Class schedule
Art of the Comic Book is a beginner-level workshop for anyone wanting to learn comic creation or build a sequential art portfolio. Open to creative writers, graphic artists, fine artists, and anyone developing skills for graphic novels.
Course Format & Commitment
- Time Investment
- In-class: 3-4 hours per week (typically evening sessions)
- Homework: 6-8 hours per week (assignments, sketchbook practice)
- Total: 15-week semester OR 8-week intensive
- Investment
- Tuition: $300-930 depending on institution and credits
- Materials: $150-200 (bristol board, inks, pens, brushes)
- Academic credit: Available through MassArt and other institutions
- See complete supply list
- Commitment
- For working adults: Evening classes (typically 6:30-9:30 PM). Homework structured to fit around full-time work schedules. Most students complete assignments over weekends.
- For portfolio builders: Intensive 8-week format produces 3-4 finished pieces suitable for college applications or professional submissions.
Previous Workshops
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2011-2022)
Creating a Comic Book — Liberal Arts Department: 3 credit college course • Small class sizes (12-15 students) • Mix of MassArt students and community members • Remote and in-person formats
Most recent: Spring 2022
| Course name | Location | Dates | Days | Times | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LALW415-01 | Remote | Jan. 24-May 9 | Mondays | 5:30-9:30 PM | 3 | ||
| LALW415-02 | Remote | Jan. 25-May 3 | Tuesdays | 5:30-9:30 PM | 3 | ||
Cambridge Center for Adult Education (2011-2012)
Art of the Comic Book
Non-credit community education • Primarily working adults • 8-week intensive format
Spring 2012: Mondays 7:00-10:00 PM • $600 • 3 credits
Hub Comics, Somerville (2011-2012)
Art of the Comic Book
Taught in actual comic shop environment • Mix of hobbyists and aspiring professionals • Focus on indie/small press techniques
Spring 2012: Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 PM • $300 • Non-credit
What to Expect
- Class Structure
- Small class sizes with individual attention. Work on assignments during class time while receiving real-time feedback and guidance.
- Assignments
- Nine exercises mirroring professional work—adapting scripts, creating sequential pages, inking finished artwork, and assembling portfolio-quality pieces.
- View all assignments
- Prerequisites
- None. Designed for beginners or those building a sequential art portfolio.
Not a Good Fit If
- You only want to work digitally (this is traditional media focused)
- You're looking for manga-specific instruction
- You want to copy existing characters without understanding fundamentals
- You can't commit to regular attendance (technique builds week-to-week)
- You need same-day turnaround on feedback
- You're looking for agent/publisher networking (this is a fundamentals course)
- You need a crash course in 2-3 weeks (learning takes time)
Frequently Asked Questions
"I can barely draw. Will I be the worst student in class?"
No. Class skill levels typically range from "never drawn seriously" to "took some art classes in high school." The point is learning the process, not arriving with skills.
"Will this help me get into art school?"
Yes, if you put in the work. Students have used assignment pieces in successful applications to RISD, SCAD, MassArt, and CCS. However, this is one component of a portfolio—you'll need other pieces too.
"Can I take this while working full-time?"
Most students do. Homework is structured to be doable over weekends. If you have a particularly demanding job, consider the 15-week format over the 8-week intensive.
"Do I need expensive art supplies right away?"
No. First assignment deliberately uses basic materials (pen and paper). As you progress, you'll add tools incrementally. Total supply investment is $150-200 over the course.
"What if I can't attend every class?"
Missing 1-2 classes is manageable with makeup work. Missing 3+ significantly impacts your learning and final grade. This is hands-on studio work—attendance matters.
Complete Teaching History
| Venue | Course name | Location | Dates | Days | Times | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts College of Art | LALW415-01 | Remote | Sept. 13-Dec. 13 | Mondays | 1:30-5:30 PM | 3 | |
| Massachusetts College of Art | LALW415-02 | Remote | Sept. 7-Dec. 14 | Tuesdays | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | 3 | |
| Venue | Location | Dates | Days | Times | Tuition | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts College of Art | Boston MA | Jan. 26-Mar. 22 | Thursdays | 6:30-10:00 PM | $540 | 1.5 | |
| Hub Comics | Somerville MA | May 3-Jun. 28 | Tuesdays | 7:00-10:00 PM | $300 | 0 | |
| Cambridge Center Adult Ed | Cambridge MA | Set. 5-Dec. 12 | Mondays | 7:00-10:00 PM | $600 | 3 | |
| Venue | Location | Dates | Days | Times | Tuition | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts College of Art | Boston MA | Sept. 6-Dec. 15 | Mon & Wed | 6:30-10:00 PM | $930 | 3 | |
| Venue | Location | Dates | Days | Times | Tuition | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts College of Art | Boston MA | Jun. 6-Jul. 20 | Mon & Wed | 6:30-10:00 PM | $930 | 3 | |
- Current status
- Want early notification when classes resume?
- Join the interest list