For students who want to apply their drawing talents to the art of comic book storytelling. Learn about the many Influences comics, and their characters, have had on society. You will gain an understanding of effective visual storytelling techniques as well as best practices for the comic creation process. Using traditional materials such as pencil and ink, you will create a visual narrative accompanied by a written script.LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALSOur Illustration & Comics course is taught by Kent Archer. Kent has taught art courses at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Sacred Heart High School in Kingston Massachusetts and numerous local art centers. He has worked in the field of comic books since 2005 when he co-launched the popular webcomic − Dr McNinja. His work has been published by Archie Comics, IDW Publishing, Dark Horse Comics, and Topps Trading CardsBROADEN YOUR SKILLS IN THE INDUSTRYKent Archer has studied under some of comics’ biggest and most successful artists, and his work has been published by mainstream comic companies. You will learn the process behind making comics as well as learn the secrets to being successful in the comic book business. This course will help you prepare for portfolio reviews with editors as well as emphasize the importance of meeting deadlines once you’re given your first comic book gig!DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS IN:In this introductory course, students will develop skills across all phases of the comic book creation process. From writing to coloring, students will explore and experiment with the tools, formats, and mediums used by professionals.SCRIPTWRITINGIn the business of comics, it is often the case where one person writes the story and another draws the comic. Students will learn how to put their vision into words and write a detailed, professionally formatted script.DEVELOPING CHARACTERSWhat makes a character relatable and believable? Why do we care about characters and how do they affect our emotions? We will discuss these ideas and learn how to write multidimensional characters.COMIC VOCABULARYWhat is a panel? What are closure and juxtaposition? We will discuss the terminology in the universal language of comics.DIGITAL COLORINGCapture the eye of the reader with brilliant colors using Adobe Photoshop. We will learn the importance of a limited color palette and how to effectively create mood and contrast.PAGE LAYOUT AND COMPOSITIONComics are a visual medium first and foremost. A visually enticing comic page can help effectively tell the story. The job of the artist is to create illustrations that capture the reader, tell the story and, simply put, look cool!PERSPECTIVEThe ability to draw characters and environments in perspective is essential in creating the illusion of depth. This illusion helps create a believable three dimensional world on the comic page.THE BUSINESS OF COMICS/ SELF-PUBLISHING & WEB COMICSSo, now you want to make comics for a living. We will discuss how to break into the mainstream business and work for the largest publishers as well as self-publishing your work in print or on the web.ACCOMMODATIONSingle en-suite roomMeals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)EXCURSIONSOne full day excursion per week is included. Destinations may include Boston, New York and Six Flags Theme Park. Evening activities are varied and fun and may include discos, talent shows and international evenings.PROGRAMME OUTCOMES1. You will develop an understanding of the techniques used for storytelling in comic books.2. You will develop your understanding through experimentation with a variety of drawing, inking and coloring techniques.3. You will have the opportunity to discuss your work and share your ideas with your tutor who is an industry professional.BOOKING FACTS THE COURSE PRICE INCLUDES: Tuition as stated, course materials and end of course certificate Accommodation and all meals Activities and excursions as stated Use of sports facilities where available (as part of a scheduled programme) Individual prices inclusive of £100/$150 registration fee Individual prices inclusive of shared transfers to and from London Airports for all UK centres and at our Boston centre from Boston Logan Airport. THE COURSE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Unaccompanied Minor check-in service (when required by the airline) Transfers to and from Yale and California State University Examination fees (optional) Optional excursion fees Multi-course discountBook two or more courses in the same centre before May 31st 2022 to get a £100 / $150 discount. Discounts are available to individual students and are not applicable to the first programme booked, only for the extra courses. Free summer course offerComplete a CATS or CSVPA summer course in 2022 and get a full refund if you attend a full-time academic programme to start in the intakes of 2022 & 2023.Students will be entitled to the cost of up to two completed summer courses being reimbursed. Sample Programme: https://www.staffordhouse.com/ugc-1/1/14/0/37b5015f-31be-488b-9e20-9f2a7f8d3d6f.pdf