Getting into drawing comics will require you to invest a lot of time in learning the basics and also putting your knowledge to practice. If you’ve always wanted to get into this, then you are in luck.
We’ll be sharing different tools and tricks that will be helpful during this process from start to finish. There are different steps involved when coming up with comic designs that are meant to ensure your drawings communicate your message accurately.
With this in mind, you need to invest your time to learn more about what is needed of you. It has become easier over the years to get into illustration and share your work, especially on social media. This is the best time to get started and perfect your skill in the process.
What You Will Need
When it comes to drawing comics, the first thing you need to consider is the materials you’ll be using for your projects. These materials will range from one designer to the next.
This is because different people have processes and equipment that they are comfortable with.
However, having a clear picture of the most used materials for drawing and writing comics will give you a clearer picture of what to expect. Some of the equipment you’ll need include:
Notebook
Coming up with comic characters and designs will require you to do some planning and get your story in order first. The best way to do this is by having a dedicated notebook where you can jot down your thoughts.
Once you have your story, you can then brainstorm drawing ideas on the same notebook. Your notebook size will depend on your needs but doesn’t have to be anything complicated. The best thing to do is keep it simple and work with what appeals to you.
Pencils
Pencils are best suited for beginners who are learning the ropes when it comes to drawing. With these pencils, correcting mistakes done is easier since all you’ll need is an eraser.
They also mainly feature in sketching where the designer is coming up with a concept for their comic drawings.
Basic pencil sketching is a great way for beginners to start sketching and learn the art. Seeing as most designers work with pens, start with a quality pencil and work your way up.
Pens
Pens come in different types including rollerball, gel, and ballpoint pens among others. However, when it comes to pens, the most preferred is the fountain pen. They are easier to use and more effective.
What You Need to Know About Fountain Pens
Fountain pens feature nibs that are designed to provide the right flow of ink when writing and drawing. They also come with an ergonomic grip that allows users to use them for a long time without any numbing issues.
When it comes to comic drawing with fountain pens, you need to ensure that you invest in the best choices in the market.
Additionally, make sure that you know how to draw and write with a flex nib fountain pen. This will give you a better range of motion and more control over your designs.
Paint Brushes
Depending on your drawing style, paint brushes are also a great choice of drawing equipment. They feature the use of different types of paint depending on what you want to achieve. They include;
- Water-based paints that bring out the color more and give you a watercolor finish.
- Oil-based paints provide a thicker option that will not bleed as you draw.
Coloring Pencils
Coloring pencils come in a variety of colors depending on what you are going for. However, they are mostly used by those people wishing to color in their comics.
Getting Started With Drawing Comics
With the materials in hand, you are now ready to start drawing comics. Whether you’re doing this as a hobby or a business, there are a few aspects you need to consider.
These aspects are designed to help you bring your comics to life and bring everything together. They include:
Plot
Having a goal for your comic drawings is essential. It will help you determine what drawing to include and ensure that you communicate to your audience.
Coming up with a plot can be done whether you are doing this for fun or sale. As you get into this, your notebook will come in handy to help map out your stories and organize your ideas.
Setting
The setting involves developing a place where your comics will exist. Doing this brings your designs to life and gives them the perfect location.
Determining your setting should not be a daunting task given that you can decide to feature something as simple as a table.
Character
Coming up with characters that will fit your plot will take up more of your time. You’ll need to carefully consider their looks, personalities, and factors that make them unique.
Play around with your character development and the concept you are working with. This will ensure that your characters are brought to life in their full glory.
How to Draw Comics: Best Tips
Drawing comics will require you to have a few tips under your sleeves that will help make the creation process easier. Some of these tips include:
Section Your Panels Right
Most people, when drawing comics, they work by drawing 5 panels on one page. This, however, makes it harder to work with and leads to more clutter.
Rather, the best thing to do would be to work with one or two panels on a single page. This will give you more room when working on your drawings.
Have Backdrop Copies
When drawing comics, backdrops will provide that perfect setting for your characters and add to the overall look.
With this in mind, you find that there are certain backdrops that you can use on one drawing and replicate the same on another.
To avoid going through the process of creating it from scratch, consider making copies of your backdrops. This will make them easier when it comes to re-using the same setting concept.
Determine Your Focal Point
Before you start on your comic drawings, take some time to figure out what your focal point will be.
Do you want to showcase the character more or the setting? Having this in mind will help you determine the kind of setting that works best for you.
For instance, if you want the focal point to be your setting, then work on your backdrop and make it a little bit extra. This will help you achieve your goal.
However, if your character is the star of the show, then ensure that the backdrop is muted and doesn’t have too much going on.
Work with a Reference Sheet
This mainly applies when you are creating your characters. Having a reference sheet is essential seeing as it gives you a clearer idea of how your character should look.
This makes it easier to work with as you create the characters to ensure you get it right. This also allows you to maintain consistency and get to experiment a little.
Conclusion
Drawing comic characters is a great skill to have especially if you’re into illustrations. Working on these drawings will come easy especially with practice and consistency.
Pay attention to the materials you need, what it entails to develop a comic drawing, and also the tips provided. This will give you a leg up as you work your way from being a beginner to a pro.
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