Question 1

What do you call someone who draws comics?

Accepted Answer

The term used for someone who draws comics is a "comic book artist" or "comic book writer". Comic book artists use different types of equipment, such as pencils, pens, markers, brushes, and graphic tablets, to create illustrations that tell a story. They may also use drawing and image processing software to enhance their work. Comics, also known as comic books or comics, are a narrative art form that uses images and text to tell a story.

Question 2

Which tablet to draw comics?

Accepted Answer

There are several tablets available on the market for drawing comics. Graphics tablets are the most commonly used for creating digital art, as they offer a more natural and accurate drawing experience compared to mice and trackpads. Popular graphics tablets include the Wacom Intuos, Huion H610 Pro, XP-Pen StarG640, GAOMON S620 and Parblo Coast10. These tablets offer features such as pen pressure, high tilt sensitivity, programmable buttons, different sized work areas and different price points. It's important to consider fundamentals such as size, resolution, pressure sensitivity, pen accuracy and drawing software compatibility when choosing a graphics tablet for drawing comics.

Question 3

Which software to make comics?

Accepted Answer

There are several drawing and comic book creation software programs available on the market. The most popular programs include Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Sketchbook Pro and Krita. Fundamentals to consider when choosing software for drawing comics include ease of use, compatibility with drawing hardware, content creation features, export capability, ability to import images and videos, and support for common file formats for printing and online publishing. Clip Studio Paint is especially popular for comic book creation because it offers tools specifically designed for creating comic book panels, speech bubbles, boxes and sound effects. It also offers a library of comic book materials and drawing styles to help artists create comics faster and easier.

Question 4

What age to draw?

Accepted Answer

There is obviously no age to start drawing! If you have young children, you have certainly already made a compilation of the most beautiful drawings made by your little one. Concerning the academic drawing at Apolline, we advise your children to wait until they are 16 years old to start the courses. Our courses require a certain maturity and a grasp of the tools of creation. Indeed, at the end of this course, you will have developed technical skills (construction of space, structure of the human anatomy, distribution of shadows and lights, dynamics of the body in movement) and will have understood the challenges of this approach. The practice of observation drawing will also lead you to a better understanding of your perceptive intelligence. Finally, it will invite you to make use of faculties that are not usually mobilized, thus fluidifying the link between body and mind.

Question 5

Are our classes suitable for adults?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our classes are suitable for all ages, from children to teens to adults. As mentioned on our website, registrations for people over 16 years old are admitted on file, and will be able to benefit from special courses with our teacher Yami Shin. Our classes are divided into two age categories, for children from 6 to 9 years old (90 min. weekly) and for teens from 10 to 16 years old (90 min. weekly). Apolline's courses include artistic activities, discoveries and initiations, suitable for students of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience, our classes will meet your needs and interests. The courses are designed to provide an enriching and challenging experience for all adult learners.

Question 6

What are the basics of drawing?

Accepted Answer

First of all, we need to understand what drawing is. It is an art form that allows artists to express themselves visually through shapes, colors and textures on a flat surface such as paper or a computer screen. To create accurate and expressive drawings, any beginning artist must learn and master the basics of drawing. The basics include sketching, a quick drawing technique to capture the essence of a scene or subject. Beginners can start by learning the basics of drawing such as proportion, perspective and shading before moving on to more advanced projects. Our classes cover these different stages of learning, for novices, amateurs and advanced. Moreover, learning is a continuous process for even the most experienced artists. They can always learn new techniques, new approaches and new styles to improve their work. Finally, hard work is an essential part of learning to draw. As in any field, artists must practice regularly to improve their skills and creativity.

Question 7

What profession if you like drawing?

Accepted Answer

If you like drawing, there are several artistic professions you could consider. First, you can become an illustrator, creating images for books, magazines, advertisements or products. You can also pursue a career as a painter, creating artwork for art galleries or collectors. To prepare for these artistic careers, you can take classes with us at Apolline for our pre-professional courses. In addition to illustration and painting, you can also consider careers in other drawing-related fields, such as video game design, animation, character design or comic book creation. Drawing skills are also useful in fields such as architecture, fashion and industrial design. All in all, if you love drawing, there are many career options in artistic and creative fields, and art schools can help you develop the skills and techniques needed to succeed.

Question 8

Do I need a studio to draw comics?

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary to have a studio to draw, don't imagine that you have to have a studio of a great painter like Picasso or Monet. Having a dedicated space for your practice can however help you to concentrate and fully immerse yourself in your universe. Drawing gathers all kinds of skills and is divided into many categories. If we talk about manga drawing for example, it can also include painting, character design, visual storytelling and layout. All of these areas may require a bit of equipment, including a set of drawing supplies, pencils, markers, quality paper, erasers and rulers. You may also need a computer or graphics tablet to create digital art, if you want to get into illustration for example. All in all, a dedicated space for your creations is obviously recommended!

