Nothing happens by chance: the creation of a comic book to introduce young people to the supply chain
How can we make the supply chain more visible and accessible to young people? This question sparked an ambitious project led by France Supply Chain’s Youth LAB: to create a comic book that explains, in simple and concrete terms, a world that remains largely unknown.
An idea born out of a desire to pass on knowledge
The story began four years ago with a simple idea: to provide professionals with a clear and engaging resource to help them introduce their careers to their children, to young people exploring their career options, and to teachers.
An initial series of twelve illustrated panels was then produced. The response was immediately enthusiastic. Shared on LinkedIn, they garnered a great deal of positive feedback and were quickly adopted by several teachers in their classes.
Drawing really is an incredible medium for visualization, and that’s exactly what we need when we’re young. We need to be able to envision ourselves in a career or an activity. We need to raise awareness about our professions, we need to inspire a love for them, and we need to make young people want to join our company.
Claire Scmauch, Director of Communications, FM Logistic Group
In response to this enthusiasm, LAB Jeunes decided to take it a step further: to create a full-fledged comic book dedicated to exploring the supply chain. It’s a major challenge. How can we explain a complex industry while keeping it accessible? How can we discuss jobs, skills, and career paths without sounding like a corporate brochure?
One thing quickly becomes clear: the young people will write this story themselves in order to create a narrative intended for the general public that truly reflects their expectations.
A Comic Book That Takes Shape Step by Step
The project's design phase will last two years and has a budget of 20,000 euros.
To bring this vision to life, LAB Jeunes has enlisted the help of Tess Kinski, an illustrator who specializes in outreach projects. To fully understand the realities of the sector, she participates in warehouse tours and engages in discussions with industry experts as well as with teachers who are members of the association.
Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the supply chain was a fascinating experience. This sector, which lies at the heart of global challenges, impressed me with its organization, attention to detail, and the efficiency of its warehouses. Making this complex world accessible to high school students made me even more eager to explore it. I hope this comic book will spark the same curiosity and inspire others to pursue careers in this field, just as it did for me.
Tess Kinski, Authorand Comic Book Artist
At the same time, nearly 150 responses to questionnaires have helped refine the project. From the format and editorial tone to young readers’ expectations, career aspirations, and even the choice of title — every aspect is shaped by their feedback.
Funding is provided by France Supply Chain with the support of four committed partners: Acolyt, FM Logistic, Louis Vuitton, and Log’Issimo (La Poste Group).
After seeing four graduating classes from LAB Jeunes come and go, it seemed only natural to us to support a project that showcases both their work and careers in the supply chain. This comic book helps introduce readers to these professions, highlight their diversity, and inspire new career paths.
Anthony Catillon, CEO of Log’Issimo
A story to help you envision a career
Upon completion, the comic book takes the form of a 45-page volume organized around four major themes that are emblematic of the supply chain’s operational cycle:
The story spans several professional fields, from the agri-food industry to technology, including the textile and logistics sectors.
To help readers relate to the story, the three main characters represent different types of people:
- Leïla, spontaneous and daring;
- Solène, energetic and resilient;
- Benjamin, calm and thoughtful.
Through their stories, the comic book illustrates the diversity of personalities, skills, and career paths that make up today’s supply chain professions.
This comic book is a fun and accessible way to introduce children to careers in logistics. It also helps our employees—many of whom are new parents—better explain their daily work lives to their children. This project reflects our mission: to support growth.
Martin Bour, CEO of Acolyt
Visual references to the project’s partners are also scattered throughout the pages: Log’issimo cargo bikes, premium servicesfrom Acolyt, perfumes by Louis Vuitton, and logistics operations by FM Logistic.
A campaign designed to make a real impact
Beyond its creation, the project was designed from the outset to be widely shared.
One thousand copies are printed and then distributed to schools throughout France through networks organized by partner schools. Log’issimo handles all distribution logistics.
Each shipment includes an educational flyer outlining various ways to use the materials: either for independent use by teachers or for sessions led by LAB Jeunes with students.
I discovered logistics through a brochure that really made an impression on me. That’s what led me to this industry, and even today, I appreciate just how rewarding these careers are. I hope this comic book will have the same effect on young people, because many of them are missing out on an exciting career path.
Vincent Barale, Vice Presidentof Supply Chain at Louis Vuitton
The goal is clear: to ensure that the comic book is actually used in the classroom and doesn’t just sit on the shelves of a school library. The teams therefore prioritize working with individuals who are already involved in career guidance and career exploration initiatives.
To further expand its reach, a digital version is also available free of charge on the France Supply Chain website. Accessible via a dedicated form, it allows for easy viewing both in the classroom and remotely, particularly thanks to QR codes embedded in the communication materials.
What now?
With this first edition, LAB Jeunes demonstrated that it’s possible to talk about the supply chain in a different way—through a concrete, educational narrative that resonates with young people’s concerns.
The adventure doesn’t end there. The comic book continues to support outreach programs in schools today and is already opening up new possibilities: translation into other languages, expanding its educational use… and perhaps even a second volume to further explore careers in the supply chain.
