Dean Haspiel Comix Masterclass

Fundamentals & Consulting

Whenever I'm at a comic-con or speaking to a group about my comics career, someone invariably asks if I do comix classes or consultations.

After years of advising cartoonists at all skill levels and at all stages of their work, I'm excited to offer one-on-one and group sessions to everyone.

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION = $200 per hour
Whether you're a rookie learning how to craft your very first comic book, or a veteran already stuck in the trenches of your magnum opus seeking a second pair of expert eyes, I can help you expand your current ability to better serve your story.

COMIX FUNDAMENTALS = $300
(two one-hour small group sessions ) Dates TBD
Want to know what essentially makes a comic book? A brief overview studying examples of sequential narrative choices will prepare you to visually imagine and layout two different scripts (one slice of life and one genre). Exercise the glory of iteration where not one conclusion is definitive. Writers who can't draw are highly encouraged to take this challenge.

Emmy Award and Ringo Award-winning cartoonist Dean Haspiel is best known for creating Billy Dogma and The Red Hook, collaborating with Harvey Pekar, and Jonathan Ames, and illustrating for HBO’s “Bored to Death.” His published work includes writing and drawing for Marvel, DC, Archie, Image, IDW, Dark Horse Comics, and Webtoon. In addition, Haspiel is an accomplished playwright and Yaddo fellow. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Interested? Email me at dean.haspiel@verizon.net for more information.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Dean Haspiel is unusual among cartoonists—he’s not only talented, but thoughtful about the rapidly changing medium, it’s new ways of reaching audiences and the possibilities for the future.”
--Paul Levitz, former publisher of DC Comics, The Legion of Superheroes

"Need help with your comix project? You couldn't ask for a better mentor, friend, guide, consultant, and cheerleader than Dean Haspiel."
-- Jonathan Ames, friend and collaborator of Dean Haspiel (including HBO's Bored To Death, The Alcoholic, The Extra Man, What's Not To Love?, A Man Named Doll, Starz’ Blunt Talk, and so much more!)

“Dean Haspiel is a tremendously generous and nurturing creative guide for comix makers of all levels and styles. I would never have completed my book The Story of My Tits if he had not been there from the beginning, cheering me on.”
--Jennifer Hayden, The Story Of My Tits

“Dean Haspiel is one of those master cartoonists who can do it all: sweeping action scenes, whimsical character work, moody moments… all in his signature style that has brought readers back year after year. Better than that, he considers all collaborators’ needs and feedback in a way that is a total breath of fresh air. When I worked with him, I just expected to sit back and watch Dean do his magic, but he was so giving every step of the way and always checked in to make sure he was picking up what I put down (he was oftentimes doing better than what I could have ever dreamt). Dean’s continued passion and excitement is something I don’t often encounter among his colleagues. He’s the reason why people stay in this business and continue making funny books.”
--Sina Grace, Superman: Harvest Of Youth, Iceman, Rockstar and Softboy

“I’ve worked in comics and animation for roughly 30 years, and in that time I’ve had the pleasure and good fortune to work with luminaries such as Steve Ditko, Barry Windsor-Smith, Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Terry Austin, James Tucker, and Michel Gondry, just to name a few. Even in that celebrated company, Dean Haspiel ranks as one of the most intuitive and gifted storytellers I’ve met, and an unparalleled comics craftsman to boot.”
--Mike Cavallaro, Nico Bravo, Eowulf

“Over the years I've seen scores of cartoonists -- from beginners to beloved pros -- approach Dean for advice and mentorship, and I'm sure some results of these meetings sit on your bookshelves right now. Dean has also impacted, improved and inspired my own work more than words can say: I've written hundreds of comics, plays, stories and screenplays that wouldn't exist without his expertise and encouragement. Dean is a master storyteller, a tireless cheerleader and the best teacher I never had.”
--Whitney Matheson, Pop Candy, Diary Comix

"I would not be making comics today without Dean, he saw my potential and gave me the critical tools that led directly to winning a comics contest, multiple comics awards, and most importantly unearthing my vision. If you have hit a dead end, want to change gears, or don't even know where to begin, get in touch with Dean."
--Nick Bertozzi, The Salon, Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey, Lewis & Clark

“Dean Haspiel has been an invaluable helpful force in my life from the very beginning of my career. Meeting Dean for the first time in 1996 opened the door to the entire New York comics scene for me. Dean was and is a key social hub in comics; his interests straddle and interpenetrate both the mainstream and alternative comics scene, making him a crucial connector between the commercial and artistic worlds. He is an artist who loves to make connections, and we all benefit from having him in our networks.

