Silver Surfer by Jerry deCaire
Learn to Draw Comics the Professional Way.
 
The Art Track: Learn to draw comics only.

The Tutor Track: Art teaches the Core Subjects while the Core Subjects Teach Art:
Math, General Science, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Reading and Writing and even History-This IS INTERDISCIPLINARY!

The ART TRACK
Ages 9 and Up ONLY

Hey, even the art track will require a little math. The late, great John Buscema said it best when he said that "Perspective is a difficult subject, but you have to learn it if you want to draw comics". So true John, so true.

What you will learn or rather, what you MUST learn to draw comics professionally:

Human anatomy
You will also learn about the most important part of human anatomy and virtually any other drawing topic, The 3 P's: Perspective / Proportion / and Position
As confusing as all this can be, you will be pleased to know that virtually any problem in your drawing can be traced back to the 3 P's. And there is one major credo that you must understand:
When PERSPECTIVE changes, PROPORTION changes. And POSITION deals with how the body and its limbs work in unison to create natural movement. We wouldn't want our superheroes to look unnatural, would we? Of course, we've all seen some pretty unnatural villains but even they follow certain rules to convince us that they are real. 
-The Human Skeleton and it's influence on proportion and the surface characteristics of bone and tendons at or near articulations or "joints".
-The Human skull and its corresponding head and facial characteristics from multiple positions. 
-Facial features: A closer look: Eyes, Lips, Nose, etc.
-Hair: What makes for a natural look using a simplistic approach.
-Muscles: How they change depending upon the tasks they perform. Even gravity can effect the shape of a musle (and even fat for that matter). Learn the muscles points of origin and insertion and how each muscle does its job. This can be in-depth, but to draw muscles well, you should understand them. You will also learn how to "stagger" muscles for balance and convincingness (ie: The lateralis thigh muscle is always in a superior position to the medialis thigh muscle, etc.)

COST of ART TRACK:
Don't pay thousands of dollars for other comic art programs that are accredited for a certificate or a "degree in comic art". That would be a total waste of your money!!! Accredidation is essential for an institution to grant legitimate degrees that are necessary to secure and sustain employment in virtually any other profession. The vast majority of comic artists are freelance illustrators and the comic book industry is interested in only one thing: can you draw superheroes and sequential stories? They will never ask to see your certificate or degree-NEVER!!! So please, save your money. What I am offering is a chance to learn the same thing without the exorbitant costs. Just as a heads up, there are a few exceptions when a degree is required for employment in the arts. Here are a few:
Graphic Designer (An associates or 4 year undergraduate degree will suffice, but even these are not always required if the skills are there. This will vary from company to company. For example, Disney will want you to have a 4 year degree peferably in art. Most design studios and ad agencies will require the same).
University Art Instructor (A Master of Arts is an absolute minimal requirement to teach at community college though a 3 year Master of Fine Arts is preferable. An MFA is an absolute requirement to teach at a 4 year University).
Fashion (Interior) Designer (4 year degree)
Art Teacher for Public School (An undergraduate degree plus a minimum of 15-20 credits in professional course work with many hours of student teaching plus state credentials that hinge upon passing a basic skills test (CBEST), subject area test (ART), and professional test (Teacher and management skills) along with the years of continuing education).
Again I repeat, Nobody but NOBODY will ask to see your credentials to draw superhero comics-PROMISE! It's still very tough to break into comics, but it's based solely on your ability to produce-PERIOD!

$250 per quarter year / $400 per half year / $700 per year

This includes 25 lessons for the half year and 50 lessons for the full year. Each student will be emailed each lesson with corresponding exercises and objectives and each student will be responsible for scanning and emailing their visual results each week.

Each student will receive personal critiques on assigned work and I am available for questions pertaining to their assignments every Monday evening (5 PM-10 PM), Tuesday evening, Wednesday evening, and Thursday evening of each week for each calendar year. I am also available from 6 AM to 9 AM and 2 PM to 6 PM on Sundays. My clock is Eastern Standard time, so please take that into consideration. Critiques are given on Skype (jerrydecaire) for 20 minutes per week.  If the student opts to only submit work for a critique by email only, that's okay, but at least try to keep in touch once in a while so that I can gage your progress and understanding. It is also best if you decide a time slot of 20 minutes each week if you want a critique after each assignment. 

