PLCAF: How to Draw an Octopus

Next date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM

How to Draw an Octopus—Eight tentacles and... lots of suckers, right?! Cartoons and comics are riddled with inaccurately-rendered cephalopods, not to mention octopus-inspired monsters with serious anatomical issues. Now, experts are setting the record straight! Join cartoonist SS Julian (Octopolis), biologist & author Danna Staaf, Ph.D. (Monarchs of the Sea, The Lady and the Octopus) and cartoonist Josue Cruz (Puppy Knights) in this interactive workshop. Learn the secret of why cephalopods fascinate us, combine their true anatomy with engaging character design, and pick up practical techniques for committing these elusive invertebrates to ink—without losing a limb! Participants are encouraged to bring their sketchbooks, drawing utensils, and a trusty eraser. All ages welcome. Approximately 1 hour

This program is part of the Peninsula Libraries Comic Arts Fest (PLCAF), and you can celebrate 10 years of Peninsula Libraries Comic Arts Fest with us this April 2026! We’ve stood by our mission to celebrate comics and honor them as visual art and literature. Since 2015, you’ve helped enable aspiring artists and inspired readers of all ages through author visits, hands-on workshops, Small Press Comics Expos (SPCE) highlighting local creators, and other comics-related programs. Thank you for your ongoing love of comics!

Our next SPCE will be at the South San Francisco Public Library (901 Civic Campus Way) on Saturday, April 4, 2026! Make sure to mark your calendars and save the date.  Find more PLCAF events at comicartsfest.com

When

Location

2nd Floor Library

Library | Parks & Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, 94080, View Map