Comic artist Robert Atkins teaches this intensive course on how to draw comics. A comics artist has to be good at many different things—drawing anatomy, drawing back grounds, drawing from life, drawing from imagination, drawing action, but above all else, the comic artist must tell a story. If you plan to draw comics or draw manga, this is the class for you. The concentration on storytelling is something essential to comics and something you won’t get anywhere else.
How does this work?
Andy and Robert developed the class to create a certain methodology or approach to telling a story in static images as one does with a comic strip or comic book. This course focuses on how to take the monumental task of producing comic book art from a bunch of jumbled words on paper and reduces it down to a step-by-step process that helps the artist THINK through his or her decisions. It’s not about drawing what’s written without thinking, it’s about taking what’s written, and making it even better.
What you’ll learn from Robert is fairly simple, but difficult to execute. Robert’s wealth of experience and training are at your fingertips. He’s got hundreds of tips, exercises, and suggestions on how to get you started off on your comics making journey way ahead of the pack.
How is this course different from other art classes?
The most obvious difference is that this course focuses on comics and not on some other subject. And with that comes a whole different ball game. The art class here isn’t about anatomy, or still life, it’s about story telling. In order to be a great comic artist, you need to be good at the traditional aspects of art, but story telling is the most important factor of them all, and that’s not a subject taught to most artists.
You could find useful tips in animation classes or film classes, heck even in writing classes, as you have to be as familiar with story structure and character development as the writer is. But this course approaches your art and your goals from the standpoint of comics specifically.
And much of what you’ll learn in the Comics Experience Art course, much of it will apply to many other disciplines as well.
Do I need to know a whole lot about comics?
Absolutely not. All Introduction courses are designed for total beginners and those seeking to improve their craft. The class has a quick pace, so if you’re very new, be prepared to work, but one thing we pride ourselves on at Comics Experience is our ability to teach to an individual’s skill level and talent.
These courses aren’t about the instructor, and that’s why we keep them small. We have an excellent track record with our students or clients, and it’s our top aim to keep it that way. So, new to comics? Come on it, we’d love to show you around! Old pro? Let’s sharpen those skills and learn a few new tricks! Everyone’s welcome, and the group learning will help everyone improve!
Do I need to be a computer wiz for the class?
Nope. Not one bit. You need to have high-speed Internet access. We recommend that you have headphones with a microphone to plug into your computer, but that’s by no means necessary. There are call in options for the phone or you can use regular headphones and your computer mic. Ultimately, you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to, though we like hearing your voice!
It’s simple once you’re in your first class, we’re sure you’ll get comfortable very quickly.
When does the class meet and for how long?
The Introduction to art class meets once a week for six weeks. It meets between 9:00 pm EST and 11:00 pm EST. The course is held live.
What if I miss a class?
Don’t worry if you miss a class. All of our classes are recorded and available to view via streaming link for the duration of the course. And on top of that, you’ll have exclusive access to the Comics Experience message board set up just for the class. You’ll be able to interact with the rest of your class all week long at any time!
If I don’t live in the United States, can I still take the course?
You bet. We’ve had students jump in from Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Not Africa or Antarctica yet, but give us time! Many of these students have not been able to attend live, and they’ve all been happy to view the recordings and interact with the classmates online!
Learning about comic storytelling is great, but do we get any practical industry advice?
You’ll get a LOT of practical industry advice. Networking is one of our main topics in all of our introductory courses. It’s, simply put, essential for anyone who wants a career in comics. We discuss relationship building and ways to get your foot in the door and where to go to meet the right people and so on.
If I don’t want a career in comics, and just like making comics or even just want to learn more about the art form I love, is this class right for me?
Sure it is! How better to expand your knowledge and understanding of comics than by engaging with creators? And that’s what most of our clients and students are—they’re creators. It’s a great place to learn just for fun if you wish too. We’d love to have you!
Who is Robert Atkins?
Robert Atkins is a working comic book artist currently the lead penciler (and sometimes inker) of G.I. JOE for IDW Publishing. He’s currently also doing work for Marvel Comics on both X-Men and Spider-Man comics.
Andy and Robert met in 2008 when Andy was hired to revitalize the G.I. Joe property for IDW and Hasbro. Robert had already been tapped for the job, but Andy was happy he was. They’ve been working together steadily ever since.
Robert studied story telling and art in school, eventually gaining his Masters Degree from The Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the nation’s leading comic art schools.
Not only that, Robert is an exceptional teacher, having taught for many years already. Robert’s ready and willing to help whomever he can and has a genuine gift of teaching as well as art.
How do I sign up?
Click on the Paypal button below and you’ll get an email confirmation and instructions with two business days giving you everything you need to get started with the course.
There simply is no better comics art course offered—on the Internet or live—this is the best—period. If you want to letter comics for fun or become a pro, your comics career starts here. Go ahead and reserve your spot today! Space is limited.
Sign up right now! Just click on the Paypal link below!
Course details:
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The course begins on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011. |
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It meets between 9:00 and 11:00 pm EST, for six weeks. |
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There will be no class on September 27th, so this course will not interfere with the Comics Experience Workshop meeting on that day. |
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You will complete five pages of sequential pages under Robert and Andy’s guidance. |
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You’ll get all of Robert and Andy’s best tips and training. |
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You’ll meet a guest speaker! |
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All of this, for just $495. |
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Simply click on the Paypal button below and you’re enrolled. |
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You only need to bring your brain—the rest is provided. |
The course is limited to keep the class intimate and ensure that every student gets the attention he or she deserves.
Online registration only! Click here to enroll for just $495!
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"Andy was always an inspirational editor to work for. A detail man who never lost sight of the big picture..."
"Andy brought me into Marvel with the Drax p
"Andy's class provides an incredible insight into what it takes to work in the industry. Besides learning the nuts and bolts aspect of what goes into good storytelling, Andy gives a great foundation on how to make contacts in the industry, as well as the etiquette required with those contacts. And it's all supported with entertaining examples of his actual experience in the industry. So whether you're an aspiring writer, trying to figure out how to break into comic book writing, or a comic book fan who wants to hear some insider stories about some of your favorite creators, this class is a must."
"Andy provided practical and valuable insight into what a writer needs to know about scripting a comic and what to do with that script after its completed. I walked away inspired not only by the relaxed but informative conversations from each class, but also by the wealth of ideas that were generated by Andy and the other students."
