Sara Varon

In this course, students will cover the basics of comics from A to Z, with a focus on printed comics. The class will start with technical aspects including drawing materials, composition, dialogue, lettering, panels, and framing. We will then discuss story-writing including character creation, setting, and plot. In the last several weeks, students will create their own 8 page comic, moving from thumbnails to pencils to final art. Finally, students will design a cover (to be printed on the Risograph,) lay out their comic in InDesign, print out multiple copies of their comic, and assemble their own mini-comic.

Good stories can come from anywhere, and any story can be interesting no matter the subject matter. This class will focus on the best way to create concepts for stories and how to properly execute them, with a strong emphasis on writing, revision, using the proper tools, artistic process and drawing technique. Students will complete short, one to two page stories each week, while also working toward three six to eight page stories that will be compiled into their own printed comic at the end of the semester. Various comic samples will be provided from a range of diverse sources. Short story assignments will be assigned in the beginning of the semester that will focus on specific aspects of making comics (i.e. perspective, using reference, creating mood, etc). Students will also be making three longer stories that will be compiled into one comic at the end of the semester.

In this class, we will be making printed zines and mini-comics in small editions, using non-traditional book-making techniques. The focus of the class will be for students to consider how form can emphasize content. Projects will include making books within books, books with cut-out or pop-up elements, books with fold-out pages, books with pockets, etc. In each project, students¿ choices should help further their story or subject matter. The class will look at a number of artists who have made these kinds of books. We will start with Bruno Munari¿s picture books which use features like die cuts and translucent pages to help tell his stories. We'll also look at comics by John Pham, whose books also often include interactive
elements. The class will visit the Joan Flasch Artist Book library to explore their collection of artist books. For technical instruction, we will refer to several of Esther K Smith¿s books about making books as well as the Brooklyn Educational Manual. The class will consist of 5 projects. Projects 2-4 will have required elements; the final project will be up to each student. By the end of the class, students will have a better understanding of how best to embellish their stories and ideas through form. They will also have a solid understanding of zine-making and simple bookbinding techniques.