Tuesdays, 7:30pm-9:30pm EST via Zoom
January 16th through February 20th

In this six-week workshop, we’ll get acquainted with the basics of comic-making through a series of readings, exercises, and prompts. We’ll address:

• How do you build narrative in a comic?

• How do use layout and panelling to create pacing in comics?

• How does the composition of a panel affect a reader’s interpretation?

• Comics is more than illustrated text. What does it mean to use image and text in relation to one another?

We’ll consider these questions together and get your creative juices flowing: from day one, you’ll be making your own work. You’ll have assignments each week that we’ll workshop during our sessions together, so you’ll have lots of opportunity to think critically about the form and create your own work, and the tools to keep developing your art after the course ends.

Do I need to know how to draw?
Short answer: No
Long answer: Everyone can draw! You do not need a background in drawing to take this course. There are many brilliant comic artists who use simple styles effectively, and we’ll be taking a look at their work and doing a series of exercises to limber up and reconnect to drawing as a joyful, expressive exercise. One the first day, I’ll go over some principles for working in a simple style and how to work within your limitations to create interesting work. That said, we will NOT be focussing on drawing tutorials in this class: instead, we’ll focus on discussing the mechanics of comics (panels, layout, narrative, and so forth), so keep in mind that you won’t be, say, learning anatomy. As long as you feel that you can respond to the prompts and create marks on a page, you’re welcome to join.

Is this class for New Yorker style gag cartoons?
Short answer: No
Long answer: This class is about comics, which are longer than a single panel. Many of the same principles apply, but we won’t be limiting ourselves to just one specific form.

Do we need to buy specific materials?
Short answer: No, as long as you can share it with the class as a file
Long answer: I’ll offer suggestions if you need them, but all of the assignments in this course can be completed using whatever materials you like. If you love digital drawing on ProCreate, go for it. If you’re a watercolor person, perfect. If you’re not sure, I suggest a ballpoint pen and computer paper. Comics aren’t fussy. The only requirement is that you’re able to share the work in class , so expect to scan or photograph any non-digital work and send it as a JPG, PNG, or PDF file to the group.

How much time should I expect to spend outside of the weekly sessions?
You’ll have a prompt to create a 1-3 page comic each week, and 20-30 minutes of suggested readings (short-form comics).

Other questions?
sofiawarrenart@gmail.com