Quick Comic
10 pages minimum • No professional supplies • 8-12 hours
Overview
Create ten pages of comics continuity (minimum) without professional art supplies. Use typing paper, sketchbooks, ballpoint pen—whatever you have right now. Focus entirely on storytelling, not technique or polish.
Why this assignment exists
For working adults: Removes intimidation factor. You learn that comics are about telling stories visually, not about perfect artwork. Many students surprise themselves with what they can communicate.
For portfolio builders: Tests whether you can actually tell a story sequentially. Technique can be learned; storytelling instinct either exists or needs significant development. This reveals which you're working with.
What you'll learn
- Panel composition and flow
- Visual pacing
- Thumbnail sketching
- When to show vs. tell
Requirements
- Minimum page count: 10
- Art dimensions: 7.5×10 inches minimum (2:3 ratio)
- Materials: Any paper, any pen/pencil you already own
- Story: Any genre, any topic, clear beginning/middle/end
- Legibility: Average viewer should be able to read it
Common challenges
- Trying to make it look "good": Defeats the purpose—focus on clarity, not beauty
- Over-explaining with text: Trust your visuals to communicate
- Random panel sizing: Panels control pacing—use deliberately
Tips for success
- Thumbnail first—sketch tiny versions before committing to full pages
- Keep it simple—fewer characters, simpler setting
- Action over explanation—show, don't tell
- Embrace imperfection—this is about learning
- If stuck for ideas, use Genre, Line, Character, Prop as prompt
Related resources
- Storytelling basics
- Creative process methods
- Original art dimensions
- Next assignments
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- Full Script
- 3 pages from provided script
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- Slice of Life
- Personal narrative, 3 pages