Graphic Novel and Comix

In this drawing course students will learn the essential fundamentals as related to the development of unique and varied characters including animal anatomy and fantasy creatures that make up the standard graphic novel. Character creation can take on varied forms with unique methods such as ink blotting and drybrush. Students will develop a variety of unique characters that could eventually make up the cast of their own long form graphic novel using varied mediums and approaches. They also will study how to achieve different moods with body language and facial expressions when drawing their characters. They will also use their experience from Life Drawing to place their characters in different environments.

In this course students will be introduced to one of the main elements that make up the compositional aspects of comics and graphic novels, that is the importance of layout in all comic books. They will learn how to design a typical page spread as relates to word balloons and frame pacing, and how important it is to the thread of the narrative. Students will also be introduced to the aspects of calligraphy and hand lettering as relates to composition and page design.

In this second level of writing for comics you'll learn about both fiction and non-fiction aspects of comic book narrative. They will begin a term length project of creating a long script or series of shorter scripts of 32 pages in a theme of their choice. You can opt for an epic adventure single script or a short script/joke a week as in syndicated comics. You will also learn to create and edit dramatic and comical written content in both long and short form.

In this third level of drawing for comics we will switch our focus from character development to the importance of creating believable and compelling environments with the study of two and three point perspective. All graphic novels rely on setting and Point of View (POV) and in this course students will develop the ability to create convincing worlds, both real and imagined, to better tell their stories and sell their concepts. Students will indulge in real world observation with field sketches and notebook studies.

In this course students 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.

In this second intensive workshop students will be introduced to the specialized Photoshop tools and technology for the advanced creation of digital imagery for comics. Emphasis will be placed on aesthetics imagery creation for illustrative composites