I am a professional illustrator, author, and teaching artist with 20+ years of experience designing and leading courses in drawing, comics, and visual storytelling for youth, college, and adult learners. I’m skilled at developing engaging, skill-based curricula that foster technical growth, creative confidence, and individual voice. I teach in both in-person and online settings, with a strong commitment to inclusive, process-driven art education. My work centers on collaboration and experimentation, guiding students to explore their own visual storytelling paths and build portfolios that reflect who they are as artists.

Dan Cooney Monroe

I am a professional illustrator, author, and teaching artist with 20+ years of experience designing and leading courses in drawing, comics, and visual storytelling for youth, college, and adult learners. I’m skilled at developing engaging, skill-based curricula that foster technical growth, creative confidence, and individual voice. I teach in both in-person and online settings, with a strong commitment to inclusive, process-driven art education. My work centers on collaboration and experimentation, guiding students to explore their own visual storytelling paths and build portfolios that reflect who they are as artists.

Available to hire

I am a professional illustrator, author, and teaching artist with 20+ years of experience designing and leading courses in drawing, comics, and visual storytelling for youth, college, and adult learners. I’m skilled at developing engaging, skill-based curricula that foster technical growth, creative confidence, and individual voice. I teach in both in-person and online settings, with a strong commitment to inclusive, process-driven art education.

My work centers on collaboration and experimentation, guiding students to explore their own visual storytelling paths and build portfolios that reflect who they are as artists.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Author & Cartoonist at Independent Publisher / Self-published
June 1, 1997 - Present
Creator of Valentine and other independently published comic series; illustration/for-hire work for authors and educational publishing; murals for businesses; private commissions; licensed sketch cards; clients include Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Lucasfilm, LOTR, Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, NBC/Universal; published by Red Eye Press; Kickstarter-funded projects.
Substitute Teacher at Middlesex Middle School
January 1, 2024 - Present
Instructional support and classroom management in a middle school setting; adaptable instruction and collaboration with staff to support diverse learners.
Social Studies Teacher at West Tisbury School
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2024
World History (7th grade) and U.S. History, Government & Civics (8th grade); planned and delivered standards-aligned instruction; differentiated support; integrated technology; fostered cultural competence and community involvement.
Educational Support Professional at West Tisbury School
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
Educational Support Professional providing instructional support, reinforcing lessons, and adapting materials to meet diverse learning needs.
Comics / GN / History / Writing Teacher at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2016
Onsite full-time instructor for the Illustration and Liberal Arts department for BFA and MFA programs (2005–2010); remote teaching (2011–2016); developed online content, instructional videos, and curriculum; facilitated annual symposiums and portfolio reviews; supported studio and liberal arts courses.
Author / Cartoonist at Independent Publisher – Valentine Comics (Valentine series) / Valentine
June 1, 1997 - Present
Creator of independently published comic series and graphic novels; illustration/work-for-hire for fiction and educational books; murals for businesses; private commissions of portraits and landscapes; licensed work for sketch cards; clients include Marvel Comics, DC Comics, LucasFilm, LOTR, Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, NBC/Universal; active as a cartoonist and author since 1997.
Comics / GN / History / Writing Teacher at Academy of Art
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2017
Onsite full-time instructor for the Illustration and Liberal Arts programs (2005-2010) and remote teaching (2011-2016); developed visual narrative curriculum for onsite and online learning; created online content, instructional videos, edited curriculum for BFA/MFA programs; organized annual symposiums and portfolio reviews; hybrid instruction for studio and liberal arts classes.
Author · Cartoonist at Independent / Self-published
June 1, 1997 - Present
Creator of independently published comic series and graphic novels; illustration/comics for hire for authors and educational books; murals for businesses; private commissions; licensed work for sketch cards; clients include Marvel Comics, DC Comics, LucasFilm, LOTR, Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, NBC/Universal. Exhibitions and appearances at industry events.
Comics/GN/History/Writing Teacher at Academy of Art
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2017
Onsite instructor for Illustration and Liberal Arts; developed a visual narrative curriculum; created online content; edited curriculum; conducted portfolio reviews with publishing editors; hybrid and remote instruction.
Substitute Teacher at Darien Public Schools
January 1, 2024 - Present
Provide instructional support across core subjects with strong classroom management, adaptability, and a focus on student engagement while maintaining continuity of learning.
Instructor, Visual Narrative / Comics / Writing at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
Led studio-based courses for BFA/MFA students in Introduction to Comics & Visual Storytelling; Figure Drawing for Narrative Art; Sketchbook Practice & Observation; Digital Tools for Comics; facilitated critiques, portfolio development, and student exhibitions; produced instructional videos and digital course materials for remote learning.
Instructor, Visual Narrative / Comics / Writing (Online) at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016
Led online courses in similar areas, integrating remote learning tools, critiques, and portfolio development for distance learners.
Author / Illustrator at Freelance / Independent Contractor
January 1, 1997 - Present
Created original comic series and graphic novels (Red Eye Press). Completed commissioned illustration work for Marvel, DC Comics, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, NBC Universal, Topps/Fanatics MLB, MLS, and more. Managed production from concept to final product, including writing, illustrating, lettering, and pre-press.

