(Sorry I was taking too much time writing this)
How did i go about making my rules? Hmm how do i write about this...
Take my 'No Flashbacks' for example.
First, I had to first know my story is small enough before getting this idea of not adding flashbacks. Once decided then suddenly my 'key conversations' becomes more important, it needs to pack clues from the dialogues. I have to put emphasis in those scenes. Of course the catch is it will be boring to some readers. But I still go for it because of the narrative.
Second: I'm a bit of a rebel to cliches: there's too much flashbacks in any stories! Since mine is a straightforward story with few main characters i might as well don't need it. I can use this opportunity to try other ways to tell that small gap of the past.
Some of my rules are just visual aesthetics I want to keep. Like the traditional drawing, no pure-black fill-outs (just use dark screentones) etc. I think creative rules are a type of challenge, only you do if you know how to tackle it. However I'm also wary about going overboard with some rules. I'll be dropping them if I don't see them work.
This may be a side topic, if you haven't done it, maybe you can give it a try: Put together an inspiration board of what you think inspires your story. https://forums.tapas.io/t/what-do-you-get-your-inspiration-from-share/19900/23?u=allent I look at my inspiration board from time to time to remind myself in case i forgot.
I take that you already have a clear mental image of how your series look VISUALLY, just not for STORYTELLING yes?
Then you can do the board, but focus on SCENES you think work. Gather quotes, lines or snapshots of the scenes Do you have something you read/watch similar to your comic? The parts you wish you can use it for your story?what you think it's good, and see it regularly (place it somewhere and think about it from time to time, update it when good idea strikes and omit the no-so-goods. You may eventually form a narrative style or a 'formula'. which means there's something that works or that don't for your story-- based on your preference.
Its okay to try some creative rules, but drop it if it doesn't work. However, gathering all your usable elements for guide FIRST is more helpful. That is my take.
I don't know if this helps or confuse you.(if i'm wrong on certain parts please don't mind it).
And thanks for the interest about my comic! My comic will start on Sept 15. Don't expect to see any plots yet it has a really slow pace!