What to expect
This course guides students through the full journey of comic art and animation, starting with basic design principles, storytelling, and character creation. They’ll explore colour theory, shading, and composition to bring their characters and stories to life. As the weeks progress, they’ll learn essential animation skills—using layers, understanding motion, and adding expressive acting. Through storyboarding and guided practice, students will transform their ideas into short animations. The course concludes with a showcase where they can share their work and receive constructive feedback, celebrating their creativity and progress.
1
Introduction & Basics
Meet each other and share favorite comics/animations. Learn basic software tools (layers, blending, opacity) and simple design principles—shapes as building blocks for characters. Introduce storytelling’s 5 questions (Who, What, When, Where, How) and basic tips on composition for a 4-panel story.
2
Character Design
Choose to refine last week’s character or create a new one using quick thumbnail sketches. Add clothing and props to fit their story. Learn to make a character turnaround/model sheet (front, side, ¾, back). Optional: continue developing the character at home.
3
Colour & Rendering
Learn colour theory, shading techniques, blending vs. cel shading, and undertones for faces. Improve comic panels with perspective, composition, and colour. Start rendering a comic panel.
4
Drawing for Animation
Practice sketching, line art, colouring, and organizing layers for animation.
5
Animation Principles
Discover the 12 principles of animation with examples. Practice drawing key expressions and discuss in-betweens. Learn software resources for animation.
6
Acting & Motion
Explore real-life vs. animated acting. Learn to use self-made references and exaggeration. Create and animate a 3-panel action (e.g., a jump).
7
Storyboarding
Understand why storyboards don’t need to be perfect. Draft a storyboard and script based on the class comic. Finish storyboard at home if needed.
8
Animation Creation
Work on final animation with instructor guidance and support.
9
Presentations & Feedback
Share animations (optional), explain creative choices, and participate in constructive feedback sessions.
Disclaimer
The Organiser reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend, substitute, or modify the subject matter, content, or structure of any workshop session. While every effort will be made to maintain the advertised programme, circumstances may require changes to ensure the quality and relevance of the workshop.
In the event of a significant change to the overall schedule or a full cancellation of the workshop, participants will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
About
My name is Greta Holland
Greta is a Maltese artist, specializing in 2D art and animation. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Art and Visual Design from the MCAST institute of Creative Arts. She has been heavily involved in the online art community, understanding the importance of building an online brand and a community as part of establishing yourself as an artist. She has taken part in local conventions, exhibitions and collaborative projects.
