How Would I Start Drawing A Comic?

[BoxForAFox]

Hey all!

So, I'm an author who writes novels. That's my jam. However, I recently wrote a short story that a lot of people seemed to really love, and I've decided I want to expand on the idea and turn it into a comic and write more for...

The only problem is... I don't know where to start. Or what program to use. Or anything related to creating comics, really.

Basically, what I'm asking is... explain to me like I'm 5 on making a comic, ahah.

Thanks!

[Christal]

I don't know much myself so... I can't help you too much! I'm sorry

[Freemints30]

Eeeeeh. I guess as a starting point is. Asking basic questions.

How can you draw? Trad or digital?
How much you actually know about drawing?
What is your buget?
Cus for traditional art you need a good scanner and and supplies. While with digital you need a tablet and a drawing program (albiet theres plenty of free ones)

As for the basics on paneling layout. That can be learnt via reading and studying other comics as well as books and youtube videos. Just typing "how to draw comics in the search bar will bring you plenty of results"

[Lensing]

Write a summary of the story and see if that works, show it to people and get
feedback if it sounds interesting for a comic.

Then turn your novel into a comic book script.

This is not easily explained in a few sentences but there are scripts online
you should check out.
Writing a script is like being a movie director.
You set the scenes, actors, setting, dialogue, action and what kind
of shot.
Being a good comic script writer means you have to be a good director.
A good and important first rule for comic book scripits:
- one scene per panel (!)
A lot of beginner writers overload their panels with information

[abigaillmartin]

So just yesterday I actually finished all the sketches for my comic Cracking Eggs!! So first what I do is have an idea and an outline for the storyline. (Depending how long the more complex it will be.) Know your story how is going to begin and end and then you can write the middle. Then, you sketch it out. Then I take a picture of the sketch on my phone and draw it and color it on my phone! I don’t know if this helps but this is how I do it.

Mine is kind of a traditional/digital hybrid. But my end product is digital. I don’t know if anyone else uses this method.

[abigaillmartin]

Yeah with my newer stories, I tried to keep action the most important priority for this series. With my shorter comics however, it’s less complicated and I can sort of get away with more dialogue.

[Kelheor]

If you never drew before, maybe just start with a pencil and a sketchbook. All the previous advices and questions are great (follow them for sure), but it just might happen that you will have to struggle with even simple sketches for some time. Try drawing your characters for starters!
Probably people will also recommend checking Scott McCloud's book, Understanding Comics. It's a great book for beginners if you can get it somewhere

[system]

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