Mel Gillman

Mel Gillman is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Comics Program at California College of the Arts (CCA), where they have taught since 2015. They hold an MFA in Comics from the Center for Cartoon Studies and a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Their work focuses on graphic novels addressing identity, LGBTQ+ representation, and youth literature, with notable titles like As the Crow Flies (2017), Stage Dreams (2019), and Other Ever Afters (2022). Their awards include a Stonewall Honor Book Award and a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. They have held residencies such as the Tulsa Artist Fellowship and the Prairie Ronde Artist Residency (2024).

Mel’s research explores themes of intersectional identity and social critique through visual narratives. Their forthcoming project Reclusivia, a kid’s horror graphic novel, is slated for 2025 release. They have also contributed to licensed series like Steven Universe and Care Bears.

Teaching roles include leadership in CCA’s Comics Program and adjunct positions at institutions like the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Their work appears in venues such as The Comics Journal and Vice, blending artistic innovation with accessibility.