How to find your drawing style
I often say on the ComicLab podcast: ”It’s hard to drive towards an art style that you want. Usually, it’s something you see in the rearview mirror.”
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.I often say on the ComicLab podcast: ”It’s hard to drive towards an art style that you want. Usually, it’s something you see in the rearview mirror.”
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.Many cartoonists are familiar with Wally Wood’s indelible contribution to comics theory: The 22 Panels That Always Work!
I was thinking about Wally over breakfast — a morning Wood, if you please. And I started wondering… is it possible to add to this axiom that has stood the test of decades? Not to knock on Wood, but surely there’s at least one more Panel That Always Works by now! Can we improve on Wood panelling?!
Here’s my challenge to you: Can you add a 23rd Panel That Always Works? Maybe it’s your own personal go-to. Maybe it’s something you saw someone do that you’d love to see emulated. Post an image and show off your panel prowess!
Watch me draw a cartoon while Dave Kellett and I talk shop in this ComicLab clip from episode 316. During that episode, I issued a challenge to comic artists using social media: Try — just TRY — to find something on social media worth sharing! If you do, you’ll learn volumes about why people aren’t sharing *your* posts!
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.Let’s talk about an important part of drawing: Making mistakes.
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.The National Cartoonists Society has released its call for entries. Here’s what you need to know:
DEADLINE: February 7
The National Cartoonists Society is starting its annual call for entries for consideration for their NCS Divisional Awards, recognizing excellence in professional cartooning. As always, you DO NOT have to be a member of the NCS to have your work considered for a divisional award… all that is required is that the work be eligible, as detailed below.
All submissions and entry forms will be submitted digitally this year.
This is required for all divisions. Proof of 2023 publication date for each submitted sample of work MUST be included by uploading a separate proof file using the entry form. Failure to provide proof of publication date may result in disqualification.
Examples of proof:
Upload one proof image for each submitted image file.
FILE NAME FORMAT
Please name your files and/or label the proof documentation so that it is clear which piece of submitted work it is for.
Review all instructions, including how to submit Proof of Publication as detailed prior to the division requirements. Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.
Complete the online entry form
All winners will be announced at the 78th Annual Reuben Awards Dinner
Good luck to everyone who submits!
One of our most often-requested topics is “How do I start a webcomic?” We’re going to give you some step-by-step instructions — updated for the new year! Plus… we always stress the importance of doing a good comic. That begs another question: “How do I know if my comic is good?”
ON THIS WEEK’S SHOW…
Let’s talk about the digital drawing process for a typical Evil Inc page. I start with a template I built in Clip Studio Paint. I’ve got a number of layers I can activate or deactivate to change the overall order and layout of the panels. The following video will take you through my process from sketch to final art — and all of the little steps in between!
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.There’s a new feature in the latest Clip Studio update, and it’s a deceptively simple feature you’ll find yourself using often!
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.If you’ve spent any time drawing digitally, you’ve probably felt the agony of inking on your sketch layer. It can be disastrous — and it’s a real pain to fix. So, let’s talk about setting up a drawing system that makes it all but impossible to do in the first place. Here’s a step-by-step guide…
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.Originally, a halftone screen was the only way a newspaper or magazine could print an image with a continuous tone — like a photograph. A halftone converts grey tones into little black dots. Unless you’re looking very closely, your eye reads these dots as shades of grey. Manga has made halftone screens cool again. However, navigating halftone screens requires a fair amount of printing savvy.
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.