Build Your Career with Studio
If you’re looking for a private, supportive community of children’s graphic novel creators who are serious about improving their work and building their careers—KCU Studio is for you.
Studio is currently closed for sign up but will reopen in 2023!
Reopens
in 2023!
What You’ll Find Inside
Lunch and Learn
Lunch & Learn sessions targeted at specific practical topics, like “How to use Twitter effectively as an artist”, “Everything you need to know about distribution,” or “Amazon 101.”
Industry Interviews
We host interviews with influential creators and industry pros, like Mark Siegel from First Second, Craig Thompson, Gina Gagliano, Gene Luen Yang, and so much more!
Video Library
Every event is recorded so that if you missed a live session, you can watch it later. With over two years of recorded events (and still counting), you have a whole library of useful industry information to visit!
Book Club
Let’s talk books that have made a big splash in the kids comics world! We’ve discussed Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, and many others.
Office Hours
These are super fun, relaxed “ask me anything” sessions hosted by Janna Morishima where you can ask about anything you want kidlit comics related. Get feedback and suggestions from Janna as well as other studio members and socialize with new and present members!
Critique Groups
Every month, Rivkah LaFille hosts live open critique sessions where you can bring your work for feedback, and twice a year, Janna Morishima curates private critique groups for Kids Comics Studio members where you can find other creators based on the type of work you do, the age level you create for, genre, etc.
Workshops
These intense, half-day events are chock full of resources, behind the scenes information, real-life examples, and all the best advice on making it in the kidlit comics industry.
Studio Member Talent Directory (Coming Soon)
The KCU talent directory will showcase your work for editors, art directors, agents, and fans so you can connect, find work, and show off your latest and greatest!
Studio is for Creators looking for…
- A supportive community of peers who will cheer you on in the hard work of building a career in kidlit comics and graphic novels
- Networking opportunities with industry insiders
- Focused feedback on manuscripts, artwork, and pitches from people who understand the industry
- Weekly live events featuring insider tips and info on what agents and publishers are currently looking for from kidlit comics creators
- Marketing and business tips and tools that are specifically tailored to the kidlit graphic novel market
- Ways to socialize and connect with other kidlit comics creators via live video events where you can get to know each other, share stories, and offer feedback and advice on how to make it in kidlit comics and graphic novels.
What Creators have to say about KCU Studio
“I love having a community that is accessible and full of artists & writers who are skilled at this work. There are so many resources that enable me to really learn— from the individuals as well as the structured meetups online.”
—Maritza Ruiz-Kim
“We love KC Studio because it's the missing link! It's the only place for professional development for comics creators, and it provides an invaluable infrastructure that has been lacking in comics so far.”
—Sandra Marrs & John Chalmers (Metaphrog)
“Janna provides an excellent experience through her kid's comics unite organization through events & interviews. Each one gives more and more visibility to underrepresented groups within the industry. And giving value to different demographics leads to an enjoyable experience for all different types of people.”
—Kyle Horne
Reopens in 2023!
Let’s Do This
Ready to jumpstart your career? Try it and see. The membership is $39/month and can be cancelled at any time. Join KCU Studio, today!
Studio is currently closed for sign up but will reopen in 2023!