How to Make a Comic Book (Project-Centered Course) from Coursera

What you’ll achieve:

In this project-centered course*, you will create an original four page minicomic designed around a short story of your choosing.

What you’ll need to get started:

This project-centered course is designed for all-age learners (high school age and above, at least 13 years of age) who are interested in learning how to make a comic book, but have never completed one before.

While comic books can be created with any kinds of materials, we recommend that learners have the following materials available to complete the project: at least one ream of 8.5x11 copy paper, #2 pencils and eraser, Sharpie-type fine point pens, ruler with inch measurements, and adjustable binding stapler. Learners should also have access to a printer and scanner (to facilitate digitizing work to be shared with peers on Coursera).

*About Project-Centered Courses:

Project-Centered Courses are designed to help you complete a personally meaningful real-world project, with your instructor and a community of learners with similar goals providing guidance and suggestions along the way. By actively applying new concepts as you learn, you’ll master the course content more efficiently; you’ll also get a head start on using the skills you gain to make positive changes in your life and career. When you complete the course, you’ll have a finished project that you’ll be proud to use and share.

What's inside

Syllabus

Part 1 - Course Overview & Finding Your Great Idea

For the first week we will get you everything you need to know before starting to create your comic book. Then we will focus on idea creation for your comic story.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops core comic book art, storytelling, and lettering skills, which are needed for anyone hoping to make and publish their own comics

Offers a hands-on, project-based approach to learning about the art of comic book creation

Taught by instructors Christopher O'Keeffe and Patrick E. Yurick, who have extensive experience in the comic book industry

Builds a strong foundation in comic book creation for beginners

Covers all aspects of comic book creation, from brainstorming ideas to finishing the final product

Provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the comic book creation process

Reviews summary

Make your first comic book

According to learners, this is a highly effective course for beginners looking to create their first comic book. Students particularly appreciate the step-by-step approach that guides them through the entire process, from idea generation to inking and assembly. Many find the project-centered format motivating, as it results in a tangible finished 4-page comic. While the course provides a solid foundation in the comic creation workflow, some reviewers note that it focuses on the process rather than offering in-depth instruction on specific artistic techniques. The requirement for basic supplies like a scanner and printer is also mentioned as a factor to consider before enrolling.

Feedback from peers can be inconsistent.

"The peer review system is a core part, but the quality of feedback varies greatly depending on who reviews your work."

"Some peer reviews were incredibly helpful and insightful, others were minimal."

"Getting feedback from fellow students is useful, although sometimes the critiques weren't very constructive."

"I enjoyed seeing other people's projects, but the feedback wasn't always what I hoped for."

Needs scanner/printer and basic art supplies.

"You definitely need access to a scanner and printer to fully participate in sharing your work."

"Make sure you have the recommended art supplies on hand before starting the course."

"The materials list is clear, but be aware you'll need more than just pencils and paper."

"Accessibility might be an issue for some if they lack the scanning/printing equipment."

Teaches workflow, less on detailed art skills.

"The course excels at explaining *how* to make a comic, but doesn't delve deeply into specific drawing or inking techniques."

"It's more about the comic making workflow than improving your artistic abilities."

"Learned the publishing process very well, but still need to work on my art fundamentals separately."

"Don't expect detailed lessons on perspective or anatomy; it's about structuring your story onto pages."

Finish the course with a completed project.

"The best part is finishing the course and actually holding your own printed 4-page comic!"

"The project-centered approach is very motivating because you have a finished product at the end."

"It felt great to complete a full mini-comic by the end of the course."

"Having a completed project made all the effort worthwhile."

Excellent starting point for new comic artists.

"This is an ideal course for anyone who has never attempted to make a comic before. It demystifies the process."

"As a total beginner, I found this course incredibly accessible and encouraging."

"Perfectly suited for someone just starting out in the world of comic creation."

"It gave me the confidence to pick up my pen and start drawing my own story."

Offers clear, step-by-step guidance for creation.

"The course provides a very structured approach, breaking down the complex process of making a comic into manageable steps."

"I loved how it took you through every stage from writing to inking and finishing the pages."

"Following the modules made the daunting task of creating a comic seem entirely achievable."

"The sequence of steps presented is logical and easy to follow for a complete novice."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Make a Comic Book (Project-Centered Course) with these activities:

Review the book 'Understanding Comics'

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of comics, and will help you develop a stronger understanding of the medium.

