ASSIGNMENT

Illustrate a comic page!

Download the class sample script, or browse the class resources to download an alternate script that strikes your interest. Read it carefully (remember, that's the key to understanding your narrative), then draw your own comic book page. As you sketch your drawing, consider:

What reference images will be useful?
What is your page size, and how can you divide it effectively, guiding viewers' eyes to the most important parts of your story?
How can your illustrations pop beyond the panels?
What will the different "camera angles" convey in your work?

For this assignment, we recommend keeping your work in black and white, just as Phil has done in the lessons. We can't wait to see your drawings!

SHARE

All students are encouraged to share inspiration images, their sketches, and their final work in the class project space — and to offer each other feedback! This is an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant visual storytelling community, and we can't wait to learn from each other.

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Sample Images by Phil Jimenez

RESOURCES

Scripts

Phil’s sample script (download PDF)
More DC comics script inspiration

Drawing and Reference

Smithsonian Photo Contest Archives
Smithsonian X 3D
Smithsonian Star Wars Costume Exhibition

Storytelling

Smithsonian: "Norman Rockwell’s Storytelling Lessons" — Read how one of America's most cherished illustrators inspired storytellers like George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg.

Smithsonian: "The New Yorker Editor Who Became a Comic Book Hero" — Read an interview with illustrator Françoise Mouly about how she helped move comics into the mainstream.

Smithsonian: "For Every Object, There Is a Story to Tell" — Read a short piece on how a Smithsonian curator crafts a narrative about a single piece in their collection.

Phil Jimenez

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Related Skillshare Classes

Characters in Motion: Capturing Motion in Illustration - Patrick Brown
Drawing with Dr. McNinja: Creating an Action Comics Page - Christopher Hastings
Storytelling Fundamentals: Character, Conflict, Context, Craft - Daniel José Older
Webcomics Essentials: Drawing Comics Using Photo Reference - George Folz

Benja Cast

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