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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.

Clayton Barton signature
Perfect 10 by Clayton Barton

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

Comic line art by Clayton Barton: Killick, a caped hero

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

★★★★★

READY TO GROW
AS AN ARTIST?

Get 100+ hours of lessons, weekly live classes and a community that has your back.

Start Learning
Comic line art by Clayton Barton: Siamese, a team of heroes in front of a city skyline
Clayton Barton, founder of How to Draw Comics Academy

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.

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