This course has been designed for students who want to apply their drawing talents to the art of comic book storytelling.??
In this introductory course, students will develop skills across all phases of the comic book creation process. From writing to coloring, students will explore and experiment with the tools, formats, and mediums used by professionals.
You will learn the process behind making comics, as well as learn the secrets to being successful in the comic book business. This course will help you prepare for portfolio reviews with editors as well as emphasize the importance of meeting deadlines once you’re given your first comic book gig!
Through our Illustration & Comics Program you will:
SCRIPTWRITING
In the business of comics, it is often the case where one person writes the story and another draws the comic. Students will learn how to put their vision into words and write a detailed, professionally formatted script.
DEVELOPING CHARACTERS
What makes a character relatable and believable? Why do we care about characters and how do they affect our emotions? We will discuss these ideas and learn how to write multidimensional characters.
COMIC VOCABULARY
What is a panel? What are closure and juxtaposition? We will discuss the terminology in the universal language of comics.
DIGITAL COLORING
Capture the eye of the reader with brilliant colors using Adobe Photoshop. We will learn the importance of a limited color palette and how to effectively create mood and contrast.
PAGE LAYOUT AND COMPOSITION
Comics are a visual medium first and foremost. A visually enticing comic page can help effectively tell the story. The job of the artist is to create illustrations that capture the reader, tell the story and, simply put, look cool!
PERSPECTIVE
The ability to draw characters and environments in perspective is essential in creating the illusion of depth. This illusion helps create a believable three dimensional world on the comic page.
THE BUSINESS OF COMICS/ SELF-PUBLISHING & WEB COMICS
So, now you want to make comics for a living. We will discuss how to break into the mainstream business and work for the largest publishers as well as self-publishing your work in print or on the web.
Students on this course will enjoy one full day excursion per week. Destinations may include Boston, Rhode Island, and Canobie Lake Park. Evening activities are varied and fun and may include discos, talent shows, and international evenings.
| Week 1 | Morning 08.45 - 12.00 | Afternoon 13.00 - 16.00 | Evening 19.30 - 22.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN | Arrival, induction & campus tour | Movie Night | |
| MON | Discussions on what makes good storytelling and scriptwriting | Writing your script and story | Welcome Party: Team Building/ Name Games |
| TUES | How to develop characters Continue writing your script | Boston Harbor cruise & Tour | Halloween Party |
| WED | Figure Drawing | Drawing at Harvard Museum of Natural History and comic shops in Harvard Square | Jeopardy Quiz Night |
| THURS | Continue drawing your comic | Guest Speaker/ Company Visit | Karaoke Night |
| FRI | Continue drawing your comic | Learning perspective for panel background | Neon Disco Party |
| SAT | Included Full Day Excursion: Canobie Lake Park | Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts | |
| Week 2 | Morning 08.45 - 12.00 | Afternoon 13.00 - 16.00 | Evening 19.30 - 22.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN | Onsite activities e.g. Team Building Games and shuttles to the mall | Movie Night | |
| MON | History and influence of comics | Museum of Science | Welcome Party: Team Building/ Name Games |
| TUES | Introduction to the art of inking | Animated/ Comic Movie Trip | Mardi Gras Party |
| WED | The business of comics Self-publishing your comics Studio time | Figure drawing | Minute to Win It Competition |
| THURS | Studio time to draw or ink your comic | Introduction to Digital Coloring | International Night |
| FRI | Present finished comics to rest of class | Included Half-day Excursion: Historical Tour of Plymouth - reference for character design and storytelling | Hawaiian Disco Party |
| SAT | Included Full Day Excursion: Newport, Rhode Island | Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts | |
*This is a sample timetable and all elements are subject to change.
