Legendary illustrator to host Dundee masterclass

His work is familiar to generations of comic buyers and now Scottish artist Cam Kennedy is preparing to share some of the secrets of his craft at a special event hosted by the University of Dundee.

He will be talking about his career as he conducts a live drawing masterclass at the Dundee Comics Creative Space on Wednesday 11 April.

The comic illustrator will discuss his creative process and provide unique insights into his time working on famous titles such as Judge Dredd, Star Wars Dark Empire, and The Light and Darkness War.

He has been invited to show off his skills by staff behind Dundee’s Masters course in Comics and Graphic Novels, with MDes Course Director Phil Vaughan saying, “Cam was drawing Commando comics in the 70’s for DC Thomson, so it’s something of a homecoming for him.

“He has been a friend of the course since it started and has also been a huge influence on the students we’ve had here, which is why we named our studio after him in the University’s Tower Building.

“It’s very rare that he’ll draw these days but he wanted to come here and do this for us, so it is a huge honour for the University.

Having started his life as a freelance illustrator working for DC Thomson, Cam then spent time as a fine artist in Paris before returning to the world of comic books in 1978, latterly continuing his career in the United States.

As well as 2000 AD, he has drawn for some of the world’s most famous publishers, including Marvel and DC Comics.

“We’re interested in the process as that is something that people don’t often see,” Phil added.

“Cam works in a very traditional way, whereas almost everything these days is done digitally.

“Because a lot of that old process is hidden, it is great to have the opportunity to see somebody like him at work in person.”

The masterclass takes place at the Dundee Comics Creative Space, Vision Building, Greenmarket, on Wednesday 11 April from 7 – 8.30pm

Admission to the masterclass is free but by ticket only, which can be obtained here.


For media enquiries contact:
Jonathan Watson
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 381489
Email: j.s.watson@dundee.ac.uk