“Good comic book writers think in pictures as well as words.” 

Anina Bennett (writer / producer of “Boilerplate robot hoax” and “Dark Horse Comics”)

A comic book is a powerful medium of expression that speaks a wide variety of ideas and emotions across all genres.

One of the greatest challenges of creating stories for this medium is to improve visual thinking , converting a plot into a pictorial language, ready for an illustrator to draw. Even if you’re working as the writer and illustrator, practising that visual language is essential.

As well as the art and script, the power of the medium comes from these elements of a comic book:-

• Panels
• Lettering
• Word / thought balloons
• Captions
• Sound effects
• Panels
• Borders
• Gutters

The business of arranging panels, for example can actually be quite complex, even though we know the basic knowledge of reading from left to right and down the page. Even pros can get this wrong!

Drew Spence has just emerged from a huge comic book project where he is going to show you how to conquer some of the barriers that impair that visual thinking in an eight part new coaching course.

In this first free session, he’s going to outline the course and lay some of the groundwork for creating a visually appealing comic book.

You can learn more about and apply to the complete course HERE

Session 1  : Constructing a Narrative

Please note the start time is earlier than usual

Date : Saturday 18th September

Time : 19:00 BST (London) / 14:00 PDT (Los Angeles) / 11:00 EDT (New York)

Webinar Content

• Introduction to the course
• What is sequential art? What makes outstanding sequential art?
• How is story structure mapped onto a comic book layout?
• Explained : expression and exaggeration for character arcs

Premium Ticket

• Includes searchable recording of this session with captions
• Bonus tutorial : DAZ Studio FIGHT SCENES : The Vital Creative Guide

This coaching group is specifically for :-

1. Artists that needing tutoring with visual thinking in a group of like-minded comic book creators
2. Comic book creators that feel that their visual story lacks impact or emotion
3. Creatives who need a deeper comprehensive understanding of comic book elements and how to use them effectively.

We’ll be using Photoshop in the main, but will look at the equivalent actions in GIMP or other editing software depending on the make up of the group.

This is a trusted and safe place for you to get support, feedback, accountability, camaraderie and new perspectives from people you can trust and who have similar creative aspirations to you.

We promise to support you in every way we can by sharing knowledge, techniques, resources and mindsets to realise your creative goals.

Learn more about the Coaching Group and apply HERE.

Proven Experience

Your Mentor : Drew Spence

Drew Spence is a graphic comic writer and illustrator from the United States. He creates under the title of The Dynamic Universe, which published the digital comics Force Six, The Annihilators and Killer Butterfly. He has combined his music and video into several works including Mark of the Griffin, which is both a graphic novel and web series. These comics are available in digital format on comiXology and in print from Indy Planet. He is part of the instrumental group Fallout Shelter which provides the soundtrack.

Drew is a graduate of Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art and holds various certificates – from graphic arts to web design. He currently lives on Long Island, New York and produces his work from the aptly named Fallout Shelter Studios, where he crafts crafty and clever comics using CGI and photorealistic image manipulation.

Your Coaching Group Teaching Assistant : Tiffanie Gray

“I am a writer, artist, songwriter, actress, seamstress, crafter of many kinds, teacher and life-long learner.

I’m always happy to help whether it is a software issue or creative issue, or just an issue of the day. My favorite softwares are PD Howler, Daz Studio, IrFanview and FlowScape. I also work with Poser, Filter Forge, JSPlacement and am learning Rebelle, (other eMotion software), GIMP, PS, Blender, Hexagon, Blacksmith 3d, Curvy3d, Bryce (maybe, I might drop it and stick with Blender), and Carrara.”

During the course what will you experience?

• Weekly live training and coaching to learn comic book creation comprehensively.
• Clarity from a comic book creator expert : Drew Spence
• Shared active learning during sessions working on provided assignments
• Belong to a close-knit group of like-minded artists
• A private chat group and forum to keep the class connected every day
• Recognition of your progress and improvements
• Weekly challenges to help your strive and grow throughout the course

What other coaching group members are saying…

“John Haverkemp’s ZBrush Forge course helped me go from an absolute ZBrush beginner to completing a full project in ZBrush and produce PBR textures and normal maps in Substance Painter. John is patient, yet proceeds at a good pace. There are a lot of ZBrush videos on the web, but they don’t come with a hands-on tutor! When ZBrush’s interface and brushes became overwhelming, I could still hear John say “Don’t be stuck!” He wanted us to always ask for help. John illustrated everything from the basics of designing and developing a concept, to blocking out basic shapes, to adding detail with specialized techniques, to exporting finished models and texturing in Substance Painter. The class size allowed for individual feedback. Although I was a beginner, classmates with more experience also received feedback appropriate to their level of expertise. Because of John’s constant addition of extra ‘skill modules,’ beginners and advanced could proceed at their own pace. I intend to participate in John’s next class.”

Ted Murphy on John Haverkamp’s ZBrush Forge

“Taking the Daz Studio Rigging Masterclass was one of the best decisions ever. Presented by Esha, who has a wealth of knowledge and not shy to share with her audience. Rigging is a complicated process and I jumped at the opportunity to learn from someone, that is well-known and respected in the Industry. The course is presented in a way that is easy to understand, follow and learn. The Slack group offers opportunities to interact with other members. In my opinion, this course presented me with a better understanding of workflow, techniques and exceeded my expectations. Paul is professional, entertaining and course materials are delivered on-time. He understands the issues that users face and offers affordable solutions to improve their knowledge in a friendly environment.

Once again, thank you for making this course available!”

Nelieta on the DAZ Studio Rigging coaching group