The job of an op-ed illustration is to capture the essence of the author's opinion (in this case, yours). Techniques will be offered in class to help you sort out your thoughts & feelings, and turn your passionate opinions into strong visual statements.
Basic drawing skills are all you need. Individual guidance is provided using Zoom’s breakout rooms. Artwork is shared via Google Photos, or screen-shared if you have drawing software. We’ll have on-camera demos and group critiques in each class.
More info for the curious:
"An op-ed, short for "opposite the editorial page", is a written ... piece typically published by a newspaper or magazine which expresses the opinion of an author ..."
(Wikipedia)
“Despite the “op” in “op-ed” not standing for “opinion,” op-eds are often called opinion pieces because, unlike standard news articles, the authors of op-eds are encouraged to give their opinions on a certain topic, as opposed to simply reporting the news.” - Benjamin Spall https://benjaminspall.com/op-ed/
So, the job of an op-ed illustration, then, is to capture the crux of the opinion, or to represent the 2 sides of the story (with a bias towards the author’s perspective).
“Art directors rely on illustrators ... to help impart information and express complex ideas. Editorial illustrations bring stories to life and entice readers to engage with content.”
In class, the students are the authors, and the opinion is expressed visually (though students may employ writing, as well). > Students may approach the artwork conceptually / intellectually, or intuitively. It’s all good! Class exercises will help get to the root of the matter. > The idea is to develop a concise image that illustrates your point. (See some of Benjamin Spall’s tips below.)*
In My Opinion (heh-heh), it's a great way to work out your own thoughts, feelings, & opinions on an issue that is important to you. The topic can be anything; it doesn’t need to be political.**
Here's what one student had to say about class:
I found Stacy to be easy to talk to and very understanding, especially about the art creation process. I had a very general idea that I felt strongly about and wanted to share but I didn't know how to put it into images or even words. Stacey made it possible.
She gave me exercises and tools that were very helpful. She asked me questions that made me think in a very productive way. I would say that she actually acted as a sort of 'midwife' to the birth of my intended art images.
The other participants in the class also had good suggestions and it proved to be a healthy part of my creative process to see their creative processes unfolding before me.
This is going to sound funny but I found myself forgetting that this class was online. The class had such a creatively stimulating energy for me that for a while I felt I was somewhere else and not at home on a zoom. - Nancy M.; Sept 2020
Even more info for the very curious:
* Illustrators benefit from these tips as much as the writers:
Some tips on how to write an op-ed, from Benjamin Spall:
Get to the point: The moment a reader ... starts reading your op-ed article they need to know what it is about, and why it matters...
Have a clear thesis: Submitting a meandering opinion column is a surefire way to ensure you do not hear back from the editor. Outline your entire op-ed before sitting down to write, and keep a clear thesis in mind.
Write what you know: …[have] authority in the topic you’re writing about…
Students will get lots of guidance on focusing, teasing out ideas, and creating clear images in class. Let’s see what comes of it…
** Controversial topics may come up in class, & guidelines will be used to create a safe space for expressions of all opinions. (Ask me about my experience with facilitating constructive communication convos.)
Send me your Questions and concerns, &/or requests for Zoom info: sleanza.art@gmail.com
Here's what another student had to say:
This was my first on-line art class, and I was curious to see how a class would work in a virtual format. The answer: Impressively well! I think sharing via Google Photos worked well.
The feedback from the instructor ...& from entire class… was very helpful. This form was a wonderful way to express myself.
As a newcomer to art classes, my goal was to explore how art “works” and what formats I most enjoy. This class introduced me to an art form I never tried before, and it was a great experience.
This website is made possible by an Emerging Artists Grant from the Durham Arts Council with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, with funding from the state of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
