Barbara Slate - You Can Do a Graphic Novel Teachers Guide

WHY GRAPHIC NOVELS?

Since you are already reading this, then chances are great that you are a believer in the importance of graphic novels. But just in case you need some ammunition with a principal, spouse, boss, who thinks comics are a waste of time, bad for the environment or just plain dopey, here are some facts to sway the nonbeliever.

Today it is a career path. School systems are incorporating graphic
novels as part of their curriculum.

Learning how to create a graphic novel is a powerful tool for story
telling, advertising, movie making, and many other creative fields that
involve sequential art.

Creating characters and story lines is empowering. It keeps students
focused on ideas. They are masters of this universe.

Students who do graphic novels develop skills in writing, drawing,
teamwork, problem solving, and completing a task. They also form
strong bonds with each other and create a community within a school.

The more they write and draw, the better they get. Being an artist is
cool. It helps with self-esteem.

Creating graphic novels is therapeutic. Students learn to express
thoughts and feelings. A student at the drawing board instead of being
bored is a beautiful thing.

Comics are fun! Bright colors, exciting visuals and smart stories
encourage kids to persist in reading.

ISBN 978-1-62513-159-1 (e-book)

E-book published by Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. Britannica, Encyclopdia Britannica, and the
Thistle logo are registered trademarks of Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc.

Copyright 2014 Barbara Slate. All rights reserved. This publication contains the opinions and
ideas of its author. It is intended to be helpful and informative on the subject matter and to be
used as a teachers companion to YOU CAN DO A GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Teachers Guide

YOU CAN DO A
GRAPHIC NOVEL

BARBARA SLATE

TOP TEN GRAPHIC

1. What is the difference between a graphic novel and comic book?

A graphic novel is a comic book, only longer. The big difference is that when you write
a comic book, it is usually put out in monthly installments, much of the time with to be
continued. In graphic novel form, the book is complete. Also, comic books are usually
bound with staples. Graphic novels are usually perfect bound.

Whether you call it a comic book or graphic novel, its simply storytelling with the art
advancing the story, rather than illustrating the text, as in the classic storybook.

2. Do you have to know how to draw to do a graphic novel?

No. But you do need to find your unique style. The art in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a very
popular graphic novel, is all stick figures. Its the combination of art and writing that is
unique to graphic novels.

3. Which comes first, art or story?

It doesnt matter. Everybody works differently. Some start with story, others with art,
and still others write and draw at the same time. The idea is to just get going.

4. How do I get started?

Doodle. Sometimes a character will come out when you least expect it! What you draw
when youre not thinking may be just what youre looking for!

5. Can I make a living doing graphic novels?

Today more than ever. It still isnt easy, but showing your work and getting feedback is
going to give you a real shot. Knowing how to do a graphic novel expands into other
fields such as advertising, film and television.

NOVEL QUESTIONS

7. Any creative tips?

Never leave home without a pencil and paper. You never know where or when
inspiration will come.

8. What is more important, art or story?

This is one of those questions you can debate forever and still not come up with the
answer. Of course you need a good story because nobody likes a boring one, and you
need interesting art to keep the reader intrigued. Its the chicken and the egg all over
again.

8. How do you know what to write about?

Write what you know about. Writing about the one and only you is a good start. The
good thing about writing about yourself is that you are always available.

9. How do you break into the business?

Go to a comic book convention. You can talk to professionals and get your portfolio
evaluated. Get connected through your local libraries, art teachers, events around town.

10. Is the creative block real?

Of course its real. But be careful not to use it as an excuse if youre just being lazy or
reaching a difficult time in your story. Sometimes what feels like a creative block is really
just you going through your process and getting ready for a breakthrough.

BARBARA SLATE SAYS...

Creativity happens when you and your students are relaxed and having fun! Although
there is a lot of effort, frustration, and hard work that goes into creating a comic book/
graphic novel, it is well worth the time. Reading You Can Do A Graphic Novel is essential
to guiding your students through this process. If possible, every student should be
looking at their own e-book.

In teaching, I have discovered that students want to get busy right away. Therefore,
I have chosen chapters for this Teachers Guide that are hands on. Students are
encouraged to be drawing, doodling or writing throughout the workshop.

There are six steps in this guide: Creative Process, Creating Characters, Story, Drawing,
Plotline, and Layout.

Before each step, there are questions to stimulate creativity. You will probably be adding
questions of your own. Some of these steps will take the entire session, and others you
may breeze through, and still others may take two or even three sessions. Each class I
taught has their own pace and rhythm. You know your students!

You may be teaching in a program that allows just a few sessions or one where you can
have many more. More is better! However much time you have, try to include all six
steps. Good Luck! Have fun and if you have any questions, feel free to email me.

help@youcandoagraphicnovel.com

OVERVIEW

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

The book You Can Do A Graphic Novel, plenty of pencils, paper, (8.5 x 11 copy paper is
fine, but paper with a rougher surface is fun to draw on!), markers (fine, medium, and
bold points) crayons, etc. Lots of colorful supplies help creativity!

WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISH:

The Creative Process: Learning about themselves will take a lifetime, but students
get a head start if they begin to understand their own process. Not only is it important
creatively, but also for everyday life.

Creating Characters: Participants complete bio sheets: characters name, age, setting,