Week 1 Outside of Class

Over the weekend, we had to do a reading on writing gags. The first step to writing a gag strip is to make a start. This basically means come up with some idea or situation and draw related images. The second step is to make wider observations based on the first idea. What this involves is developing a context for the situation. Another important part of making gag strip comics is called the "problem" method. This is where gags are based upon problems, so the comic addresses what could happen or potential solutions for the problem. All of these steps are built upon through sketching and brain-storming. This reading also touched upon the difference between gag strip comics and cartoon strips. The primary difference is that cartoon strips work to develop a punchline over a longer period of time. The characters seen within the cartoon strips will often be seen in following strips. To develop a cartoon strip, the author recommended using the opening frame method. In this method, you start by drawing any situation, any at all. From there you listen to your characters and further develop the story. The overall process of creating a cartoon strip goes like this: pick a situation, expand on the chosen situation, sketch it out, do a more finished rough draft, and finally, complete the final artwork. Overall, I found this reading to be beneficial in getting a grasp on how to start this first project. I will definitely keep what was said in mind as I progress into creating my first gag strip comic.