Developing Comic Books – What You Need To Know
Friday, April 1st, 2011Learning how to make a comic book has never been easier, as the secrets that were once so heavily guarded by professionals in the industry have now been passed on in book form and online. Still, creating one of these graphic novels or serial story lines requires a few basic talents that cannot be avoided.
Writing the story
Being able to write a story with interesting characters and events is the most important skill any creator can develop. Comics are more than just men and women in spandex costumes these days, so anyone with a love for writing can produce books in almost any genre imaginable.
The art
Artwork is, of course, the second of those twin pillars. Dynamic drawing is a must for the artist who wants to illustrate comics. Fortunately, some of the industry’s best artists have created books on the subject of drawing for comics. Studying these books is a must for those who are serious about creating their own comics.
The inks, the letters, and the colors
Before being published, comics must also be inked and colored, and someone must place the letters of the script onto each page. There are artists who still do these tasks manually, but a lot of time can be saved by becoming familiar with any of the fabulous pieces of software that are designed for graphic arts.
Getting published
Once the comics are done, there is still that pesky business of locating a publisher. Many artists fall flat in this most important area, but there are some things that can be done to make the process smoother. Begin by sending copies of the work to established publishers. Visit editors and other artists at events related to comics, and show the work there as well.
When all else fails, consider self-publishing the comics. This can be done either online in digital format or through small publishing companies designed for small print runs. For many beginning creators, the digital approach can offer a chance to break into the industry and get the work seen by the people who matter.
In the end, though, the books must get into the hands of readers. In many cases, those who self-publish printed copies have to do the leg work required to get local shops to agree to place them on their shelves. While this will usually require some profit sharing, it provides an opportunity to get the work sold and read and makes learning how to make a comic book worth the time and effort.
Find out more about a guide on how to make a comic book at www.ClassicBook.info. Visit Clare Bonseo’s site to understand more about classic book lists and more.