Meet Your Instructor: Collaborate Agency COO Kate Johnson

Meet one of our Graphic Novel Bootcamp instructors, Kate Johnson. Kate has had a long career with Advocate Art then Collaborate Agency. Over the course of her career she has worked on over 5,000 children’s books and graphic novel projects! Kate brings her years of experience in book layout and design to this course.

Q- What is your #1 tip for those interested in working in graphic novels?
A- ​​You’re passion for a format shows through, so do your research on comparable titles in the market, immerse yourself in that genre. Look for comparable titles that have a similar look and feel, research the publishers producing those formats, and produce some samples so they can visualise you in one of their publications easily.

Q- What are some graphic novel projects you have enjoyed working on?
A- Collaborate worked with Penguin Random House to create a handful of graphic novels based on existing stories, including “Little Women”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “A Christmas Carol ”. We have even more to come!

Q- What is your illustration/art background?
A- I graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in illustration. After graduation, I joined Advocate Art. Over the course of my career with Advocate Art and Collaborate, I have had the opportunity to work on over 5,000 children’s books and graphic novel projects.

Learn more about the Graphic Novel Bootcamp and our other course offerings here.