Question 9

What is the most difficult body part to draw in comics?

Accepted Answer

Drawing the human body as a whole can be a challenge for many artists, but certain body parts are often considered more difficult to draw than others in comics. Probably one of the most difficult body parts to draw is the hands. Hands are very expressive and even the smallest mistakes can alter their appearance. They are also often depicted in motion, which can make drawing them even more complex. Feet are also considered difficult to draw, especially because they can assume a wide variety of positions and have proportions that can be tricky to reproduce. In general, body parts that have complex shapes and proportions, such as faces, hands, feet and torso, can be difficult to draw, but with practice and study, these parts can be mastered

Question 10

What are the steps to make a sketch?

Accepted Answer

Sketching can vary depending on your skill level and the tools you use. However, there are some general steps you can follow to make a successful sketch. The first step is to choose your sketching tool. If you want a quick, spontaneous sketch, you can use a pencil. If you want a more expressive and dramatic sketch, you can opt for a charcoal. If you want to add color, you can use watercolor. Then you can start drawing the outline of your subject. If you are sketching a portrait, start by drawing the outline of the face. If you are drawing a landscape, start by drawing the outlines of the main shapes. Once you have the outline of your subject, you can start adding details. If you are drawing a portrait, add details such as eyes, nose and mouth. If you are drawing a landscape, add details such as trees and clouds. Finally, you can add texture and value shades to give your sketch depth and dimension. If you are using a pencil, you can add texture using techniques such as blending and hatching. If you are using charcoal, you can add texture using techniques such as smudging and blending. Sketching may seem intimidating to beginners, but it's a great way to develop your drawing skills. Introduction to drawing can be done by learning the basic steps to sketching and practicing regularly. By attending introductory classes or following online tutorials, you can learn the skills necessary to make successful sketches.

Question 11

Training to become a comic book and manga illustrator in our school

Accepted Answer

Training in the field of manga is a dream perspective for some aspiring artists. Excellent opportunity for those who wish to discover this world and improve in this discipline. We offer a wide range of training courses for all levels, whether you are a beginner or advanced. We have weekly classes, operating on a year-round registration basis, or by week-long workshops during the vacations that we call vacation workshops. Classes are open to both boys and girls, for those who are new to the sport and want to learn the basics, as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and improve their technique. If you are interested in learning about manga, please contact us for more information and to register. We look forward to welcoming you to our schools and helping you achieve your goals.

Question 12

How do I know if my child has a talent for drawing?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to determine if your son or daughter has a talent for drawing by observing his or her behavior at school, if he or she prefers to spend time drawing rather than listening to lectures. If your child is often absorbed in his or her drawings and shows remarkable creativity, this may be a sign that visual arts are his or her forte. You can also talk to his teacher to get his opinion on your son's abilities. If your child shows a sustained interest in drawing and continues to improve despite difficulties, this may indicate a passion for art. Finally, if your child receives positive feedback on his or her drawings from classmates or family, it may suggest that he or she has a talent for drawing. Don't hesitate to encourage your child to pursue his or her interest in the visual arts by enrolling him or her in classes or by providing high-quality drawing materials to develop academic skills.

Question 13

What is a Storyboard?

Accepted Answer

When you have an idea, it is sometimes not so easy to turn it into a comic strip, a cartoon or a movie. To do this, before launching into the final result, we can go through several stages that allow us to gradually specify what we would like to do. For example, if I have the idea of a sheep that skis, I need to have a sheep, skis and a camera to make a film or paper and pencil to make a comic strip. But it's useful to go through a drawing first, a sketch. Well, the storyboard is, in a way, the sketch of the comic strip or the film. It consists of drawings and sentences, placed side by side. "Story" means "story" and "board" means "guidance". The storyboard is a dashboard, a guide. So the producers, actors and production workers of the film have an overview before shooting, the designers have an idea of what it might look like, what problems they might encounter, what is worth drawing, before they go to the final board.

Question 14

What are the differences between painting and illustration?

Accepted Answer

Painting and illustration are two visual art forms that share some similarities but also have some important differences. Here are some of the main differences: Purpose: Painting is often created to be a stand-alone work of art that is designed to be viewed in its own beauty, while illustration is created to serve a specific purpose, such as to accompany a text, story, message or communication. Medium of execution: Painting is often done on traditional media such as canvas, paper, wood or stone, while illustration can be done on a variety of media such as paper, cardboard, fabric, etc. Content: Painting can be a representation of anything that can be seen, imagined or expressed, while illustration is often related to specific content, such as a story, article, advertisement, etc. Target Audience: Painting is generally intended for a broader audience, while illustration is often intended for a more specific target audience, such as children, professionals, or enthusiasts in a specific field. In summary, the main difference between painting and illustration is their purpose and context. Painting is often created to express a personal vision, while illustration is often created to meet a specific need or to accompany a text or story.

