Whatcomics is a teen art book published annually by Teen Services of the Whatcom County Library System. Area teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to submit their original, 2-D artwork in a variety of styles including pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor, comics, and digital art.
Accepted artists receive a copy of Whatcomics and their art will be framed and on display at the Lynden Library Celebration and Art Show in January.
A selection of each year’s art is also displayed on the Whatcomics Bus, WTA’s rolling art exhibit that includes a selection of each year’s Whatcomics art. Youth Ride Free on all WTA busses, so hop aboard anytime and enjoy the art!
Click for larger image
Whatcomics 2024 opens for submissions September 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024
Watch how one artist gets started on her drawing for Whatcomics.
Rules and Information
The Rules Are Simple
Open to Whatcom County teens in grades 6-12
Entries accepted between September 1 and October 31
Up to 3 entries per artist
All levels of artwork considered
Original artwork only
use unlined paper
no light pencil
do not fold your artwork
Types of art accepted:
drawings or paintings
comic strips
digital illustrations
collage
other 2D artwork
Not accepted:
fan art
characters from movies, games, anime, books or other artists
AI generated art
All levels of artwork considered
All artists will be notified in early December about if their art was accepted for publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my artwork?
There are 3 ways to submit your artwork:
Online at wcls.org
Mail your unfolded artwork to:
WCLS – Whatcomics
5205 Northwest Dr
Bellingham, WA 98225
Drop off your artwork and submission form at your public library.
Can I submit art that I drew using an online tutorial?
Unfortunately, no. While you drew it, the actual composition is something someone else imagined and created. We can only accept artwork that is entirely created by you. We are interested in what you create, not something copied from another artist.
Can I submit art using a stock background?
Unfortunately, no. The background must be made by you to be accepted for Whatcomics.
I’ve submitted my artwork, now what?
You will hear from us whether your artwork was accepted or not through an email or a phone message, usually by early December. If you haven’t heard back by then, please call us to find out if your artwork will be published or not.
If my artwork is accepted, what’s next?
Along with bragging rights of being a published artist, all Whatcomics artists receive a complimentary copy of Whatcomics to keep.
What is the Whatcomics Celebration and Art Show?
Artists are invited along with their family and friends to attend a celebration in January at the Lynden Library. All the art will be framed and on display in the meeting room and throughout the building. This is your first opportunity to pick up your copy of Whatcomics and say hello to fellow artists.
The Art Show will run from mid-January through February 28 at the Lynden Library. Your art will be on display throughout the Lynden Library and everyone is welcome to come see it.
How do I get my copy of Whatcomics?
You can get your copy at the Whatcomics Celebration. If you can’t make the Celebration, you can pick up your copy the following week at any library.
Can I get a second copy of the book?
If there are extra copies after all artists, libraries and schools have received their copy, we can fill requests for those Whatcomics participants who would like a second copy on a case by case basis and as supply allows. Please email your request to: tamar.clarke@wcls.org There is no charge for the additional book.
Can I get my artwork back?
Because the artwork is displayed in a number of our libraries and may be damaged in the framing or transferring process, we are not able to guarantee the return of your artwork.
What is the Whatcomics Bus?
WCLS and WTA have partnered to add a selection of each year’s Whatcomics art to the ceiling on the inside and the panels on the outside of a WTA bus. We’ll have the newest Whatcomics bus open to tour at the January celebration event. Look for this “traveling art exhibit” on bus routes throughout the county year-round. Youth ride free on all WTA buses – so hop aboard any time and enjoy the art!
I still have questions!
Call our main phone line (360-305-3600) and the person who answers will help you. If you’d rather, you can call your library branch directly.
We love to get comics! Please limit the size of your comic to one 8.5 x 11 page, and if there is writing, make sure it is large enough to be read easily. Check out below for more information on ideas and templates to help inspire you.
We have created some templates that you can download and print to create your own comic strip or page. You are also welcome to create your own. The only rule is that the final piece can’t be larger than one 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper.
