Creation of Autobiographical Graphic Novels

Start the course by meeting Marcela who tells you about some of her experiences and how these later transformed into different creative projects. She also talks about her biggest influences and how they have impacted her career and gives you a brief overview of the course.

Next, explore three different ways to approach an autobiographical comic: as a diary, as therapy, or as a memoir. Review basic narration techniques for a graphic novel and the materials you need to create one. Finish this unit with some exercises to loosen up your hand muscles.

Now that you’re in the right frame of mind, it’s time to hunt down your story. Marcela teaches you her method for transforming emotions and memories into a story and shows you some techniques to help you lay out your sketches in a storyboard. Then, work on the text for your story and draw a pencil version of your comic.

In the last unit, focus on inking your work using India ink, a dip pen, and a brush. First ink the text, then the speech bubbles, and finish with the drawings using your tools to create contrast and add dramatic flair. To end the course, Marcela gives you some tips on how to scan and digitally retouch your comic.