Drawing, Storytelling
and Characters
In the Illustration / Manga / Comics Course, students learn the techniques of each discipline: composition, paneling, penciling, inking, storytelling and storyboarding, while developing the fundamental skills needed to strengthen the story they want to bring to the page.
Building a Story Panel by Panel
Students learn how to draw within the medium of Manga and Comics, while also becoming familiar with how to construct and structure a page and organise their overall work as a narrative.
Composition, paneling, storytelling and storyboarding are essential tools for organising a story and guiding the reader through the page.
The Essential Tools of Illustration
Composition
Paneling · Storytelling · Storyboard
Perspective
Space · Depth · Scene Organisation
Anatomy
Drawing Anatomy · Movement · Poses
Colour
Colour as a Tool for Storytelling and Atmosphere
Penciling
Construction · Sketching · Form Development
Inking
Line · Contrast · Final Rendering
Learning from Influential Creators
Students also study major illustrators, cartoonists, mangaka and comic artists, as well as their work throughout history.
Works are closely observed and analysed so that students can gain a deeper understanding of the medium, narrative methods and different approaches to drawing.
From Idea to Character
Character design is not limited to outward appearance. Posture, movement, expression and placement within the panel all form part of the overall narrative.
Through drawing anatomy, perspective and composition, students gradually develop their own personal illustration style.
From Sketch to Final Artwork
Personal Style and Narrative Goals
The study programme is defined by the Artistic Director in consultation with each student, helping them approach the story of their work more effectively and bring their characters to life in the style they wish to develop.
The course is tailored to each student's illustration and narrative goals.