Art technique

In continuation to my last post...

I recently started using this technique for my comic book art, and am having surprisingly good results from it. It's nothing startling or "new", just a different way of working that I've started, and am so far very pleased with the results. Basically, here's the steps:

1. Draw the pencil sketch. I do this in my regular old sketchbook. I usually use something light, like a 2H. I bring it up to the point that the main features are all there, but without really any shading, etc.

2. Scan the sketch. I adjust the midtones, highlights. etc and darken it a bit. Then I can put away the "original" sketch for posterity. If I screw-up in the later stages (as I often do), the original is still "clean".

3. Print out the scan, just on regular old computer paper. When the scan prints, everything has a nice grey cast to it. It's just "warmer" over all & automatically "fill" shaded a bit in the background, which works out nice for the B&W format of the comic book.

4. Ink over the print out. I use a variety of ink pens, with varying tips and widths. I don't use a brush, although I do use a brush-pen (ie., an ink pen with a brush tip). I like cheaper supplies because then I don't feel bad when I use them up & dry them out! I usually use Faber-Castell inking pens, in combination with just plain old dollar store Bic markers and Sharpies. **One caveat: I have noticed some of the cheaper markers and Sharpies are total shit on the computer paper! They bleed heavy & run. Therefore, I'm trying to use those less on this project. All I can say is it's a good thing I have the "back-up" of the original on the computer!

5. After inking, I shade and basically "colour" (ie, various tones of grey/black) with pencils. Lately I find I use 2H, H, HB, 4B and 6B the most. As you know, it's always best to start light, then move up to the darker pencils as you go on. This is the step where I add the most details. Lately I'm really into trying to add "textures" to things, so I'll try cross-hatching, or adding any little patterns, dots that look like zip tones, etc. I may use the inks a bit more to bring out little details.

6. Re-do any inks if necessary. That is, if the ink got pencilled over & doesn't look as crisp anymore, darken it in again.

The end result has been looking remarkably like an ink "wash" (which I wouldn't know how to actually do because I suck with a brush!) or sometimes like a "cell shaded" piece. At least, I think so. I've been pretty impressed with the results I'm getting. I'd love to show you an example, BUT I really can't without giving away a "spoiler" for the comic. So you'll just have to take my word for it. Sorry.

7. Once it's "finished" scan it back onto the computer again. This is the working copy for the comic.

Obviously, for some doing all the artwork digitally on the computer in the first place would've yielded the same results (or better) without all these manual steps. Yes, of course it would... BUT I haven't been able to master the technology & I find it very frustrating. For me, it's always easier to do things manually, even if it is more time & labour intensive!

Anyway, nothing startling new. Just wanted to talk about how I draw & what I'm learning in the course of doing this little comic.