How To MAKE Comics - The Essential Guide

Hi guys! I'm Ed Foychuk, and I've been a professional illustrator for decades now. Most of my adult life I was based in Asia, so a lot of the work I have from that period is of an animation style. I did however grow up on Canada, so western comic books are definitely my foundation.

I've got a background in Education and Strength Training, and always wondered how I'd combine all of my passions and worlds... and then Udemy came on the scene! I love creating courses for you, my students. I've got 20 so far, and dad jokes aside, I think my passion shines through. My specialties are in breaking down subjects, understanding structures, Anatomy, and story telling.

At 20+ courses published on this site, I've gained a lot of experience. I've learned so much from my students, and really appreciate all of the feedback and support given.

I love working as a freelance illustrator and instructor. It's opened up so many possibilities in my life, and I want to share that all with you.

Often I’m asked how long I’ve been drawing. The truth is I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I was like any other crayon wielding kid, the only difference being that I never let go of that yearning for artistic venture.

I still remember the walls being filling top to bottom with the felt tip scrawling’s of an artistically fiery five year old. Maths books filled with cartoons instead of numeracy, English books littered with more pictures then poetry. It went on and on and it never stopped.

 My first love was Comic Books, my second was Video Games. Realizing that I wanted to build a career in both I spent most of my late teens immersing myself in constant study, practice and improvement to harness my skills in multiple fields. It was a long, intense journey, with many trials and tribulations along the way, all of which helped me to get my broad skillset to the level it’s at today. There on after I dedicated myself to bringing the characters, worlds and stories within Video Games and Comic Books to life!

Realizing the rewarding feeling of giving back, I’ve devoted several years of my life to create training that teach aspiring artists all my best strategies and techniques for Digital Illustration and Sculpting, Visual Design, and 3D Modelling. On a daily basis I am able to share my methods, techniques and philosophies with my students, so that they too might develop their own artistic flair and begin building themselves a legacy that they’re truly passionate about. 

I'm Mike Van Orden, a Professional Self-Taught American Comic Book Artist, Art Mentor and World Traveler currently based in Thailand. I've worked professionally with companies like Marvel, Aspen Comics, Upper Deck and more. I was recently recognized as one of the industry's leading Art Mentor/Instructors. I am also the  Founder of  'Comic Art Mastery' (CAM!) which was notably endorsed by best selling comic book artist and creator of Deadpool's very own, Rob Liefield.

I've been studying, drawing and creating comic book art, mastering my own style and unique techniques that have paved the way for my success for well over a decade. 

I have vast experience teaching, coaching and mentoring hopeful, budding artists of all ages and skill levels with a tremendous emphasis on the aspects of becoming a professional artist; from developing the proper artist's mindset, to honing the skills and techniques of a Pro, all the way to self-promotion, marketing and building a winning portfolio strategies and more.

I look forward to passing on my artistic knowledge and experience to you, my fellow artist and I can't wait to see how far you can go!

JC is mainly a self-taught artist in Illustration and design since the age of 12.

He has some academic studies ranging from The Art Student League of New York, Dawson College, and is a graduate student from the N.A.D. Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1999 where he studied 3D Animation and Special FX for films and TV series.

After attending the illustration and Design program at Dawson College in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, JC started his career as a storyboard artist and has been focusing his skills on storytelling and visual narrative.

He studied the craft of storytelling with Storyboard Artist Veteran Sergio Paez where he was part of a mentorship program in 2018.

In late 2020, JC studied the core elements of Cinematic Storytelling with Adam Skelter.

JC's IMDB track record has accumulated 16 credits, making him an established professional storyboarding artist in the movie industry.

He is now teaching the art of Storyboarding as a community mentor for the StoryboardArt online educational platform.

Creativity is my life. For over 25 years I've created award winning advertising campaigns, logos, websites, games, and mobile apps for Fortune 500 companies. I've helped produce projects for companies such as Microsoft, Universal Pictures, Lucasfilm, LEGO, National Geographic, and many others.

These days I teach creativity to a slightly younger audience, as a high school teacher at Village Tech Schools.

My focus is to open the minds of students (of all ages) to see things in new ways. To push past various barriers and limitations and make the impossible -- possible.