About Me
Howdy, friend. I’m Robert James Russell, a writer, illustrator, and educator working at the intersection of storytelling and visual art. My current project, HARD BODY, is a graphic memoir exploring self-perception, the influence of pop culture and other factors on my body dysmorphia, and our relationship with nature, forthcoming from Simon & Schuster. My background is in traditional writing—fiction, essays, you name it—but since transitioning primarily to comics, I’ve found the form capable of expressing ideas, memories, and emotions in ways I never could before. Outside of drawing, I love watching movies, traveling, making hot sauce, and spending time with my partner and our cat, Bernadette.
About this Newsletter
How to Draw (w/ RJR) is a monthly-ish newsletter born from my love of teaching writing and comics. It’s a space to better understand the art of comics—not just how they’re made but what makes them work. Too often, comics are seen through a narrow lens, and I want to peel back the veneer of what people think they know about the form.
Expect deep dives into some of my favorite comics, behind-the-scenes looks at my own work, interviews and conversations with other artists, and explorations of elements of comics that don’t get talked about enough. Whether you're a seasoned artist, an aspiring creator, or just someone curious about storytelling, I hope this space offers something for you. And, depending on the day, you might hear from me in human form—or from my rabbit avatar, Robbit.
Why Subscribe?
If you love comics, storytelling, or the creative process, this newsletter’s for you. It’s part sketchbook, part notebook, part ongoing conversation about making art and making sense of the world. Subscribe to get:
Behind-the-scenes looks at HARD BODY and other projects
Deep dives into comics craft and storytelling techniques
Interviews with fellow artists and writers
Process posts, musings, and various inspirations and infatuations
If that sounds like your kind of thing, then welcome—I’m glad you’re here.
