NOTES FROM SAW
Here’s the place to check out everything that’s been going on at SAW including what we're learning, reading and drawing.
Lauren Groff on Process
SAW's favorite novelist on drafts, failure, and limitation as gift.
As a maker-writer, you may have a story in mind, the beginning of a story, the end of a story in mind—but rather than emphasizing the narrative arc, she places importance on the process of a “continual thickening until right shape emerges…”
How to Get Past That Inner Critic
I like to think that we can TRAIN the inner critc, first to become a NOTICER, and then, a SUGGESTER.
The Critic likes to ask, WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
But the critic has no idea who you are. The critic only knows who you're not.
Emotion and Psychology Instead of Symbols
The first mistake everyone makes when writing for comics...
SAW Alum Angeli Rafer's New Book!
Taking the chance to celebrate SAW online Alum, Angeli Rafer! The middle grade book she drew, 'Ghosts Don’t Eat Potato Chips came out this week withScholastic! Woo! Don't forget to let us know about your comics wins in the big, bad world outside the network! We want to hear about it!
Field Guide to Graphic Literature Book Launch in Gainesville, FL with Tom Hart!
Join us July 28th for a Field Guide to Graphic Literature Book Launch in Gainesville, FL with Tom Hart!
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature gives readers unprecedented insight into the techniques of 28 of today’s most innovative creators of poetry comics, graphic narratives, and image-text hybrids. With original craft essays, corresponding exercises, and full-color examples of their work, each contributor offers reflection and instruction informed by their own methods and processes. Edited by Tom Hart @hutchowen and Kelcey Ervick @kelcey.parker.ervick@thirdhousebooks
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature: Edited by Tom Hart and Kelcey Ervick
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature gives readers unprecedented insight into the techniques of 28 of today’s most innovative creators of poetry comics, graphic narratives, and image-text hybrids. With original craft essays, corresponding exercises, and full-color examples of their work, each contributor offers reflection and instruction informed by their own methods and processes. Edited by Tom Hart @hutchowen and Kelcey Ervick @kelcey.parker.ervick
Graphic Poetry and Collage with Kelcey Ervick - Starts July 17, 2023
Join Kelcey Ervick, author/artist of The Keeper, as she guides us through making graphic poetry and collage narratives! Starts July 17, 2023
Brooklyn Book Festival Guests: Jess Ruliffson and Beth Trembley
If you’re going to be in Brooklyn, NY at the beginning of October, check out SAW instructors Jess Ruliffson and Beth Trembley as they separately discuss healing and graphic storytelling at the Brooklyn Book Festival!
Recent success from SAW Artist Resident Alumni, Andi Santagata
Recent success from SAW Artist Resident Alumni, Andi Santagata!
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: FAZBEAR FRIGHTS Graphic Novel Collection #1 is #1 in hot New Releases for Teen and Young Adult Comics and Graphic Novels on Amazon and a Bookseller Favorite. Published by Graphix.
Get your copy wherever books are sold and keep making comics!
Instructor Success: "Look Again" by SAW Graphic Memoir Instructor Elizabeth Trembley
“Once, years ago, while walking her dogs in the woods, Elizabeth found a dead body. “ Library Journal review of Look Again, a recent Graphic Memoir by SAW Graphic Memoir Instructor, Elizabeth Trembley.
What Does Finished Look Like?
What does finished look like to you? Try to create and FINISH something, a panel, a page, a full-mini comic. When does it look FINISHED? How do you know? What does "finished" look like?
PRE-SALE THE RAINBOW BRIDGE: A SAW ANTHOLOGY
Sooner or later something comes along that fractures our timeline. Upends our sense of simplicity, cohesion, or maybe our whole sense of self. That's when we start grasping for story. This Graphic Memoir Anthology brings together the work of 17 unique storytellers currently developing ambitious personal stories in comics form with The Sequential Artists Workshop.
Making Comics Hurts! Is This You?
We all have different set-ups, different positions we like to be in when we draw, different places we like to work. Whatever your way of working, if you’re having BACK-PAINS, WRIST PAIN, NECK PAIN, or more, check out this great read!
Starting With One Thing and Ending Up With Another
Recent post excerpt from SAW Instructor Jess Ruliffson in our Six-Month Graphic Novel Intensive on process and creating “timeless and honest work that that sits on the waves of the shifting currents.”
Keep Characters Consistent (or Not)
Recent post excerpt from SAW Founder and Instructor, Tom Hart, in our Six-Month Graphic Novel Intensive on keeping characters consistent… or not. A discussion about the two extremes and the in-between. Read more.
SAW Alumni Miranda Harmon New Book!
Taking the chance to celebrate SAW in-person Alum, Miranda Harmon! The middle grade book she drew, 'Mayor Good Boy', came out this week with Penguin Random House! Woo! Don't forget to let us know about your comics wins in the big, bad world outside the network! We want to hear about it!
You Know You're a Graphic Memoirist When...
You Know You're a Graphic Memoirist When... What do you have to say? Check out this exclusive post from one of our ongoing Online Intensive programs: SAW’s Graphic Memoir Intensive (led by Instructors Tom Hart and Beth Trembley)!
SAW Students in the Comic World
Our 2021 6 Month Graphic Novel Development Intensive is in its infancy but students are already diving into the material full blast and sharing themselves and their work with the SAW community. Here are just two of the talented artists in the 2021 Graphic Novel Intensive showcasing work they already contribute to the comics world.
The Small Project BEFORE The Project
For anyone working on what feels like (or is) a "big idea" and not knowing how to start. OFTEN, a creator will make a small piece, either to get moving, or not realizing it is about to become a bigger thing. This is great, and it's encouraged! See more.
Layne Glasgow and the Artistic Process
An insight on the Artistic Process from Student and Graphic Novelist, Layne Glasgow.