Q&A for How to Make a Comic

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  • Question
    Is it okay to color with crayons?
    Thesmartpotato
    Community Answer
    If you're planning on scanning it, no. Crayons can leave some chunky parts in the place you colored, which would look strange in a scanned comic.
  • Question
    Can I design my own comic on a computer rather than drawing it on paper?
    Community Answer
    Of course; plenty of artists work almost exclusively on their computers.
  • Question
    What if I feel uncomfortable about sending it?
    Community Answer
    Many writers and artists are very nervous about facing the rejection and criticism of their work; it's the equivalent of a singer performing in front of a large audience. If you don't feel it's ready, set it aside for a month or two and don't look at it; when you pull it back out and review, you'll have a bit of distance from it and mistakes stand out much better. If you feel that it represents your best efforts, step outside of your comfort zone and submit it. Know that regardless of how good your work is, there are always going to be people who don't like it; however, your critics will be the most vocal about your weak points, guiding you toward areas you can improve. In short, though, you undoubtedly created your comic because it's a passion, and the only person whose opinion about it that matters is yours.
  • Question
    What if I want to create my own industry? How do I do that?
    Community Answer
    Your comic has to succeed first. Start with one comic, then branch out from there.
  • Question
    What is the best paper to use?
    Community Answer
    You can try using Strathmore Bristol. It scans really well.
  • Question
    How do I scan a drawing?
    Community Answer
    Some printers have the ability to print, scan and copy. Find one! It might be in your school (if you are a student), or perhaps at home.
  • Question
    What if I am not a good artist?
    Thesmartpotato
    Community Answer
    If you think you're not good at drawing, you can always start with stick figures or characters that are basically shapes (for example, Ms. Triangle, Dr. Square, etc.).
  • Question
    Do the frames all have to be different sizes?
    Community Answer
    Not really. It depends on your artistic vision and how you want to capture your audience's eye.
  • Question
    Can I scan a comic that is in color?
    Community Answer
    Yes, most scanners are able to produce images in color.
  • Question
    Is it okay if my comic is in black and white?
    Community Answer
    Of course! It's your comic, if that's the style you prefer, that's perfectly fine.
  • Question
    How old do I need to be to make comics?
    Community Answer
    You can make a comic at any age really, but if you're a kid and you want to publish your comic professionally, you will probably need help from an adult.
  • Question
    How can I make my own web page for the comic?
    Leo French
    Community Answer
    Learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript and host it with 000webhost.com, or use Wix, Yola or Wordpress if you want an easier option.
  • Question
    What if the publisher does not like my comic?
    Community Answer
    Don't get your hopes up too much that the publisher will accept your comic on your first try. Rejection is just part of publishing. You can always publish the comic on your art page with tags, categories, etc. and make it free to read first in order to gain more readers.
  • Question
    What if you don't have Photoshop and Illustrator?
    Leo French
    Community Answer
    You don't need them. You can use Google Drive, Pages, Paint.net, Microsoft Word or GIMP.
  • Question
    I'm working on a comic book, and I already have some characters planned out, but I'm having a little trouble with the frame. Any advice?
    Thesmartpotato
    Community Answer
    You can measure the paper with a ruler and divide it in equal segments. Then draw the lines to make the frames.
  • Question
    How many scenes should be drawn on one page?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you want the tone of the scene to be. Some artists use pages called "splash pages," which are single panels that take up an entire page in order to give the scene more impact. For normal scenes, you'll want to use multiple panels.
  • Question
    Should all of the frames be on single paper?
    Community Answer
    No, they should be spread out on many different papers.
  • Question
    How long is an average comic?
    Top Answerer
    The length of a comic depends on its type and format. Webcomics or webtoons usually have 20 to 60 panels per episode, single-issue comics are around 20 to 32 pages, graphic novels range from 100 to 300 pages, and manga chapters are about 15 to 25 pages, with a full volume having 150 to 200 pages. Shorter comics work well online, while longer ones are better for print.
  • Question
    How do I come up with a comic idea?