You will be given a certificate of completion only after studying for the full year as I feel this most accurately reflects that you have learned what you will need to know to pursue this craft further.

I will not be offering any more classes for students who have completed this course for the full year. The perfecting of your craft relies specifically on your willingness to take what you have learned and exercise it. Any more knowledge I can give you is best learned by practice. John Buscema said it best when I asked him how one can learn to draw comics. He, in his classic New York accent said, "There's three things you need to do in order to learn how to draw comics: First, start drawing. Secondly, continue to draw. Thirdly, don't stop drawing." Amen John.


Panel Exerpt from "Vampire the Masquerade: Assamite"

   
Character Designs for David Boop: "She Murdered Me with Science"

Jerry DeCaire's Cover Art: Full Pencils and Inks / Color by Mike Kowalczyk

Cisco Kid: "Hell's Gates"/A Graphic Novel

The Cisco Kid #1: "Precious Cargo"

The Cisco Kid #2: "The Mission"
  
The Cisco Kid #3: "Holocaust"


Raw Pencils by Jerry deCaire/Sequential narrative-Panel to Panel Action
"When Gods Collide" by Jerry deCaire and dedicated to Dr. Dean Radin of The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)
Page 1:
Narration: Sensing imminent danger approaching the planet Earth, the Skyrider of the Spaceways breaches Earth's upper stratosphere to confront whatever awaits him with neither fear nor pause.
Silver Surfer: "The energy that has thrown the stellar elements into disarray carries with it a familiar signature. Two carefully placed bolts of pure cosmic energy should easily resolve the situation, but the origins of this threat is still a mystery. Whatever dark force lurks within the inter-dimensional rift of this Earth's small sector of space, it shall not find the Surfer wanting".
 
 

Two Cover Proposals for Michael Finn's: 60 Seconds Later.
Captain America VS the Mole Man: First Proposal



Captain America VS the Mole Man: Second Proposal



Rorschach of the Watchmen: Dedicated to Sarina Rapini: Full Inks


Two Cover Proposals for Moonstone Books: Julie Walker as the Phantom:







The TUTOR TRACK Ages 5-14 ONLY
The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example.

Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that
1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?

Here's WHY with a visual approach:



The Academic Approach to Learning

Proportion and Volume using Visual Aids / Math and Science
This lesson includes basic math, art, geometry, and zoological science.
 

The Industrial Approach to Learning

This type of lesson not only helps your child learn the core subjects, but it also prepares them for a career in graphic trades.

This lesson includes the history of the letter, the art of lettering, and
even the science behind the primary subect of your logo (In this case Terrace Community Middle School's mascot: The Tornado). Talk about "Interdisiplinary"!

The practical benefit of this approach is that it lays the foundation for two real
and existing professions: Graphic Designer and Graphic Sign Designer!





While we're at it, let's toss in a little Meteorology. I mean, if we're creating a tornado
logo, shouldn't we first become familiar with the science behind the tornado?
The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:

 

 

The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:

 

The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:

 

The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach:

 

The most common approach to learning involves the utilization of visual aids. Young people learn best this way-especially young aspiring artists. If your child prefers to draw in math class then this is the sort of online course that will benefit them the most. Even if your child isn't big on drawing but is only struggling with the core subjects, lessons with visual aids are still the way to go. I am here to answer your child's questions about math and science as any tutor/teacher would. I also present my understanding of abstract concepts through use of visual aids and my own personal insights. Let me give one simple example. Let's say your child is asked to find the area of a triangle. I am of the conviction that understanding HOW an answer is arrived at does wonders for subsequent learning and creative problem solving. It isn't enough to simply tell your child that 1/2 X Base X height will give them the area of a triangle. It helps to visually demonstrate WHY that formula gives them the answer they're looking for. I should know because I asked myself the same question: WHY does 1/2 X b X h = Area of a triangle ?Here's WHY with a visual approach: