Foundation studies are your entry level classes. These course studies help you to build a solid foundation that will directly apply to your core studies. This level includes topics such as Figure Drawing, Perspective, Composition, Introductions to art related software, Exercises, and some slightly more advanced concepts like Foundational Storytelling. This level is where you develop the skills needed BEFORE creating a comic. This level is equivalent to your Freshman year of college.

5 Basic Shapes of Drawing

Everything we see and draw can seem like an extremely complicated object. It doesn't have to be! Learning to see simple shapes in complicated subjects is the KEY to successful drawing. In this episode, Shawn introduces you to the 5 BASIC shapes that can communicate ANY subject as a drawing. Mastering these 5 shapes, using Shawn's methods, will assure that your drawing skills are ready for the comic book page.

Intro to Perspective

Learn the basics of perspective drawing and Shawn's own technique for creating a perspective grid! He teaches 1 point perspective, 2 point perspective, and 3 point persecutive while demonstrating how they all work and the ideas behind each one. This is a great video for newcomers as well as seasoned veterans. This is another video in the foundational drawing series.

ProCreate Basics for Comics

PROCREATE is one of the leading software applications for creating comic book art. In this episode of INKPULP INSTRUCTION, Alan walks you through the basics of this application and how to use it to create your own comics. You will learn how to draw in the program, , edit your work, and color it. This is the most comprehensive introduction to using PROCREATE for comics!

INKPULP INSTRUCTION is a movement created by comic book professional Shawn Crystal, that is designed to celebrate and teach the craft of comic book art. It is a series of videos and bite sized tutorials that will instruct the beginner artist  and seasoned pro alike. It is the best online resource for learning Sequential Art. 

KEEP CRAFT ALIVE, join INKPULP INSTRUCTION now!

Foundational Storytelling

If you've ever asked... "What is storytelling?" "How do I decide the shape and size of my panels?" If you've ever asked... "What is storytelling?" "How do I decide the shape and size of my panels?" "What is the role of page and panels in comic book storytelling? ...then this is lesson for you!

Intro to Inking

This is the best introduction to comic book inking out there. Shawn will walk you through three drawings using three different types of media, step by step, explaining everything he does as he goes. You'll also learn about the brushes, nibs, markers, and the paper he uses during "TOOL TALK." Once you've finished this episode, you'll be ready to create your own inked drawings based on the knowledge he shared. This is a Level 1: Foundation studies lesson. Foundation studies are your entry level

Clip Studio Basics

CLIP STUDIO PAINT is one of the best software applications for creating comic book art. In this episode of INKPULP INSTRUCTION, Alan walks you through the basics of this application and how to use it to create your own comics. You will learn how to draw in the program, , edit your work, and color it. This is the most comprehensive introduction to using CLIP STUDIO PAINT for comics!

Intro to Composition

In this episode you will learn to harness to power of composition and design, controlling the readers eye movement through a panel and across a page. Shawn will teach you how to choose a focal point and use the rule of thirds and diagonals to create intersting and dynamic compositions. Learning to create eye grabbing compositions is the first step towards mastering the art of comic book storytelling.

Foundational Inking Exercises

Traditional Comic Book Inking is a very specific tradition, with tools that are strange and unfamiliar to the inexperienced hand. Shawn has become well known for his precision based Brush inking, some calling him "The Surgeon." In this lesson, Shawn will walk you through several exercises for several different traditional inking tools. These are simple exercises that anyone can perform and will help all of you gain control of these traditional tools, while teaching you how, when, and why to put

Ink Rendering

Learn Shawn's technique for comic book inking! Watch him create an inked Illustration, step by step, explaining everything he does as he goes. He will cover topics such as composition/ focal point, rendering techniques, recovering from Mistakes, and many more. You'll also learn about the brushes, inks, markers, nibs, and paper he uses during "TOOL TALK."

Shawn's Secret Ink Formula

"What kind of ink do you use?" It's a common question asked to professional comic book artists. When Shawn is asked that question he simply responds, "Its my own formula." Now, for the first time, Shawn is letting everyone in on his secret. In this video, Shawn walks you through the entire process of creating the same ink as him. The secret is revealed, here and now. This is a Level 2: Core Studies lesson.  Core studies are where you start to develop a focus and concentration on areas SPECIFIC

Brush Care

Learn Shawn's tried and true method for taking care of those expensive brushes! You can make your brushes last twice a long while performing better than you imagined. . He will walk you through all the stages of brush care, from cleaning to storage. Also, learn how the media that you use to create with can help or hurt those precious daggers.

Mixed Media Painting Techniques

Learn Shawn's Mixed Media/ Painting techniques. He will walk you through a painting of Wonder Woman, step by step, explaining everything he does. You'll also learn about the brushes, paints, and paper he uses during "TOOL TALK." Once you've finished this episode, you'll be ready to create your own paintings based on the knowledge he shared. This is a Level 2: Core Studies lesson.  Core studies are where you start to develop a focus and concentration on areas SPECIFIC to creating comics. At thi

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