A Fun Guide to Creating Comics in the Classroom

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Basics of Comics Drawing
   1. The Concept of Basic Shapes
   2. Examples of Drawing with Basic Shapes
3. Getting Creative with Basic Shapes
   1. Using Basic Shapes for Different Objects
   2. Exploring Variations on Basic Shapes
4. Using Basic Shapes in Storytelling
   1. Storyboarding with Basic Shapes
   2. Bringing Characters to Life with Basic Shapes
5. Applications of Basic Shapes in the Classroom
   1. Incorporating Basic Shapes in Art Lessons
   2. Enhancing Visual Storytelling Skills with Basic Shapes
6. Conclusion

The Basics of Comics Drawing: Unlocking Creativity with Basic Shapes

Comics drawing is a captivating art form that allows individuals to tell stories through a combination of visuals and text. If you have ever been interested in creating your own comics but felt overwhelmed by the complexity, this article is for you. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore a simple yet powerful exercise that will help you approach comics drawing in a different way. By using basic shapes as building blocks, you can unlock your creativity and unleash your storytelling potential.

The Concept of Basic Shapes

Before we delve into the exercise, it is essential to understand the concept of basic shapes in comics drawing. According to Austin Cleon and Sunni Brown, renowned artists and authors, there are six fundamental shapes that can be used to create any object: rectangles, squares, triangles, dots, ovals, lines, and waves. These shapes can be modified and combined to represent a wide range of elements, from characters and objects to landscapes and environments. By mastering these simple shapes, you will have a solid foundation for your comics artwork.

Examples of Drawing with Basic Shapes

To get a better grasp of how basic shapes can be utilized in comics drawing, let's explore a few examples. Imagine drawing a tree using only the six basic shapes mentioned earlier. You can start with two intersecting lines for the trunk, an oval for the hole in the tree, and waves to represent the branches. By combining these shapes, you can create a visually appealing tree with minimal effort.

Similarly, basic shapes can be used to represent various everyday objects. For instance, a rectangle and two circles can be transformed into a car, while a series of lines and rectangles can become a train cart. The possibilities are endless, and by experimenting with different combinations and variations, you can bring any object to life on your comics pages.

Getting Creative with Basic Shapes

Once you have familiarized yourself with the concept of basic shapes and their applications, it's time to get creative. Use the exercise outlined below to challenge yourself and push the boundaries of your comics drawing skills.

1. Random Noun Generator: Start by using a random noun generator to generate five nouns. These nouns will serve as prompts for your drawings.

2. Drawing Exercise: Take each noun and try to illustrate it using only the six basic shapes. Experiment with different arrangements, sizes, and orientations of the shapes to create visually interesting and recognizable representations of the nouns. Remember, simplicity is key.

3. Exploration and Practice: Use this exercise as an opportunity to explore the versatility of basic shapes and practice your drawing skills. Challenge yourself to find innovative ways of using the shapes to capture the essence of each noun.

Taking inspiration from our examples, you could draw a cityscape using rectangles with lines extending from them, or create a bottle of alcohol using a rectangle for the neck, circles for the cap, and an oval with two lines for the skull and crossbones. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Using Basic Shapes in Storytelling

Comic strips and sequential art rely heavily on storytelling. Basic shapes can be powerful tools when it comes to conveying narratives visually. Let's explore how you can incorporate basic shapes into your storytelling process.

Storyboarding with Basic Shapes

Storyboarding is an essential step in the comics creation process. It involves breaking down the story into a sequence of visual panels to establish the flow and pacing of the narrative. Basic shapes can be used to sketch out the composition, characters, and key elements of each panel, helping you plan the visual storytelling aspect of your comics.

By using rectangles to represent panels, circles or ovals for characters, and lines for action or dialogue, you can quickly rough out your story and ensure a coherent narrative structure.

Bringing Characters to Life with Basic Shapes

Characters are the heart and soul of any comic. Basic shapes can be used as a starting point for character design, allowing you to establish their overall form and proportions. For example, a character's body can be represented by a rectangle, while circles can be used for the head and various body parts. By adding details and refining the shapes, you can develop unique and expressive characters that resonate with your audience.

Applications of Basic Shapes in the Classroom

The use of basic shapes in comics drawing has significant educational value, especially in the classroom setting. Here are a few ways teachers can incorporate this exercise into their lessons:

Incorporating Basic Shapes in Art Lessons

Art instructors can introduce basic shapes as a foundation for drawing techniques in general, not just limited to comics. By teaching students how to break down complex objects into their basic components, students can build their observational and analytical skills. This exercise can be a starting point before exploring more advanced drawing techniques and styles.

Enhancing Visual Storytelling Skills with Basic Shapes

English or creative writing teachers can incorporate basic shapes into their lessons to enhance students' visual storytelling skills. By combining written narratives with accompanying simple comics panels created using basic shapes, students can develop a deeper understanding of narrative structure and explore alternative modes of storytelling.

This exercise encourages students to think critically about how visuals can complement and enhance written narratives, fostering creativity and multi-modal communication skills.

Conclusion

Comics drawing doesn't have to be overwhelming or complex. By embracing the simplicity and versatility of basic shapes, you can build a solid foundation for your comics artwork. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, the exercise outlined in this article provides a valuable tool for exploring creativity and unlocking your storytelling potential. So grab your pencil, let your imagination run wild, and start creating captivating comics with basic shapes.

Highlights

• Unlock your creativity and storytelling potential with basic shapes in comics drawing.
• Master the concept of six fundamental shapes: rectangles, squares, triangles, dots, ovals, lines, and waves.
• Learn how to create a variety of objects using basic shapes, from trees and cars to cityscapes and bottles.
• Challenge yourself with a drawing exercise that involves generating random nouns and illustrating them using basic shapes.
• Explore the use of basic shapes in storyboarding and character design to enhance your visual storytelling skills.
• Discover how teachers can incorporate basic shapes into art and English lessons to foster creativity and multi-modal communication skills.

FAQ

Q: Is prior drawing experience necessary to benefit from this exercise? A: Not at all! This exercise is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, including beginners. It serves as a great starting point for developing drawing skills and exploring the world of comics.

Q: Can I use this exercise for other types of art besides comics? A: Absolutely! While this exercise focuses on comics drawing, the concept of basic shapes can be applied to various art forms. It serves as a foundation for observational drawing, character design, and even abstract art.

Q: How can using basic shapes in the classroom benefit students? A: Incorporating basic shapes in art and English lessons can help students develop fundamental drawing skills, enhance their visual storytelling abilities, and promote creative thinking. Additionally, it encourages a multi-modal approach to communication and self-expression.