Why hello fellow comic creators! Ever stopped and wondered what is it about each webcomic that makes them feel like a unique journey into an artist's imagination? Well today, I’m spilling the ink on why drawing styles matter so much in the magical world of webcomics and why it’s worth embracing your own style!
When you walk into a gallery, it’s apparent that every piece of work is unique in its execution; from its subject to their use of colour and lighting. Even artworks from similar moments of times differ in their portrayal of scene or person. They evoke a particular emotion or draw your attention to certain details. Every painting has its own distinct style. Webcomics are no different. Each creator brings their unique visual language to the table, creating a kaleidoscope of styles that range from doodle-driven charm to intricate masterpieces.
Your drawing style sets the tone for your comic as well. They're the first impression, the visual handshake between you and the reader. Even as your skills as a visual storyteller improves with time and practice, there will be quirks to your work that will remain embedded in your style. Maybe it’s the way you draw expressions or a potential fixation on hands. There will be something in the way you deliver your story that people will connect with that.
Consistency is key. Whether it's stick figures or elaborate landscapes, a consistent drawing style is the glue that holds a webcomic together. It creates a visual rhythm, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story without missing a beat.
That said though, in the beginning you may find yourself experimenting with different styles, layouts or colours. A series I have been working on for some time has changed its style multiple times as I tried to find a method that I felt fit the story. This does happen and is, in my opinion, one of the beautiful things about webcomics. They are your journey. So when you encounter times where you feel your style is in flux, embrace it. Allow yourself the freedom to loosen the reigns of consistency and explore.
Ultimately, drawing styles make webcomics unforgettable. They're the visual thumbprint that distinguishes one creator's work from another. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through your favorite webcomic, or even your own, take a moment to savor the strokes, lines, and quirks that make the drawing style a silent storyteller. It's the brushstrokes of brilliance that turn webcomics into timeless works of art.
Happy reading!
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Why Drawing Styles Make Webcomics Unforgettable
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Dec. 2, 2023
7 likes!
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odebear at 10:04PM, Dec. 2, 2023
I agree , I feel every artist has their own signature artwork and you have to follow your intuition when it’s comes down separating your product from others. Diversity is essential amongst the community of; webcomic or Graphic Novel.
JohnCelestri at 1:49PM, Dec. 2, 2023
From my experience, an artist's style/voice evolves only by producing work on a daily basis. You may have only a half hour a day to devote to your webcomic, but if you do so it's as much time per week as a regular college class. You'll be surprised that if you spend that creative time focused on learning/developing, at the end of 12 month's you will look back and see your personal style/voice definitely evolve. Seeing the variety of artistic styles and voices gathering here in The Duck (Pond) is what attracted me to this site. Y'all are not trying to be the next "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".
Ironscarf at 11:31AM, Dec. 2, 2023
It's hard to see your own style I think, but others can recognise it easily. That's why you should never be afraid to experiment and try different approaches. You may worry about making radical changes your readers might not like, but most of them will see the same old you wearing a different coat today, if they notice any difference at all.
J_Scarbrough at 10:08AM, Dec. 2, 2023
Having said that, I don't always mind a simplistic or minimal art style to a comic, so long as the writing behind it is solid, and the characters are firmly established.
J_Scarbrough at 10:07AM, Dec. 2, 2023
Art style is probably one of the first things that will lure me into a webcomic . . . I don't want to say it's a case of judging a book by its cover, but given that webcomics are a visual art, it's the art style that first grabs your attention before you actually look into it. Charles Schulz and others swear by the unwritten rule the minimalism and simplicity are the key to making comics: only draw what you need, if it's not important, don't draw it. Personally, 90s cartoons from Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network had a huge influence on my art style, and as I commented on another blog, this is why with my comics, I treat each individual panel like a stillframe from an animated show or movie.
memo333 at 9:20AM, Dec. 2, 2023
Yea...thats why you never ever compare to others. If you do things like art to get likes...admiration...praise from others...also looking for money...then you aRe a slave. If I would be a slave I would NEVER be at chapter 6 of my manga.
plymayer at 7:52AM, Dec. 2, 2023
Everyone's stick figure is their own.
plymayer at 7:51AM, Dec. 2, 2023
PaulEberhardt "Show me just one panel and chances are I'll know a matching username. "...................Sounds like a great idea for a DD game show.
Andreas_Helixfinger at 7:24AM, Dec. 2, 2023
As my jazz dance teacher once told me "If you can't do technique, go for style." I went for the latter when we performed on stage and people in the audience let me know afterwards that I was the most happy looking dancer in the performance😄😄😄
PaulEberhardt at 2:26AM, Dec. 2, 2023
I've often got comments on how unique my drawing style is, and they're the ones that flatter me most. This is something AI will never be able to do. They'd have a much easier time faking mangas - by that I don't mean manga-inspired styles, which can be quite original too at times, but purist or commercial ones from a culture where showing off your individuality isn't (traditionally!) as high on the list as in the Western world. I personally define art as being instantly recognisable, and most of what I see on the Duck is. Show me just one panel and chances are I'll know a matching username. That's the difference between art and craft.