1. Brief Description of Pixton

Pixton is an online platform that allows users to easily create digital comics. It provides a user-friendly interface with a range of tools and features designed to simplify the comic creation process.

2. Benefits of Pixton

Using Pixton for creating comics offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals, educators, and businesses. Here are some of the advantages of using Pixton:

• User-Friendly Interface: Pixton features an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels, including beginners.

• No Drawing Skills Required: Unlike traditional comic creation methods that may require drawing skills, Pixton allows users to create professional-looking comics without the need for artistic expertise. The platform provides a library of characters, backgrounds, and props that users can customize.

• Versatility: Pixton can be used for various purposes, including educational projects, storytelling, presentations, and marketing materials. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from students to professionals.

• Collaboration Features: Pixton supports collaborative comic creation, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for group projects, educational activities, or team-based comic creation.

3. Disadvantages of Pixton

• Subscription Costs - Pixton may offer both free and premium subscription plans, providing cost-effective options for users with different needs and budget constraints.  While it may offer free plans, users seeking advanced features may need to subscribe, which can be a disadvantage for those on a tight budget. 
• Internet Dependency - Pixton is an online platform, which means users need a stable internet connection to access and use its features.
• Limited Artistic Freedom: While Pixton provides a wide range of customization options, it may still have limitations in terms of artistic freedom compared to hand-drawn or more advanced graphic design tools. Users looking for highly detailed or unique visual styles might find Pixton somewhat restrictive.
  

4. How to sign up

5. How to create a comics

1. Sign up to our class
2. Select "My Comics" and choose "Create a Comic"

5.1. How to add background

1. Name your comics
   
2. Click "Background"
3. You can choose from options (scene, abstract, weather) or if you are looking for something specific use the "search" button and write. If you cannot find the right background insert your photo/image in the same column
   
4. After choosing your background you can adjust daytime/night/flashback mode

5.2. How to add characters

1. Click "Characters"
2. Add a person, a toon or a creature of your choice - you can create your own or you can use from given options
3. Choose an outfit/skin/hair colour/hair
4. Manipulate with character by clicking on it in the picture and moving it around
5.  Click on the"removing from the panel" - bin under the picture

5.3. How to add objects

1. Click "Objects"
2. Choose the character you want to give the object
3. Choose the object, you can choose right or left-hand

5.4. How to add focus

1. Click on "Focus"
2. Choose from regular/dramatic options
   
3. Drag characters to move them
   

                

                        

5.5. How to add words

1. Click "Words"
2. Add speech/caption/sounds
3. Choose from the given graphic options
4. Write your own text and confirm to insert
   
5. When inserted drag to where you want it to be
   

5.6. How to add faces

1. Click "Faces"
2. Choose expression and eye direction and choose the most fitting option

5.7. How to add actions

1. Click "Actions"
2. Choose from body poses and effects the most fitting option

5.8. How to add more panels

1. Click on the grey box on the right "+" to add another panel
2. Continue the same way in your story
   

6. Activity

Work in pairs. Students create their settings for comics with the assistance of their partners. On a blank sheet of paper, they write down their answer and fold the paper so that their partner can´t see it. 

Students write answers based on these instructions: 

7. Lesson (90min) - Art History Feuds - storytelling

Warm-up activity:

Work in groups and answer these questions: What and why do people feud about? What would artists feud about?

Main part:

Work in groups and find information about a feud given on a card. Write down basic information about the situation. Who? When? What? Where? How (did it happen? Long did it take? Did it end?)

                                                        MOST FAMOUS ARTISTS FEUD

                                                  Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo

                                                                  Picasso and Matisse

                                                                Van Gogh and Gauguin

                                                               Caravaggio and Giovanni

                                                                 Pollock and de Kooning

                                                                    Ingres and Delacroix

                    

SOURCES:

VEGARA, M., I., Sánchez, 2016. Frida Kahlo. London: Frances Lincoln. ISBN: 9781847807700.

KATZ, Neil, 2010. Frida Kahlo Biography: Medical Mystery, Controversial Death. [online] cbsnews.com [Cit. 22.12.2023]. Retrieved from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/frida-kahlo-biography-medical-mystery-controversial-death/

8. Do´s & Dont´s

                                                                                                 Do´s

1. Plan your story:

• after creating the storyline plan each panel carefully - its characters, objects, background, words, ...