and workshops
Zine, long form comic, and animated drawings
Koekoeā Studio Face to Face
Find the studio out and about at comic conventions, and the Cambridge Open Studio events, UK.
ASLE-UKI Biennial Conference, 2025, Galway, Ireland
Stand Up and Sing: How the repatriation of cultural heritage from my family to Ngāti Ruanui (Tribe of Aotearoa New Zealand) restructured time.
A graphic telling: That consists of live spoken-word performance with visual storytelling.
Adult and Children's Drawing Classes
Classes for children: Exploring storytelling, music, artists and our own drawing responses. Classes for adults: From the basic building blocks of mark making, we explore our own expressive voice and creativity. We combine knowledge of "rules" and playfully break them!
Evening Courses in Graphic Storytelling
In the realm of self-expression, zines, comics and graphic novels stand as powerful, intimate canvases where words and art intertwine to tell unique and personal stories. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a complete beginner, dive into this vibrant world, where your imagination takes centre stage, and the medium gives you an opportunity to express the personal stories you carry within.
Contact me for more information about classes
Storytelling Through Graphic Novel, Zine and Comic
For Beginners this course explores the skills and craft of writing and drawing for graphic novels, Zines and comics.
Parkside Community College, Cambridge, UK: January 13 (Monday) 6:30 pm - March 10 (Monday) 8:30 pm
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear your ideas and collaborate on graphic storytelling.
