Illustration and Comics

ILLUSTRATION & COMICS
Be creative

For students who want to apply their drawing talents to the art of comic book story telling.  Learn about the many influences comics, and their characters, have on society.  You will gain an understanding of effective visual storytelling techniques as well as the best practices for the comic creation process.  Using traditional materials such as pencil and ink, you will create a visual narrative accompanied by a written script.

LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALS
Our Illustration & Comics course is taught by Kent Archer. Kent has taught art courses at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Sacred Heart High School in Kingston Massachusetts and numerous local art centers. He has worked in the field of comic books since 2005 when he co-launched the popular webcomic − Dr McNinja. His work has been published by Archie Comics, IDW Publishing, Dark Horse Comics, and Topps Trading Cards.

BROADEN YOUR SKILLS IN THE INDUSTRY
Kent Archer has studied under some of comics’ biggest and most successful artists, and his work has been published by mainstream comic companies. 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!

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS IN
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.

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
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.

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

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

You will:

• Develop an understanding of the techniques used for story telling in comic books.
• Develop your understanding through experimentation with a variety of drawing, inking and coloring techniques.
• Have the opportunity to discuss your work and share your ideas with your tutor who is an industry professional.

Quick facts

Sample Program