Dean thrives on helping and advising. One’s own artistic path often feels like a rocky and foggy muddle, but it is often easier for a second set of eyes to see your obvious trajectory to success. Dean is not shy about speaking his mind and helping you find your path. Many times I have shared work-in-progress with Dean, and he has always given me excellent notes. He has deep comprehension of all stages of comics making, from the embryonic plot and sketches, through the pencil drafts, to the final polish of inks, color, lettering, and design. His opinions are always an excellent mix of intuition and experience, and leave me energized to tackle the next draft.

It is thrilling to hear that Dean is willing to share these practices as a professional comics consultant. Comics can be complex, both as an art form and as a business, so Dean’s guidance will help you avoid pitfalls and keep you on track. Having Dean Haspiel on your team will put you on the path to success.”
--Jason Little, Borb, Motel Art Improvement Service, and Shutterbug Follies

"Dean Haspiel is a seasoned comics veteran who knows the nuts-and-bolts of storytelling through and through. His wide-ranging sensibilities and deep understanding of the language of comics makes him an excellent consultant on any project."
--Jon Allen, Ohio Is For Sale, The Lonesome Era, Julian In Purgatory

“I'm so grateful to Dean Haspiel for his influence, support and friendship through the highs and lows of my comics career. Get you a friend (& quasi-mentor) as good as Dino. Love you, man.”
--Neil Kleid, Brownsville, The Big Kahn, Savor

"If not for Dean's mentoring and input, I doubt that I would understand the nuances of comic book storytelling."
--Vito Delsante, Stray

“Dean Haspiel is one of the most seasoned and knowledgeable, not to mention generous, people working in comics. As his wide-ranging career of over thirty years amply demonstrates, he knows every corner of the field—an experience he brings to his expert advice, generous and respectful editing, and his big-hearted support of fellow comics creators. I've come to treasure his insights on my work and know that it's grown immeasurably through his thoughtful input. If you want a comics mentor, teacher or editor, I can't think of anyone better than Dean to help you.”
--Peter Rostovsky, Damnation Diaries

"It's fairly safe to say that I would not have had the professional success that I do today, were it not for Dean's encouragement over the years. Dean loves a lot when it comes to comics, and a large part of this love means encouraging the next generation to do their thing with the form. His kindness and selflessness allowed me both confidence, and one of the most meaningful collaborations I've ever had inside or out of comics (with the late Seth Kushner). I'm fortunate in that Dean has showed up in my life in the way that he has. His support/encouragement has directly influenced my choice to teach young makers in both after-school spaces, and as a one-on-one instructor. Also, when it comes to Dean, the saying that, "good people, know good people," rings true. Dean knows everyone, and he's well-loved for a reason. Take advantage of his consultancy services and find out why!"
--George Folz, The New England Journal of Medicine and McGraw-Hill

“Working in comics from the age of seventeen, Dean Haspiel is a true and rare classical cartoonist. His knowledge and experience spans genres, including both indy and mainstream superhero storytelling. He is also a great essayist, playwright, promoter, editor, collaborator, and marketer. Sharing a studio with him and benefiting from his guidance was absolutely instrumental in establishing myself in the field. His generosity and skillful maneuvering is well known in the industry, as he repeatedly sets himself and others up for success. Anyone able to work with him is truly fortunate.”
--Christa Cassano, Eisner-Award nominated artist on John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown

“Dean Haspiel’s ability to improve the readability and impact of a panel, a page, or an entire book, are invaluable. His imagination and creative generosity are second only to his work ethic. Get him on your team.”
--James Otis Smith, Showtime at the Apollo: The Epic Tale of Harlem's Legendary Theater, Black Heroes of the Wild West: Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons

“I have worked with Dean on several projects and he is a master at finding the heart of the story. He can take an elevated concept and find the character who a reader will fall in love with. He can mine a story and infuse it with meaning ensuring that your narrative is deeply personal, which is incredibly important in the current marketplace. Dean isn't simply a storyteller, he is a shaman. You will learn about yourself through the storytelling process.”
--Jonathan Lang, Meyer, Plunder

"Dean was extremely helpful in editing my graphic novel in a way that made it flow much better for the reader. With his suggestions on how to lay the story out, it made way more sense, especially where I was weaving an old story into a bigger one."
--Adam Suerte, Brooklyn Tattoo

“It’s almost like getting advice from Batman himself!”
--Vanessa McGrady, Rock Needs River: A Memoir About a Very Open

“From Clark Kent to Harvey Pekar, Dean has drawn it. From working on mainstream books for the Big Two, to crowdfunding weirdo indie comix, Dean has done it. So when Dean speaks, listen. Also, the man's got chest for days.”
--Pat Palermo, Tomorrow Is Canceled

“My chat with Dino was like me having a large bowl of linguini for an idea and by the time we were done we'd turned it into a wall-shot Vermeer complete with pearl earring. He is astute at helping comic creatives to see their ideas as they are, and what they can become. So, you would do well to spend a little time noodling with him.”
--Patch Adam Perryman, Project Futon

See you in the gutters!

—Dean

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