Sometime After: The Comic

So for the first time since the site launched, I took a stroll through my own archives and one thing has become self-evident… I sucked when I started this thing.  I knew when I first sat down to do this I’d be starting an uphill climb as far as learning how to cartoon this way after doing all of my work digitally the last few years. Since the start of STA, a mere 25 strips a go, almost nothing has stayed the same. So for all of those that may be interested, either as fans, creators, those looking to start or any combination of;  here’s what’s changed and what I’ve learned throughout this process.

The Canvas

When I started STA I knew I had to address one of my biggest inconsistencies as an artist, and that’s (as simple as it sounds) drawing straight lines. I’m not lying when I say that the fear of having to draw gutters or things in perspective without the digital crutches I’m used to.  In fact, more than anything that was one of the biggest hangups I had to drawing the strip out traditionally. So I chose to go with the comic strip sized 5 x 17 bristol boards that Canson makes. What’s great about these boards is that they have a live content area of roughly 4 x 13 that is blue lined and completely ruled for you. So drawing things like gutters and perspective lines are a breeze. The downside however, is the small content area. If you’re just drawing in that space, that’s not bad, but when you have to fit in dialogue, especially from two or more characters, space really becomes a premium. IE, you end up with two panels that are nothing but small talking heads in the bottom corners of your panels.  So what I have started doing is just flipping those damn boards over and drawing on the back. This gives me the full 5 x 17 to draw on which makes a world of difference. In fact, it’s allowing me to flesh out backgrounds and more dynamic character shots, that are really making me fall in love with this process.

The Lettering

Let’s be blunt here… the early lettering in STA is ATROCIOUS. Seriously, it looks like I use my teeth to hold the freaking pen. So how did I finally change it? That would be the miracle of an Ames Guide. For those looking to do their own comics this way, I can’t recommend this tool enough. It costs a few bucks, is simple to use and allows you to incorporate proper comic leading, which makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. For those that now what I am talking about, I can say that I use the 3.5 setting to set up my guides.

The Inks

Not much has changed here. I can say I switched from Staedtler brand Microns to Sakura Microns as well as a Pentel pocket brush pen. Also, you have likely noticed the addition of grey tones to the comic. I started doing these on sketches I was including in the contest I am currently running to win free art (look at the previous post for more details) but I loved the way they looked so much it became a part of the strip. For those that are curious I use a 20% Cool Grey Faber-Castell Pitt Brush pen.

So there’s the tools and the changes so far in the comic and to be honest, I wouldn’t be shocked if at least some of these changed in a few months.
I do want to say one more thing before I call this a day and post this, and that’s this. For any of you that are on the fence about starting a comic, or those that are currently developing one and waiting until it’s perfect to post… stop waiting and just start.  I worked for two months trying to perfect the look of STA so that once I started the strip it would have a very cohesive look… and you see how far that got me. Once people get to see your work and you start to have a level of feedback with people you will notice things, change things and it will become an evolving experience for everyone involved.  And I gotta say, from where I stand, that experience has been frickin’ amazing.

-Ryan

Man does the time ever fly and all that jazz. It dawned on me yesterday when I was drawing that it’s already been a month since I launched this comic. Truthfully, that is incredibly hard to believe. The whole experience has been a blur. So what are my thoughts looking back on the first month of this comic? “Jesus I have a ton to learn” about sums it up. The biggest thing I know that I need to improve is lettering my comics. I knew it was going to be a challenge going in to this, I mean, my handwriting was never stellar to begin with. But MAN are some of those early strips tough to read (sorry about that folks.)

For a brief moment I thought about going in and fixing those digitally but I think it will be cool to see the strips progress when I look back at these strips in say, a year or two. So I’ll leave ‘em. Plus, in a way, you all have front row seats to watch me learn how to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. That of course being, have a newspaper style comic strip.

Aside from the creations of the strip I do have to say, the kind words many of you have passed my way have been incredible! Whether it was at Emerald City, or though Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc. Although I would do this even if there was no one looking, it sure helps to know that you all are checking it out and enjoying what you are seeing.

So looking ahead a bit. There will be a store on the site soon. It’s mostly going to be a vehicle for buying any of the originals but I will be putting up all of the prints that were for sale at Emerald City as well. Also I plan on doing some free wallpapers, redesigning the website background and of course drawing several more strips!

Thanks to all of you that have come to check this strip out in it’s infancy. Hopefully I will be creating “STA” for several years to come.

-Ryan