Ryan Claytor

Ryan Claytor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University (MSU), part of the College of Arts and Letters. He coordinates the MSU Comic Art and Graphic Novel Minor and teaches comics studio courses, pioneering the first such program in MSU's history. Claytor is a comics artist with international recognition, blending academic and professional expertise.

His professional achievements include a Cartoonist in Residence position at the Cartoon Art Museum (San Francisco), visiting lecturerships at the Dallas Museum of Art and Savannah College of Art and Design, and an internship at Marvel Comics. He has designed for major brands like Moleskin, Verizon Wireless, and Mr. Jones Watches.

• Awards: Top prize in the Graphic Novel category at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo.
• Exhibitions: Featured in a solo exhibition at the Cartoon Art Museum (2009).
• Contributions: Developed MSU’s first comics studio course and curates the Comic Art and Graphic Novel Minor program.

Claytor’s work spans commercial and academic realms, emphasizing visual storytelling, graphic novel creation, and art education. His research interests focus on integrating comics into academic curricula and fostering creative expression through studio-based learning.