Robyn won an Outstanding Story Ignatz Award in 2023 for WASH DAY DIARIES, also published by Black Josei Press and Chronicle Books.
The prestigious Ignatz Awards are presented at the annual Small Press Expo. To see SPX Ignatz nominees and winners, visit: smallpressexpo.com/ignatz-awards/
Do you have burning questions about CCS’s MFA and certificate programs but aren’t able to make it to one of our admissions events? Drop us a line at outreach@cartoonstudies.org and we can set up a 1-on-1 video chat session to answer any of your questions about the curriculum, the application process, student housing, financial aid, living in Vermont, or anything else you need to know about applying to CCS!
The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) Students travel from across the U.S. and around the world to study comics at CCS in a diverse and vibrant community in Vermont.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree w/low Residency Option
We’re excited to announce members of the CCS community have been nominated for one of comics’ oldest and most prestigious awards—the Harvey Awards!
The nominees are….
Book of the Year: WATERSHIP DOWN, THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by CCS co-founder James Sturm, art by Joe Sutphin, based on the novel by Richard Adams (Ten Speed Graphic)
The nominees are in for the prestigious Ignatz Awards presented at the annual Small Press Expo, and what a roster it is!
The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) is happy to announce several members of the community have been nominated. They include alumni, fellows, visiting artists, and studio prize winners such as Robyn Smith ‘16, Daryl Seitchik ‘17, Ana Two ‘24, and Julie Delporte.
Robyn Smith ’16 is nominated for Outstanding Artist for NIGHT FEVER from Gladiolus Magazine #1published by Black Josei Press. The comic was inspired by Robyn’s first Hampshire College Halloween. Robyn won an Outstanding Story Ignatz Award last year for WASH DAY DIARIES, also published by Black Josei Press.
Cartoon Studies students, alumni, and faculty are headed to Small Press Expo 2024 en masse—60 strong!! Join us for workshops, panels, tabling—and the Ignatz Awards—at the premier event for graphic novels, comics and cartooning! SPX takes place September 14-15, in Bethesda, Maryland.
CCS Ignatz nominees include Robyn Smith ‘17 and CCS fellow (2011-12) Julie Delporte, both for Outstanding Artist; Daryl Seitchik ‘18 for Outstanding Comic; and Ana Two ‘24 for Outstanding Mini-Comic.
SPX special guests include Beth Hetland ‘11, and faculty Emma Hunsinger ‘20, Tillie Walden ‘16, and faculty Glynnis Fawkes.
The debut graphic novel by Coco Fox ‘19, LET’S GO, COCO!, hits bookshelves on 8/13 with HarperAlley!
“This is the book I wish I could have read when I was in sixth grade. It would have made me laugh while also making me feel less alone,” said Coco Fox ‘19. “LET’S GO, COCO! is a middle grade graphic novel that shows how making new friends and being yourself is a clumsy, silly, scary and fun experience. It felt cathartic to revisit that time and felt a little bit like I was whispering to that sixth-grade me, ‘Psst, you’re going to be OK. You’re confused, but so is everyone else… also, when you get older, you’ll get to draw as much as you want to.’”
LET’S GO, COCO has received great reviews:
“In this semi-autobiographical debut, Fox combines middle school angst with giggle-inducing humor to deliver a wholesome graphic novel romp.”
Congratulations to Colleen Frakes ’07 on her new middle-grade graphic novel, KNOTS, with HarperAlley! KNOTS is available for pre-order and will be available wherever books are sold beginning 9/3.
“In this endearing graphic novel, Frakes (PRISON ISLAND) utilizes flat, saturated colors, busy backdrops, and easy-to-follow paneling to chronicle one tween’s experience navigating the intense pressures of middle school and family life.” —Publishers Weekly
Congratulations to Emma Hunsinger ‘20 on her debut graphic novel, HOW IT ALL ENDS by HarperCollins/Greenwillow Books. After working on it for three years, it releases 8/6 wherever books are sold! You can pre-order it now!
HOW IT ALL ENDS has received many starred reviews. Including:
“Hunsinger’s distinctive style. . . is reminiscent of doodles in the margins of student notebooks and perfectly suits the subject matter. . . . Tara’s voice rings true, and readers will find much to relate to in her various social and emotional struggles. Frequent moments of humor create a lighthearted tone despite Tara’s overall angst. . . . A slice of life that’s as imaginative as its protagonist.” —Kirkus Reviews
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BIPOC Cartoonist Fund Accepting Donations
CCS wants your old comics! These comics and many more were donated to support CCS's BIPOC Cartoonist Fund. If you're interested in making a comic book or cash donation drop us a line.
FREE COMICS
CARTOONING IN AN ANXIOUS AGE
Cartooning In An Anxious Age (pdf)is a free comic by Cara Bean on the act of drawing, which focuses your attention and intimately connects you with the generative act of creation. It’s an inspiring read.
Let's Talk About It: A Graphic Guide to Mental Health
Using the power of comics to teach teens about the way our government worksThis Is What Democracy Looks Like, A Graphic Guide To Governance is a 32-page comic book created by The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS). This short comic guide helps to bring democracy back to the hands of the people by explaining what democracy actually means and how the whole thing works. This guide will be a great jumping-off point to learn about our government.
The Applied Cartooning Manifesto
Download a free copy of The World is Made of Cheese, The Applied Cartooning Manifesto.
