Abstract
M.A. (Design)
Non-traditional texts such as comics and graphic novels are receiving increased attention for their use outside of entertainment for non-fiction purposes, such as presenting business information. Within South Africa, a country that continues to struggle with issues surrounding literacy, the tendency to prioritise verbal and textbased formats is still evident in ‘traditional’ business information resources. This practice may present barriers in accessing business information for those who struggle with reading. Multimodal social semiotics is used as a lens to expand on how comics function as multimodal resources that are accessed through a range of communication modes for multiple forms and levels of literacy. My research used community-based participatory action research as a means of exploring how participants perceived the co-creation and use of an illustrated business information resource. Using both individual and group interviews, data was collecting for the construction of an illustrated resource, based on the real-life experiences of a sample of inland kraal fishers. The resource included the creation and formatting of two comics. The findings of the study indicated that participants’ perceptions regarding the co-creation of the resource were positive and that, in addition to containing business information, there was a need to showcase the participating creators’ history, personal stories and experiences. The resource was generally well received. The process of co-creation highlighted a number of issues that can be considered for similar projects in this future. Lastly, my study raises questions regarding the responsibility of representation for an illustrator working in community engagement projects.