In this course, students learn how to make their own comics, and get them published online! (The Online Publishing Part is Optional.)

(I ALSO HAVE A COMIC BOOK PRINTING/PUBLISHING CLASS.)

Students will create out their own comic story. Students will plan out their stories and characters, going through the whole process of planning, penciling, lettering, and inking on paper. The final part of coloring and editing their work would be done on the computer to give their comic a more professional look. 

OPTIONAL: The students comics can then be published online through Comic Hosting Sites (like Line Webtoon or Tapas), which publishes comics and artwork created by kids. 

✨ITINERARY✨
📣 Students will learn how to create, edit, and color their comic stories. Artwork will be done on paper, then scanned and edited on computer. (If student has a computer tablet and wishes to use that instead, let me know prior to class.)

【Week 1】
✔️ Introduction / Slideshow
✔️ Students will discuss their favorite published comic books and graphic novels.
✔️ Students will look at example comic book pages created by publishers.
✔️ Students will look at different Web Comic Hosting sites online.
      ❖ Tapas (or Line Webtoon) are recommend sites for the students, due to higher amount of readers.
📝 For Homework (Optional): If students want to post their comics online, parents can help them setup an account.

【Week 2】
✔️ Ideas for “Jumpstarting” comic writing - Out of the Box Thinking Ideas with the "Idea Finder"
✏️ EXERCISE: Students do the "Gag, Situation and Idea Finder" activity.
✔️ Students will learn of the Elements of Plot and think about what elements would be in their story.
✔️ The students would then think of ideas for their short comic story. They will write out their plans plans in a story or script format.
      ❖ Students have the option to use an optional scripting format as a guide on how the comic will be drawn. 
      ❖ Students will be able to view examples of movie and comic book scripts for ideas. 
✏️ EXERCISE: Students write out their story plans.

【Week 3】
✔️ Students will work on Character Development and Design. They will also plan out their characters' personality traits.
✔️ Students will plan out a setting for their story. 
✔️ Students will design their characters doing different movements using simple and lines of action as a guide for creating movement. Movement guides will also be available for student use.

【Week 4】
✔️ Students learn about Splash Pages and Splash Panels.
      ❖ Students will think of what would be a great splash page or panel idea for their comic story.
✔️ Students will learn how to add lettering to their comics (Titles, Narration, Sound Effects, Dialogue) to their penciled comic book panels. 
✏️ EXERCISE: Students design their splash panel in pencil. They may continue on other panels when they are done.

【Week 5】
✔️ Instructor will check student panels to make sure they are ready to ink. 
      ❖ It is important to make sure that the spelling/grammar of the text is correct.
      ❖ The text must also not be too small, should be in capitals (like in comic books), and is readable.
      ❖ Some captions may be required to tell the reader what is going on.
✔️ Students will ink their comics, and then erase ALL the pencils.
✔️ Students will pencil their other panels.
✔️ After having their panels checked by the teacher, panels are then inked and pencils erased. They are then scanned onto the computer.
      ❖ Students MAY NOT work on more than 4 panels at one time. 
          (They can work on more panels after the first 4 are COMPLETELY done and the instructor says you can make more.)
      ❖ Students should first have the instructor look over the panels, before they can ink them (and erase the pencils). 
          In between class times, panels can be sent to ray@raytoons.net to be checked.
      ❖ Students DO NOT color the panel. They will be colored later on the computer.

【Week 6】
✔️ Direct Instruction: Students will follow along with the teacher as he shows them how to edit their comic panels on the computer. 
      The teacher also shows them how to color their artwork as well.
✔️ Students will edit and color their comic art. 

【Week 7】
✔️ With the assistance of the teacher, they will setup the layout of the comic book panels onto the page.
      ❖ Layout Page Templates will be available to download prior to class.

【Week 8】
✔️ Optional: Students will upload their comics on Tapas (or some other comic hosting site online).
      ❖ If students are not participating in the online activity, they can just watch for future reference.
✔️ Student will have the option to present their finished comic to their peers and the teacher. 

Materials Needed:
✔️ Computer & Scanner (or a drawing/graphics tablet may be used instead)
     📢 Please install Zoom on the same device as the art software being used. 
           That way the instructor will be able to see what the student is doing and be able to help the student,
           if he or she is having any difficulties.
✔️ Photoshop is recommended.
      If Photoshop isn’t an option for you, a similar art program may be used. 
      Here is a link to other possibilities: https://wp-modula.com/free-photoshop-alternatives.
      A Photoshop alternative that I would recommend is called Photopea, which in online-based, and can be found here:
      https://www.photopea.com  (Contact Ray at ray@raytoons.net if you need assistance.)
✔️ Pencils and Erasers
✔️ Paper
✔️ Fine Point & ultra fine point permanent markers (🖊️Sharpie recommended)
Optional Materials:
✔️ Comic Books (For examples and ideas on a comic story can be laid out.)         
✔️ Printer with Printer Paper  

⚠️This is a LIVE class and is NOT pre-recorded.  
This class will be presented via cameras from the instructor, as well as through screen sharing. That way students can be able to observe step-by-step what the instructor is doing. Students can interact with the instructor, as well ask ask questions during instruction. 

Students are expected to communicate with the teacher. Communication, visuals, and hands-on instruction are all the things that are important in helping the students get a better understanding of the subject.