How do Draw Detailed Backgrounds

[igneriss]

Well, I think I need to practise it on next comic pages or sketches c: thank you~

[TristanJensen]

this something I'm definitely going to need soon, thanks

[Raven_C]

Saw this going around on tumblr, and it's definitely very helpful !

[MylCreates]

This reminds me so much of what we do in architecture studio
Although sometimes we build the 3D model first and then try to make section cuts of it to turn it into flat 2D plans & elevations.

[MylCreates]

There is if you want to be very accurate. It takes a ton more time though. But this is a very good tutorial:
Right here
^
This was what I was taught in my first year of studio for architectural renderings. But most of the time in my comics I just ball-park the depth.

Here's an example of a ball-parked 2 point perspective I've done for one of my panels:

(Vertical lines in 2 point perspectives are always vertically straight unless you introduce a 3rd perspective point. Also it's generally a rule of thumb that when horizons sit at eye's height (about 5-6 feet) everyone on the same plane (unless they've a dramatic height ) has their eyes matching up to the same horizon)

[scythe]

Thanks for posting. I love drawing backgrounds. I especially like that method of pulling a 2D schematic up into a 3d space. That one will come in handy!

I'd like to add another thing if I could. Programs like sketch-up, Poser and Daz are quick and easy ways to build spaces in 3d that you can use as reference. They're especially useful if your scene is going to be in one place for a lot of panels.

Lastly, drawing out an entire facade in 2D would no doubt work great for maintaining accuracy, but if you're only going to be drawing the building once, that might be a time waster that comic artists can little afford.

[eagle1]

Hehehehe,.....I'm at the point where Daz is my go-to programme. The 'set' for the Shadow War took ten hours to build, but it means each and every one of the 22 panels being shot on that set is proper perspective and camera angle.

Eagle
(But after that, comes the hard part)

[shaylafarley5]

Hmm, never thought of drawing backgrounds like that way before**michaelson**. Thanks for the link

[igneriss]

Thank you so much c: will try it out : D

[getsuart]

Ouuuh thanks for the ips ! i've shared it too, it's really useful

[jessiepolfliet]

Oh yeah I have seen that one, I already faved it on Tumblr.

[Nachte]

Another really good tip for backgrounds is clutter! I see a lot of new artists make the mistake of not adding the little things to settings that give life. A street has benches and trash cans and stacks of newspapers. Theres garbage in the alleys and old band posters still clinging to walls.

James Stokoe or Brandon Graham are kings of this sort of clutter and their comics are great references for this. King City especially as well as Wonton Soup.

Clutter can really help you fill space and make backgrounds look lively and interesting regardless of your perspective skill!

[marzial09]

whoaw the flat drawing view then turn it to perspective view really got me.....who knew you could do that.....definitely trying it on my webcomic

[JigokuNeko]

It's a neat trick but I feel like it's more for the intermediate artist. Beginners can end up using it as a crutch to avoid getting down and dirty with the dreaded perspective, lol.
For those working traditionally and who want to draw city scenes, Google Maps' Street View is your best friend in learning perspective and just plain getting inspiration for backgrounds. Just drop yourself in a street in your favorite city of the world and sketch away. After a while perspective will come naturally.

[VermillionWorks]

Oooh, wow, wow, that's a very interesting method. Since I suck at backgrounds and perspective I'll definitely keep this tip in mind to try....especially in a desperate situation. XP

[catdoglover]

I try to draw a bg in my manga last week but in the end it's failed...

[Drezz]

Another really good tip for backgrounds is clutter! I see a lot of new artists make the mistake of not adding the little things to settings that give life. A street has benches and trash cans and stacks of newspapers. Theres garbage in the alleys and old band posters still clinging to walls.

James Stokoe or Brandon Graham are kings of this sort of clutter and their comics are great references for this. King City especially as well as Wonton Soup.

Clutter can really help you fill space and make backgrounds look lively and interesting regardless of your perspective skill!

The master of clutter is Geoff Darrow. Both of those guys you mentioned are influenced by Darrow's work. Check out Hard-Boiled.

[Spinester]

Not sure if anyone here uses Manga Studio but the perspective tools in that program are awesome and make doing 1, 2, and 3 point perspective backgrounds really easy.

[UzukiCheverie]

Some neat tricks and tips in here!

But no remedy to solving my laziness when it comes to backgrounds. /sniff D':

[shaylafarley5]

Its really good to me and at least you tried. I got lazy, I just draw a rough out line of my backgrounds and finish them in Photoshop.