Long Trail School’s Graphic Design students welcomed cartoonist Jon Chad for a two-day workshop in creating characters for cartoons and learned digital image-making techniques in Photoshop. On the first day, Chad led the students in a series of sketching exercises where they learned techniques for cartooning while illustrating random words and ideas. This process allowed the students to create a mental image of the character they wished to design. Time was also given to draw their cartoon heroes. On the second day, students worked with Chad in the state-of-the-art Innovation Lab (Makerspace, Animation and Motion Media) at LTS to work in Photoshop as they manipulated their hand-drawn images and added color. When asked about his experience, Chad commented, “I was impressed with Long Trail’s lab, as well as the enthusiasm and skill of the students. They were able to handle difficult concepts quickly, exhibiting a great aptitude for technological literacy.”
With Chad, LTS students learned from a leading professional in their new lab. Jon Chad is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. He is a noted author, illustrator, and a Craftsy and Bluprint online educator who also teaches cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, VT. Most recently, Chad was selected to be a judge on the Bluprint television show Doodle Wars. This exceptional opportunity to bring a talented local artist in to work with students was made possible through the Creative Connections Grant for the Arts.
Long Trail School Hosted Artist Jon Chad For Two-Day Workshop