Visual Artistry Unveiled: Teaching with Graphic Novels

In this podcast episode, artist and illustrator Greg Holfeld joins the discussion on the use of graphic novels in education. Topics covered include the challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels, the terminology and history of graphic novels, and the features that make them an effective gateway to reading. The interplay between text and image, pagination techniques, and the decision-making process for artists are explored. The podcast also touches on the importance of storytelling and character design, as well as tips for young illustrators. The medium's impact on motivation for reading and writing is examined, along with the potential concerns of students solely relying on graphic novels. The episode concludes with recommendations for publishers and key tips for using graphic novels as both readers and writers in the classroom. Overall, this insightful conversation sheds light on the educational value of graphic novels and their role in engaging students in literacy.Some topics discussed:01:50 Intro to Greg Holfeld, artist/illustrator03:50 Captain Congo series by Greg Holfeld and Ruth Starke - Harper Collins. School Magazine in NSW04:53 Icky Sticky Summer Fly - children’s book - Poppa Hip publishers06:13 Challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels06:42 Terminology of graphic novels and comics06:57 Will Eisner - the pioneer in graphic novels and the Comic Industry awards07:20 Origin of the term ‘Graphic Novel’07:40 ‘A Contract with God’ by Will Eisner - first graphic novel08:30 A chat about the features of graphic novels and as a  gateway to reading11:48 Distinguishing feature of comics is the synergy between the text and the image - its up to the individual creator to work out the interplay between the two14:49 ‘Mini cliffhangers’ as a technique to engage the reader15:20 Pagination is very important as a technique and the hardest part16:50 Start with story/layout or pictures first? Both are valid18:40 The way characters are drawn - how is this used as a technique20:30 ‘Monkey, Bug, Rabbit and Goose! series by Greg. Illustrators making things easier for themselves. Working out your interest21:45 Decisions artist make either based on what they feel like drawing, or being limited by constraints24:00 Is it the illustrator doing the inferencing?25:43 The Tin Tin book, Castafiore Emerald where the characters just stay home. Perils of Pug - also stay at home book.26:22 Different ways to represent text in comics, different roles of writers and illustrators28:30 Interplay between pictures and text and how it supports comprehension etc. What weight do you give each?30:16 Narration speeds up the story vs it can ta