Starting a Webcomic

[Dire]

I agree with Runes, in one panel. Probably which ever one has the cheddar shot.

[AwkwardSkeleton]

how do i convert flash files to pictures once i'm done?
Also, how many other people are trying to start webcomics?

[Dire]

Shouldn't there be a 'save as' thing?

Also I'm working on a physical comic.

[TerraChimaera]

The problem with me is I do, like, no sketching whatsoever
So I start to draw something and then realize "this is the shittiest thing I've drawn"

[Dire]

So essentially you're saying you don't draw seriously in reply to someone asking about who here is taking drawing seriously?

[TerraChimaera]

uh


For some reason I draw better (and sketch) on digital drawing programs (i.e. Colors 3D)

[DoNotDelete]

Also, how many other people are trying to start webcomics?

Like Dire, I think some of my stories are more suited toward print-only publication.

I want to explore a number of different executions though - one of my stories in particular lends itself toward being illustrated in purely black-and-white, whereas another story demands a very stark and colourful palette.


After my last post in this thread I've thought about changing my approach to drawing to make it possible to submit weekly comics - i.e. aiming for a more cartoony style instead of trying to emulate the more 'realistic' styles of the comic artists I admire.

I've realised I have to 'reel in' my artistic aspirations if I ever want to get back into submitting webcomics. Drawing something every day would be a start - even if it's just something small.

Usually I would be fine with signing my work at the end of a page, like Katie for example. But what with people stealing art and removing watermarks from simple spots and whatnot, I got a bit paranoid. If I ever get known, sure I can ease up because people will be "oh yeah that's from Tatzel!", but that's not going to happen until a good while passed, so yeah, gotta secure my stuff.

You could also go for a corner or stripmark water mark; A corner watermark would intrude from any one of the corners masking part of any one of the panels; A stripmark is just [your website (c) your name] repeating in a line across the middle of the page/through one of the panels.

[AwkwardSkeleton]

Practice drawing because you want to be better. Not because you want to be Katie.

Having trouble with that part. When I began to draw I always revered Katie as some godly all powerful artist (if you search legend of zelda funny her "Rubix Rubes" comic comes up first). I remember someone telling me never to emulate someone's drawing style, but I don't know where else to learn drawing. Besides I tried drawing with an original style and haven't stopped crying and vomiting enough to press the "submit" button. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO

[FlyingGiraffe]

Draw from life. Cartoons are caricatures; look at people and draw what you see, exaggerate the features you focus on. You might grab some elements of art you've seen before but you'll find something entirely yours if you keep at it.

[Cori]

Take a figure drawing class if you can afford one. It will teach you to draw gesturally and proportion the human figure. Of course, only consider this if you're prepared to draw nude models, because they won't tolerate any immaturity on your part.

[FlyingGiraffe]

Indeed! Classes are the best, take as many of those as you can, and if you want some extra practice on the side there's a few sites out there that have a big collection of great models. I've been using this site (NSFW) nearly every day for some 30 second gesture warm-ups, but I would not recommend relying on these at all since after a while you'll see the same poses again and again.

[Tatzel]

If you're only starting, I actually recommend tracing. It'll give you a nice feel of proportions an lines and all that stuff. Take a fashion magazine (like an underwear one!) and a pen, and scribble over them. Or photos from the internet when you would prefer to stay digital-only.
Alternatively, take some photos of a person you like, for example an actor, a singer... and draw them as detailed as possible. Over the time, use less and less lines, so you'll get some simple caricatures of your own style.

When you want to draw like other artists or use them for orientation, ask yourself what it is that you like about their style. Is it the way they color? The lineart? The eyes? The expressions? Try and copy it, tracing in a different way if you want to call it that, and you'll see that you incorporated the favorite thing into your own style! The most important things about art: keep practicing, and try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

[TheStranger]

Copying another style when starting is actually not a horrible idea, thats how I started, and eventually, you'll have a decent enough grasp of composition and anatomy that you can start to develop on your own. Its still a good idea to take some drawing classes though. I cant give any advanced advice, since I just sorta stumbled into the style I use now.

[AwkwardSkeleton]

I have a plethora of ideas but I don't know which one to use because the comic is still just out of the water and I want to introduce the characters in the least awkward way possible. Unfortunately I don't have any ideas that satisfy this condition so what am I going to do

[Dire]

Start drawing anyway, If the ideas are good the characters will introduce themselves.