Student work

A selected list of graduates and what they have to say about Art of the Comic Book. If you've participated in this course and aren't listed here, send Dave a note to correct the accidental omission.

What students say

"I thoroughly enjoyed taking Art of the Comic Book. It was a refreshing exploration into the skills, dedication and character of a generation of comic book artists who weren't afraid to get their hands dirty with the technical labors of the sequential art world. As an instructor, David Marshall's specificity and passion for traditional material are unmistakable and infectious. It is always a rare gift to benefit from the talents of someone so generous and available."

"Even though Art of the Comic Book was completely outside my major or intended career, the skills I learned were useful and interesting. As a craftsman, I found it very appealing to learn traditional hand-drawing techniques — the Ames Lettering Guide, choosing the right Bristol board, ink exercises that were challenging but satisfying. I would definitely recommend the class to anyone interested in drawing and narrative!"

"Coming in, I had assumed modern comics were entirely dependent on technology. It was refreshing to learn that many artists still successfully embrace traditional methods. The course was accessible to individuals with limited comic experience, yet equally engaging for those with deeper passion. I came away with a greater appreciation for comics created before the age of digital art."

"Under Dave's tutelage I learned to produce polished, professional work as well as some valuable industry tips that only a seasoned pro could offer."

"David's course gives comics creators the much-needed practical skills for working in traditional media, which is essential for any artist who wants to tell stories in this great art form. He's knowledgeable and friendly — highly recommended!"

John Hilliard's site

"David Marshall's Art of the Comic Book class was multifaceted, challenging, and also quite fun. Topics were covered in a timely manner given the constraints of the schedule, and each student received considerable personal assistance while completing projects. I'd highly recommend this class to comic lovers and artists who would like to dive into a great experience with sequential artwork."

Emily Holt's DeviantArt

Examples of student work

Student comics from Art of the Comic Book, collected into published mini-comic anthologies. Each volume features multiple artists interpreting the same assignment — same prompt, different voices, different approaches. Experience ranges from first-time comics makers to near-professionals.