Luke Healy
Cartoonist
Luke Healy is an author and illustrator with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University, and an MFA in Cartooning from The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont, USA. He is the author of three graphic novels, and dozens of short stories. How to Survive in the North, his first book, was selected as a book of the year by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post and The Irish Examiner. His work has been exhibited in the Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art in Manhattan.
In this podcast Luke gives us a fascinating insight into his life as a cartoonist, telling us what inspires him and how he creates his cartoons and graphic stories.
We hope you enjoy!
Some teacher reflection questions
Q. In his practice, Luke tries to draw a page a day using a 6 - panel grid, and enjoys the variety of writing, doing visuals, editing and colouring. He always starts with words, however. How would you approach creating a cartoon or a comic? Would your approach be similar or different to Luke’s?
Q. Luke completed his degree in journalism before embarking on a career in cartooning, and as comics are ‘the art of summary,’ his journalistic skills have been useful in his work as a cartoonist. With this in mind, which Junior Cycle Key Skills are important for a cartoonist, do you think?
Q. Luke updates his skills regularly, engaging in different online courses to stay ahead of the curve in his work as a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. Think about some courses/workshops that you have engaged in. What is it about them that you enjoy? Have they had a positive impact on your own practice?
Q. As well as cartoons, Luke has written graphic memoir Americana about his hike across the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA. Do you read graphic novels? Are there any you would like to introduce to your Junior Cycle students? (You may be interested in viewing this JCT English webinar on graphic and audio texts)