january, 2025
Time
January 13 (Monday) 6:30 pm - March 10 (Monday) 8:30 pm
Location
Parkside Community College
Parkside, Cambridge, CB1 1EH
length of course
8 weeks
Course details
Brief Description: For Beginners this course explores the skills and craft of writing and drawing for graphic novels, Zines and comics. In the realm of self-expression, zines, comics and graphic novels stand
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Course details
Brief Description:
For Beginners this course explores the skills and craft of writing and drawing for graphic novels, Zines and comics.
In the realm of self-expression, zines, comics and graphic novels stand as powerful, intimate canvases where words and art intertwine to tell unique and personal stories. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a complete beginner, this course invites you to dive into this vibrant world, where your imagination takes centre stage, and the medium gives you an opportunity to express the personal stories you carry within.
With the raw authenticity of hand-drawn illustrations in tandem with compelling text you will craft graphic storytelling that resonates and captivates.
You’ll unravel the art of storytelling:
We will start with a combination of exploration of the work of experts, creative writing and drawing activities, then draw out your unique ideas translating them into illustrations and captivating sequences. You’ll understand how graphic storytellers blend words and images, and apply this knowledge to you own storytelling, creating not just pieces of art but windows into your soul.
Characters are at the heart of storytelling. Together, we also will delve into the intricacies of character creation, exploring the nuances of their personalities, backstories, and motivations. From the subtle quirks that make them memorable to the complexities that drive their every action, we’ll unlock the secrets to forging characters that resonate with readers and viewers alike.
This course is more than just a technical journey. It’s an exploration of self, a celebration of your individuality, and a platform for your voice to be heard. Together, we’ll navigate the creative process, from conceptualization to completion, and you’ll leave with not just a collection of graphic storytelling in the form of zines, but a newfound confidence in your ability to share your stories with the world.
Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?
No experience necessary, this course is suitable for all.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:
- Foundational Character Development Skills:
• Participants will acquire basic skills to create simple yet expressive autobiographical characters, gaining an understanding of character roles within personal stories. - Introduction to Autobiographical Storytelling:
• Students will develop a foundational grasp of autobiographical storytelling, learning basic story structure, pacing, and the integration of visual and textual elements to create a coherent narrative. - Basic Drawing Techniques:
• By the end of the course, beginners will demonstrate an understanding of drawing techniques for comics and graphic storytelling. - Introductory Zine-Making:
• Participants will acquire introductory skills in creating autobiographical zines, including basic layout design, resulting in a introductory-level project that effectively communicates personal stories in a simple and accessible format.
Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:
None.
For the first session you will need to bring:
Pen/Pencil and Paper.
On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?
Diving deeper into creative writing and graphic novels.
Further development in drawing techniques.
Further development in multimodal storytelling.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
£125 (£77 concession) Please call the office on 01223 712340 to pay with your card.
Tutor
Emma Louise PrattEmma is an artist and writer creating and exhibiting bodies of work for over 20 years. Since 2020, her interests have been more consciously in the medium of long form comic , otherwise known as "graphic novel". Her first completed long form work was long listed for the First Graphic Novel prize and is currently being negotiated for dramatisation. She has been a finalist and runner up in numerous painting prizes in her native New Zealand and in Spain. To find out more, see Emma's work and her teaching ideas see: her website: https://emmapratt.com/ and Koekoeā Studio Learning: https://koekoea-studio.thinkific.com/