Are you a writer or aspiring writer looking to improve your skills? Do topics like major and minor themes, reversals, plot points, motifs, reader fulfillment, scene arcs, or the mythic structure interest, upset, baffle, or frighten you? If so, join Maxwell Alexander Drake as he breaks these topics down into easily understandable bits you can use to improve your craft. Drake is an award-winning science fiction/fantasy author, graphic novelist, and playwright; he teaches creative writing at writers' conferences and fan conventions around the country.
Thursday July 20, 2017 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Room 2
Learn how to take your drawing to full color or to a full painting. Brian Haberlin will focus on using multiple programs to introduce a mix of new digital and analog painting tricks and tips that will aid you in fully executing your personal creative vision. A comic book artist, writer, editor, and producer, Haberlin is best known as the co-creator of the Witchblade franchise and for his digital art innovations. Haberlin currently runs Digitalarttutorials.com, produces art tutorials, graphic novels, and comics, teaches at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and is partner in Anomaly Productions.
Thursday July 20, 2017 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 2
Learn how to create your own motion comics with Adobe Character Animator. With David Miller (multimedia artist and animator), transform static comic book characters into moving animations. Working with public domain Golden Age comic illustrations and audio, you will learn how to animate a story and turn illustrations into films using a webcam and automatic lip sync, starting with some basics from Dave Werner a.k.a. Okay Samurai (Adobe UI designer) and moderated by Erica Schisler (user engagement, Adobe).
Ever wondered how the legendary Jack Kirby created his signature style? Now you can learn the tricks of his trade and those he collaborated with to draw Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men among many other iconic characters. Celebrate Jack Kirby's 100th birthday with Kirby fan and cartoonist Mark Badger (Batman, Just Draw) leading this workshop, with guidance from the Jack Kirby Museum. Supplies provided by Sakura.
Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Action Comics) and Kristy Miller (Femme Magnifique) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips.
Thursday July 20, 2017 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 11
Sue Dawe demonstrates basic airbrush techniques, including freehand work and masking techniques. Sue is best known for her fantasy airbrushed designs, which have appeared in magazines and on back-to-school products, posters, greeting cards, games, and Franklin Mint plates.
Scott Hampton will take the audience step by step through the process of making a comics page for the Dark Horse American Gods comic, beginning with the text from the novel by Neil Gaiman, then to script and layout from P. Craig Russell, next to lettering by Rick Parker, then to finished line art, and finally painting and digital coloring by Scott. Scott's work on Silverheels from Pacific Comics in 1983 is regarded as the first continuing painted comic of US origin. His work includes illustrations for Batman, The Sandman, Black Widow, Hellraiser, and Star Trek, as well as Magic: The Gathering cards.
Class is in session as some of the greatest artists in the industry take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process. DC Entertainment is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive all-access look at what it's like drawing DC!
Thursday July 20, 2017 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 11
Make your own animated superhero! Using Adobe Character Animator, Dave Werner a.k.a. Okay Samurai (Adobe UI designer) will teach you how to bring your toys, characters, art, or superheroes to life. With a simple photo or illustration, turn your Photoshop or Illustrator characters into animations that blink, talk, walk, and even shoot fire! Moderated by Erica Schisler (user engagement, Adobe).
Thursday July 20, 2017 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 11
Ron Lemen (illustrator, storyboard/sequential artist, concept artist, educator) demonstrates and lectures on methods and techniques for designing and rendering expressive backgrounds for comic panels quickly and efficiently. The lecture will also discuss camera angles, lens distortions, and complex perspective.
