Writing Graphic Novels For Dummies Cheat Sheet

The world of graphic novels is vast and ever-expanding—much like a pizza with endless topping options, there’s something for everyone. And with more creators jumping in to share their original, creator-owned stories, the “pie” only gets bigger. Graphic novels continue to rise in popularity, with more titles being adapted into movies and shows on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Paramount.

Graphic novel versus comic book (what’s the diff?)

While graphic novels and comic books share similarities, graphic novels are often seen as the “big brother.” Here’s what sets them apart:

• Length: Graphic novels usually have more pages than typical comic books.
• Complete storytelling: They often tell a full story in a single volume, unlike comics that are serialized across multiple issues.
• Genre and style variety: Graphic novels explore a broader range of genres and artistic styles beyond the traditional superhero theme.
• Presentation: Many graphic novels are printed with high-quality materials, hardcovers, and binding, often giving them a “coffee table book” appeal.
• Creative ownership: Artists often retain more control and rights over their work in graphic novels than in traditional comic publishing, where “work for hire” contracts dominate.

Graphic novel genres to consider

Here are some popular graphic novel genres to consider when deciding on what you want to write or illustrate your next graphic novel.

Fiction

• Superheroes: Features heroic figures with superhuman abilities or strong moral codes.
  ‍Examples: HUSH by Jim Lee, Kingdom Come by Alex Ross
• Fantasy: Involves magical elements, mythical creatures, or imaginary worlds.
  ‍Examples: Bone by Jeff Smith, Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
• Science fiction: Explores futuristic or speculative technology and science.
  ‍Examples: Descender by Jeff Lemire, Saga by Brian K. Vaughan
• ‍Horror: Designed to scare, unsettle, or disturb readers.
  ‍Examples: Through the Woods by Emily Carroll, Locke & Key by Joe Hill
• ‍Mystery/crime/thriller: Involves solving a crime, uncovering secrets, or escaping danger.
  ‍Examples: Sin City by Frank Miller, Rat Catcher by Andy Diggle and Vicor Ibanez
• ‍Historical fiction: Set in the past with attention to historical characters or events, but with the creator’s own twist.
  ‍Examples: March by John Lewis, Berlin by Jason Lutes
• ‍Romance: Focuses on love, relationships, and emotional connections.
  ‍Example: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
• ‍Adventure/action: High-energy, fast-paced storytelling often with physical danger.
  ‍Examples: Tintin by Hergé, One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

Nonfiction genres

• Memoir/autobiography: Personal life stories told through the author’s lens.
  ‍Examples: Maus by Art Spiegelman, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• ‍Biography: A narrative (accurate or interpreted by the artist) of someone else’s life.  
  ‍Example: Feynman by Jim Ottaviani
• ‍History: Accounts of real events or time periods.
  ‍Example: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei and Harmony Becker
• Science/educational: Explains scientific concepts, biographies of scientists, or teaches topics.
  ‍Examples: Greek Myths by Marcia Williams, Logicomix by Apolostolos Doxiadis

Indie/experimental

• Slice of life: Realistic portrayals of everyday life and emotion.
  ‍Example: Blankets by Craig Thompson
• ‍Coming of age: Follows the growth of a character from youth to adulthood.
  ‍Example: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
• ‍Surreal/magical realism: Blends the realistic with dreamlike or abstract elements.
  ‍Examples: Daytripper by Fabian Moon and Gabriel Ba, The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
• ‍Anthology/short stories: Collections of shorter tales often around a theme or by multiple creators.
  ‍Examples: Flight by multiple artists, Fables by multiple artists

Places to find inspiration for your plot or characters

Use these sources to spark ideas. Try to identify a possible main character, their conflict, and how they overcome it (or do they succumb to it in the end?)

• Read classical literature: Take a well-known classic, such as Grimm’s Fairytales, and add your own twist to the original protagonist and antagonist character roles.
• Watch a documentary: Check out some famous historical events such as the Revolutionary War, the Gold Rush, or the Wright brothers.
• Look through your diaries: Your memories — whether joyful or painful — can spark powerful stories.
• Talk with locals: Strike up a casual conversation in the subway with another straphanger sitting next to you who catches your attention. (A subway conversation could inspire a new character.)
• Listen to a podcast talk show: Some of the most inspirational story ideas that move me come from listening to guests on my favorite podcast stations.

Useful templates that empower your narrative

Applying solid composition and lighting to your artwork is an essential aspect in drawing your readers into your story. Here I provide useful templates to help you select the right composition and lighting to deliver the right narrative.

Composition templates

If you find yourself stuck on how to place your characters within your art frame, consider the following templates to get yourself out of the bind.

• L-Shape template (The Establisher): Great for establishing shots and setting up backgrounds.
• Box template (The Selfie): Use this for positioning your character or object as the main focus of your frame.
• Diagonal template (The Action Craver): Arrange your characters’ poses using this template for action scenes.
• Yin-Yang template (The Pacifier): A great tool to balance out a frame when working with many objects.  

Lighting templates

Looking to take your visual narrative to the next level by using the following lighting templates. Simply changing the direction of the lighting makes the cutest, innocent-looking girl look more cringe than the Hanson Brothers’ reunion tour!

