This is exactly what I was looking for. Loved the practical examples, they really helped solidify the concepts.
Comic Book Design: Create Your First Short-Form Comic
Master the essentials of visual storytelling, page layout, and character design to draft your first original multi-page comic book project.
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AI instructor
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In English
Lessons, tasks and certificate — all fully in your language.
About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 29 lessons · 3h
1
Foundations of Comic Language
Understand the basic concepts and terminology of sequential art.
- Welcome to the World of Comics
Introduction to course objectives and the creator's mindset.5 min - The Comic Artist's Glossary
Defining key terms like panels, gutter, balloons, and onomatopoeia.6 min - Sequential Art and Visual Storytelling
How sequential images create meaning and movement.6 min - Types of Panel Transitions
Exploring how time and space move between panels.7 min - Time in Comics
Controlling the perception of time through panel size and shape.6 min
2
Scriptwriting: Writing for Images
Transform an idea into a structured script ready for drawing.
- From Spark to Concept
Finding a simple yet effective idea for a short comic.6 min - Structuring the Short Script
Organizing the story into an introduction, rising action, and conclusion.7 min - Describing the Action
Writing clear instructions for what needs to happen visually in each panel.6 min - Writing Effective Dialogue
Creating short, impactful text that doesn't overpower the image.6 min - Scene Rhythm (Pacing)
Balancing slow and action-packed moments to maintain interest.6 min
3
Character Design and Consistency
Design characters that are visually interesting and easy to replicate.
- Character Identity
Defining the role and personality before starting to draw.6 min - Visual Design and Silhouette
Creating recognizable characters through distinctive shapes and silhouettes.7 min - Creating a Model Sheet
Establishing visual guidelines for drawing the character from different angles.7 min - Expressions and Acting
How to convey emotions through facial expressions and body language.6 min - Consistency in Details
Keeping outfits and accessories consistent throughout the narrative.6 min
4
Page Layout and Composition
Organize page space to guide the reader's eye.
- The Eye Flow
Understanding how the reader explores the page (left to right, top to bottom).7 min - Traditional Print Layout
Designing for the printed page: grids, margins, and bleed.6 min - Panel Composition
Choosing shots and angles to emphasize drama or action.6 min - The Use of White Space
Using the gutter (space between panels) to give the story room to breathe.6 min - Balance Between Text and Image
Avoiding visual clutter by balancing weights within the panel.6 min
5
Lettering and Digital Formats
Integrate text and adapt comics for new media.
- Anatomy of Balloons
Choosing the correct shape for dialogue, thoughts, and shouts.6 min - Lettering Placement
Placing text to guide the eye and not obscure the action.6 min - Webcomics and Vertical Scrolling
Adapting storytelling for reading on smartphones and tablets.7 min - From Print to Digital
Technical and pacing differences between the two formats.6 min
6
Production: From Sketch to Draft
Assemble all elements to complete the final project.
- The Importance of Thumbnails
Planning the entire story in miniature to test the layout.6 min - Creating Your Thumbnails
Practical exercise on creating the miniature draft.7 min - The Pencil Layout
Enlarging thumbnails and defining figures and environments.7 min - Refining the Final Draft
Cleaning up lines and final check for readability.6 min - Conclusion and Next Steps
How to continue practicing and where to publish your work.5 min
Your First Short Comic
Create a complete draft of a 3-page comic starting from an original idea, including script, character design, and final pencil layout.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Personal AI tutor
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Audio version included
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Lifetime access
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Phone or computer
Works anywhere, any device -
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14-day refund
No questions asked -
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Short & focused
3h of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
Reviews (6)
Wow, what a fantastic learning experience. The structure was logical, and I felt like I learned so much in a short time. Definitely recommend.
So glad I signed up for this. The way the material was broken down made complex ideas feel manageable. Great job!
Good foundational material. I appreciated the structured approach, although I wish there had been a few more real-world case studies.
Really enjoyed the material. The examples were spot on and helped solidify the concepts.
Fantastic! The way the material was structured made it so easy to follow along. I'm already thinking about applying what I learned.
Learners also took
Graphic Design Fundamentals with Photoshop
Motion Graphics Design: Build Dynamic Animations and Video Assets
Graphic Design Fundamentals: Color Theory and Image Formats
Motion Design Foundations: From Concept to Animation
Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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