Q&A for How to Make a Simple Comic Strip

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Question

Do you have any tips for making a good comic cover design?

Shari Fairclough
Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
Shari Fairclough is a Social Media & Graphic Design Expert based in Atlanta, Georgia. Shari is a versatile designer with extensive experience in social media marketing, UX/UI design, and graphic print production. She has over 4 years of both freelance and in-house experience working as a UX and Graphic Designer. She currently works as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at Guidepost Montessori. In this role, Shari curates engaging content and enhances the school's online presence. In 2022, Shari founded Sunni Aesthetics, a design platform that blends culture, design, and art. Shari holds a Google UX Design certification. Additionally, she studied graphic design at The Creative Circus, has four years of experience working as an assistant teacher, and is certified as a TEFL instructor. Shari has contributed to various publications, including Canvas Rebel, VoyageATL, and 11 Alive, and has film credits on IMDb for her work in "Black Lightning," "The Color Purple," and "The Staircase." She received a BA in Film & Media from Georgia State University.

Shari Fairclough

Social Media & Graphic Design Expert

Expert Answer

Start by identifying the core theme of your comic's story. This entails identifying the plot or main idea, incorporating elements that directly relate to it, and matching the cover to reflect the essence of your story. Next, choose a color palette that aligns with your story's mood. Dark and mysterious tales might benefit from deep blues and purples, while bright and cheerful stories could use vibrant yellows and greens. Also, adding textures and details can enhance your cover's overall engagement. Lastly, you can test your design by asking for feedback from others like friends, family, or colleagues, and refining it to make sure it effectively communicates your story's essence while looking visually stunning.

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Question

How would I do a comic panel of someone walking and being followed?

Community Answer

First, draw the person walking. Then draw someone starting to follow them. Have the person being followed start to look apprehensive, and have both characters start to pick up the pace. Your intention will be clear.

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Question

What if I'm really bad at drawing and not interested, but it's my homework?

Community Answer

Make it fun. Listen to your favorite songs while doing it, or put on relaxing music. If it is homework, do it bit by bit; you don't need to spend a three solid hours on it. Use your time effectively.

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Question

How do I create a comic backgroud?

Community Answer

Focus on your surroundings to get some ideas. You could also use a ruler to create background lines and then look at some pictures of cities, trees, parks, etc. This will give you an idea of how a certain place will look. You could also draw whatever background comes to your mind. Try different things and see what you like. Don't rush.

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Question

How do I color a comic strip when I used pencil?

Community Answer

Once you are finished with your final drawings, you have two options. You can make a photocopy of your work and darken the lines so that they wont be affected by the colors, or you can ink your drawing with ball point or micro pens.

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Question

Should I draw the dialogue boxes over the background, or draw the rough layout of them before I draw the panel?

Community Answer

I usually draw them over the background but erase everything inside, including the text, then re-add the text. I do this because trying to estimate the needed size of text box is a pain, and it's hard to do it without the text, especially the way I draw them.

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Question

I don't want to do this but I have to for extra credit. What can I do?

Community Answer

Sketch quickly, make it short and do the minimum amount of work needed. Ask a friend to help if you want.

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Question

How long does it take?

Community Answer

It's up to you. If you want to make a very simple comic with minimal detail, you could do it in 5 minutes. If you want to really show off your art skills and make the comic more complex, it will take quite a bit longer.

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