Memes with Jenson Leonard

Learn the art of the meme with Tech Resident Jenson Leonard. Using Photoshop and pop culture references, you’ll follow Leonard’s process from start and finish before taking the opportunity to create and share your own memes.

Date: This one-time online workshop meets on Tuesday, July 13 from 7-8pm ET via Zoom

Price: Free (Suggested $10 donation)

Audience: Open to all.

Materials: You will need access to Adobe Photoshop.

Jenson Leonard was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Initially a poet, he became interested in memes during his six-year tenure as a cook at a Belgian waffle kiosk. He found himself drawn to the immediacy and reach of instant publication on social media, the confluence of which exacerbate the arguably inherent power of the image for those who see. His early work used the canonical Twitter meme format, but developed into the more ornately parodic style that predominates in the left-leaning corners of Facebook. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Pratt Institute. His work has been featured in VICE Motherboard, Juxtapoz, AQNB, and Rhizome.

Please note, this online workshop will begin promptly at the listed start time. In order to ensure the quality of instruction for all participants, late entry will not be permitted. For questions, please contact education@pioneerworks.org.

This program is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.