speaking engagements and workshops
Public speaking
I have given lectures at a number of schools and other institutions, including the Wexner Center for the Arts at the University of Ohio, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, Syracuse University, and Parsons School of Art. I most often speak about my own work, but I am also prepared to speak on the state of contemporary comics and graphic novels, women in comics, and comics pedagogy, among other topics. I illustrate my lectures fully with a slide show, and always leave time for Q&A, which I often find to be the most interesting part.
I have also participated in and moderated roundtables with other artists, which has proved a very interesting and fruitful format.
Workshops and short courses
If you’re looking to join an existing class that I teach, I will be giving a two-week intensive comics workshop in the last week of May and the first week of June at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. This class is designed to produce work quickly, and to make a minicomic from scratch, which students will then present at a group table at the MoCCA Art Festival at the end of the course.
I frequently travel to give short workshops. Check the news section for upcoming dates.
I have taught everything from a one-hour seminar to a one-year course in comics. Many of the topics I cover can be adapted to any level of drawing ability. Some are adaptable to all age groups, though the majority are suited for college-age and older participants. All have flexible syllabi and can be adapted or redesigned to suit individual circumstances.
Sample courses
Hands-on drawing, adaptable to all skill levels
Understanding the essentials of comics language (1-3 hours)
Basic comics workshop (2 weekends or 1 week)
Comics storytelling (1-2 weeks)
Hands-on, for students with drawing skills
Composition and perspective for storytelling (2 weekends or 1 week)
Advanced storytelling workshop (2 weeks)
Comics master classes on various topics (2 weekends or 1 week)
Reading and understanding comics
How to read comics (1-2 hours)
Comics literature workshop (adaptable to any length)
Non-fiction comics (adaptable to any length)