This class explores the intersection of drawing and writing, from sequential illustration for magazines and books to comics and personal projects. Students will learn to work with constraints, interpret given material and eventually come up with ideas and narratives of their own.

A wide variety of subjects and forms will be covered: graphic novels, fine art, literature, interactive art, visual poetry, spot illustrations, personal essays, comedy, video games, artist books, adaptations, small press and more. Understanding the visual language in its relation to the written language is essential for conceptual illustration, cartooning, narrative art and other fields.

OVERVIEW

Although we will extensively discuss both drawing and writing, the focus of the class is on the two of these practices working in unison. Certain assignments can be created with no words at all, treating drawing as a form of writing, while others may use very limited visuals and rely heavily on words.

The first 7 assignments will take up two sessions: sketches on Wednesdays and finals on Monday. Because the assignments usually permit a lot of variation in the amount of text and the chosen style, you are given more time to do the finals than in most illustration assignments. Use that time wisely and don't leave everything to Sunday. For most assignments it can be useful to write the text in draft form as early as possible, let it sit for a couple of days while you're working on the images, then edit and put together the final piece.

There will be no homework between these assignments, but you are strongly encouraged to do revisions and dedicate this time to research and preparation for the last two assignments that are accessible from the beginning of the semester, as well as assignment 7, which involves several short stories that you should start reading and analyzing as soon as possible, and assignment 8—a piece of fiction that you may start writing at any point during the semester.

The penultimate assignment takes up 4 sessions, starting with a pitch. You may start writing your story right away, or you can dedicate the first months to notes and research. Likewise, the final assignment also starts with a pitch and takes up 8 weeks. Unlike the 8th assignment, it doesn't have to be a story—it can be any project of your own making, as long as it involves pictures and words. It may be an elaboration on one of the forms in the previous assignments, a combination of them, or something that is entirely your own, as long as it fits into the context of the class. Read carefully further guidelines for these last two assignments at the beginning of the semester, and start working on your ideas from the first day.

ATTENDANCE

All deadlines must be met.

If there are circumstances that prevent you from turning in work on time, make sure you notify me as early as possible. Likewise, if you have to miss a class, notify me in advance and attach your homework.

Bad attendance will affect your grade.

Three missed classes will result in an automatic failure.

If you are late, join the class quietly without announcing your excuses.

ETIQUETTE

During workshop sessions, please be respectful of the shared space—conversations are permitted, as long as the volume is kept reasonably low. You don’t need to raise your hand to voice an opinion, however, please avoid interrupting and allow others to speak.

If you need to make a phone call or attend to private matters, leave the class and return quietly without disrupting the flow. Eating and drinking is permitted, preferably during a break.

ELECTRONICS

You may use your phones and devices for research and translation only. Please check your social networks during breaks.