How to Start Your Graphic Novel

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 15-18

Live One-Time Class

In this one time class, your young creator will receive guidance on how to start turning their idea into a graphic novel.

Seth McCombs

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(56 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

1-8 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

45 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this class we will address each student individually and offer guidance on how to move forward with their graphic novel.  Students may have character designs, bits of dialogue, an outline, a setting or even just a daydream.  There is no one correct starting point!  No matter where you are in the process, creating a graphic novel, like any large project, can be overwhelming.  In seven years of mentoring and running workshops on this process, I have been able to help many diverse students find their own individual next step.  For those who write and do not draw or vice versa we will discuss how to find creative partners and establish a working relationship.    
If you have something tangible like sketches or an outline please bring it to class but if not don't worry!  There is still so much we can accomplish together.  I look forward to helping each student find the path to finishing their dream project!

Learning Goals

Students who have aspirations to create a graphic novel but feel overwhelmed, in the weeds or just not sure how to begin will leave this class with a clear path forward to begin working on their dream project.

Other Details

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Seth McCombs

Joined November, 2021

4.9

56reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hello!  My name is Seth McCombs.  I am an author and illustrator of comics, graphic novels and children's books.  I am part of the Teaching Artist roster for Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and spend much of my time visiting schools and libraries as a teacher.  

I offer classes dedicated to the craft of comics storytelling!  Comics (manga, graphic novels, etc) is a unique artform and no amount of drawing lessons can adequately prepare someone to do the jobs of director, cinematographer, screenwriter, set designer and actor all at once.  I offer fun, activity based classes for younger students and deep dives into the craft for older kids.  Basically, I offer the classes I wanted to take when I was growing up!  Here is a coupon code good for one free session in either of my ongoing classes, Comics Makers Club or Sketchbook Club: MCCOMQ69O810

For the past 7 years I have run comics creation workshops with elementary school children and mentored high school seniors through their graphic novel projects.  I have been reading, absorbing, studying and making comics for my entire life.  I have a deep understanding of how to tell stories with pictures and I excel at teaching what I know.  I truly love the comics medium; from superheroes to slice of life stories, I am fascinated by what it can do.  In my classes, students will learn how to gracefully give and accept criticism.  They will experience the energizing effect and the pride that comes with working alongside others who share your passion.

One year ago my wife and I adopted our first child.  Being a father has become the single greatest joy of my life.  I believe that energy carries over to my classes and translates as excitement for the potential of all my students!