Q&A for How to Design a Comic Book Cover

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  • Question
    Do you have any tips on starting a 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.
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Expert Answer
    When starting the design for a comic book, start by figuring out the theme and story. Ask yourself, "What is the story about?" and use this as the foundation for your design cover. Make sure that your cover visually represents the essence of your story, which creates a strong initial impression for future readers. Next, adjust the colors to fit a cohesive color palette. Make sure all the elements on the cover work together harmoniously. Lastly, avoid having any design or color that obstructs one another, as this can create confusion and overwhelm potential readers. 
  • Question
    What about if I were to put a team on the cover and didn't want it to look bland, what options would I have?
    William Claridge
    Community Answer
    Like it said above, show a part of the comic that shows the team in danger, or a huge scene that happens. You want the reader to hooked on it just by a glance at the cover.
  • Question
    How do I make the coloring on the cover look professional?
    Community Answer
    Learning to color simply takes time and practice. Look up tutorials and get a feel for whatever medium you use with smaller pieces before coloring big projects like a comic.
  • Question
    What kind of pens do you use to trace artwork?
    Kwaiicookie101
    Community Answer
    Trace sketches with ball point pens, but it's up to you, it doesn't really matter just use a dark pen but make sure it doesn't bleed through.
  • Question
    Can I do it by hand, too?
    Community Answer
    If you want, but it may look unprofessional as the linework might not be perfect and the coloring may include some white spots. You might draw it by hand and then trace it digitally. If you don't know how to or cannot afford the appropriate materials (programs, tablets, etc.), you can hire or ask someone else to do it for you.
  • Question
    Can I colour with just pencils? I don't have access to digital colouring.
    Community Answer
    Sure, this is old school but works fine still. Just be prepared for it to take a while. Still, this could be an enjoyable experience, something to complete over a week or two when you have spare time.
  • Question
    Can a ten year old write a comic and have an artist draw it?
    Community Answer
    Of course! You can start any age. You might need to contact companies for an artist, but you also ask friends or family to draw it for you.
  • Question
    I can't decide on a good title for a pickle super hero and a tater tot villain who end up working together to defeat a marshmallow. I want it to be kind of funny, help!
    Community Answer
    Maybe you can try, "The Pickle Tater", "Deathly Mallows", "The Pickled Tater Caper", or "The Day Tater Tot & Pickle Hero Joined Forces to Defeat Sickly Sweet Evil" or "The Marshmallow Battle." Be creative and brainstorm a list of ideas; one will work for you!
  • Question
    If I want to color by hand, what are the best materials I could use?
    Community Answer
    Use artist pencils and a big pack of colored pencils. Crayons cannot be sharpened enough to provide good detail and leave a sheen that isn't as pleasant as pencil coloration.
  • Question
    How can I come up with a good title for my comic?
    Community Answer
    Think about what is the comic is about. If its adventure or superheros, then you can use your main character's name and what they are facing, or who they are trying to defeat. It doesn't have to be only one main character, but don't make a too long name or too much main characters.
  • Question
    Can you do a comic book by hand?
    Community Answer
    Sure! You don't have to do it online. You can sketch it out, then ink and color.
  • Question
    If I want to color by hand, what are the best materials I could use?
    Felicia Axelsson
    Community Answer
    Alcohol based markers like the Windsor & Newton Promarkers, Copics and the like are good as they provide a uniform color. Watercolor, crayons or watercolor may work, but can be uneven.
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