CARTOONING 101: Introduction to Cartooning!

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• General Public: $99 tuition + $10 reg fee = $109  
• UW Students (current ID): $95 tuition + $5 reg fee = $100  

Course description:  Looking for a fun, step-by-step introductory Seattle CARTOONING class?   In this four-week class, aimed at beginners but open to all levels,  you’ll learn how to create your own cartoon characters and show them in action, even if you’ve never drawn before. You’ll learn how to draw cartoon faces and figures; how to draw human and animal characters; and more. It’s fun and easy; anyone can learn. Plus, you’ll learn some possible ways to get your artwork published and make money from your cartooning.  Whether you’re interested in gag cartoons, greeting cards, humorous illustration, drawing comic books or newspaper strips, or taking class class just for fun, you’ll have fun and learn a lot. It’s taught by a professional cartoonist with years of experience.  Total beginners are welcome.  Instructor: Nils Osmar

About the materials: The instructor will be bringing paper, pencils and erasers for you to use in the first class. For the remaining class meetings, you will need to pick up a materials kit, which is available for purchase at the University Bookstore, a few blocks from where the class is held. The kit contains brushpens, a brush for inking, india ink, and a type of hard surfaced paper used in cartooning.  Most students come to the first class and use the materials provided, then head over to the U. Bookstore to buy the materials kit on their way home after class, to use in the rest of the meetings.

NOTE:  THIS COURSE IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A ONE DAY WORKSHOP.  For information about the 1-day version of the class, CLICK HERE.

View the instructor’s CARTOON ART
View the instructor’s COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS 

NOTE:  You can sign up for this class independently, or take it as part of a CERTIFICATE PROGRAM in Cartooning.  More info about the certificate.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts since the 1980s, and has taught both accredited and non-accredited classes in Seattle for over twenty years, through the University of Washington’s ASUW Experimental College, Antioch University’s Heritage Institute, Shoreline Community College, the Wonder School, and Classesandworkshops.com. He has worked as a fine and commercial artist, and done book and magazine illustration, design, book covers and interiors. His artwork has been internationally published.

Student comments

I appreciated how you covered all of the basics, and took the time to answer student questions. – Michelle G., Seattle

The class was excellent. I learned exactly what I was hoping to. I’ll be taking more of the instructor’s art classes in the future. – Chris K., Redmond

Before the class I was drawing one figure over and over again, and didn’t know how to move her around. I feel great now, I can draw all kinds of characters and expressions. – Melanie T., Seattle

Nils is thoughtful, paces the class well, and treats everyone with respect. There were twelve adults and three youngsters in the class. He took all of the students seriously, listened to all of their questions with the same respect – K.L., Bellevue

Nils is an amazing artist, and I would say, an excellent teacher. I learned exactly what I was hoping for, and have been drawing steadily since the class. I’ll be back for more. – J.W., Bellevue

The demonstration on coloring cartoons in Photoshop was great! – Keith L, Seattle

The teacher was knowledgable and did a good job… (unsigned)

Thanks Nils! It was excellent. – Ken S.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a class for beginners?
Yes. You don’t have to have any previous drawing or cartooning experience to do well in it. (People of different levels do take the class, and everyone is welcome. I’ve had professional cartoonists show up some quarters, looking for tips or help with particular issues. It’s always fun to have a mix of different levels. But most students are beginners, and the information is presented in a step by step way so that everyone can keep up.)

Is the class aimed at kids or adults?
It’s a serious drawing class, and almost all students are 18 or older. Under some circumstances, kids can attend, if accompanied by an adult. The usual age range is from college age all the way up to post-retirement, with one or two younger kids. But it’s not a “kiddie class,” it’s a serious art class.

Categories: Seattle Art Classes, Seattle Cartooning Classes