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Comics 101
Art tips and techniques, reviews and interviews from my studio. Archived here and at World Famous Comics.

Comics 101 Archives

Comics 101 for 05/13/2004
Tips on Creating Comic Book Art
Hello Joe,

I currently draw my own comic book as a hobby. I'm starting to enjoy it so much that I would like to know how to do this professionally. I need to learn everything from the correct type and dimensions of paper to use to inks and brushes (which I have never used to design any of my books). For pencils, I have only used a #2 pencil, for "inks", I have only used ink pens and art markers.

Are there any resources out there that can provide me with enough information to draw a "professional" comic book (from A - Z) that would be ready to be submitted to a printer/publisher?

Charles Griswel
Hi Charles

For drawing your comics I'd use 2 or 3ply 11x17 inch bristol board with a 'vellum' finish. I enjoy the texture and tooth of a vellum finish on bristol board since a 'plate' finish is very smooth and can be abit more tricky to pencil on in terms of getting the graphite to apply properly. The standard 'live area' on the board to contain your sequential page design in is usually 10x15 inches with the rest of the board (the outside area) considered the 'bleed' or non-printable area. Though you can continue your artwork into the bleed area you have to plan for a portion of it (perhaps a 1/4 to1/2 inch) to be cropped when it's printed. You can also buy premeasured 'official' comic art drawing board from Blue Line Pro. They make great comic drawing paper and carry a ton of art supplies too. You should check out the Blue Line Pro website for all your art supply and comic book needs.

It's usually best to have a wide range of pencils for different kinds of approaches to rendering lines and textures and shading. Though some artists get by with just one trusty pencil so there's really no right answer. Just experiment to find the right hardness or softness of leads that feel right for you. The same kind of rules apply to inking. Though I'd stay away from regular tech pens and markers. If you are wanting to do any professional looking inking you need to start practicing with a Hunt's crowquill dip pen (an industry standard) and some India ink. Also taking up practice with Windsor Newton brushes would be a good idea too. A variety of tips ranging from size 0 to 3 should be fine. You can also purchase all of your inking supply needs from Blue Line's website as well.

As for a great resource for self publishing or creating comic art independently, you need to check out 'Sketch' magazine if you haven't done so already. It's a magazine I've written for and every issue so far has covered many of the questions you're wanting answers for along with other aspects of the profession you may not have even thought of. Many of the writers and artists who contribute to the magazine are professionals in the industry and it's published by Blue Line Pro. You should check out the official site for Sketch for more information and for ordering the magazine.

Also, this weekend, May 14th - 16th, I'll be appearing at Motor City Comic Con in Michigan with my pal Justin from World Famous Comics. Some of the other Star Wars guests who will be there inlcude Dave Dorman, Ailsa Berk (Amanaman), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett), and Orli Shoshan (Shaak Ti).

If you're in the area head over to the show and stop by my table to say hi. I'll be selling and signing my Star Wars and comic book art all weekend so it should be a fun time. Hope to see ya there!

And see ya next week for another Comics 101 feature!

-Joe
<< 05/06/2004 | 05/13/2004 | 05/20/2004 >>

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