You Can Do A Graphic Novel 2023

book cover with fun comics on it
You Can Do a Graphic Novel by Barbara Slate
back cover with comic of the author
You Can Do a Graphic Novel by Barbara Slate

Event Info

This six-week, virtual workshop takes place at CBA on Wednesdays, January 18, 25, and February 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

  • Wednesday, January 18, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Wednesday, January 25, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Wednesday, February 1, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Wednesday, February 8, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Wednesday, February 15, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Wednesday, February 22, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on January 10, at 11:59 pm.


About the Workshop:

This virtual workshop is taught by incredible Barbara Slate.

In this virtual workshop Slate encourages participants to find inspiration for their graphic novels in whatever they find most interesting—whether it be their own life, fantasy, or something else. Participants are welcome to build off existing projects. Over the course of the workshop, Slate will guide participants through developing characters, structuring plotlines, and designing layout. 

Participants will get feedback from instructor Barbara Slate and from the other participants. You do NOT need to know how to draw to participate.

Past participants of this workshop say:

“I am so glad I took this class. I used to be an art director for print ads and recently I thought about trying to illustrate small stories. This was a great place to start!”

“Very inspiring course.”

“I am enjoying the course immensely – it is a lot of fun”


Required Materials:

All staff, artists, students, and guests are required to show proof of vaccination upon entering CBA and must wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times. If you have a medical or religious exemption, please email corina@centerforbookarts.org. Required Materials:

  • pencil
  • paper

About Barbara Slate

Barbara Slate is an author and cartoonist who has written, drawn and created over 300 stories—for Marvel, DC Comics, and Archie Comics. She is featured in the book, A Century of Women Cartoonists.

Barbara teaches at Montclair State University using her critically acclaimed text book You Can Do A Graphic Novel.  


All images courtesy of the instructor.

Register now before spots fill up — registration closes on January 10 at 11:59pm. Virtual workshops at Center for Book Arts will be recorded and the recording will be provided for all registered participants after the class.

Registration is closed. Return to all Classes.

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