Class Description
Comics That Don’t Make Sense!
A New Mixed-Media Class with Carla Sonheim
Class Dates: September 15-24, 2026
5 Lessons • $59
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Hello!
This past year I took a little break from teaching and was able to spend more time in my studio doing all of the things I love most… writing a little, drawing a little, painting a little and collaging a lot! ;D And from that I’ve come up with this class based in comic structure.
I’ve long wanted to explore the comic format more intentionally but I don’t really see myself as a comic artist. So I decided to throw out the idea of making a “serious” comic and instead make some panels that actually reflected my busy, chaotic and jumbled state of mind… and I loved the results! So, this isn’t really a class on how to make comics; it’s about using the form as a “back door” into flow and new creative ideas.
We’ll be making single- and multi-panel comics using journal writing, found text, drawing, painting, rubbings and of course all of our collage imagery and texture that we have on hand.
One of the most surprising things I noticed after I finished these nonsensical comics is that each one of them actually kind of made sense!
This is a fun, freeing process and I can (almost) guarantee that you will create work that surprises and delights you. I really hope you will join me.
Carla
P.S. We always have class forums where you can upload your work if desired, and part of the FUN of this class, I think, will be getting feedback from other students about your comics… they will make connections you might not see, and help you find the meaning in your own work, even if you don’t see it right away yourself!
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Here are a Few “Comics That Don’t Make Sense”:
And some single panel comics:
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Class Itinerary
Lessons are pre-recorded and are available on the following schedule:
Lesson “0” – Upon signup (A note on supplies)
Lesson 1 – Tuesday, Sept. 15
Lesson 2 – Wednesday, Sept. 16
Lesson 3 – Friday, Sept. 18
Lesson 4 – Tuesday, Sept. 22
Lesson 5 – Thursday, Sept. 24
Lesson “0” – Get Started Right Away!
Start gathering collage sources… papers of various textures, weights and sizes; magazines and books; even photocopies. Then you’ll be all ready to go for Lesson 1!
Lesson 1 – Single-Panel Warm Ups
We’ll start off jumping right in and creating a small series of single-panel comics. First we’ll do a quick writing exercise and then scrape some paint and add details to create a series of characters. Then, we’ll “audition” various captions from the writing prompts… by reading them backwards. A great way to get into the “nonsense” mindset we want to cultivate for this class.
Lesson 2 – Making Collage Elements
In this lesson you’ll start your “Comics That Don’t Make Sense” collage collection by going through books, magazines, junk mail (and the like) and cutting out and altering a number of elements including figures, plants, animals… things that resonate with YOU. At the same time, you will begin your “word” and “phrase” collection from these resources. In addition, we will draw on found paper using various media so we have a nice variety to choose from for our main project. We will focus on picking subjects that resonate with you, line quality, and having fun with these small little drawings!
Lesson 3 – Comic Frames: India Ink & Texture Collage Elements
Now it’s time to get a little messy and block out the comic structures on watercolor paper. We will work with limited supplies and a lot of luck! (Since this process is unpredictable, you will be creating lots and then choosing your favorite three to finish in this class.) We’ll also create a handful of textured collage elements using crayon rubbings.
Lesson 4 – Words & Pictures Part 1
Now the fun part: adding collage elements to each of your three compositions! You will get the bulk of the imagery down today, thinking about balance and variety when choosing your imagery. In addition, be sure to continue adding to your “cut-out words and phrases” pile so you have plenty to work with in the next lesson.
Lesson 5 – Words & Pictures Part 2
Now your three comics are really starting to come together, but now you need WORDS! We’ll start with a quick writing exercise and then you can use that as a jumping off point for gluing your nonsensical words on your comic. Let your inner “silly” come out! Finally, we’ll use a fine-tip black marker and white paint pen to add line details to finish. And finally, I’ll send you off with a special assignment: Make One Last Comic That Makes Even Less Sense! (Kind of like the one below).
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For a list of the supplies you will need, see the tab titled “Supplies” located just under the video screen above.