Continuing Education + Community Outreach

Creating Comics in a Digital Environment

Course No. CEIL 150 00
Cost $325 Register Now
Sessions 8
Instructor Len Peralta
Dates February 4 - March 25 (Mondays) – 6-9pm

Students will learn how to create a comic book from script to finish using a Wacom Cintiq touch screen tablet and Photoshop. Lessons will include teaching how to work with a writer, storyboarding out your comic, composing with digital pencils and inks, and coloring techniques. By the conclusion of the course, students will have their own 12-24 page comic to share with the world. Students should have some experience working in Photoshop and access to a digital drawing device outside of class, such as a Wacom tablet or iPad and Apple Pencil. This adult class also welcomes students in grades 10-12.

About the instructor:

Len Peralta is an illustrator in the Cleveland area who has worked on projects for companies like Discovery Channel, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Steve Jackson Games, Boom! Comics, Rifftrax and Noggin. Len has illustrated several books including Silly Rhymes for Belligerent Children written by MST3K’s Trace Beaulieu and Super Powered Revenge Christmas, a full graphic novel by Bill Corbett. Since 2012, Len has worked 100% in the digital environment.

Illustration Part 1: Picture Book Development

Course No. CEIL 201 00
Cost $165 Register Now
Sessions 4
Dates February 6 - February 27 (Wednesdays) – 6:30-9:30pm

Bring your finished (or almost finished) manuscript and we'll work on planning your illustrated book! Whether you are a writer looking to give direction to an illustrator for your book, or you are looking to illustrate your own book, this class will help you find direction for your illustrated book project. Ideal class for writer/illustrator people with a book project to launch - whether you plan to self publish or approach a publisher. Use class time to develop an aesthetic look for your book, and plan how your words and illustrations will work together to tell your story. We will also develop your character(s).

About the instructor:

Wendy Fedan is a professional freelance designer and illustrator with a passion for writing and illustrating books. It is also Wendy’s passion to help others bring their own creativity alive, and to encourage others to share their wonderful stories and ideas to the world. She has published four of her own illustrated books independently and has helped others to independently publish theirs as well. Wendy has 25 years collected experience working in the creative field as a product designer, illustrator and caricature artist. She lives in Amherst, OH with her husband David (also a CIA alumnus) and their two young kids.

Illustration Part 2: Creating Your "Dummy" Book

Course No. CEIL 202 00
Cost $165 Register Now
Sessions 4
Dates March 6 - March 27 (Wednesdays) – 6:30-9:30pm

In this 4-week class, we will concentrate on developing the final look for your illustrated picture book, creating a rough "dummy," and develop a your plan for independent or traditional publication. There will be access to computers on-site, during class time, but working on the computer is not mandatory. For this class you must have a manuscript ready for your book. If you plan to create your dummy digitally, bring a flash drive to store computer files that you create in class. No class on March 27.

About the instructor:

Wendy Fedan is a professional freelance designer and illustrator with a passion for writing and illustrating books. It is also Wendy’s passion to help others bring their own creativity alive, and to encourage others to share their wonderful stories and ideas to the world. She has published four of her own illustrated books independently and has helped others to independently publish theirs as well. Wendy has 25 years collected experience working in the creative field as a product designer, illustrator and caricature artist. She lives in Amherst, OH with her husband David (also a CIA alumnus) and their two young kids.