Ever since you were a little kid, you’ve read comic books and with good reason. They are jam-packed with great stories, awesome artwork and some of the coolest superheroes imaginable. So really, what’s not to love? Now that has you thinking — hey, maybe it’s time you take your ideas and bring them to reality and create a comic book of your own. Ain’t no time like the present, so here are some tips to get you started.
Understanding What’s Out There
This part might come easy to you if you’re an avid reader of comic books but it never hurts to get an understanding of what’s already on the market. Compare your ideas with books that are already being published and see if there are similarities. It’s fine if you share some nuances, but you’ll want to keep your stuff reflective to your ideas and not that of someone else’s work. So get out there and read. Read physical prints and online iterations so you can mold and round out your own ideas for characters and story plots.
Getting Your Ideas in One Place
As with anything in the design process, it’s good to get any pieces of information you have pertaining to the project at hand put to paper. This way, even if an idea is a real stinker you still have it and all those great ideas are also there. Plus, you never know when you’ll cycle back to it and add a new spin or take.
If there are multiple people working on your project from different locations, it might be time to invest in some technical writer tools. They will allow you and your team to bring ideas to the table in one location in a digitally-collaborative way. Plus, everyone will also be able to add to the project when necessary in one easy-to-use format, so authoring and publishing content will be quick and painless.
Storyline Design
Now that you’ve got your software in place, you can take your storyline and design elements and really get them going. If you’re working alone or with a team of close compadres, you’ll need a storyline in place so you can progress with the rest of the comic book. Brainstorm and get any and all ideas down with pen and paper or in a note-taking app so you can string along pieces to create a full-blown idea. Be sure to jot down any tidbits at any time because you never know when inspiration will hit, so be ready.
Artwork to Represent the Story
Ah, the wonderful world of art. This is where you can let loose and allow your imagination to run wild. As art is personal to you as a lover of comics, allow yourself the ability to create what you want to create. Don’t feel the need to hinder or minimize your thoughts for the sake of others as your artwork needs to represent the story in it’s best light — your light.
As artwork has migrated from the traditional pencil and paper for the final product, you’ll have to decide on which digital software for art creation is best for you and your comic book. Some of the top contenders are Photoshop, Corel, Procreate and Clip Studio Paint. Weight in your needs against what each software has to offer, so you can get the best experience right out of the gate.
Wrapping It Up in a Nice Bow
After all of the hours you’ve put into your darling comic with the story process and art creation, it’s time to get it printed or release it digitally to the masses. As this might be a horrifying time for those with fear of failure, take the leap and let the chips fall where they may. Remember this is your creation that you’ve brought to life and you should be proud. Wrap up your comic in a nice little figurative bow and release it into the wild.
There’s going to be critics as with any form of art, but there will also be those that like or love your work. So continue to produce work for yourself and those that appreciate your talents because there’s a great piece of art in everyone waiting to be set free.
