New Comic Book Course Offered at East Tennessee State University

Comic Book Illustration, ARTA 4517/ 5517 has just been approved by the Curriculum Committee at East Tennessee State University. It is planned to be a part of next year's summer schedule, and will be taught by Professor Ralph Slatton, its creator.

Comic Book Illustration, ARTA 4517/ 5517 has just been approved by the Curriculum Committee at East Tennessee State University. The course is now listed as a permanent offering under the Department of Art and Design. It is planned to be a part of next year's summer schedule, and will be taught by Professor Ralph Slatton, who is also its creator. Pre-requisites for the course are Drawing Fundamentals and 2-D Design, but in special situations these may be waived by the instructor. Ralph Slatton's qualifications include 20 years of teaching art and over 50 years of studying comics. Slatton has been motivated by his love and nostalgia of this medium and has recently written an article discussing his influences: "A Nostalgic Look at Comic Books"

This course is designed for all level of students and will cover everything needed for writing, illustrating, and publishing one's own book. Students work within their skill level, to create an illustrated story based on a personalized topic. This course is a survey of many concepts, including: anatomy, perspective, design, story analysis, and comic history. There will be some review on how to use Photoshop for coloring and inserting word balloons. There will be many demonstrations and videos. The course will culminate with the creation of a five page story. All the stories will be assembled in one class comic book, with plans to be printed, depending on availability of funds.

For further information contact: Ralph Slatton, Art and Design, ETSU

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