What We’re All About

I'm a literary agent and comics fan who specializes in graphic novels and visual storytelling. I'm also passionate about teaching business skills to creative people (like me) for whom some of these skills don't come naturally. And finally, I love building community -- especially given the increasingly digital world we live in. I believe we need more real, strong, human connections to build a healthy future for everyone.

I started my career at Scholastic, where I was a co-founder of the Graphix imprint. Later, I was the director of the Kids Group for Diamond Book Distributors, and then launched and ran the NYC Department of Education’s “NYC Reads 365” literacy initiative.

I founded KCU in 2020. Find out more about my agency at http://jannaco.co.

I'm a visual storyteller living in San Antonio, TX who works in multiple mediums, but by far my favorite is making comics! It's funny I never once thought about writing comics until 2020.

I had it in my mind for a while to be an animator, storyboard artist, or a motion graphic artist, but that changed over time and for a while... I felt lost. One day I decided to challenge myself to create a comic and something clicked in place. Finding KCU and connecting with other comic artists sealed the deal. Ever since, I have been filled with gratitude and obsessed with learning the craft.

And baking, especially cakes. I am trying my hand at bread making. So far so good. I think I am ready to try brioche or sourdough. If you guys have any tips or tricks let me know!

My mission as KCU's creative director is to mine those rich nuggets of wisdom, polish them 'til they shine, and share their value across the kidlit community. I want to imbue fun and play into our everyday. Life's too short to be taken too seriously. Besides, we are comic artists — it's in the title 😉

Hello all! I’m Lisa Lowry, program manager for KCU. I’m a writer and mom to a 4-year-old. As a writer, I love to play with language and form and am enjoying the challenge of writing my first graphic novel script.

I didn’t read many comics as a kid, but I have vivid memories of my dad reading Visiting the Art Museum (by Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Brown) to me and my sister. I love moving through the museum with the characters, getting to hear all their voices, and eavesdropping on side characters. I recently bought an old copy to read to my daughter.

Pre-pandemic I spend a lot of time on the static trapeze. I’m hoping to go back… eventually. Can a city be a hobby? If so, I would also say New Orleans is my hobby. I spent many years of my childhood there and there are so many things I love about it. If you are heading there for a visit, I’ll send you my recommendation list.

As a member of the KCU team, I want to continue to build this vibrant, diverse and supportive community of creators. To me, curiosity is the best word for what I want for myself and for KCU.

Howdy! My name is Bailey Culver. I’m a storyteller with a soft spot for misfits.

I create comics for people who started watching Adult Swim way too early and think every little thing will lead to the end of the world. On one hand, I focus on comedic young adult stories that revolve around identity and community influenced by youth counter-culture. On the other, I love creating Gothics about forgotten rural landscapes inspired by my upbringing in north central Pennsylvania. I’m also interested in adapting classic works from authors that inspire me such as Dante Alighieri, Angela Carter, Edgar Allen Poe, and Shirley Jackson.

When I’m not working, you can find me playing point-and-click adventure games, causing chaos in Dungeons and Dragons, and hunting for 80s new wave records at my local flea market.

You can also check out my work at baileyculver.com!