YOUR GRAPHIC NOVEL DESERVES TO BE READ.
You’re not alone. Creating a compelling graphic novel isn’t just about drawing well – it’s about combining strong storytelling, memorable characters, dynamic page layouts, and cinematic pacing into a story readers can’t put down. The good news is that these are skills you can learn.
Watch the video to see how this course can help you build the skills, confidence, and portfolio needed to create a professional graphic novel and tell stories that readers will remember.
YOU BRING THE STORY.
WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO TURN IT INTO A GRAPHIC NOVEL.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced artist ready to tell stories through sequential art, this class is designed to help you develop your own graphic novel. Learn visual storytelling, page composition, pacing, and character development.
Create a professional graphic novel portfolio by completing industry-inspired illustration briefs designed to showcase your visual storytelling, sequential art, and comic illustration skills. Build work that attracts art directors, editors, and publishers while strengthening your portfolio for freelance and publishing opportunities.
At the end of this course you have the opportunity to book additional 1-to-1 coaching to refine your portfolio, improve your graphic novel pages, and take the next steps toward making a living as a graphic novel artist through commissions, publishing, and professional creative work.
For graphic novel creators who want to unlock their storytelling potential or evolve their current portfolio
with stronger, more compelling, and marketable graphic novels.
with stronger, more compelling, and marketable graphic novels.
4 Modules | 5 Video Lessons taught by active Industry Pros | 5 Comprehensive Illustration Assignments
MODULE 1 Mastering Your Audience
Mastering Sequential Art with Aurora Barlam
Illustrating for the Right Age Range with Erin Tisdel
Brief 1- Creating Characters
Brief 2 – Character Line up
MODULE 2 Establishing Your Portfolio
Phases of a Graphic Novel Job: Tips for a Smoother Workflow
Brief 3-From Storyboard to Inks
Brief 4 Coloring your Art
MODULE 3 Growing in the Market
Breaking into the Market vs Growing in the Market with Emily Coggins
MODULE 4 Creating Your Own Work & Advancing in Your Creative Career
Why Graphic Novel Art is Essential for Your Portfolio Brief 5 – Final Project, Illustrating your Story from Sketches to Final Art
Even though it is a self paced course you can book feedback additionally. You receive two video calls, or
emailed feedback. You are able to choose between the two options. The first call is a review of your course
work + time for a Q&A at the end. Your second call is to review your amended work and answer any final
IS IT REALLY WORK WHEN YOU GET PAID TO CREATE THE GRAPHIC NOVEL YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO MAKE?
Don’t just take our word for it – explore the graphic novel pages, sequences, and artwork created by our students throughout the course. Every example demonstrates the techniques, storytelling, and artistic growth you can achieve with expert guidance.
YOUR GUIDE, YOUR CHALLENGER, YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTER.
Our mentors work with illustrators every day. They know your language, they know how to get the best out of you, and they know how to communicate tough, personal artistic direction in a way that will energise, not deflate, you.
Meet the mentors who’ve helped artists turn potential into thriving careers. Each mentor brings real-world industry experience, honest
feedback, and the guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
MEET YOUR COACHES – ACTIVE INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Emily is the producer of the ITSme Learning Academy. Here she works with the ITSme Society agents in designing resources creators need to become a pro at what they enjoy. Emily was the first agent and manager at Astound US Inc. from its inception until 2021. At Astound, she led the agency to become a top illustration agency internationally, helping 100s of illustrators secure their dream projects. Many of her titles were #1 NY Times & Amazon Bestselling picture books, chapter books, and celebrity series. She brings her unique ability to understand illustration needs from an agent and marketers perspective, adding in her PR experience with- in the film industry; having assisted on major press events for award winning films at top International Film Festivals. Today Emily is the Director of Marketing for the ITSme Society Agencies, where she works with each of our agencies every day to help them stay on trend and give their artists the best resources possible.
Kate has over 20 years experience in children’s publishing, giving her invaluable insight into what makes a best-selling children’s book. After graduating with a first in illustration from the University of Brighton, Kate joined Advocate, one of the world’s leading illustration agencies. Now a senior sales agent at both Advocate Art and Collaborate Design Agency, Kate has worked on over 5,000 children’s books during her career, and worked with over 300 illustrators including Tom Percival, Sarah Horne, Simon Mendez, Nikki Dyson and Ka- tie Abey. As well as curating and developing illustrator portfolios, Kate also uses her skills to work with major international publishers as and brands as an Art Buyer – assisting and directing on commercial style choices and helping clients make their illustration selections, including numerous graphic novel jobs. Kate is excited to share her vast experience in children’s content creation, and help you become a pro, doing what you enjoy.
Erin was an NYC based Agent for Advocate Art. Before starting with Advocate Art, most of her work experience was in art Museums and Galleries. Being an artist herself, Erin wanted to work closely with other artists and gain more experience in the commercial side of the industry. Since joining Advocate, she has had the opportunity to be a part of some wonderful graphic novel projects, included two big titles with publishers First Second and RH Graphics that will be out next year. Other graphic novel projects include “It’s Herstory: Amelia Earhart”, illustrated by Alan Brown for Sunbird Books, “The Library of Doom” series, illustrated by Juan Calle for Capstone, and “Ghostly Graphics” series, illustrated by Jason Millet and Maurizio Campidelli for Capstone.
Aurora is a mentor with ITSme and prior to that she worked as Senior Agent at Astound US Inc for many years. Her background in illustration and education gives her special insight into both the creative process and target audience for children’s products, especially when she’s helping artists write and illustrate her favorite medium—graphic novels. Aurora has a degree in illustration from RISD and then worked as a painting and drawing instructor. She keeps learning herself, including completing the Comics Experience course Comic Editing and Project Management. Some key highlights include representing illustrators for celebrity titles Major Makes History, by Jill Twiss illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (HarperCollins) and The Seed of Compassion by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, illustrated by Bao Luu (Penguin Random House, Kokila) and loves helping illustrators develop their portfolios.
ACT NOW! AND GET ON TRACK WITH OUR ILLUSTRATION MENTORSHIP!
Act now! We work with artists who are ready to take the next step and need the right industry insight to strengthen their graphic novel work, develop a professional portfolio and build towards regular commercial illustration opportunities.
It takes time to develop a portfolio that works for your goals. It’s not instant, but the right guidance can make a real difference.
Get on track today. If you’re looking to strengthen your character design skills and develop your work at your own pace, our Graphic Novel Bootcamp course may be the right place to start. The time is now! Start building stronger visual stories and a more focused graphic novel portfolio today.
Be a Pro. Enjoy What You Do.
