190
for 8 classes
Class

Create Your Own Comics: Weekly Cartooning Exercises to Get You Started

Completed by 5 learners
Ages 8-10
Live Group Class
In this 8-week class, students will learn the fundamentals of cartooning by completing a series of weekly cartooning exercises before jumping into designing their own graphic novel or comic strip series.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(12 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 8 weeks
2-9 learners per class
45 min

What’s included

8 live meetings
6 in-class hours

Class Experience

Each class will begin with a 15-20 minute cartooning lesson (via slides and/or a demonstration using Procreate) followed by a guided activity.

Week1: Four-panel comic construction and the cartooning process. Activity: Students will complete a 4-panel, 3-act comic using thumbnails, pencils, and inks.
Week 2: Character depiction and development. Activity: Students will use geometric and organic shapes to create new characters to be used in a 4-panel comic. 
Week 3: Timing and sequencing/panel variations. Activity: Students will create a diamond-shaped diary comic showing the passage of time and then create a splash panel.
Week 4: Adding symbols and emanata. Activity: Students will create several illustrations utilizing emanata to express thoughts and feelings. Afterward, students will create their own comic using what they've learned.
Week 5: Creating depth with foreground, middle ground, and background. Activity: Students will make a one-page comic that creates the impression of depth and space.
Week 6: Narration. Activity: Students will discuss narrative point of view in comics. Afterward, students will make their own four-panel comic exploring their own narrative voices.
Week 7: Outlining your personal comic story. Activity: Students will begin to formulate ideas for their personal comic using the "Story Filter" exercise from the book "Making Comics" by Lynda Barry.
Week 8: Begin your personal comic story! Activity: Using the outline created in week 7, students will begin thumbnnailing their graphic novel or comic book strip series, discuss next steps, and ask any final questions.

Note: This is a process (rather than product) focused class. Its real purpose is to discover and explore cartooning as another way to build stories, express thoughts and feelings, and feel present in the moment. Our focus will be on learning and enjoying the cartooning process rather than creating perfect final products. No prior experience is needed for this class but students should be comfortable drawing and writing and have an interest in comics.

Other Details

Supply List
loose paper and or a sketchbook

For thumbnails and pencils:
paper, soft pencils, blue or red colored pencils (optional), a real eraser that works well (important)

For inking:
fineliner pens
or sharpies (two widths preferable- thin and thick)
or brush pens (my favorite)

For coloring: 
crayons
or markers
or watercolors (if preferred) 

Ruler (optional)
Correction fluid (optional)

Alternatively, students can use Procreate or any other drawing app to create their comics digitally however this will not be a class on digital drawing.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
"Making Comics" by Lynda Barry

Meet the teacher

Joined December, 2020
5.0
12reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cartooning from The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont.

Reviews

12 total ratings, 10 with reviews

Josie was so amazingly patient and kind with the girls during this... 
Laura G.on Jun 23, 2021
This class was excellent!! My eight-year-old daughter loved it and Ms.... 
Noelle T.on Mar 6, 2021
My 6.5 year old daughter really enjoyed this class!  She learned a lot... 
Linn T.on Mar 3, 2021
My daughter said she loved this class and wants to take it again!!! 
Amanda G.on Mar 1, 2021
so fun! And delicious. My 5 year old and 3 year old each had a great time. 
Lauren O.on Feb 16, 2021
This was a great afternoon activity for my kids while I had a meeting.... 
Nailah W.on Jan 31, 2021

Parents also liked
Preparing for Military Basic Training - Learn How to Get Ready for Boot Camp!
Omar Ruiz (Mr. O)
4.9
(662)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Tuesday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 40 min
15-18
Funflex Exercise Club With Coach Chris ~ Let's Get Moving!
USA's Prestige Worldwide Education
4.8
(273)
$10 per class
Next session at 4:30 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 25 min
8-13
Squishmallow Workout Club: Exercise With Your Favorite Squish Squad Friends!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 6:05 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1/wk, 35 min
6-11
Let's Go on Weekly Exercise Adventures! (Various Heroes) Self-Paced
Erick Jordan
4.9
(209)
$2 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
5-10
Sonic the Hedgehog Workout Adventure Club! Exercise With Friends! Movement Fun!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 5:25 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 35 min
5-10
Zumba Dance Club! High-Energy Exercise and Dance Workout (8-13)
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 3:40 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 35 min
8-13
Little Bodybuilders Movers and Groovers Exercise and Dance Workouts (Self Paced)
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$15 per week
Self-Paced Class
8 weeks
3-7
Encanto Adventure Club- Zumba Workout, Dance, Sing, Exercise, and Socialize
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$11 per class
Next session at 8:15 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
3-8
Kickin' It: Kickboxing Kids Cardio Club! Movement PE Workout, Strength Exercise
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 7:20 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
9-14
Minecraft Adventure PE Workout: Play Based Movement and Exercise Fun!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$15 per class
Next session at 5:15 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 40 min
7-12
Gabby's Dollhouse Adventure Club- Dance, Exercise, Stretch, Play, and Socialize!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 2:30 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
3-8
Zumba Dance Club! High-Energy Exercise & Dance Workout! (Self Paced)
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
8-18
Junior Bodybuilders Workout Club- Full Body Exercise, Movement and Fitness Fun!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 6:40 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 35 min
7-12
Taylor Swift Dance Club! High-Energy Zumba Dance and Exercise for Swifties!
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per class
Next session at 9:25 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 35 min
9-14
Full Body Exercise- Workout, Health, PE- Strength Basics and Cardio! (8-12) (SP)
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$15 per week
Self-Paced Class
6 weeks
8-12
Encanto Adventure Exercise Dance Club- Zumba Dance, Workout, Play Games! (SP)
Ready Set Fitness Kids- Let's Exercise!
5.0
(972)
$12 per week
Self-Paced Class
6 weeks
3-8
See More Classes
Back