Illustration & Comics

Explore the art of comic book storytelling

Illustration & Comics

For students who want to apply their drawing talents to the art of comic book storytelling. Learn about the many influences comics, and their characters, have had on society. You will gain an understanding of effective visual storytelling techniques as well as best practices for the comic creation process. Using traditional materials such as pencil and ink, you will create a visual narrative accompanied by a written script.

*18 year old students only accepted as part of a group where all students are returning to secondary education in September 2024. 18 year olds must follow all school rules as minors. Separate rules apply regarding lessons and activities, please enquire.

Illustration & Comics Program Overview

Tuition

Take part in practical lectures and skills workshops where you will design, create and present a comic to your class.
Activities

Enjoy a variety of onsite activities including sports, arts and team games. Our activities allow students to use the English they have learnt and make international friends.
Educational Visits

These visits provide the perfect complement to lectures and workshops and provide a real-world perspective to our courses.

Excursions

Excursions allow students to really get to know the USA. In Boston, students will find historic and cultural information through guided walking tours and visits to museums and other places of interest.
Certificate

Awarded for the successful completion of the course.

What You Will Learn

In this course, students will develop skills across all phases of the comic book creation process. From writing to coloring, students will explore and experiment with the tools, formats, and mediums used by professionals. You will learn the process behind making comics as well as learn the secrets to being successful in the comic book business. This course will help you prepare for portfolio reviews with editors as well as emphasize the importance of meeting deadlines once you’re given your first comic book gig!

Through our Illustration & Comics Program you will:

You will develop an understanding of the techniques used for storytelling in comic books.
You will develop your understanding through experimentation with a variety of drawing, inking and coloring techniques.
You will have the opportunity to discuss your work and share your ideas with your tutor who is an industry professional.

Activities & Excursions

Students on this course will enjoy one full day excursion per week. Destinations may include Boston, Rhode Island and Canobie Lake Park. Evening activities are varied and fun and may include discos, talent shows and international evenings.

Sample Timetable

Week 1	Morning 08.45 - 12.00	Afternoon 13.00 - 16.00	Evening 19.30 - 22.00
SUN	Arrival, induction & campus tour		Movie Night
MON	Discussions on what makes good storytelling and scriptwriting	Writing your script and story	Welcome Party: Team Building/ Name Games
TUES	How to develop characters Continue writing your script	Boston Harbor cruise & Tour	Halloween Party
WED	Figure Drawing	Drawing at Harvard Museum of Natural History and comic shops in Harvard Square	Jeopardy Quiz Night
THURS	Continue drawing your comic	Guest Speaker/ Company Visit	Karaoke Night
FRI	Continue drawing your comic	Learning perspective for panel background	Neon Disco Party
SAT	Included Full Day Excursion: Canobie Lake Park		Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts

Week 2	Morning 08.45 - 12.00	Afternoon 13.00 - 16.00	Evening 19.30 - 22.00
SUN	Onsite activities e.g. Team Building Games and shuttles to the mall		Movie Night
MON	History and influence of comics	Museum of Science	Welcome Party: Team Building/ Name Games
TUES	Introduction to the art of inking	Animated/ Comic Movie Trip	Mardi Gras Party
WED	The business of comics Self-publishing your comics Studio time	Figure drawing	Minute to Win It Competition
THURS	Studio time to draw or ink your comic	Introduction to Digital Coloring	International Night
FRI	Present finished comics to rest of class	Included Half-day Excursion: Historical Tour of Plymouth - reference for character design and storytelling	Hawaiian Disco Party
SAT	Included Full Day Excursion: Newport, Rhode Island		Gym Night / Board Games / Arts & Crafts

*This is a sample timetable and all elements are subject to change.

Student Success

"As an active CATS Boston community member, became co-president of the Student Government and Founder of the CATS Eastern European Club. Balancing academic activities, contributed creative writing to the School’s literary magazine, The Griffen Review and played on the Ultimate Frisbee Team."

Dima from UkraineProgressed to University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

"Earned a 1550 score on the SAT, placing in the top 1% of SAT test takers worldwide. In addition to maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA and studying 8 AP courses, also participated in the CATS Boston dual enrollment partnership with Quincy College, earning a college-credit in Computer Programming."

Htoo from MyanmarProgressed to Brown University

"As a member of the CATS Scholars Program, taken advantage of opportunities such as visits to top universities and academically enriching excursions. Joined National Honor Society which acknowledges a student’s ability to demonstrate four key pillars: scholarship, character, leadership and service."

Yam from Hong KongProgressed to New York University (NYU)