    Top Answerer
    To think of a comic idea, find inspiration from things you enjoy, such as fantasy, action, or mystery. Create a basic concept in one or two sentences, develop characters with goals, flaws, and motivations, and plan the world where the story takes place. Outline the plot with a beginning, middle, and end, sketch ideas for characters and settings, and experiment without worrying about perfection. Let your creativity flow and build your comic step by step!
  • Question
    Can I have a partner to help with my comic?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can have a partner to help with your comic. Many creators work in teams to make the process easier and more enjoyable. A partner can assist with writing, drawing, editing, or promotion. Clear communication and a shared vision are key to successful collaboration.
  • Question
    How do I upload two webtoons?
    Top Answerer
    To upload two webtoons on a platform like Webtoon, create an account or log in to Webtoon Canvas. Click "Publish" to create a new series for each webtoon, upload episodes by adding images, arrange panels, set titles and descriptions, then choose to publish immediately or schedule a release. You can manage both webtoons under your account and update them separately.
  • Question
    Is it a good idea to write your entire script first, or should you script as you go along, like 10 pages ahead? I have the backbone of my story so far.
    Top Answerer
    It's good to write part of your script before drawing, but you don’t have to finish everything first. Writing the full script first helps with pacing, consistency, and planning dialogue. Writing as you go, about 10 pages ahead, allows flexibility to adjust the story while drawing. Since you have the backbone of your story, try scripting a few chapters ahead while keeping room for changes. Find what works best for you!
  • Question
    What are some title ideas for my story about dragons and assassins that include the word "Glass"?
    Top Answerer
    Here are some title ideas using "Glass" for your story about dragons and assassins: Glassfang, Shards of Glass and Fire, The Glass Assassin, Glassborn, Dragon of Glass, Glass and Shadow, Fractured Glass, The Glass Blade, Echoes in Glass, Blood on Glass.
  • Question
    Can I self-publish a comic even if it's not online?
    Top Answerer
    Yes. You can print it yourself, use a service like Amazon KDP or Lulu, sell at local events, or ask comic shops if they accept self-published comics. You only need to go online if you want a bigger audience.
  • Question
    How do I come up with a great storyline?
    Community Answer
    Start with an idea that has a clear theme or message. Create strong characters with goals and challenges. Plan the main plot with a beginning, middle and end. Add conflict to make the story interesting. Build suspense to keep readers engaged. Write the script with dialogue and key scenes. Edit and improve your story before finalizing. The best stories come from creativity and passion. If you enjoy the process, your readers are more likely to enjoy the story!
  • Question
    How can I turn my comic into an anime?
    Top Answerer
    To turn your comic into an anime, start by planning how each panel would look as an animation. Develop detailed character designs from different angles and learn basic animation techniques, practicing frame-by-frame movement. Decide on your style, whether 2D animation, motion comics, or a mix. Utilize animation software like Blender, Toon Boom, or Flipaclip, and collaborate with others for animation, voices, or music. Begin with short animated clips and share them on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
  • Question
    How can I prevent ink from bleeding when inking a traditional comic without printers or technology?
    Top Answerer
    To prevent ink from bleeding in a traditional comic: use thick, smooth paper like bristol board, choose fine liners, brush pens, or waterproof ink, let ink dry before erasing pencil lines, use light strokes to avoid spreading ink, avoid applying too much ink in one spot, and test the ink on scrap paper first.
  • Question
    How do I start a DeviantArt account?
    Top Answerer
    Go to deviantart.com, click "Join," and enter a username, email, and password. Then add your birthdate, agree to the terms, click "Sign Up," and verify your email. Set up your profile with a picture and bio, upload art, and follow other artists.
  • Question
    What website can I use to scan and upload my comic?
    Top Answerer
    You can use these websites to scan and upload your comic: Webtoon, Tapas, DeviantArt, ComicFury, GlobalComix, Amazon KDP, and IngramSpark.
  • Question
    How can I organize my comic?
    Top Answerer
    1. Plan the story with an outline. 2. Sketch small thumbnails to arrange panels. 3. Keep a consistent panel layout for easy reading. 4. Use a notebook or folder to store sketches and ideas. 5. Number pages to keep them in order. 6. Separate drafts, inks, and colored pages. 7. Use sticky notes for quick edits or changes.
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