How to Create Comics

Begin the course with a look at what comics are and why they are so appealing, and also get a brief overview of what you may need to create your own comics. Then, take a look at some of the artists and writers that have made comics such an appealing and fascinating form with so many different possibilities. Close with a few book suggestions that can help aspiring comic creators.

Learn how comics are formatted and how to talk about layout, configuration, and other aspects of comic creation. Look at a variety of different examples from various artists that demonstrate the many possibilities, from single panels to full-page strips. Also learn the ins and outs of word balloons and how to place text.

Get an overview of the tools of the comics trade, with a focus on traditional, non-digital tools and supplies. With Professor Bagge’s help, you will learn the best paper, pencils, pens, brushes, and other items to use if you want to create your own comics, or simply get an inside look at the toolkit used by your favorite comics artists.

Since the images and words in comics work in a very specific harmony, writing for comics is not the same as it is for other forms. Better understand the dynamics of writing for comics, from why you should write first and draw later to the many options you have for outlining and structuring your story.

A big part of what makes a comic strip or comic series work is the design of the characters. Learn why simplicity is key when it comes to characters you will draw over and over again and look at the different ways you can come up with characters, as well as how to decide the level of realism you want to achieve and what audience you are hoping to reach.

While comics have since branched out into many different kinds of storytelling, their origins lie in humor. But humor can be surprisingly difficult to do well. Dive into the way comics can be used to make us laugh, whether it is through visual gags and silly jokes or complex, real-life experiences and narrative humor.