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michaelsonSenior Editor in Chief, here to help you
Apr '15

http://kotaku.com/how-to-draw-detailed-buildings-1699399560?utm_campaign=Socialflow_Kotaku_Facebook&utm_source=Kotaku_Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow196

Just saw this on Kotaku, pretty interesting "tutorial." It's pretty basic but showcases some really great tips on how to approach making backgrounds.

I know that backgrounds are difficult for a lot artists - perspective in general is very difficult to master. Detailed backgrounds are important for establishing shots and showcasing scale. I'd say that just by adding a rough background, the reader will fill in the blanks, no need to go into full detail like the tutorial - but if you have the time and the patience, a super detailed background is sure to impress smile

[Original source: https://twitter.com/Thomasintokyo/status/59067022415801958416]

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    Apr '15

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    Oct '15
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Doubtcent
Apr '15

Pretty awesome stuff. I kinda skipped the middle part and made a mess. Now I know and I SHALL MAKE BETTER COMICS! HUZZAHHH!

Exeivier
Apr '15

This is really useful for digital artists (and one more reason to have an incredible respect for people who does this but in traditional)

igneriss
Apr '15

Ohhh this seems pretty useful, thanks for sharing~! c:
Are there any tricks like that for traditional drawings? ; -;

michaelsonSenior Editor in Chief, here to help you
Apr '15

Of course smile Though it's more difficult because you can't use warp tools.

Using a perspective grid is the most important part, you'll have to imagine steps 1-4 on the final drawing and dive into Step 5.

igneriss
Apr '15

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

Raven_C
Apr '15

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

MylCreates
Apr '15

This reminds me so much of what we do in architecture studio stuck_out_tongue
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
Apr '15
1
igneriss

There is if you want to be very accurate. It takes a ton more time though. But this is a very good tutorial:
Right here7
^
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:

Screen Shot 2015-04-22 at 7.13.03 PM.png701x184 254 KB
(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
Apr '15

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
Apr '15

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
Apr '15

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

getsuart
Apr '15

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

Nachte
Apr '15

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
Apr '15

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 smiley

JigokuNeko
Apr '15

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
Apr '15

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