• Top lighting: Gives your character an angelic vibe as if the rays of the heavens are casting down the beams of glory.
• Backlighting: Makes your character look dark and mysteriously sinister when you shine the character from the back, only seeing the rims of the head.
• Three-quarter lighting: Gets you that perfect form lighting from slightly above and the front left when drawing your character’s hero shot.
• Bottom lighting: Freak out your readers with this creepy lighting from below

The digital itch (it’s worth the scratch!)

So, you’re at the stage where you’ve gotten comfortable using the art materials I introduce in this book, but now you’ve got that eye of the tiger—you’re ready to upgrade your studio and go digital. Here are some digital tools you might want to consider investing in.

Important note: don’t listen to anyone who says you’re “selling your soul to the Devil down in Georgia” by picking up a digital tablet and stylus. While I may not use mine as much as I used to, I still keep my oils, brushes, and pencils tucked away in my studio, right next to my computer. Part of the reason is to remind myself that while digital can make tough tasks easier (like color corrections and detailed patterns), it can also make simple, tactile things more challenging, like the natural connection I get from physically rotating my drawing paper to match my workflow.

With demand on the rise for better and faster “cool stuff,” you’ve got multiple options when it comes to building your digital studio. Based on my experiences, here are a few digital packages to consider:

Package 1: Desktop computer (or laptop), drawing tablet, all-in-one scanner printer

Pros:

• Affordable power: A standard computer these days is powerful enough to run creative software and support your digital drawing tablet.
• Large screen options: Monitors are more affordable and plentiful than ever (we even tried selling ours at a garage sale!). If you’re a Mac user, the baseline iMac offers a 24-inch screen — larger than most laptops.

Cons:

• Loss of power = loss of files: If you live in an area with frequent power outages, make sure you back up your work regularly or invest in a backup battery or generator. Without a contingency plan, you risk losing progress. If you’re using a laptop, this isn’t as much of a concern.
• Lack of portability: Desktop setups lack internal batteries. If you’re a freelancer or work in various locations (and let’s be honest, COVID changed the way we work), a laptop might be a better fit. Just keep in mind that some programs can quickly drain your battery.

Package 2: Tablet, stylus, extra keyboard, all-in-one scanner-printer

Pros:

• All-in-one: A modern tablet with a pressure-sensitive stylus eliminates the need for a separate drawing tablet.
• Strong performance: Many tablets can easily run professional illustration software like Clip Studio Paint.
• Portability: Built-in batteries and compact size make it easy to work on the go—even in tight spaces like your car.
• Connectivity: Most tablets include Wi-Fi and cellular support, giving you online access and file-sharing capabilities anywhere.

Cons:

• Shorter battery life: While portable, battery life can be limiting during long work sessions.
• A separate keyboard is a must: For managing shortcuts and workflow efficiently, I find an external keyboard essential.
• Smaller screen: The largest iPad currently maxes out at 12.9 inches. If you’re used to dual monitors or a 24-inch tablet, adjusting to a smaller screen takes time.

Package 3: Smartphone, all-in-one scanner-printer

Pros:

• Minimal setup: All you need is a smartphone, creative software, and a Wi-Fi-enabled scanner/printer. ‍
  ‍I don’t recommend package 3 unless you’re already skilled at navigating mobile apps and touch shortcuts.

• Ultra-budget option: If you don’t have funds for higher-end gear but still love creating art, a smartphone can work. My friend Charlie Wen, a gifted artist since college and now a colleague, often posts sketches made on his phone — so yes, it’s possible!

Cons:

• Limited detail: Small screen sizes limit how detailed and refined your artwork can be.
• Reduced app capabilities: Mobile versions of creative apps are often stripped down compared to their desktop or tablet counterparts.

Some things I wish I knew earlier

After 20 years in the illustration industry, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I wish a mentor had told me while I was studying at the School of Visual Arts:

• Don’t get overwhelmed by photo references or the pressure to be “realistic”: Studying masters like Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Degas as an Illustration major at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, there was constant pressure to draw and paint realistically. I even learned photography just to take accurate model reference photos. While I don’t regret that training, I struggled to gain confidence in drawing straight from imagination. That took time.
• Surround yourself with people you respect: Making connections in the art world is essential for growth and job opportunities. This industry is still tight-knit, and most professionals know each other. Reach out through social media or conventions—you might be surprised how accessible some big names are. That said, I wish I’d also prioritized relationships outside my career. Friends from the gym, people from church, my wife, and family — these are the ones who really supported me through personal hardships.
• “Doable and passable” are okay: I wish someone had told me it was fine to do smaller, shorter graphic novel projects. I used to think every piece needed to be an epic masterpiece. There’s nothing inherently wrong about long projects, but remember — larger projects take longer to complete and require more dedication to keep that creative energy for a longer duration. Smaller-sized graphic novel projects take a shorter period and open up your schedule to get more projects and experience under your belt.
• Collaborate more: I regret not working with more artists and writers earlier in my career. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting full control over your projects (there’s nothing wrong with working to get full credit “bragging rights.”) but the long-term benefit of collaboration is learning from others and becoming more well-rounded in your craft. I would have loved to work with another experienced writer in the industry while studying at art school.