Drawing backgrounds

[UnsungSuperheroes]

I struggle with them!

I really struggle with quite how much detail I should put into them. I don't want to spend all my time focusing on them, and also don't want them to detract from the main focus of a panel, but also know that in what I'm doing, they're necessary for creating a sense of place and for characterisation and mood.
But I get caught up on trying to make everything fit the correct perspective and then I get stressed about it, even with simple backgrounds.

I want to get better (and quicker) at them though!

Some people are using 3D modeling to help, but I have absolutely no knowledge of how to create a 3D model of a background or even a single element so I'd have to learn that and I want to be drawing, not learning a completely new program.

Maybe it's time to bite that particular bullet though...

[M.ComicFan]

I feel the exact same way.

[artamazon]

Clip Studio has a library of 3D assets that you can import and move around if you don't know how to model. There's also a ton of free 3D assets online you can download and then import into Clip Studio, or whatever program you want. I will say, that even learning a basic amount of 3D, like creating basic boxes for buildings, can help a ton with perspective. Another benefit is when you're putting the time into making a location you will see repeatedly, or a location that has a ton of detail, you can just rotate, zoom in, and move that environment around however you need it.

[UnsungSuperheroes]

I don't know what to do about it! It really slows me down too! Or if it doesn't, it's probably because I've been lazy and tried to skimp on it and actually the background isn't actually sufficient.

[UnsungSuperheroes]

Most useful and something to look into! Thanks so much!

[KrazySparrow]

weelll taking your time to watch tutorials would help xD just to learn how to use it. ( It will benefit you in the long run) But u don't rly have to make stuff yourself.

I use free models on turbosquid sometimes as a reference!

[purrlpankras]

I make the backgrounds in sketch up, because I can't see straight lines

[surenlicious]

I try to do my backgrounds with lots of suggestions by drawing the most basic shapes, but I got lots to learn still...

[gmaximin]

To me background help to cement the story. I generally use a lot of picture or observation to base my background, trying to make them inviting for the reader to step in and enjoy. Exemple below with the temple of Udupi / Sode Matha:

https://m.tapas.io/episode/1671419

To have the same effect (luring reader in the story and giving credibility) when I do not have space, or when detailed background would steal thunder away from the action, I use specific details or objects that represent the setting. For example in Effy’s Effy recipe, I the tower behind Effy is a the tomorrow square skyscraper from Shanghai:

https://m.tapas.io/episode/1769721

[Legendofgenii]

That's a great idea! I'd not even thought of that.

[Legendofgenii]

See, I really like this! It has a style and looks great with your characters too. I use photoshop. Is Sketch up similar?

[Legendofgenii]

These are beautiful! What do you use to paint with?

[Legendofgenii]

Yes, this is my problem too. I'm a bit lazy with them - or they can take aaaaages and I still might not be happy with it.

[Legendofgenii]

I shall have to look into this, thank you.

[Legendofgenii]

Amazing! Thank you so much. I studied illustration at uni a few years back, but specialised in Vinyl toys. Drawing my comic is just a hobby, but I'd still like it to look as good as your examples (and your drawings!).

[Legendofgenii]

Me too! There is something nice about drawing trees.

I love drawing people, but get lazy with the background... or maybe it's colouring.

[Legendofgenii]

Well, I had a go and forced myself not to give up.

It's a bit wonky in places (the bridge pillars), but if it was dead-straight lines I'm not sure it would suit my characters.

[Rhonder]

Definitely not that wonky, looks awesome!

[pilot-obvious]

I almost always use a mix of my photos and SketchUp for backgrounds!
When I use my photography, I do a combination of color correction to make it look more stylized, filter gallery styles, and painting over it with Photoshop brushes.
The cover for my first volume was done with that method. I'm a photographer by trade, but this was literally taken on an iPhone while I was waiting for my bus. lol

If I can't get in person access to a background I need, then I use SketchUp to create it. I'm not an expert, so I really just make the most basic shapes to fill in when I draw. I take a screenshot and then use it as my sketch. Here's an example from an upcoming episode! I modeled a waiting room and then used different angles for the scene.

I learned perspective drawing in fundamental art courses in college so I know how to do it, but when it takes me at least 6+ hours to create one background and I have an entire webcomic to write, layout, draw, and color... I don't have time to do it all by hand! Luckily I have a more realistic art style so this process works for me! I hope this is insightful for at least one person.

[Legendofgenii]

Ah good!