Education

Bachelors fine art at The School of Visual Arts
December 31, 1994 - November 20, 2025
Master of Arts in History at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Master of Education at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cartooning/Illustration (minor in Art History) at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 1998
Master of Arts at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Master of Education at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Cartooning/Illustration (minor in Art History) at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 1998
Master of Arts - MA, History at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Master of Education - MEd at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Cartooning/Illustration at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 1998
Master of Arts, History at Fitchburg State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2027
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Cartooning/Illustration, Minor in Art History at School of Visual Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Capstone: Graphic Novels as Tools for Literacy in English Learners at School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
January 11, 2030 - April 17, 2026

Qualifications

Endorsement: History and Social Studies, Grades 7-12
March 28, 2024 - March 27, 2032
Sheltered English Immersion
July 1, 2016 - April 1, 2026
Endorsements History and Social Studies, Grades 7 through 12
March 28, 2024 - March 27, 2032
Sheltered English Immersion
July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Endorsements: History and Social Studies, Grades 7-12
March 28, 2024 - March 27, 2032
Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement
July 1, 2016 - April 1, 2026
Master of Education
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
History & Social Studies (Grades 7–12)
January 11, 2030 - April 17, 2026
CT Educator Certificate
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2032
Sheltered English Immersion (SEI)
January 11, 2030 - April 17, 2026
Capstone: Graphic Novels as Tools for Literacy in English Learners
January 11, 2030 - April 17, 2026

Industry Experience

Other, Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet
    uniE621 The Tommy Gun Dolls
    The Tommy Gun Dolls, a 1920s crime fiction graphic novel. Illustrations and words by Dan Cooney A gin-soaked grifter leads a gang of bawdy burlesque girls to avenge their friend's murder in Prohibition Era San Francisco, knocking off Mob-owned speakeasies for clues in this sordid tale of tragic romance. graphicnovel illustration comicbooks 1920s crime fiction bookcover bookillustration From the city's seedy underworld of seductive speakeasies, to the bootlegging empire that rules the backstreets, up to the Nob Hill mansions of society's elite, pleasure is a sin, and desperate desires are driven by temptation and corruption from the unlikeliest suspects. illustrator
    uniE621 "Bombshell" Black Canary
    Black Canary "BLUE"--SIGNED. Illustrated by Dan Cooney, Colors by Lisa Gonzales 12" x 18" 80 lb. Gloss paper stock Media Used: Pen and Ink, digitally colored. illustrator blackcanary dccomics pinup cosplay
    uniE621 Bettie Page
    Bettie Page - mixed media on heavyweight Strathmore archival paper--100% cotton, acid free vellum Bristol. 11" x 14" SIGNED. illustrator bettiepage pinup model
    uniE621 Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby from the Peaky Blinders
    Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby from the Peaky Blinders. Graphite on cold press paper. illustrator peakyblinders thomasshelby cillianmurphy graphite pencil portrait
    uniE621 Star Wars Sketch Cards
    Illustrated sketch cards for Topps Entertainment--official licensed product of Lucasfilm. illustrator starwars sketch portrait scifi yoda darthmaul Ahsoka topps