Cartooning Course Syllabus

Tutorial 1: Introduction and Brief Outline

This is a general introduction into the world of cartooning. Subjects covered include a brief history of the cartoon as an art form as well as details of the kind of basic equipment cartoonist’s use. We will also be looking at some of the more advanced requirements that might be needed as well as providing a glossary of cartooning terms (just so that you know what we are talking about in future tutorials).

Tutorial 2 : Technique and Style

This tutorial takes the Student through some of the techniques of cartoon art. It covers such subjects as style, figures, faces, animals and creating characters. The emphasis of this tutorial is on form and you will be asked to start thinking about drawing your own cartoons and the assignment gets you to develop a cartoon character. It looks at model sheets and anthropomorphism and includes examples of established cartoonists work.

Tutorial 3 : More on Technique

This tutorial goes beyond the basics and starts to get to grips with the nitty gritty of the cartoon. It looks in detail at delivery and topics discussed include composition, perspective, backgrounds and texture. We also look at movement, action and balance and scale and start talking about different kinds of media and effects (tones and washes etc.). We will be studying the single panel cartoon in detail and looking at what  makes a good cartoon.

Tutorial 4 : Ideas

In this tutorial we will be looking at a breakdown of cartoon work and learning more about how to go about writing your cartoons.  We all need inspiration and hopefully this module will provide plenty of it! We will be giving  you some insight into some of methods cartoonists use to rouse the muse with a look at some of the perennial themes. We will also consider the cartoon market (who buys what etc.) as well as dealing with the bane of a cartoonist’s life... rejection!

Tutorial 5 : Strip Cartoon

Looks in detail at the strip cartoon... how to draw 'em and how to develop character. It will teach you about lettering, layout and script writing and offers some useful tips on technique (shortcuts and rules of thumb). It will also show how to prepare work for publication and how best to submit your cartoons.

Tutorial 6 : Comics

Here we will be looking at writing, drawing and delivering a full page (or more) comic adventure. It looks at writing the darn thing to drawing it, inking it, colouring it, and even posting it... there is a nice long list of comic publishers to get you started…the only thing this tutorial doesn’t come with is the stamp.

Tutorial 7 : Caricature

Not everybody’s cup of tea but after this module, hopefully, yours! Here we study the art of caricature from live to studio work. Technique and tips will be discussed and faces lampooned. Plenty to get your pen around and as if this isn’t enough we’ll be considering the role of the Artist’s Agent.

Tutorial 8 : Colour

We’ll have mentioned colour before but tutorial 8 really gets to grips with it! Each and every medium is closely examined so, by the end of it, there should be no excuse for not daubing your cartoons with a splash of colour.

Other areas talked about will include cartoon illustration and the greeting card market.

Tutorial 9 : Selling Yourself

By now you should be really motoring and this tutorial will tell you how best to sell yourself and your work. It talks about self-promotion, portfolio presentation, deadlines, rates of pay and syndication. It also tells you how to work with a client and what  he/she/it might expect from you and the best way to deliver... not always easy as often they don’t know themselves!

Tutorial 10 : Life as a Freelancer

Is all about life as a freelance (whether full or part time). It also looks at some of the legal mumbo jumbo (such as contracts and copyright….minus the legal fees!) that might stand you in good stead for the future. It also provides  lists of useful contacts and organisations and even has some basics on book keeping and accounts.