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
    How can I make a comic without scanning?
    Thesmartpotato
    Community Answer
    You can use normal paper. Do the same steps except the scanning one. You may also have to staple it to keep it together.
  • 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
    Can I get ideas from other comics?
    Community Answer
    Of course you can! Be sure to make it your own so that you are not plagiarizing, but the basic of the comic can come from other comics.
  • Question
    Do I have to follow these steps?
    Community Answer
    You can do it your way. Comics are an art form that comes with a lot of freedom.
  • Question
    How do I get inspiration for a fantasy comic?
    Friendly_fog
    Community Answer
    Start by making a character (check out wikiHow's many good articles on creating OCs). After that, you can read other comics and watch fantasy movies to gain inspiration. Then, write a paragraph describing the summary of your story. Once you have your character and a general theme, write out the plot using a story arc (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution).
  • Question
    You said "there are numerous independent publishers that are always looking for new submissions." Do you have a list of them?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Go to Reedsy.com/independent-publishers or websearch for "best independent publishers."
  • Question
    Can you color the comic with a colored pencil?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is fine.
  • Question
    If I plan to make a franchise or two, can I start with just one comic and publish it or must I make several at once and then publish them one at a time?
    Loris Alati
    Community Answer
    If you're going to make a series, start with one comic. if it does well, make more of them.
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