Creative process!
Hey there!
I posted this originally at webcomicsinc.com but thought Id post it here for you guys if you’re interested! There were 7 questions asked and here goes!
- What kind of sketchbook do you use?
I just use A3 normal copy paper which I’ve drawn a template for the strip in Adobe Indesign, I have used sketchbooks in past, but now just recently have started using bristol board buuuut it costs alot more than cheap paper.
- How do you write your ideas/strips?
I just write out the dialogue and actions in brackets stating which panel they’ll appear in my diary, the writing changes once i get to drawing and finishing the strip.
- How do you get your ideas?
Ummmm I tend to just stare into space sitting there with a pen until some funny situation or one liner pops into my head, I then expand it into a full comic if it needs to be, or if i think I can turn it into a series of strips I’ll brainstorm more. The characters just pretty much have a conversation in my head and I listen to the voices!
- How long does it take to draw your comic?
Varies but probably average around 2 hours each one.
- Do you work traditionally or digitally?
Mainly traditionally with HB pencils, and micron and pitt pens. I then scan into photoshop for clean up and add in the text, my handwriting is pretty terrible so have decided to stick to computer fonts!
- Anything else I left out!
Jerry, my jack russell x, normally sleeps at my feet while I work. Doesn’t help creatively but his fur feels nice on the soles of my feet.
So there you have it!! A small insight into how I spend my Tuesday and Thursday nights!
Cheers!
Jimmy
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Interesting to know how other cartoonists complete their workflow. In the spirit of this, ive listed my workflow below just as a comparison
(i hope this is ok), would love to hear how others work too.
- What kind of sketchbook do you use?
I dont use paper at all for my own work, I produce it all in Corel Draw with a Wacom Bamboo using different layers for frames, drawing, color and text bubbles.
- How do you write your ideas/strips?
Now I dont actually write anything down prior to putting the strip together, the way it unfolds is generally as i picture it in my mind. Maybe i should write it down before starting work on the strip, its still pretty new to me.
- How do you get your ideas?
It may come in the form of something ive done, somewhere ive been or an article ive read during the week. As i said above, i generally picture the way i want it to look before ive started work on it.
- How long does it take to draw your comic?
About 2-3 hours depending on the size of the strip. The double height ones take a tiny bit longer
- Do you work traditionally or digitally?
Digitally, no paper at all.
- Anything else I left out!
I find that music helps me concentrate - it all flows a lot better
Andy
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Cheers for that Andy! I tried 20 Something as purely digital but without a decent tablet just wasnt happening, and kinda missed sketching. I have music going as well, specially during the scanning and adding the lettering bits. Your comic looks cool! Loved the alien cleaning the window!
Cheers!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
It’s always interesting to hear how another artist works….thanks for sharing this!