When I see artists just getting into the craft or people simply looking to improve their art ask for advice, the most omnipresent answer is “practice”; I don't like that answer. It assumes the person asking the question doesn't realize this is obvious, and hasn't already been ...
Targeted Practice
Amelius at 8:06AM, April 7, 2019Drawing something you’ve never drawn before
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, March 15, 2019
One of the challenges of drawing comics is that you will, inevitably have to put together a scene you have never attempted before. This is an incredibly daunting task as trying to translate what you have in your head (which is always amazing) to your hand can prove to be ...
Building Platonic Friendships (Part 2)
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, March 9, 2019
Building a platonic friendship has its challenges, not only because as an author or creator of your webcomic you will need to handle the audience's propensity to assume your male and female lead will be romantically involved, but because of the demands you'll need to meet to make ...
SHAPES and Character
Banes at 12:00AM, Feb. 28, 2019
CHARACTER SHAPES
I remember hearing about this notion some time ago, on the dvd special features for an animated movie or show. I don't remember which one.
Characters derived from basic shapes can give a very strong impression of their basic personality type. This can help the audience feel ...
Hate: Raising the Poison Tree
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Feb. 16, 2019
With Valentine's day just behind us and a lot of talk of love, I thought I'd take a look on the exact opposite of love and affection- how do we write and display hatred in characters? How do characters hate, and what's the difference from rage?
In ...
Juggling balls
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Feb. 8, 2019
So, I’m still experiencing internet issues and have to do a lot of things on my phone, so the 10-year flashback article has been shifted to next week. Want to join the fun though? We’ve had so many amazing posts from people showing off their progress and next ...
Writing Mental Illness (Part 2)
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Jan. 19, 2019
How to Pick, Research and Implement Mental Disorder in a Character
So last time I talked in general about some basic concepts and principles about what constitutes mental illness, or, more accurately, mental disorder. The important thing to remember and keep from all of that is this set of truths ...
Embracing procrastination
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Jan. 18, 2019
A few months ago, I was linked to a video about original thinkers by organisational psychologist, Adam Grant. and the habits of people he calls originals. It’s a very interesting video and I highly recommend watching it, but one of the points that he makes is about embracing the ...
Tattoo Art
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, Jan. 14, 2019
While walking down the street in San Diego’s gas lamp quarter I pass a tattoo shop and my friend says to me, “Let’s get tattoos! I already know what I want my next design to be.” I hesitated and walked on not because of my lack of interest ...