Hello again! I've been busy with the new school year, so that's why I haven't posted for a while. :(
But I have been drawing! Right now I'm working on a manga novel that will probably take a year to finish. "Slow and steady". ;) Well, in creating this book, I've been studying many other comic and manga artist's works and books. Here are some tips that I've found extremely helpful...
When making any type of book, illustration, comic, or really anything that you will have to draw a certain character frequently, I would highly recommend creating a character study folder. A character study is when you, well, study your character!
First, read and study books that are similar to what you want to make. Another book I would highly recommend is Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics" and "Creating Comics".Very informational.
Make a 360 Sheet (aka Model Sheet) or Turnaround. What this does is help you to see you character from all angles. A comic book would be pretty boring if the hero was always facing the same direction!
What about your hero's expression? Constructing an expression reference sheet will be a huge help in creating the mood desired. If you're doing a manga novel, I might even make an expression sheet of your character "chibified".
If you plan to either publish your comics as a book or as a web-comic make sure you have a good illustrating/comics/manga software. I recommend Smithmicro's Manga Studio EX4. Although it is expensive, (and learning it can be quite tough), it is extremely important to have your novel in a clean, professional format. Other software that are good are Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop. I haven't used those programs, but I've heard good reviews about them. Thinking about a book? Talk to a local printing company about what format they would require, and other necessary information.
And of course, if you are creating a novel from start to finish: Write your story first! Have a friend proofread it, to get an outside opinion. Choose someone who won't be afraid to be honest with you. But finish it! I have made the mistake of starting to illustrate an incomplete story, and had to redo because of a change of plans...not fun.
Lastly, practice practice practice! You can never get to much of it!
Well, I hope this is helpful to anyone who might need it. :)
Here are some links to helpful websites:
Some of my character study sheets-
My attempt at the "25 Essential Expressions Challenge".
Believe me, it's very helpful!
Here's the link: 25 Essential Expressions Challenge
Darcy(the main character of my book): Front view
A page of my graphic novel(it's cropped).
My first expressions sheet. It's all about refining and practicing.
Whew! This has been quite the post. I think it's time for me to shut up, so, until next time!
Love the Rage expression!
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