I struggled a bit with that first panel. Just couldn't quite get her attitude right. On the second panel my hand knew exactly what it was doing. That shot of Dom went perfectly from beginning to end, and it's one of my favorite panels in Valentine's Dei so far.
One of the reasons I love drawing comics is that it's so much easier to draw an image in context. Pin-ups are fun, but after a while I find it gets tricky trying to think up new and interesting ideas and approaches. It's not an issue when I'm working from a script, because I know exactly what a character should be doing, or how they should be reacting to a particular situation. It's always a challenge trying to accurately depict all that, but there's more focus on storytelling, rather than making things simply look pretty.
My shipment of issue #2 is currently en route, and will hopefully arrive within the week.
Ka-Blam (our printers) are about to launch a monthly printed catalogue for retailers. It's nothing like Previews, which lists absolutely everything under the sun. The plan is to just show a selection each month, so retailers can get some idea of what's on offer. Ka-Blam are currently accepting submissions for places in the catalogue, and you can bet I didn't waste any time sending one in. This is something I've been waiting for: a way to get some exposure for VD in brick-and-mortar stores, particularly in the US. VD is available for retailers to order, but they ain't gonna order the sucker if they don't know about it! So hopefully we can get a page in the catalogue soon. :)
4 days until the new month ticks over. Warm up those voting fingers, people! We want a big start to the month which will mark our 1 year anniversary! :)
Must be a full moon or something. I never talk this much.
Thanks guys :)
Wildcard - Most likely I will always be my own harshest critic. In a month's time I'll probably look back and be really happy with it :)
Genejoke - I'm a bobblehead?
Jerrie - She needs to look tough and in control; animals can smell fear ;)
SMK - All so true. The frustrating thing when trying to break in is knowing that by drawing all day everyday you'll improve ridiculously fast, but you need to improve before you can get to that stage.
Even though I only draw 2 pages a week, after a year of it drawing Dom has basically become second nature. It's become apparent to me that to suggest Dom I really only need to draw her hair. You only have to look at Mignola's work to realise just how little detail is really necessary :)
If the ends justifies the means, then you have no complaint coming when Ms. Valentine does some pretty nasty things to you.
I find that the thing that improved my artwork the most was doing a regular comic. When doing it right, the writing forces various angles for dramatic effect, angles that might not be flattering but are important for story. It also forces various positions that might be difficult but necessary. The repetition also helps one learn some interesting stylish shortcuts. Enjoyed your personal exposition on the matter!
Sturstein at 4:18PM, Jan. 28, 2011
Thanks guys :) Wildcard - Most likely I will always be my own harshest critic. In a month's time I'll probably look back and be really happy with it :) Genejoke - I'm a bobblehead? Jerrie - She needs to look tough and in control; animals can smell fear ;) SMK - All so true. The frustrating thing when trying to break in is knowing that by drawing all day everyday you'll improve ridiculously fast, but you need to improve before you can get to that stage. Even though I only draw 2 pages a week, after a year of it drawing Dom has basically become second nature. It's become apparent to me that to suggest Dom I really only need to draw her hair. You only have to look at Mignola's work to realise just how little detail is really necessary :)
wildcard at 12:35PM, Jan. 28, 2011
Funny I actually rather like panel 1, particularly the shading. Your confidence in panel 2 definitely shows though!
Genejoke at 9:26AM, Jan. 28, 2011
first panel, bobblehead.
jerrie at 8:02AM, Jan. 28, 2011
She's outnumbered isn't she? she better chill that attitude...
smkinoshita at 6:51AM, Jan. 28, 2011
If the ends justifies the means, then you have no complaint coming when Ms. Valentine does some pretty nasty things to you. I find that the thing that improved my artwork the most was doing a regular comic. When doing it right, the writing forces various angles for dramatic effect, angles that might not be flattering but are important for story. It also forces various positions that might be difficult but necessary. The repetition also helps one learn some interesting stylish shortcuts. Enjoyed your personal exposition on the matter!