Graphic novels are currently gaining more and more popularity among readers and publishers. Are you ready to tell your story in this dynamic medium? 

Join author and illustrator Debasmita Dasgupta for our upcoming masterclass. 

Debasmita will guide you through how to create both the illustrations and the text for a graphic novel, as well as the storyboarding process, panel structuring, pacing, and how to bring it all together.

• She’ll discuss creating your characters and world building, offering insight into her own creative process and helping you to make decisions around the medium (e.g. digital, hand-drawn, mixed media) you want to work in.

• Smita will also offer her advice on getting graphic novels published in the current market, whether you are creating books for children, young adults, or for adults.

The session will end with a brief Q&A, so come ready with your questions.

The masterclass will take place online via Teams. It will also be recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you'll be able to catch-up and access the recording for up to two weeks after the event has taken place.

This event is being run in collaboration with Book Aid International, with proceeds from ticket sales going towards the brilliant work they do.

Debasmita Dasgupta

Debasmita Dasgupta illustrates and writes books for children and young adults. Initially self-taught, in 2023 she completed a Masters degree in Children's Book Illustration & Graphic Novels at Middlesex University, London.

Her picture book, Mina vs the Monsoon, published by Yali Books USA in 2018, was nominated for the Kirkus Reviews Prize for Best Picture Book. Her graphic novels Nadya, Terminal 3 and ZardoZi-stitched with love are published by Scholastic, Penguin and HarperCollins India. In 2023 she illustrated Ganesha goes Green, published by Barefoot Books that won many awards and recognition. Her most recent graphic novel Faiza is a Fighter is published by Lerner Publishing Group in the USA, UK, and Canada.

She is co-founder of Picture Book Matters alongside author Eva Wong Nava, which empowers aspiring and emerging picture book artists and authors in Asia. Besides her books, Debasmita has illustrated animated stories that have been showcased in the Raindance Film Festival in London and Toronto. She is passionate about cinema and produces indie international feature drama for streamers such as Netflix.

She was born and grew up in Kolkata in the east of India, lived for many years in Singapore, and now lives in Windsor, in the UK, with her partner.