Graphic Memoir: Understanding and Creating Autobiographical Comics
Class | Available (Membership Required)
Graphic Memoir invites teens ages 14–18 to tell their own stories through the powerful combination of words and images.
In this class we will be looking at a variety of acclaimed graphic memoirs in order to understand how artists tell their own stories. Partly creative writing and partly comics, this 8-week series will teach students how to honestly and effectively share their personal narrative, and how to bring those skills into other aspects of comics art.
It is recommended but not required that students read the books prior to the discussion- we will be going over excerpts in class as well. Many can be found or requested at libraries, or read as PDFs online through nonprofits like Internet Archive.
Week 2: Smile (Raina Telgemeier)
Week 3: Blankets (Craig Thompson)
Week 4: Fun Home (Alison Bechdel)
Week 5: Spinning (Tillie Walden)
Week 6: Carnet de Voyage (Craig Thompson)
Week 7: Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi)
Week 8: Wash Day Diaries (Jamila Rowser)”
- Instructor March Grabber is an illustrator, comic artist and writer from Connecticut.
- Many of the art supplies, like paper, pencils and pens will be available in class, but the students should purchase a sketchbook they can take to and from class, as there will be an assignment each week to be completed at home.
Students can work in whatever medium they prefer, but should have their preferred pencils and inking supplies available at home for continued creating (pigma micron is a good option for beginners if they do not already own inking pens.)
It is recommended but not required that students read the books prior to the discussion- we will be going over excerpts in class as well. Many can be found or requested at libraries, or read as PDFs online through nonprofits like Internet Archive.
Week 2: Smile (Raina Telgemeier)
Week 3: Blankets (Craig Thompson)
Week 4: Fun Home (Alison Bechdel)
Week 5: Spinning (Tillie Walden)
Week 6: Carnet de Voyage (Craig Thompson)
Week 7: Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi)
Week 8: Wash Day Diaries (Jamila Rowser)”