Coming of Age Comics

With Jo Knowles and Glynnis Fawkes

Date: Aug 3-7, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (ET)

Tuition: $1100

Ages: 18+

Venue: White River Junction, VT

Description:

This five-day workshop with instructors Jo Knowles and Glynnis Fawkes explores the fundamentals of creating relatable young characters and coming of age stories. Through a series of generative exercises and workshops, students will mine childhood/adolescent memories in writing and drawing comics for the fast-expanding YA and Middle Grade market. The workshop will additionally address specific aspects of writing for young people, including strategies of telling stories with heart, mechanics of making exciting comics, and the process of publishing. Many past attendees have said this course creates a warm community that lasts long after the week is over.     Key Takeaways:

  • Find the heart of your graphic novel/story, whether a work in progress or a new project

  • Learn the fundamentals of writing authentically about the “coming-of-age” experience

  • Learn how to navigate the Young Adult publishing industry and pitch your work

  • Create several pages of a YA graphic novel or comic series

Required Materials:

Provided on-campus, but feel free to bring any supplies you like using as well.

Additional information:

Optional for-credit: Workshop can be taken for 2 undergraduate credits. Please check with the Program Chair or Registrar at your college or university before registering to see if the credits will be accepted. To enroll for-credit, students must select the additional for-credit tuition of $400 at registration and have an official transcript from their current institution sent to: Registrar The Center for Cartoon Studies PO Box 125 White River Junction, VT 05001 Refund policy: Tuition is refundable up until 3 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop, minus a $50 fee and any fees assessed by processor. Tuition is non-refundable after that date. ALS      

WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR

Coming Soon!

Testimonials

Upcoming Workshops

FREE

Online One-Week Cartooning Workout

Alec Longstreth and James Sturm
Ongoing

Sign up

For Kids!

Saturday Morning Cartoon Club

Wayne Carter & Friends
October 4, 2025 - April 4, 2026

Sign up

Likely to fill up

Graphic Memoir

Mel Gillman
June 15-19, 2026

Sign up

Great for beginners

Writing and Drawing Single Panel Comics

Hilary Price
June 15–19, 2026

Sign up

Horror Comics

Mel Gillman
Jun 22-26, 2026

Sign up

Graphic Resiliency Workshop

Natalie Norris
June 22-June 26, 2026

Sign up

Sold Out

Queer Comics

Tillie Walden
July 6-10, 2026

Sign up

For Kids!

Summer Cartoon Club

Daryl Seitchik and Wayne Carter
July 6-10 or July 13-17

Sign up

For teens!

Summer Cartoon Collective

Daryl Seitchik and Wayne Carter
July 20-24, 2026

Sign up

Sold Out

Intermediate Comics

Ivan Brunetti
July 20-24, 2025

Sign up

Sold Out

Graphic Novel Workshop, July 27-31

Paul Karasik
Jul 27-31, 2026

Sign up

Great for beginners

Create Comics

Daryl Seitchik and Filipa Estrela
July 27-31, 2026

Sign up

Graphic Novel Workshop, Aug 3 – 7

Paul Karasik
Aug 3-7, 2026

Sign up

Coming of Age Comics

Jo Knowles and Glynnis Fawkes
Aug 3-7, 2026

Sign up