Illustration & Comics

Explore the art of comic book storytelling
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Illustration & Comics

For students who want to apply their drawing talents to the art of comic book storytelling. Learn about the many influences comics, and their characters, have had on society. You will gain an understanding of effective visual storytelling techniques as well as 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.

Illustration & Comics Program Overview

  • Visual Arts_teal

    Tuition

    Take part in practical lectures and skills workshops where you will design, create and present a comic to your class.
  • Football_teal

    Activities

    Enjoy a variety of onsite activities including sports, arts and team games. Our activities allow students to use the English they have learnt and make international friends.
  • University visits_teal

    Educational Visits

    These visits provide the perfect complement to lectures and workshops and provide a real-world perspective to our courses.
  • College_teal

    Excursions

    Excursions allow students to really get to know the USA. In Boston, students will find historic and cultural information through guided walking tours and visits to museums and other places of interest.
  • Scholarships_teal

    Certificate

    Awarded for the successful completion of the course.

What You Will Learn

In this 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:

  • You will develop an understanding of the techniques used for storytelling in comic books.
  • You will develop your understanding through experimentation with a variety of drawing, inking and coloring techniques.
  • You will have the opportunity to discuss your work and share your ideas with your tutor who is an industry professional.

Activities & Excursions

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.

Sample Timetable

Week 1 Morning
08.45 - 12.00
Afternoon
13.00 - 16.00
Evening
19.30 - 22.00
SUNArrival, induction & campus tour Movie Night
MONDiscussions 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
FRIContinue drawing your comic Learning perspective for panel background Neon Disco Party
SATIncluded Full Day Excursion: Canobie Lake Park Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts
Week 2Morning
08.45 - 12.00
Afternoon
13.00 - 16.00
Evening
19.30 - 22.00
SUNOnsite activities e.g. Team Building Games and shuttles to the mall Movie Night
MONHistory 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 ColoringInternational Night
FRIPresent finished comics to rest of class Included Half-day Excursion: Historical Tour of Plymouth - reference for character design and storytelling Hawaiian Disco Party
SATIncluded Full Day Excursion: Newport, Rhode Island Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts

*This is a sample timetable and all elements are subject to change.

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