Katharine Woodman-Maynard | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Katharine Woodman-Maynard

Katharine Woodman-Maynard

She/Her
kwoodmanmaynard@gmail.com
woodmanmaynard.com
Comic Arts
In-person, Online, Hybrid mentor

BIO

Through watercolor graphic novels, I explore acceptance and self-expression, whether in nature, magical realms, or social settings. My books blend reality with fantastical elements and focus on uncovering secrets while celebrating personal growth. My debut, THE GREAT GATSBY: A GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION (Candlewick Press) was called "hugely rewarding" by the Wall Street Journal. My graphic novel adaptation of TUCK EVERLASTING (Macmillan) comes out in September, 2025. I'm a graduate of Harvard where I studied animation and worked for many years as a designer and animator for clients such as Capital One, Nickelodeon, and TOMS Shoes. I work as a cartoonist, instructor, and comics coach.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & MENTORSHIP

My mentoring philosophy blends practical career guidance with a deep respect for the personal growth that comes from creative work. I’ve made a living in animation, graphic design, and comics. I understand the business side of art, from client work to publishing, and I believe that practical thinking is essential for building a sustainable creative career.

At the same time, I recognize that comics are a powerful way to process emotions and share meaningful stories. My own practice transformed when I broke through harsh self-criticism, embracing experimentation and daily creation. I want to help my mentees do the same, finding creative freedom while building the habits and skills to create a sustainable artistic life.

PAST/CURRENT MENTEES

Shangyuan Chen ’24

Address

2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Us

612.874.3700
800.874.MCAD (6223)
Fax: 612.874.3701

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Land Acknowledgement

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) acknowledges it is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This is the ancestral homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. We recognize that this place has a complex and layered history. As a community dedicated to creativity, MCAD is committed to ongoing efforts to support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.


Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.