Show steps

Create a comic book cover

Show steps

Developing a comic book cover strengthens your understanding of thumbnails and will help you design a captivating front page that will draw readers in.

Browse courses on Comic Books

Show steps

Brainstorm your comic book cover design
Sketch out several thumbnail designs
Choose a concept and draw the cover art
Ink your cover art

Watch tutorials on comic book lettering

Show steps

Following tutorials will help you learn the basics of comic book lettering and improve your skills.

Browse courses on Lettering

Show steps

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice drawing comic panels

Show steps

Regular practice drawing comic panels will help you improve your skills and develop a consistent style.

Browse courses on Drawing

Show steps

Choose a simple scene to draw
Break down the scene into panels
Draw the panels in sequence

Find a mentor who can provide feedback on your comic book

Show steps

A mentor can provide valuable feedback on your comic book and help you improve your skills.

Browse courses on Comic Books

Show steps

Create a short comic based on a personal experience

Show steps

Creating a comic based on a personal experience will help you develop your storytelling skills and connect with your readers on a deeper level.

Browse courses on Comic Books

Show steps

Choose a personal experience to tell
Develop a storyboard
Draw and ink your comic
Letter your comic

Enter your comic in a contest

Show steps

Entering your comic in a contest will give you feedback on your work and help you improve your skills.

Browse courses on Comic Books

Show steps

Career center

Learners who complete How to Make a Comic Book (Project-Centered Course) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Comic Book Artist

As a Comic Book Artist, you will sketch and ink pages for comic book stories based on plot descriptions and written scripts. This course can help you create a sample portfolio to showcase your artistic talent for drawing characters, backgrounds, and scenes for your future applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Artist

Comic Book Writer

As a Comic Book Writer, you will create the stories, dialogue, and character concepts for comic books, graphic novels, and other sequential art publications. This course can help you learn to write a captivating script for a comic book, which is a necessary skill for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Writer

Graphic Designer

As a Graphic Designer, you will use visual communication to create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas for clients. This course can help you develop strong foundations in drawing and visual storytelling, which are transferable skills to a career as a Graphic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Art Director

As an Art Director, you will provide leadership and guidance to creative teams working on visual projects such as films, television shows, commercials, or magazines. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Art Director overseeing comic book projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Creative Director

As a Creative Director, you will be responsible for the overall creative vision and execution of marketing and advertising campaigns, including developing and overseeing the work of creative teams. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as a Creative Director overseeing comic book projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Illustrator

As an Illustrator, you will create visual artwork for various purposes, including books, magazines, newspapers, advertisements, and websites. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Illustrator creating comic books.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Animator

As an Animator, you will create moving images for films, television shows, video games, and other visual media. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Animator creating comic book adaptations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Art teacher

As an Art Teacher, you will teach students about art and guide them in developing their artistic skills. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Art Teacher specializing in comic book creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Cartoonist

As a Cartoonist, you will create humorous or satirical drawings, often for publication in newspapers or magazines. This course can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge of visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as a Cartoonist creating comic strips.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartoonist

Art Curator

As an Art Curator, you will be responsible for planning and managing exhibitions of art in museums, galleries, or other public spaces. This course can help you develop your knowledge of visual storytelling and the history of comic books, which are transferable to a career as an Art Curator specializing in comic book exhibitions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Curator

Art historian

As an Art Historian, you will study and interpret art from past and present cultures. This course can help you develop your knowledge of the history of comic books and visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Art Historian specializing in comic book studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Production Designer

As a Production Designer, you will be responsible for the look and feel of a film or television production, including sets, costumes, and props. This course can help you develop your knowledge of visual storytelling and design, which are transferable to a career as a Production Designer working on comic book adaptations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Designer

Museum Educator

As a Museum Educator, you will develop and implement educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. This course can help you develop your knowledge of visual storytelling and the history of comic books, which are transferable to a career as a Museum Educator specializing in comic book exhibitions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Art Librarian

As an Art Librarian, you will be responsible for managing and providing access to collections of art-related materials in libraries, museums, and other institutions. This course can help you develop your knowledge of the history of comic books and visual storytelling, which are transferable to a career as an Art Librarian specializing in comic book collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Librarian

Comic Book Publisher

As a Comic Book Publisher, you will be responsible for the production and distribution of comic books. This course can help you develop your knowledge of the comic book industry and the process of creating and publishing comic books, which are transferable to a career as a Comic Book Publisher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Publisher