Syllabus

Lynda Barry’s Syllabus is an unconventional teaching guide presented in the form of a hand-drawn composition notebook. It gathers together classroom notes, doodles, exercises, and reflections, creating a book that feels alive in both form and content. The visual style is playful, messy, and layered, drawing readers into the atmosphere of her studio and classroom.

At its heart, the book argues that creativity is not a rare gift but a natural part of being human. Barry’s prompts are designed to lower barriers and help people reconnect with imagination, whether through quick drawings, timed writing, or simple diary sketches. She makes the process accessible and encourages a return to curiosity and experimentation without judgment.

The collage-like presentation can feel chaotic, but that quality also carries the lesson that art is nonlinear and unpredictable. Syllabus functions as both a teaching tool and a work of art, inviting teachers, students, and general readers to rediscover the joy of making. It is a book that does not just talk about creativity but embodies it on every page.

Found here: https://amzn.to/3LrduVN

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