Second Issue: The Lessons Learned

Learning to create is an ongoing process. Here's what I learned making the second issue:

Pencils- You just got to get in there and do it. This was my first time drawing for an actual comic in 13 years and I just had to start drawing to get over the intimidation factor. Don't think something is outside your skill level until you actually try to draw it. You'll often surprise yourself.

And doing sketches before you try to do it on the page and working off models helps. I used a lot of photo references off the internet for objects and photos of myself to get anatomy, poses, etc correct.

Inks- First off never say, "I'll fix it in the inks" and then hack the pencils. Good precise lines are a lot easier to ink. You can make a straighter line in a computer, but it really helps to start off with one that's practically straight to begin with.

Secondly, inking digitally has a lot of advantages. Computers are awesome at making straight lines and geometric shapes. Inking overlapping objects on different layers allows you to erase lines of one object without worrying about messing up what it's overlapping. Plus you can transfer identical portions of panels (backgrounds, bodies, static objects, etc) instead of re-inking them every time. And erasing is a god send!

Digital inking is easier but it's not a cure all and still takes a long time. I'll be getting better as time goes on.

Colors- Like inks, transferring colors between panels on identical character bodies, objects and backgrounds is a real timesaver.

Letters- Lettering can be an important part of storytelling and making the art look good. The logos, labels and even the numbers on a clock are as much a part of the composition and look of an image as anything you draw.

  

Next up, I'll be doing that video I promised on issue two and then...on to issue issue three!