How did you start digital art and eventually making a comic?

[IamKeeks]

I used this one on my phone and it was pretty good for illustration. It is available for pc too, but I liked the mobile version better. I typically draw on my computer and I put a lot of money into my tablet. I don't know a lot about tablets, but the internet has a lot of top ten lists rating things by price and usability. I recommend a quick google search for "pen tablet reviews"

Sketchbook - For everyone who loves to draw

[lesson101]

I’ll take note of this softwares and try it for a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for your recommendation.

[lesson101]

Ohh, I used MS paint before too but it’s difficult with only using a mouse. My hands gets cramps all the time so I switched to my phone where I could use my fingers instead. I first started Autodesk sketchbook and recently bought procreate.

[lesson101]

Hi, yes. I am already using Autodesk and I’m loving it so far. Right now I’m using it to make vector arts and I wanted to learn more digital art itself.

[Legendofgenii]

MS paint with a mouse when I was little.

Then I’ve grown up with Photoshop ever since (still using CS 5.5), and used Wacom drawing tablets.

My advice would be to play with the paint program you have and see what it can do.

Also, there is no shame in using references.

[IamKeeks]

I actually don't know anything about vector arts, I just drew on it.
I don't really have any more experience on the subject. On the computer, I've used paint.net (free/low quality), Gimp (looks nice, but really difficult to use), and ClipStudio Pro (currently loving it).

I'm out of knowledge.

[azzy-m]

Started when I was like, what, 9? with drawing on MS Paint with a mouse, later dA Muro (if people know what that is haha). I got my first tablet at 11 and have been using it since, so I've been drawing for 8 years now (6 with the drawing tablet) Never took any professional art classes btw, I'm self-taught.

As stated above, if you don't want to use an ipad you could buy a drawing tablet. When I got mine I started with Krita, moved on to Medibang (where I made my first comic) and then to Clip studio paint in 2018, which I've been using since. Krita and Medibang are both free programs that I totally recommend - Krita even has animation.

If you know how to paint/do traditional works you can do an art style similar to that since art programs nowadays tend to emulate painting with their brushes. Other than that, what helped me when I was developing my art style was looking at speedpaints!

[sushy00]

I actually started making comics before I discovered digital art. I used to draw comics on paper only

[lesson101]

When you were just learning, what would you usually draw? I know how to draw but only when I’m copying something. When I’m not I won’t be able to draw anything.

[SagaHolmgaard]

I made comics before I became a digital artist. I drew them on paper and scanned it in and only made simple fixes on the computer!
I personally prefer to find tools that work as similarly to traditional media as possible. I sketch with a pencil brush that looks like a soft pencil, and I ink with something that feels like using a fineliner, because that's just what I was using beforehand. It took away some of that feeling of using tools I'm not used to, and just allowed me to focus on getting better at drawing in general.
When it comes to most digital drawing apps the best way to learn them is to just use them a lot. Watching others use them is also helpful, either in tutorials or just drawing process videos or streams.

[lesson101]

Thats very helpful. Thank you so much. I also just look at videos on YouTube but I guess application and practice is really the key.

[arxianfall]

Desperation. Be desperate enough to do it.

[azzy-m]

I was like 11 so I just drew my OCs. A lot

I also did some fanart! I drew some Steven Universe, Undertale, Pewdiepie and Creepypasta fanart among other things because that was what I was into back then. If you're looking for something to draw as practice, maybe look into any of the fandoms you like.

[Kittyfox]

I made a lot of comics when I was younger, I think I still have some of them But anyway, about digital art. About two years ago, when I was buying a computer, I noticed that at the Apple store they were having a class about Procreate, the platform I use to this day. I googled when the next one would be and signed up. But, even today I'm still trying to get the hang of the program XD

[lesson101]

Thank you for this wonderful advice. It’s simple but very reasonable. I’ll try and be more desperate than I am now. Do you have any advice on how to practice more efficiently??

[maseba]

It is not bad to have references, in fact it is necessary.
I am drawing 3 years ago.
Use clip studio paint free trial and see if it suits you!

[Caro]

Honestly I’m a full time cartoonist and illustrator and I’ve never gotten 100% fully comfy going 100% digital. I tried for years but I’ve never matched my speed and comfort with digital. I basically only use digital for color and people are always very surprised when I post a picture of my desk and reveal piles of inked pages on paper. Even for big animation gigs people have been fine with my scanning my sketches and inks.

Its not as uncommon as you’d think in the world of comics as a whole but I am a bit of an outlier in webcomics though I can think of dozens of webcomics folk with the same process as me.

I will always say that just focusing on getting better at drawing and comics themselves always matters more than what you’re using. Heck, I’ve had friends who’ve been nominated and won Eisner’s for work they do with sharpies. If it looks good and you feel good, do it.

[lesson101]

Ahw, thank you so much for your encouragement. I will be trying my best to improve my drawings more. ️ Someday with enough perseverance, surely I will reach my goal.

[carreonaiwille]

Before I acquired a Wacom Tablet, I had IbisPaint on my phone drawing using only my fingers. It does not have cloud saving option like Medibang but it has rulers too.

[IamKeeks]

Copying is always a really important way to learn. I think, it's best to take baby steps. Start by copying something and then change parts of it. Another important thing is to train your eyes. and really commit your surroundings to memory.

I'm terrible with things like buildings and nature, so when I go to the park, I look at 1 tree and try to see what makes the tree. Where are the lines, shadows, branches, leaves. Are there moss or parasitic plants on it? Then look at the groves in the park and see how each individual tree works together to become a forest. Obviously it'll take more than a day, but going out and having the experience, so that you can replicate it; Not necessarily perfectly, but give the reader the impression of it.

A shortcut (really good if you're in a hurry)
Copy images from google and use them as a base for drawing.