Graphic Novel and Comix

In this next level of life drawing students will continue to study the forms and proportions of the human figure, as in Level 1, but with an illustration-based direction. With the life model as a source of reference there will be more emphasis on how figure drawing relates to illustration in a storytelling and narrative capacity. Students will work on exercises involving the human figure while continuing to learn the basics of anatomy and proportion. Various media ranging from graphite, watercolour, pastels, and acrylic will continue to be employed as students begin understanding how the figure relates to the environment it exists in.Note: A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

The use of sequential images to tell a story has a long tradition, from cave paintings to graphic novels. In this overview course to the Graphic Novel & Comix Certificate Program you will be introduced to the varied applications used in narrative art; media techniques, character-development, and story-telling. You will explore all forms of sequential art, from graphic novels and comic books to storyboarding for film and animation, and storybooks for children. You will discover the colourful history of narrative illustration through comics, story-boarding, and graphic novels. Note: A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class. Laptops (either Mac or PC), Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, & InDesign, as well as Clip Studio Paint Pro software is optional but highly recommended.

Clip Studio Paint Pro, (formerly Manga Studio) has lately become one of the most popular softwares in comic book and commercial illustration. Its one of the most powerful illustration products on the market and stands out also for its affordable price. Together with Photoshop they offer a vast variety of capabilities to create the comic book and illustration artforms by opening up many different options for the illustrator in todays industry. The course will take you through assignments that reflect real industry standards and requirements in making illustration in this digital format while helping develop your individual stylistic approach to comic book and commercial illustration. Note: Optional for students to have laptops (either Mac or PC), Adobe Photoshop & Clip Studio Paint Pro software, and graphics tablet with stylus.

This course is not offered at this time. Please email jburgess@langara.ca for details.

In this second level of Writing for Graphic Novels & Comix you will begin a term length project of creating a long script of 10-15 pages in a theme of your choice. Opt for an epic adventure, a preposterous farce, a science fiction drama, or any other genre you desire. You will also learn how to create and edit dramatic and comically written content in both long and short form.A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

In this first level of Writing for Graphic Novels & Comix you will be introduced to the elements necessary for creating a proper script. You will explore the tradition of the storytelling in comics and how to generate interest and keep a narrative alive on the page in written form. You will also learn the basic properties of how to format and compose a page properly and the elements that go into creating a simple storyline idea.A supply list will be emailed prior to the start of class.

This course is not offered at this time. Please email jburgess@langara.ca for details.

In this second level of Drawing for Graphic Novels & Comix you will continue to develop those essential drawing skills from Level I but with an emphasis on character. You will continue to develop your own unique style and voice in comic book creation and learn about World-Building and creating a sense of place through mood and expression.A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

In this first level of Drawing for Graphic Novels & Comix you will learn essential drawing fundamentals as relates directly to the creation of comic books and graphic novels. As required in sequential narratives the importance of camera angles and Point of View (POV) will be introduced. You will also learn the importance of pacing in a story and the fundamentals of perspective when creating landscapes and backgrounds and how these elements enhance the narrative.A supply list will be emailed prior to the start of class.

This course is not offered at this time. Please email jburgess@langara.ca for details.

In this course you will learn colour theory in both traditional and digital media as relates directly to comic book art. You will develop an understanding of how mood is enhanced by the use of colour and tonality and be introduced to both conventional and non-conventional approaches of using colour. You will also continue to develop your own personal voice and style in the use of colour. Upon completion of this course students will have an understanding of the muli-uses of colour and how different colours look in print and on-screen. They will have learned how to handle different styles of colour application both traditional and digital. They will have used the knowledge from this course to add colour to the completed scripts from Writing for Graphic Novels & Comix II.

This course is not offered at this time. Please email jburgess@langara.ca for details.

In this course you will be introduced to the importance of hand lettering (inking) and page layout as regarding word balloons, frame by frame pacing, and lettering styles. You will learn the importance of page spread composition and how that reinforces the theme of the work. You will also learn to consider the complete page as a work of art while continuing to learn the historical overview of the comic book industry past and present.A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

In this course you will continue illustration work on your completed scripts in preparation for seeking publishing opportunities outside of the classroom. You will be introduced to the different aspects of self publishing and promoting your work in both print and online. You will also develop a digital or print portfolio and be made industry ready for self publishing or working for larger comic book publishers. Note: A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

Photoshop is one of the most powerful and versatile tools for creating clean and professional digital illustrations. Over the first 6 weeks of this course, students will learn and practice a broad range of digital painting tools + techniques, which will lead to a series of project based assignments and a final project. Creative weekly exercises and real world project assignments will give students an opportunity to progress with confidence towards achieving a high level of painterly and polished illustrated imagery. Students will learn and practice the fundamental tools for working in the Photoshop environment, including the management of pixel-based layers, masks, vector graphics, colour palettes, brushes etc. Best practises and time saving shortcuts will help prepare the student for tight deadlines in the industry. Note: Students will need laptops and graphic tablets with stylus equipped with Adobe Photoshop software to take this course. (Wacom tablets are the most reliable brand for Adobe products)