What is the course about?
Learn about the vibrant world of making and self publishing mini comics and fanzines. You will explore the work of key comic and fanzine artists and create your own innovative publication.
You will contribute to a collective class comic publication and participate in the vibrant underground movement of mini comics and fanzines. A great opportunity to communicate your visual and narrative ideas with the world.
What previous students liked about the course: .
“The fact that there was an end product. I also loved the flexibility of the tutor to my, and others individual learning needs.”
“Good relaxing atmosphere, felt comfortable in group, teacher was encouraging and helpful. Boosted self-confidence.”
“It covered a lot in a short time. Positive relaxed atmosphere. Helpful tutor.”
“Receiving tips. Executing a mini-comic from start to finish.”
“Time to draft own work with feedback.”
What will we cover?
- The form and function of mini comics and fanzines
- Inspirational work of historical and contemporary key comic and fanzine artists
- Planning a short comic narrative
- Different methods of drawing, mark making and collage
- Researching and using a range of design techniques to create page layouts
- Explore dynamic relationship of text and image
- Different methods for creating text
- Printing your fanzine.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the form and function of mini comics and fanzines
- Have an awareness of the work of some key comic and fanzine artists
- Undertake visual research
- Plan your own short comic narrative
- Plan the design of a mini comic or fanzine
- Prepare your mini comic or fanzine work for printing.
What students have achieved on their course:.
“I have learnt to relax a bot and simplify the process. I have found it is not as complicated as I thought it was.” HJ
“Complete 2 pages of comic. Chance to draft a short comic and experiment.” AG
“Learned how to condense material into clear visual narrative. Perspective. Tips, cartoonists ‘shorthand’ for visual elements.” MD
“Confidence – character creation – clearer story lines.” CC
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners course.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance and hand-outs. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in Animation, Cartooning, Digital arts, Film, Graphics, Illustration, Photography and Web design.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a sketch book to record visual ideas, some black fineliner pens (medium to thick) and a memory stick. All other materials will be provided.
If you would like to buy art materials for your personal use outside of the course, City Lit students receive 10% discount off everything* from Cass Art, the UK's leading art supplies retailer. Your tutor will advise you on what you should buy. You will need to show your enrolment receipt in-store to receive your discount. Visit the Charing Cross shop at 13 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0EP or find your local shop at www.cassart.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply, visit www.cassart.co.uk/students.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Develop your skills further with VK401 Drawing for comic books, VF502 Drawing caricatures, VG272 Photoshop: stage 1 or VG282 Photoshop: stage 2. You can also compliment your illustration skills with a range of courses in illustration, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details