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THE Stephan franck SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM 2026
Description and Overview
In recognition of Stephan Franck’s incredible contributions to the world of visual storytelling, the CTN Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a new graphic novel scholarship in his name. The Stephan Franck Scholarship Award will support emerging talent in the field, offering artists the chance to gain the resources needed to develop their craft and successfully tell their own stories. Now in its' second year, the scholarship officially launched in 2025, celebrating Stephan’s legacy and inspiring the next generation of graphic novelists.
This scholarship award offers a rare opportunity to work with this master storyteller who's skill and experience takes him between feature film, comics, and creating captivating, visual worlds.
Celebrating the spirit of the independent storyteller, the Stephan Franck Scholarship Award is designed for artists who dare to carve their own creative path. Focused on Graphic Novels, this scholarship supports those who not only craft compelling narratives but also navigate the business of bringing their visions to life.
This award offers a rare opportunity to work with a master storyteller whose skill and experience span the creation of captivating visual worlds. Whether you're building stories, directing films, or crafting graphic novels, this scholarship empowers you to develop both your artistic voice and the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive as an independent comic creator.
IVAN IRIATE
Full Scholarship Awardee 2025
"The most valuable experience I had is discovering that making comics is easy, but making comics "well" is harder. There is a lot more that goes into making a good comic book than I first thought, and while I was nowhere close to making a good comic book my first time around. I have improved with every iteration, and knowing that I can, and do improve is my greatest source of motivation." ~Ivan Iriarte, Illustrator
PATRONS
Full Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- The number of one-on-one sessions is subject to change based on Pro's schedule.
- Study program over the course of 5 months
- Two Complimentary 4-day Premiere ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Certificate of Achievement upon completion
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- One virtual group meeting
- Two Complimentary 4-day Basic ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Certificate of Achievement upon completion
Honorable Mentions
Partial Scholarship Awards
Honorable Mentions
- Two Complimentary 1-day Walk Around ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
MEET YOUR MENTOR STepHAN FRANCK
Stephan Franck is an award-nominated animator/writer/director/comic book creator, who supervised the animation of MARVEL STUDIO’s ”WHAT IF…?” season 1, and is currently directing new episodes of the series. He was a supervising animator on the cult classic THE IRON GIANT, and contributed story to DESPICABLE ME.
He co-created the animated TV series CORNEIL & BERNIE (Nicktoons - Hub Network), received an Annie Award nomination for Best Director In a TV Program for the featurette SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW.
Equally active in comics, Stephan founded the comic-book publishing company DARK PLANET, and his graphic novel debut SILVER earned a nomination for the prestigious Russ Manning Award at San Diego Comic Con’s Eisner Awards. SILVER was followed by its prequel ROSALYND, LA crime series PALOMINO and ROMANCE IN THE AGE OF THE SPACE GOD. A new hardcover edition of SILVER is currently published by Abrams ComicArts.
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KATIE LAZO
Partial Scholarship Awardee 2025
I have received wonderful feedback from my mentor Stephan Franck on my project! My classmates in the entire program are all just as passionate as I am, and it fills me with a wonderful sense of camaraderie. I look forward to being a part of the CTNx community for life. ~ Katie Lazo, Comic Creator and Storyboard Artist