20+ YEARS IN COMICS
Artist, editor and educator
UNIVERSITY-LEVEL TEACHING
Lectured at three Melbourne institutions
LIVE CLASSES EVERY WEEK
Draw, ask and get real feedback
100+ HOURS OF LESSONS
From concept to finished art
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
250+ artists and growing
MY STORY
FROM PASSION
TO PURPOSE
I’ve loved comics for as long as I can remember. Drawing gave me a way to imagine bigger worlds, tell meaningful stories and connect with people. I spent years teaching myself perspective, anatomy and facial expressions late at night until my hand was ready to fall off, and that stubborn love of the craft turned into a career.
Over the past two decades I’ve worked as a cover artist, layout artist and editor on projects including The Phantom, Graveyard Shift, Shadow Sentry, The Company Men and Replicator, crowdfunded and published my own comic through Barton Bros Studios, and lectured at Victoria University, Swinburne University of Technology and Melbourne Polytechnic.
How to Draw Comics Academy is where all of that comes together. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, you’ll find clear guidance, structured lessons and a community that’s here to support you.


Still the kid
drawing in
the margins.
WHY THIS ACADEMY EXISTS
Too many talented artists give up because they don’t have the right guidance, structure or support. This Academy exists to change that: professional-level art education that’s accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.
WRITTEN TUTORIALS
In-depth articles and step-by-step breakdowns
VIDEO LESSONS
Practical, easy-to-follow instruction
LIVE CLASSES
Draw together in real time, get answers
CRITIQUE & MENTORING
Honest feedback to help you improve faster
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
A complete, structured path from the basics to advanced skills.
Fundamentals
Lines, shapes, perspective and form
Anatomy & Figure
Believable, dynamic bodies
Character Design
Create compelling characters
Storytelling
Panels, pacing and page flow
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe great art comes from a combination of solid fundamentals, consistent practice and a willingness to push your creative boundaries. My goal is to make complex concepts clear, practical and inspiring, and to help you develop your own voice as an artist.
“Drawing is mostly looking. The pencil is the easy part.”
— CLAYTON BARTON
EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
Professional comic book artist
Cover, layout and editing work on The Phantom, Graveyard Shift, Shadow Sentry, The Company Men and Replicator
University lecturer
Victoria University, Swinburne University of Technology and Melbourne Polytechnic
Published creator
Crowdfunded and published his own comic through Barton Bros Studios
Founder, How to Draw Comics Academy
Helping artists around the world grow through lessons, live classes and feedback
THE KIND OF ARTIST THIS IS BUILT FOR
This Academy is for passionate, driven people who want to improve, whether you’re a complete beginner, an aspiring professional or a seasoned artist looking to sharpen your skills. If you love comics, storytelling and creating amazing art, you’re in the right place.
Beginners who want a clear path
Hobbyists who want to level up
Aspiring professionals building a portfolio
Experienced artists looking for fresh insight
Anyone who loves comics and wants to draw better

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
Real artists. Real progress.
“The Feedback & Critique sessions actually helped a lot. I incorporated a full background from scratch (no cheats) and pushed all of my skills to the limits including dynamic action, multi-point perspective, foreshortening, lighting, color theory, and overall composition. The Academy contributed to this significantly, so thank you!”
Matt Nikola
Academy Member
★★★★★
“Being able to see someone critique you and give you pointers on moving forward with your art is so life changing. The Academy gives me not just a direction to go towards, but insight into what I may or may not be doing wrong or right. Hell, last night I got off to lay down and go to bed and ended up on the drawing tablet redrawing the character design from our last critique session!”
Jamie
Academy Member
★★★★★
“The How to Draw Comics Academy has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Since joining Clayton's program, the progress of my artwork has sky-rocketed while learning all the tricks of the trade from his video tutorials. He also personally looks over your artwork and gives you the feedback you need to improve. It's a revolutionary way of learning.”
Ashlin Becker
Academy Member
★★★★★


REAL ARTISTS. BRIGHTER STORIES.
MEET CLAYTON
BARTON
ARTIST. INSTRUCTOR. MENTOR.
Hi, I’m Clayton Barton: professional comic book artist, educator, and the founder of How to Draw Comics Academy. My mission is to help artists around the world build real skills, confidence and creative momentum through practical training, honest feedback and a supportive community.
Better art.
Brighter stories.
A brighter you.
