Getting Started on the Cumulative Project: Comic Strip

The Rules

1. The strip needs to at least have 5 panels and fill an entire legal size page (8.5” x 14") completed in a digital imaging program.

2. The very first panel needs to include some information: Your Name and Comic Title. 

3. Challenge yourself to not use text, or the least amount of text possible. Try to let your imagery alone convey the story

4. There NEEDS to be a narrative. 

5. Keep it PG, maybe PG-13. Be tasteful.

6. Submit your comic a high quality JPG AND Screenshots of your layers panel!

 

Ways to Approach the Comic Strip

 

Composite Comic Strip

One method of approaching the Comic Strip is using composite images. Review the Composite Image section in Module 2 before attempting. Essentially, you will be making at least 4 composite images (1 composite for each panel). Make sure to include a document of links to the different images that are not your own when you submit.

 

Vector Comic Strip

Another method of approaching the Comic Strip is using vector graphics. Review the Vectors section in Module 3 before attempting. You are able to use Illustrator for this Project. 

 

Composite & Vector Comic Strip

This method of combining Vectors and Comics is an interesting option to attempt. An example could be a vector character exploring a composite image world OR vice-versa. 

Make sure to review both composite image and vector graphic techniques before beginning.

 

 

Digitally Painted Comic Strip

This option introduces a new technique for those looking for something new, and if they feel confident with the other options. This technique is also best for those with a drawing tablet. 

Please review the next section regarding Digital Painting before attempting.

 

 

Writing a Narrative and Sketches

Your narrative does not need to be a long explanation including your character’s back story. It can be as simple as:

Jack and Jill

Went up the hill

To fetch a pail of water

Jack fell down

And broke his crown,

And Jill came tumbling after.

In the example, two characters were introduced, their objective was clear, there was rising action, a climax, and conclusion. If it does help you to be more detailed, that is fine.

 

As for your sketches, they can be of your characters, possibly layouts for your comic with loose sketches, “dive right in” type of sketching with almost complete comics, etc. . There is no right or wrong here, as long as your ideas are communicated.

 

Getting Started With Your Comic

In both Illustrator and Photoshop, the following steps are the same:

1. File > New

2. Select the Print Tab > Legal

3. Change the Orientation to which you would prefer (Portrait/Landscape)

4. Click Create

5. Using the Rectangle Tool to make your comic panels on your canvas. 

6. Place each panel in it’s own Group (Layer). This will help you keep things organized as you add more and more layers (shapes/ images).

7. Bring in your sketches OR import your composite image “ingredients” OR Dive right in with the Pen Tool OR Dive right in with the brush tool. This step is determined by which approach you are taking to the project.

 

Watch the DEMO video on How to Complete the Comic Strip Project (Design Process Included)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qwh3KHZZH0 Links to an external site.