ANI 225 Making Comics
Summary
Comics stand alone in the amount of power it gives to it's creator. The author not only provides the words but the actual actors who carry out the story, the direction of the characters, the precise design of everything from the clothing worn to the props and setting, an entirely unique universe waiting to be created. Truly the only limitation in comics is the authorʼs own imagination. Obviously comics can be humorous, but they can also be a way to exploring ones self, what is important to you, and reflecting that to the world around you. The emphasis of this class will be to learn the basics of cartooning.
Each student will be expected to keep a sketchbook of one kind or another. This will be a place to collect doodles, life drawings, memories, anecdotes, ideas and notes, and will act as fuel to produce our cartoon narratives. Our mantra for the next 10 weeks will be; write what you know, draw what you love.
There will be no emphasis on any genre in this class. Students will determine for themselves what kind of stories they want to tell. This is not a how-to-draw class. Though doodling and simple exercises each week each student will sharpen the skills they already have. With an emphasis on clear communication over draftsmanship, this class will be challenging to both novice to those who have already taken a crack at comics.
Texts
Talk to Aaron about text
Grading
Your final grade is based on: Attendance and puntuality, participation, and your weekly journal. Each Tuesday I will check your journal and give 16, 11, or 9 pts. Each Journal is worth 16 points.
An A in class is reserved for those who put in more time than requested. Those who go out and pur themselves into their sketchbooks, and are interested in the world. You will begin to see the world in an exciting way, and the other students will notice. This isn?t based on pre existing drawing ability, but effort and passion.
A ?B? grade is for those who do the work, do it on time, and do it well. A ?B? is good!
And a ?C? grade is for those who minimally meet my requests. A ?C? is okay!
Prerequisites
NONE
Course Objectives
Students should have a basic knowledge of the skills that go into making
comics, and the fundamentals of graphic storytelling.
Should feel more comfortable doodling, and have fun using ink.
Your grade will be influenced by the following criteria:
Clarity over clutter. Marrying words and images is difficult, and
there needs to thought into how the reader will read your comic.
Creativity, originality. You can be influenced by a comic or a genre, but
the end result needs to be all you.
How interesting it is to me as the reader, and to your classmates. Why
make something if it isn?t interesting? Comics have an advantage over
regular prose? comics have pictures! Comics ARE pictures! You can flip
through it and be whisked away without even reading it! Tell visually and
intellectually stimulating stories.
Meet the deadlines. These projects are as fun as you make them. So
they shouldn?t even feel like homework? but you need to get them done.
If your work isn?t available during in class discussions, your grade will
reflect this.
Be prepared for class. There is not a lot needed to make comics. You
can really do it with anything. You can make comics with ketchup on a
napkin. But I would prefer you bring in your socially normal drawing tools
to class. Paper, pens, pencils, erasers, etc. (Look at Supply List)
Work hard. We will discuss how important editing is, and you may find
that you may need to self edit sometimes, scrap pages you are unhappy
with. Those who really push themselves to make fantastic work will have
the most fun.
Supplies
Supplies: 20 sheet pad of bristol smooth finish paper, unless you are thinking about trying a brush, then I recommend vellum finish bristol. 9x12 or larger. Our final work will be on this paper. (be prepared to buy a second pad if you go through it.)
Pencils, #2 or slightly harder (or non photo blue if that interests you)
Correction supplies, i.e. erasers, Wite-Out.
Inking tools. This is also really up to you what you use. But I can recommend many different tools you may not have used before. But it will be an emphasis that you use ink in your sketchbook.
Recommended tools:
Speedball Ink (Waterproof!)
Speedball Nib Set (any but lettering set) http://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-cartooning-pen-and-nib-project-set/?clickTracking=true
Watercolor brush round #2
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen: http://www.dickblick.com/products/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/?clickTracking=true
Ahab Flex Pen: http://www.gouletpens.com/Noodlers_Ahab_Flex_Nib_Pens_s/1098.htm
Sketchbook. This is really up to you. It should feel comfortable in your hand, and easy to have with you at all times. You should like the way the paper feels, and if the manufacturer tells you what sort of media is best, look for one that says ink, or all media. Most importantly its that you enjoy drawing in it. (If you already have one you like, then awesome.)
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296