UC Illustration: Characters and Comics

Create your character, build their world, and send them on their very own graphic story adventure!

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own superhero, villain, or heroine? In this imaginative and action-packed class, artists will do exactly that — and then send their characters on an adventure all their own!
We'll kick things off by designing original characters from scratch, exploring how to give them a unique look, personality, and style. Students will learn how to use simple shapes and lines to build expressive faces and bodies. 
Once our characters are ready for their close-up, we'll dive into the world of comic book storytelling. Students will learn how to use panels, speech bubbles, and sequential art to tell a short story starring their very own creation. We'll talk about how to keep a story moving, how to show action and emotion through drawing, and how to give a story a beginning, middle, and end.
By the end of the class, every student will walk away with an original character and their very own mini graphic novel — a one-of-a-kind story told in their unique artistic voice!

MONTHLY TOPIC BREAKDOWN:

September: Character creation and world building
October: World building and begin graphic novel
November: Creating the graphic novel
December: Finish the graphic novel

SKILLS TAUGHT IN THIS CLASS:

Character Design

How to create an original character from scratch
How to use simple shapes and lines to build expressive faces and bodies
How to give a character a unique look, personality, and style

Comic Book Storytelling

How to use panels to organize and sequence a story
How to write and place speech bubbles effectively
How to show action and emotion through drawing
How to structure a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end

SUPPLIES/ATTIRE:

We provide all the supplies for kids classes. We do recommend that your child wears activity appropriate clothing as art can get messy!

THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING!!!!

LOCATION:

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER

5378 W 10400 N St, Highland, UT 84003

Search for directions to "Highland Community Center" for easiest directions.

INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Julia Halverson. Learn more about our instructors at https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty

DROP-INS:

We recognize that families may not always be able to commit to weekly class attendance. To ensure proper planning and staffing, all modified schedules must be arranged in advance through our front office. Families are required to provide a clear attendance schedule for their child, and tuition will be prorated accordingly based on the approved schedule.

Trial classes and drop-in attendance are available on a limited basis and must also be scheduled in advance with the front office. We do not accommodate same-day, unscheduled drop-ins.

Failure to arrange attendance or drop-in requests ahead of time may result in the student being unable to participate in class.

REFUND POLICY:

We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.

TRANSFER POLICY:

We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.

CLASS CANCELLATION:

We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.

MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:

When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.

DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?

Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796 or email us at [email protected]