I began creating webcomics because it was an affordable hobby. All I needed to create a page was some bristol paper, some black ink pens, a scanner and a computer. Having a digitally-formatted final product cut out the additional printing costs of traditional comics.
Eventually, I started learning new drawing techniques and I began to feel limited by the paint software I was using. Several comic creators were using drawing tablets when I was still using a mouse to colour pages and I felt it was necessary to upgrade my technology if I wanted to get serious about creating comics.
After a few years, my first computer was unable to keep up with the amount of RAM needed to run some of my software programs and I had a laptop that would overheat because the fan would go into overdrive whenever I worked on a page. My next purchase was a really powerful computer that would be able to run my paint programs AND music at the same time. I also opted for a higher resolution monitor because it was getting difficult to make out details on tiny screens.
I began seriously collecting art tools while I was taking drafting and interior illustration classes. Buying drafting tools is a long-term investment because the same tools can be used for years. It is better to invest in quality because it lasts longer.
I recently purchased a portable drafting board with a built-in parallel ruler and I can finally kick back and say that I am incredibly happy with my collection of art supplies.
Creating webcomics was an affordable hobby, right?
2015 DRUNK DUCK AWARDS
You can volunteer to create a presentation page for the Drunk Duck Awards or be a judge for some of the comic categories here.
Link: http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/forum/topic/176963/
Volunteering is fun and you get to be creative and meet nice people in the process.
.::.
What's Quacking?
Do you have any original art to contribute to our stock image database, announcements, community projects, ideas, news, or milestones to report? Please leave general comments below or send a PQ to kawaiidaigakusei. Email me at kawaiidaigakusei(at)gmail(dot)com.
Tools of the Webcomic Trade
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, July 27, 2015
3 likes!
©2011 WOWIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved Mastodon
Ironscarf at 2:00PM, July 28, 2015
What a beautifully presented selection of tools - clearly someone who takes pride in their work and the value of a good brush cannot be overestimated. I've managed to buy everything I use with money I've made from my art (which is why I use mostly free software) but I haven't made any for some time, so when my old Wacom peters out I'm not sure what I'll do. Still, it's a lot cheaper than some persuits as has been mentioned and the hours are flexible.
PaulEberhardt at 3:36PM, July 27, 2015
However, beer prices are getting more and more outrageous. Now, that's something that could send webcomic production costs spiralling out of control. ;)
PaulEberhardt at 9:12AM, July 27, 2015
Right! All in all, webcomicing is pretty inexpensive as a hobby, though. I guess the key is not letting sales assistants find out what you need the stuff for. That's the very reason I suppose why some people pay a mint for simple sports equipment, or so I'm told, you know, like paying ten times as much for a simple bike that's not even safe for traffic. On the other hand, webcomicing is not generally likely to get you anything much in the way of returns, isn't it? But that's the thing about hobbies: most of the time you just don't care.
PaulEberhardt at 9:12AM, July 27, 2015
Sticking to basic traditional tools can get costly too, especially when you start getting serious about using watercolours and stuff. Heck, I don't even buy any old pen or paper any more but the brands I found to be the best over the years, paying meticulous attention to details like pencil hardness, paper thickness, pen tip sizes, and whatnot. Back when I started comicing in earnest I just used anything I could get my hands on and had anyone told me I'd do that, I'd have declared them crazy. Same for the scanner. I don't reckon I'd have ever bought a new scanner but for doing webcomics. I must have been a pain in the youknowwhere for the sales assistants, too, as if no one else cared what that thing does to your colours and wanted to try it out first... A good scanner is vital, if you don't go digital in the first place - I used to underestimate that a lot until I had to use the one at the local library for a while. Er, where was I?...
bravo1102 at 7:30AM, July 27, 2015
To give an idea of the costs I incurred the three ship models used in Tales of SIG cost $18 each. One has a specialized set of markings that cost an additional $10. Figure in the paint tools and time?
bravo1102 at 7:21AM, July 27, 2015
As a graphic artist you need the latest version of Photoshop. As a Web comic hobbyist one could make do with CS2 which Adobe was giving away. I manage all my stuff in it. Starting out in golf or fishing usually runs into 2-3 thousand when all is said and done. You van start a train layout at under a thousand but you will be adoing and adding and the cost could be thousands every year.
Ozoneocean at 7:02AM, July 27, 2015
HAHAHAHA, now factor in higher powered computers, High end Cintiq, the full version of photoshop, DVD series to watch while you're working etc the price goes waaay up. -even though I use all that stuff for graphic design anyway... But just the full version of photoshop alone when I got it was about $990.
Banes at 6:51AM, July 27, 2015
Me too, Zimeta - pencil on paper, scanned in, color in a free program. I'm working on learning Manga Studio, but until then, it's pretty old school! Loved this post, kawaii! Your art station looks very appealing! Makes me want one!
Zimeta at 5:18AM, July 27, 2015
I use a regular old mechanical pencil on printer paper, scan it in and color everything in photoshop with a mouse. It's as cheap as it comes for me, baby. XD
darkace at 1:44AM, July 27, 2015
I started out doing pencils and inks on bristol boards as well, but then I made the big leap and invested on a tablet monitor and have since switched to all digital. No more pencils, no more boards. I still have my wacom, but drawing straight on the screen makes everything so much easier.
bravo1102 at 1:04AM, July 27, 2015
Compared to any hobby involving miniatures Web comics is positively cheap. A medium sized model kit is upwards of $30. The paint and tools double that initial cost. Oh but you have just started. The better quality models are $50 each and with aftermarket accessories it goes up and up. Do not get me started on started on my figures.