COMIC STARTS (For Patrons Only!) (Patreon)

First of all, I want to Thank and Welcome two New Patrons: Felicity and John Janiro!  Welcome Aboard! 

A frequently Asked Question is: How do I start doing a comic story? Well, I tell you...

I start with a written synopsis. I feel one must start knowing what their beginning, middle and end will be for the best results. In this case the "synop" was given me by the client. Just a typed out text saying what the plot is and agreeing on the length before starting, here five pages.

I start by summarizing the "synop" into the proper page number (five) by deciding the order of panels and the space they will take up. This is decided for dramatics and what will make the most effective and attractive looking page. I plan comic pages like good posters: each one having its own unity and contrast.  I write notes on what will happen on each page. At this stage, changes are easy to make. The order of events can be juggled without having to make painful changes on the finished art. Below, the events broken into the intended five page format. (EDIT: I just noticed this sheet is for a different story, but it will supply an idea of the procedure.)

I do my script in thumbnail form, setting both layout and dialogue. This is the way they did it at Harvey Comics; the writer had to draw the script on typing paper to ascertain he wasn't overwriting and giving the artist an impossible job. Nothing is worse than having not enough pages to tell the story or overwriting, putting crowd shots next to explosions next to quiet conversations all in the same panel. Unchecked by planning, writers are prone to do this. The writer had to be sure he could draw it himself. Also, I'm assuring each individual page will be an attractive design. And that the dialogue will have proper space. And getting a rough idea of the character designs. I've shared the first three thumbnailed pages below:

Settled, I do any visual reference needed. Google is a great resource for finding props, as with the rocket I've put in the final page, which is spun from a few toy designs.

Then, the finished art. I pencil both art and balloons on the same page rather than separately. I letter and ink the balloons before inking the art to make sure the spacing will work; sometimes the size of a balloon will increase when needed, or by accident. And always ink the lettering before the outline of the balloon, making sure you don't have to squeeze the words in. Here are the first three pages as finished and accepted by the client:

Then go to some other task or pleasure having nothing to do with cartoons! There are few things as tiresome as cartoons by an artist that looks at nothing besides other cartoons. Find you, be you.

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Your November PDF Patreon Bonuses will be coming to you in the next few days.

Best Wishes, Milt

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY MILTON KNIGHT