Cartooning Fundamentals

This beginners course will give you a foundation in the creative and technical aspects of all the applications of cartoon art. The skills that you'll learn may be applied to animation, comic books, graphic novels, panel cartoons, humorous illustration, storyboarding or newspaper strips.

Close attention will be paid throughout the course to the work of cartoon masters such as Will Eisner, Robert Crumb, Ronald Searle, Steve Bell, Charles Schultz, Harvey Kurtzmann and many others.

Topics covered

You will be taken through all the components of cartoon drawing and illustration, which will include:

• materials
• character design and construction
• page layout, framing, lettering, and caricature
• pencilling, inking with brush and pen
• stylistic approaches, facial expression
• tricks of the trade, ideas and scripting
• drawing from the imagination
• acting, implied action, cartoon effects, and studio practices

You will be required to complete various assignments throughout the course that will incorporate practical applications of the cartoon principles listed above.

Who should take this course?

This course is geared towards aspiring cartoonists, animators and comic artists of all levels, who wish to acquire, or improve upon existing cartooning skills.

Entry requirements: Some basic drawing experience is helpful but not required.

Level: Beginners

Please note: This course is for students aged 18 and older