What does it really look like to build a career as a graphic novelist? In this 5 for 5 interview, Amanda Zieba sits down with Kazu Kibuishi, the creator of the bestselling Amulet series, to talk about storytelling, illustration, creative process, and what life as a professional artist actually looks like.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level author questions. Kazu shares thoughtful insights about:
How stories and art come together in graphic novels
* The creative decisions behind visual storytelling
* Perseverance, revision, and growth as a creator
* What students (and aspiring artists) should know about creative careers
Whether you’re a teacher looking for authentic author content, a graphic novel fan, or someone interested in real-world creative career paths, this interview offers inspiration and practical insight.
Perfect for classroom use:
ELA teachers, librarians, and media specialists can use this video as part of an author study, First Chapter Friday extension, or career exploration unit. Companion classroom worksheets are available to help students listen actively and reflect on Kazu’s ideas. GET THERE HERE: https://wordnerd.myflodesk.com/author-companion-resources
About 5 for 5:
5 for 5 is a short-form interview series featuring authors and creators answering five thoughtful questions designed to spark curiosity, reflection, and conversation.
Music Credit: Amanda Zieba and Suno Pro (2026)
All slides designed by Amanda Zieba in Canva Pro (2026)
#KazuKibuishi #GraphicNovels #AmuletSeries #AuthorInterview #5for5
#VisualStorytelling #CreativeCareers #CareersInArt #MiddleSchoolELA
#ClassroomResources #AuthorStudy #FirstChapterFriday
#IllustrationProcess #LiteracyInspiration #LearningWithTheWordNerd
This conversation goes beyond surface-level author questions. Kazu shares thoughtful insights about:
How stories and art come together in graphic novels
* The creative decisions behind visual storytelling
* Perseverance, revision, and growth as a creator
* What students (and aspiring artists) should know about creative careers
Whether you’re a teacher looking for authentic author content, a graphic novel fan, or someone interested in real-world creative career paths, this interview offers inspiration and practical insight.
Perfect for classroom use:
ELA teachers, librarians, and media specialists can use this video as part of an author study, First Chapter Friday extension, or career exploration unit. Companion classroom worksheets are available to help students listen actively and reflect on Kazu’s ideas. GET THERE HERE: https://wordnerd.myflodesk.com/author-companion-resources
About 5 for 5:
5 for 5 is a short-form interview series featuring authors and creators answering five thoughtful questions designed to spark curiosity, reflection, and conversation.
Music Credit: Amanda Zieba and Suno Pro (2026)
All slides designed by Amanda Zieba in Canva Pro (2026)
#KazuKibuishi #GraphicNovels #AmuletSeries #AuthorInterview #5for5
#VisualStorytelling #CreativeCareers #CareersInArt #MiddleSchoolELA
#ClassroomResources #AuthorStudy #FirstChapterFriday
#IllustrationProcess #LiteracyInspiration #LearningWithTheWordNerd