Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an assembly?

45-minutes

What grade level is the assembly suitable for?

The assembly is appropriate for a wide-range of grade levels, from as young as Kindergarten/1st grade, on up through middle-schoolers. For an elementary school, I recommend breaking up the younger (K-2) and older (3-5) students into two separate assemblies ($995 for two back-to-back presentations - the best value), so that the content can be tailored to the different age-ranges.

Do students need pencils and paper for the assembly?

No, the assembly is primarily a performance. Students can sit back and enjoy.

Can the students ask questions?

There is time factored into the assembly for student questions. I allow a few minutes after completing the initial presentation, and then again after I walk the children through a live-cartooning demonstration. Usually I steer the conversation towards a few additional points that I think it is important for the students to hear, on the topic of how low the bar to entry for cartooning is (you only need a pencil and paper), how easy it is to share your work (through self-published ‘zines), and also how at their young age, they should not focus too much on the approval of potential publishers, but rather on the joy of writing and drawing and telling their story.

What are the technological requirements for an assembly?

I bring my presentation loaded onto a MacBook Pro, which can connect to most A/V systems using an HDMI cable. Additionally, I will email links to PowerPoint versions of the presentation ahead of time, to be loaded onto a school computer to have as a backup.

What does a Lunch With the Author consist of?

As part of a Daylong Visit, I can spend 45 minutes with a classroom, club, or special group, to interact individually with the students and to walk them through a series of fun and educational cartooning activities.

How long is a workshop?

A standalone workshop runs one hour. I walk students through a series of exercises in a workbook that I have designed, filled with activities designed to build up their confidence as cartoonists and show them that comics are an art-form they can use for their own self-expression.

Are there any technological requirements for a workshop?

There is a presentational component to the workshop, and it is best to hold the events in a room where it is possible to project a slideshow. If there is no A/V system in the room, I am able to bring my portable projector and screen.

What other requirements for a workshop are there?

Students need table space to work at, arranged so that they are able to see the presentation, ideally at the front of the room.

What supplies do you provide?

I bring all workbooks, as well as scrap paper, and pencils for up to thirty participants. For groups larger than 30, I ask that students bring their own pencils or drawing tools.

How many participants can take part in a workshop?

The ideal size for a workshop group is 15-30 participants. Larger groups than that can be accommodated, as long as there is enough table-space for all children to work at and still be able to see the screen. I move around the room, walking through the slideshow presentation as well as spending individual one-on-one time with each participant and giving them feedback on their work. For groups larger than 30, there is a $2.00 per additional participant fee, to cover the extra cost of materials.

Can you present the workshop to really large groups?

Absolutely, the program is designed to get every participant started on their own comics-making journey. The presentation is entertaining and informative, and works even with very large groups. The primary limitation is how many students are able to fit into a space while having ample table-space to work.

How do we get copies of your graphic novels?

There are a few options available. If the school or PTA wishes to purchase books for the students, copies can be bought directly through the publisher or a third-party bookseller at a bulk-rate discount. If families of students wish to purchase on their own, they can be bought directly from me or through a third-party bookseller that I partner with. It is also possible for you to work directly through one of your local booksellers.

Will you sign the books?

Definitely. Books can sometimes be pre-signed and dedicated to the students, or it is possible to set aside time during the day for children to get them autographed.

How far will you travel?

I am conveniently located in Central New Jersey, which I think of as the day-trip State. I will travel to all schools in NJ free of additional cost. For school districts located outside of NJ, there is an additional $50 travel fee.

Will you travel way further outside of NJ?

I will travel up to two hours driving distance from my location under my own steam. For visits outside of that range, additional costs will incur, but I am absolutely happy to work out arrangements.

I am a librarian at a Title 1 school, we don’t have budgets for visiting authors. Can we still book you?

I think it’s important for children from all districts to have opportunities to experience enriching events such as my Cartooning Lessons presentation, and I try to donate a few pro-bono assembly visits to Title 1 schools every year. If you are a librarian at a school in an underserved district, please reach out and inquire. I set aside a limited number of free assembly slots for Title 1 schools located throughout Central and Northern New Jersey.

Can you provide a COI (Certificate of Insurance)?

If your school or institution requires a COI, I am able to provide a policy for the day at an additional cost of $120.

Inquiries