Make Comics with Traditional Media
Master the ink-on-paper techniques used by legendary comic book artists. From storytelling fundamentals to professional inking with brushes and dip pens, learn the craft that built the medium.
Benefits: College-level studio workshop • Real-world assignments • Small class sizes
Who Takes This Workshop
Career Changers & Creative Hobbyists
No drawing experience needed. If you can hold a pen and tell a story, you can learn this craft. Most students work full-time—assignments are structured for 6-8 hours per week outside class.
Aspiring Professional Comic Artists
Need portfolio pieces for art school or your first industry work? This course teaches RISD and SVA-level fundamentals with assignments based on professional workflows. Recent students accepted to MassArt, SCAD, and CCS.
What You'll Learn
Sequential Storytelling & Visual Narrative
Transform scripts into compelling page layouts. Control pacing, camera angles, and panel transitions to guide your reader's eye.
Traditional Inking Techniques
Master brushes, dip pens, and crow quills. Learn line weight control, spot blacks, and feathering—essential techniques for expressive, professional comic art.
Professional Production Skills
From thumbnail sketches to print-ready artwork. Understand original art dimensions, reduction ratios, scanning, and publication prep.
Character Design & Figure Drawing
Create memorable characters that work across multiple panels. Develop consistent model sheets and dynamic figure work from observation.
About the Instructor
David Marshall has taught at Massachusetts College of Art and Design since 2011. Published by Fantagraphics Books, his comics appear alongside professionals working for DC and Marvel.
For working adults: David's philosophy: "you're here to learn, not to already know." Classes include ages 18-65 with all skill levels welcome.
For portfolio builders: Assignments create presentation-ready work. David provides industry-standard feedback—the same critiques editors give professionals.
- Ready to Start?
- Traditional comic book art requires patience, practice, and the right guidance. If you're committed to mastering the fundamentals, this workshop provides the structure and techniques you need.
- View current schedule
- Contact for questions
- Recent Workshops
- Most recently taught at MassArt's Liberal Arts department (Spring 2022).
- View complete schedule
- Studio Resources
- The site includes extensive tutorials, technique demonstrations, and recommended reading:
- Ames Lettering Guide demonstration
- Scaling original art to printed dimensions
- Understanding perspective in comics
- Traditional media video tutorials
- From the Archives
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- Comic Art Reduction Act of 1967
- How original art dimensions changed—and why it still matters for contemporary artists working traditionally.
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- Alex Toth's Critiques of Steve Rude
- Master draftsman Toth's detailed feedback reveals how professionals approach page composition and storytelling clarity.
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- Artist spotlight: Fletcher Hanks
- Examining the raw, untrained energy of early comic book creators.