Make a Mini Comic: Writing, Penciling, and Inking
A course by Aaron Renier, Cartoonist and Illustrator
Joined October 2021

Discover how to make a mini comic. This course combines drawing, storytelling, and book production to share your unique worldview.
Dive into the world of comics from an analog perspective, using pen and ink to bring your stories to life. This course is designed for those who wish to immerse themselves in the art of visual storytelling, from character conception to the creation of settings. You will learn to build engaging narratives and shape your ideas with drawing techniques honed over the years. The instructor, with extensive industry experience, will guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks to enhance your skills. Additionally, you will work on a final project consisting of creating a comic on a single sheet of paper, which will transform into a book when folded.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 19 downloads
What's included in this course?
You will develop the ability to create comics from scratch using traditional drawing and storytelling techniques. You will learn to design unique characters and build worlds where your stories come to life. The focus will be on the use of analog tools, such as pencil and ink, to foster a deeper understanding of comic art. Additionally, you will become familiar with narrative structure and how to use it to captivate the reader's attention. This course will provide you with the tools needed to express your ideas visually and effectively, allowing you to experiment and play with different styles and approaches.
- 97% positive reviews (38)
- 2,808 students
- 13 lessons (2h 10m)
- 19 additional resources (7 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Indonesian · Romanian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
You will create a comic on a single sheet of paper that will become a small book when folded.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is aimed at comic and drawing enthusiasts who wish to explore new forms of artistic expression. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, the techniques taught are accessible and adaptable to all levels. If you're passionate about storytelling and want to learn how to do it visually, this course is perfect for you. Creativity and a willingness to experiment are your best allies on this adventure.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is needed. You will only need paper, pencil, ink, a brush, and an open mind to explore new creative possibilities.
Reviews

Aaron Renier
A course by Aaron Renier
With years of experience in the comic world, the instructor has worked both in independent comic creation and larger editorial projects. His focus is on visual storytelling and creativity, always seeking to inspire his students to explore new ways of storytelling. He has participated in multiple conventions and workshops, sharing his passion for drawing and storytelling with a wide audience.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Preparation and Practice
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The Materials
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Ink Practice
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Jam Comics
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U3
Creating a World
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Creating a Quick Story
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Character Design
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The First Draft and Folding Pattern
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Penciling the Final Draft
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Inking the Comic
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U4
Completing the Comic
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Reproduction
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Adding Color in Photoshop
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Personal Testimonies
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FP
Final project
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Make a Mini Comic: Writing, Penciling, and Inking
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational analog comic making techniques, including drawing, inking, and storytelling.
You’ll need a sketchbook, pencils (including non-photo blue), erasers, ink, brushes or nibs, and paper with suitable texture. Basic correction materials like bleed proof white are also recommended.
You’ll learn how to create comic strips and mini-comics using traditional tools, develop characters, use inking techniques, collaborate on comics, and prepare your work for print or digital sharing.
Yes, the course teaches you how to use pens, brushes, and nibs for inking, including techniques like crosshatching, drybrush, and creating textures.
Yes, the course is beginner-friendly and offers tips for drawing from life, imagination, and using photo references to help you improve.
Yes, the course covers how to use correction materials like bleed proof white to fix ink mistakes and refine your artwork.
Yes, you’ll explore brainstorming, using prompts, building character arcs, and writing dialogue to develop engaging comic narratives.




Muy buen curso para iniciar, tira piques para tener algo terminado en poco tiempo que sirva de base para generar mas cosas iterando sobre el mismo proceso.
Pas d'interaction avec le professeur.
I like this course format since I was able to work on the mini project while listening to the course.
Great course, nice teacher! Highly recommended!
Loving this course! Very insightful!