Create a Comic Strip in 7 Steps

Create a unique comic strip in only 7 simple steps with your kids. You can join them in the activity, or simply lead the way and let them get creative on their own.

--WHAT YOU'LL NEED--

Standard 8½” x 11″ copy paper
Pencils
Regular black pens
Sharpie Ultra Fine pens (Optional)
Ruler
Crayons
Stapler
Foam board 20″ x 30″ x 3″
X-ACTO knife (cutter)
Large eraser
Wite-Out correction fluid


-- STEP 1 --

The first step is to choose an overall theme for your comic. Who are the characters? What is the setting? A great way to find inspiration is to see what your kids are particularly interested in.

-- STEP 2 --

Sketch the Characters: now that you know what you want your comic to be about, it’s time to sketch what the characters will look like, in both words and drawings.

-- STEP 3 --

Write the Story: think about the overall story you want to tell with your comic series. Choose between a storyline or gag-a-day style.

Most gag-a-days are made up of three panels:

Introduction
Build-Up
Punchline

-- STEP 4 --

Make the Borders:
First, create a border template so that all of your comics will be the same size and shape. Use foam core board from an art store for your template. Measure a 10″ x 5″ (25 x 12 cm) rectangle. You’ll be left with a 1/2″ (1 cm) wide frame. This is your template. Next, it’s time to draw the borders for your comic. Place the template over a standard 8½” x 11″ (22 x 28 cm) piece of paper lengthwise and trace the inside border to create the panel.

-- STEP 5 --

Do the Lettering: Lettering is the secret benefit to creating a comic by hand. When you make a comic together, the lettering gives your kids the important handwriting practice they need, but it’s fun! Have them shape the sentences so they make ellipses. You’ll draw word balloons around them later.

-- STEP 6 --

Penciling: Have your kids draw the characters in pencil underneath the words they’re saying. Encourage them to take chances and get crazy with the faces and expressions.

-- STEP 7 --

Inking: Take the border template you made in the beginning and line it up over your penciled border. Carefully trace the penciled border with a thin black Sharpie pen.

------
Image/idea credit: www.mykidsadventures.com