Question 15

What are the different artistic fields related to drawing?

Accepted Answer

Drawing is a very rich artistic field, which offers many possibilities of expression and creation. Among the different artistic fields related to drawing, we can mention painting, which can be done with different types of paint, such as oil, watercolor or acrylic. Painting can be used to create figurative or abstract paintings, playing with colors, textures and shapes. Drawing is also related to the graphic arts, such as comics, illustration, printmaking or screen printing. These arts allow us to tell stories, to represent characters or landscapes, using specific techniques and particular styles. Drawing can also be done with different tools, such as pencil, charcoal, pastel or pen. Each of these tools offers different possibilities of expression, playing with lines, shadows and textures. Drawing is also about observation, creation and discovery. By drawing, we can learn to observe the world around us, to capture the moment, to explore new horizons. We can also express our creativity by drawing freely, letting our imagination and emotions speak. Finally, drawing can be used to create portraits, which allow to represent the features and expressions of a person, or to play with colors, shapes and textures, using techniques such as watercolor or pastel. In short, drawing offers many possibilities of expression and creation, and allows everyone to find their own artistic path. Whatever your level or interests, the art school is here to accompany you on your artistic journey and help you develop your creativity.

Question 16

What is the oldest comic book?

Accepted Answer

The oldest known comic book is the "Codex" of Telleriano-Remensis", which dates from around 1420 and is kept in the National Library of France in Paris. The Codex is an illustrated manuscript that tells the story of the pre-Columbian Aztec civilization. However, if we consider comics in their modern form of sequential narration, the earliest recognized comic book is "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck", a humorous comic book created by Swiss artist Rudolph Töpffer in 1837. It was published in France under the title "Histoire de M. Vieux Bois" in 1842, and is considered to be the first comic strip in history to use boxes and speech bubbles.

Question 17

What is the most famous comic book character?

Accepted Answer

There are many! But the most famous cartoon character is probably Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney in 1928. This iconic character has been featured in numerous comic books, movies, television shows, video games, theme parks, and has become an iconic symbol of popular culture. Other popular comic book characters that have international recognition include Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Asterix, Tintin, Snoopy, and many others.

Question 18

Should comics be taught as part of the school curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Teaching comics drawing as part of the school curriculum can be beneficial for several reasons. First, drawing comics can help students develop their creativity and ability to communicate visually. This can help them express their ideas more clearly and accurately, which is an important skill in many academic and professional disciplines. In addition, teaching cartooning can help stimulate students' interest in reading and storytelling. By teaching them to create illustrated stories, students can develop their ability to understand and analyze narrative structure. It can also help stimulate their interest in reading and give them a deeper appreciation of how stories can be told visually. Finally, teaching comics drawing can help develop students' technical skills in drawing and visual storytelling. Students can learn techniques such as layout, composition, coloring, and the use of different drawing styles.

Question 19

Is it possible to follow the courses online?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to follow our illustration courses online or via webcam. Since the classes are in groups, attendance is essential to the progress and smooth running of the class. The children exchange with their teacher who immediately corrects them. Giving the lessons online, in this context, is therefore of no interest.

Question 20

Are there any workshops/courses/holiday camps at Apolline's?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Visit our website to discover our vacation camps, workshops and courses. Based in several cities in the French part of Switzerland, Apolline offers comic book/manga drawing courses during the school vacations in your canton. This is not a vacation camp as such, as the children do not sleep on site. The activity focuses on 3 hours of intensive classes per day from Monday to Friday. The courses can be taken in the morning from 9am to 12pm, or in the afternoon from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Cities where we organize our drawing courses : Geneva - Etoy - Lausanne - Montreux - Yverdon - Sion - Neuchâtel - Fribourg

Courses	Weekly duration	Monthly price*	One price**
Comic strip/Manga from age 8 / 10 - 1 year	90 minutes	99.00 CHF	1'150.00 CHF
Drawing Comics/Manga Adults aged 15 and over - 1 term (quarter)	120 minutes	N/A	550.00 CHF

Cours de dessin BD

Individual Program

Objectives and skills

Techniques covered

Ages :

Tarifs

Les salles de ce cours

Innovation Lab

L'étoile

Salle Igloo Sion

Apolline - Neuchâtel

UCG

Les Ateliers de la Côte (LAC)

Maison Visinand

Apolline Montelly 46 / Provence 27

Manga drawing class

Cours de dessin Manga à Etoy

Cours de dessin Manga à Fribourg

Cours de dessin Manga à Genève