Upcoming Workshops

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June 25:

Through the Glittering Lens: Drag Paper Doll Pride Extravaganza with Tori

Zoom Workshop by Tori Wright, “The Paper Costumier”

June 25, 2023; 1pm EST (10am PST, 11 noon Mountain Time, 12pm CST; 6pm BT; 7pm Europe)

Description:

This two-hour course will demonstrate the process of conceptualizing and engineering a basic paper doll, using a provided drag queen figure as an example. Attendees will learn the necessary steps to create their own future paper dolls, including figure design, tab placement, and several techniques for engineering paper clothing to be cut out and placed on the figure.

Paper dolls are a time-honored and delightful form of art – where fashion illustration meets paper crafting. Sadly they are becoming harder and harder to find, with the growing popularity of online dress-up games. Tori believes it is an important tradition to keep alive, as the skills needed to engineer toys from flat images are very specific, and could easily fade from memory. Tori’s upcoming workshop through GAP will demonstrate these techniques through the glittering lens of drag queen fashion, enabling attendees to create their own future paper dolls with the tools they have learned.

Materials List

• Printed PDF of black and white Drag Queen Paper Doll (provided)
• Paper-safe craft scissors
• Tracing paper
• Drawing pencil, any preferred brand
• Scotch tape for holding down paper, if preferred
• Coloring medium of choice (recommended: Colored pencils, artist markers, artist crayons – no watercolors or paints, as they will not have time to dry prior to cutting.)
• Glue stick

Artist Bio:

My name is Tori Wright – I am a twenty-nine year old artist, specializing in paper dolls. I first discovered the medium at the age of four, while playing with paper toys illustrated by my mother (also an artist.) Throughout my childhood, I would tape dollar store paper to my bedroom window – I didn’t own anything as luxurious as a light box! – and spend hours sketching out new dolls and jaw-dropping wardrobes for them. Much of that early inspiration came from fashion history texts and favorite novels – sources I still pull ideas from today.

While working towards a BFA in Theatrical Costume Design, I revisited paper dolls as a form of creative outlet. Having taught myself more advanced illustration techniques as part of my degree, I discovered I could apply these to paper dolls, and present them as artistic creations, not merely a pastime. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, paper dolls became a means of keeping occupied during the long months of uncertainty. I joined the Original Paper Doll Artists’ Guild (OPDAG) and worked furiously towards self-publishing. I opened a small etsy shop – titled The Paper Costumier, a name I selected off the top of my head – where I sold PDF downloads of my art to decent success. Soon The Paper Costumier expanded to Patreon, where members can receive exclusive paper dolls not available on Etsy, and vote on upcoming themes. 

I look forward to meeting you all!