How much before I actually start?

[okellymx]

I've scripted about 40% of my series and have an outline with an ending. Would it be wiser to finish scripting the rest or just start making the actual comic pages?

[henry_]

Take this with a grain of salt because I'm just a beginner myself, but I think it depends on how sure you are of the script. If you don't think the beginning of the script will change as you get to the end, then go ahead and start making actual comic pages. I think it would be motivating to actually start drawing as well as scripting.

[Thesleepypencil]

Honestly that can really only depend on you and your comic. If the comic is going to be a long series then there shouldn't be a problem drawing the begining. But if the series is short then you may be more comfortable with the ending finalized.

Example being for my comics almost all of them are multi chapter serials. I created a basic timeline so i know what information goes where. But right now i still have 5 final chapters to script while simultaneously drawing and uploading the first chapter. But for a shorter story I'd be afraid of catching up to my script writing so I'd finish it all before i start.

It always depends on how comfortable you are with what you wanna do next. Don't rush yourself if it'll cause burnout.

I don't know if my answer is a proper answer but oh well

[AnnaLandin]

That depends entirely on the size of your project.

If the entire comic is going to be just a handful of chapters - then I'd say go ahead and finish the script.

But if you, like me, are going for a HUGE project with lots and lots of pages, that's going to take a very long time to finish even if you do start drawing it right now? Then I'd advice you to start drawing right now, and finish the script as you go. Unless you have a very definite idea of what you want to do, it's entirely possible that you might change your mind about stuff along the way, and it's much easier to change things when you haven't set it all in stone.

In the end, do whatever you feel is right.

[colinwmd]

I'm in a similar position in that I'm planning a 50 page story and definitely want to have at least a first draft of script for the entire thing before I start drawing/posting it. Mainly because I'm scared of getting to a point where I'm not sure where I'm going.

But I agree with the others that it depends very much on the size of your story and the specifics. For example, I also have some vague ideas for a sequel to my story but I will think about that as I write the first one. If my sequel ideas don't come together nicely it doesn't cause any problems for my first story so there's no pressure.

[Fioree]

it would be wiser to finish the story first but ...it would be also good if u start drawing your story because writing a story is a different thing put putting your imagination on paper is another thing you will explore your story in a different way because i have experienced this thing so i think you should do both thing but in the end you knw what is best for you

[dracoplato]

Having a finished script is great! Because you don't have to think about the story, BUT you also don't have that wiggle room to change things as much and you might feel locked in if you have an idea for another story direction that you think would be even better.

I think having an outline is the best thing, and if you're really comfortable with your writing abilities and know that if you get up to what you've written and need to write more on the spot you can, then you'll be just fine going with what you have. As the others have said it really all depends on your level of comfort.

[zoonland]

Write all the script before starting. During the creation of the story you may change your mind about something that is on the first pages and if you've already drawn them, you have to change them. Writing everything before avoids problem like these.
If you are already sure that you won't change anything, start doing the pages.

[bsienk90]

I think that depends on you. I've had my overall idea for my comic in the back of my mind for years, then one day I just started writing out details. I actually don't have detailed parts written out, just a general idea of where it is going. So, if you think it's going to stay the same then I'd say start it, but if you think it will change with finishing that last 60% maybe you want to hold of and just do sketches.

[okellymx]

Thanks everyone for your input.

[James_Ulmen]

I like to know where I'm starting and where I'm ending, and let the middle work itself out organically. It makes me nervous sometimes but it also results in some amazing twists and additions that I never would have considered when I started.

Of course, I think this approach is also what ruined Lost... so what do I know?

[jacintawibowo]

Work with what you're comfortable with!
If it's a short one-shot story, I'd script the whole thing. If it's an ongoing "perpetual" story, then script a handful of content and start drawing. I find a lot of creators like having a loose outline of their story and the ending so that they can add/remove story elements as they please, and not be attached to a solidified idea.
I launched my webcomic after creating 3 months worth of pages done and the script for the first chapter unfinished. The standard is usually 6 months of content. Best not to dip under 3 months.
People work differently though, so try different things. Definitely start drawing pages to get a feel for it!

[okellymx]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll most likely finish the story script because my new inking style is slow but beautiful so there is no need to rush the story if I'm not rushing the art.

[mg78]

start to draw because if u keep thinking to one thing only, its easy to loose objectivity.
so draw! and sometime go back to read what u wrote (good way to find "errors" or "problems") and keep write your story.

[kazukitakamura126]

I believe you should be familiar if with th ethe core themes and how the story is going to play out before to start. I have fell into the pitfall of not being familiar with what the story talks about. All I have to say is it makes the comic a uphill battle that's for sure. So you should be sure enough that your story will float before jumping on it.