Getting Started in Comics

StudioHannah

@Ari-Sorokin When I do mine I opt for digital (I use Procrate on my iPad). It's just easier for me to make edits and it makes for a fast workflow. I have done paper ones, and in those cases I use Bristol paper (11"x17", which scales down to an American comic book size) and calligraphy inks with nib pens.

For my next comic, I'm thinking of drawing on paper (I feel like I construct forms better on paper) and then inking it on my iPad. There's no "wrong" way, just do a few experiments and find what YOU are most comfortable with and if 1) fun DURING the process of making it and 2) makes the artwork y ou're most proud of.

Joshua Chennault

@Ari-Sorokin Another community resource you might look into if you haven't already is Kids Comics Unite. Might be able to get some advice from them as well as here, and since the focus there is comics they might have some other insights.

Ari Sorokin

@StudioHannah I have an iPad mini, not an iPad Pro. I can use Procreate; it just is not convenient. I have an old pad tablet I can use. I just need to find the right app. Maybe Krita.

How can I find a focus group?

StudioHannah

@Ari-Sorokin Hey, my sister uses her finger on her iPhone to make her (super good) art. But then again... she's crazy XD

ksfabian

Webtoon Terms of Service are a nightmare and they basically own your soul. Avoid them. If you want a bigger platform, global comics is a better option but check out the Comic Lab podcast for more about webcomics.

StudioHannah

@ksfabian I had somehow not heard of Global Comix, but they look great! I'm not the OP but I'M glad you commented that, it's something for me to consider when my comic is ready for sharing

ArtistErin

@Ari-Sorokin I tried Clip Studio and Gimp for my first free apps... in fact my real start was simple paint on an old Windows desktop, with a mouse, point and click fill and it had me hooked.

Next step was Fractal Design Painter, with a first gen Wacom Tablet, before wireless and it was jenky! The Lasso tool kept glitching up for me. I learned more about files, creating backups and have a plan because nothing quite like having to redo an illustration you spent hours on. OMG.

I went to CorelDraw from there, now on Photoshop, considering an iPad in addition to my current Cintiq setup... using ProCreate yet I feel I need to keep it simple. So I may just invest in a laptop or Windows based tablet so I have freedom of mobility.

Any thoughts on platforms? I just need something that crosses over using Adobe and I don't think Procreate supports Adobe assets.

I still feel like I'm a newbie!

ksfabian

@ArtistErin I use Procreate and Affinity. Affinity is a one time purchase and is "better" than adobe in some ways.

ArtistErin

@ksfabian I always wonder what people are using. What is Affinity like? I have learned to love Photoshop yet there are so many things I wish were different, yet I'm getting better. I used Rebelle Pro yet it's a very different app, and slow. Because it acts like traditional mediums. So back to standard Adobe for me...

makekong

@Ari-Sorokin congrats! And welcome. One recommendation would be to get your own website. Even if its just the url that you can redirect to your preferred social media or posting site, because in the end what you want is your readers to find you directly.

One advice would be to start small. Even that your stories would include the same characters look at it as a pilot episode you can make and see how you better want to tell your stories, working with your characters and the way your work will evolve.

This year I posted two 8 page episode comics on substack. It is free and is currenlty a great way to get a direct email subscription from your readers as you can arrive straight to their inbox without needing to go through a webtoon, tapas or social media.

makekong

@ArtistErin everyone from the comiclab community recommend clipstudio paint. I personally use sketchbook pro because its light enough for my old ipad and I use affinity publisher to edit my pdf files.

makekong

@ArtistErin drivethrurpg has a great couple free guides on ussing affinity publisher