Got an Idea? Let’s get started on your illustrated story project.
Do you want to make a comic or graphic novel? This class is designed to teach writers, illustrators, editors, and appreciators of all different backgrounds the skills needed to get into creating a graphic novel. We’ll discuss the history and tropes of graphic novels, critical thinking, planning, illustration, and writing skills while giving students the opportunity to try their hand at drawing a one-page one shot. The whole time, we will give personalized instruction to each student, according to their needs. Dreams of starting one’s own graphic novel or webcomic are optional, but encouraged.
Each week of the course will focus on theory and craft. The instruction part course is intended to be short and light – most instruction will be tailored to the student’s needs. For the art portion of the course, VisArts will provide pen and paper but students are encouraged to bring the media of their choice if they would like to use this class space to practice with it. They are expected to work on something related to their project during this time, or to be discussing their project with each other or the instructor. Although there is no grading, there is “homework” in the sense that students will be expected to have certain stages of their project ready to be reviewed and workshopped by the next class.
Note: The focus of this class is not on the materials used but on how to put the elements of the comics together. At the end of this workshop, students will have at least a storyboard sketch of one of the scenes of their story and one fully inked page – and hopefully the skills and motivation to continue their project beyond the workshop course.
Suggested Age Range: 14-21, which covers young people in high school and college. This will help to create a supportive environment for students that helps nurture their ideas and encourage interaction and understanding with each other without judgment or negativity.
Returning students are welcome to join the workshop and continue working on their project.
Please use the Notes section on the registration form to list any accommodations you will need during the class. Classes require a minimum enrollment of four students. If classes must be cancelled due to low enrollment, students will be informed one week prior to the start of the class and issued a full refund.