A Week to Focus, Create, and Grow as a Cartoonist.

Do you have the start of a graphic novel but feel stuck? Is there a story you’ve always wanted to tell using comics but haven’t known where to begin? Does your cartooning feel a little stale, and you’re ready to break through to the next level?

Whether you are a beginning cartoonist or a seasoned pro, if you have an idea for a graphic novel that has been simmering, this workshop is for you. 

Over five immersive days, I’ll guide you through live sessions, exercises, and group critiques designed to help you focus, grow, and connect with your creative voice. You'll discover what your stories mean to you and develop the confidence to tell them. You will also get one-on-one feedback from me on everything from finding your story to building your cartooning chops.

In this workshop you will learn to think like a cartoonist. And you'll walk out with everything you need to finish the project you start in the workshop. Though we won’t just wave goodbye. Within a month, we’ll reconnect for a one-hour session to see how things are unfolding —we’ll refine what’s working, troubleshoot what’s not, and help you keep your story moving forward.

At a Glance

When: Monday, August 25 – Friday, August 29, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EST)

Where: Online, live on Zoom (from wherever you are!)

Who: Me, Paul Karasik — and you, in a group of no more than 15 passionate creators.

Cost: $1,200

Level: Whether you’re starting your first graphic novel or refining your craft, this workshop is for you.

Why This Workshop?

This workshop is a laboratory with the space and structure to learn from me and from others in the class, test experiments, and get solid results. 

By the end of the week, you will have:

  • A firm grip on what your story is all about,

  • A solid plan to continue and finish your project,

  • Manageable goals and renewed confidence,

  • An initial sketch for a sequence or more,

  • Mastery of the workflow design that results in a solid product, 

  • Understanding who you are as an artist, and 

  • A sense of the current agent and publishing landscape.

About Me:

Hi! I’m Paul Karasik, and a two-time Eisner Award winning cartoonist who has been teaching and writing about the language of comics for over 40 years. My work has appeared in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and I’ve authored acclaimed books like the adaptation of Paul Auster’s New York Trilogy, The Ride Together: A Memoir of Autism in the Family (co-authored with Judy Karasik), and How to Read Nancy (co-authored with Mark Newgarden). I've taught for the past 15 years at the Rhode Island School of Design as well as at Boston University, the School of Visual Arts, the Center for Cartoon Studies, and abroad in Denmark, France, and Italy. My past students include Richard McGuire (Here), R. Sikoryak (Constitution Illustrated), and Paige Braddock (Jane’s World).

What People Are Saying: 

“From Garry Trudeau to Art Spiegelman, I have had the honor of sharing a classroom with the greatest cartoonists of our time. I can honestly say that Paul Karasik is second to none in cartooning knowledge, passion, insight, and connecting with an audience. He lectures are spellbinding. And he’s a pretty fantastic cartoonist too!”
— James Sturm, Cartoonist and co-founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies
“If you ever had any interest in taking a comics class, I recommend THIS ONE. Paul is probably one of the most insightful and all around influential and amazing teachers I’ve ever had…I give this class ten thumbs up, if I only had thumbs for each finger.”
— Heather Benjamin, Cartoonist
“Paul Karasik is a dynamite teacher. He masterfully imparts his knowledge and excitement for art, narrative and cartooning to his students.  He has endowed me with meaningful suggestions and conceptions that I will carry with me for years to come.”
— Sabine Zimmer, Former Student, Brown University
“Paul has a kind of intelligence combined with earnestness that comes from someplace deep, not a recipe book. He is very, very, very intelligent.”
— Art Spiegelman, Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, “MAUS: A Survivor’s Tale”
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No need for a finished draft, but you do need to bring an idea for a long-form comic. We’ll help you shape it, stretch it, and maybe even wrestle with it - but the seed should already be there.

  • You should feel basically confident putting pen to paper, but “good” is subjective. If you’re able to draw with some consistency and you're open to experimenting, you're more than ready.

  • All five days. This is a focused, intensive workshop, and you'll get the most out of it if you're free from other obligations. Think of it as a creative retreat—for you and your story.

  • Come ready to stretch. This is a space for taking risks, making discoveries, and letting your story surprise you. Curiosity, openness, and a sense of humor will go a long way.

  • Absolutely. Your tuition includes a one-on-one consultation with Paul within a month after the workshop. You can use it to reflect on your progress, tackle any creative roadblocks, and get feedback on the next stage of your project.

  • Drop a note to Paul. You can email gnlab.paulkarasik@gmail.com or use the contact form.