Benefits
College-level studio workshop • Real-world assignments • Small class sizes
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.
This Workshop Is For You If...
You're a visual artist ready to tell stories
You draw, paint, or illustrate, but want to transform individual images into compelling sequential narratives. Learn how professional comic artists structure pages, control pacing, and guide readers through visual storytelling.
You want to master traditional comic book media
Digital tools are everywhere, but nothing matches the expressiveness of brush and ink on Bristol board. Discover why hand lettering, brush techniques, and traditional production methods remain essential to the craft.
You're serious about understanding the fundamentals
This isn't a "draw your favorite superhero" class. You'll work from scripts, create production-ready pages, and learn the same techniques taught at professional studios and major art schools.
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 and deliver emotional impact.
Traditional Inking Techniques
Master brushes, dip pens, and crow quills. Learn line weight variation, spot blacks, feathering, and the inking approaches that defined comic book art's golden age.
Professional Production Skills
From thumbnail sketches to print-ready artwork. Understand original art dimensions, reduction ratios, scanning workflows, and preparing your work for publication.
Character Design & Figure Drawing
Create memorable characters that work across multiple panels and pages. Develop consistent model sheets and dynamic figure work drawn from observation.
How It Works
Studio Workshop Format
Small class sizes with individual attention. Work on assignments during class time while receiving real-time feedback and guidance.
Real-World Assignments
Every exercise mirrors actual professional work—adapting scripts, creating sequential pages, inking finished artwork, and assembling portfolio-quality pieces.
Master the Process
Study how legendary artists like Harvey Kurtzman, Alex Toth, and Will Eisner approached their work. Understand different creative processes and find your own path.
About the Instructor
David Marshall has taught comic book art at MassArt and maintains an active practice in traditional comic book media. His approach emphasizes fundamental craft skills alongside understanding the medium's history and evolution.
Classes focus on hands-on studio work with traditional tools, real-world production workflows, and developing each student's unique storytelling voice.
- 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.