Here's my first issue's style:
I drew, inked, scanned, and then colored in Photoshop.
I did more coloring in Photoshop in issue 2:
As you can see, I added shadows and highlights to the local colors. I also used less non hand-drawn pictures.
Issue 3 is in progress, and I've done more effort on the coloring.
I've also changed the way of making it.
This time I just draw it, then scan it, and then I ink it in Photoshop (digitally) instead of before when I inked it traditionally. This makes the lines more crisp.
What techniques do you recommend for me to try out to make the art better and how?
I suggest that you have a look at this page for different techniques and methods of improvement.
http://hubpages.com/art/how-to-draw-learn5
In all honesty, from what I see, you don't have the greatest grasp on anatomy, especially on the last page that you posted. The facial structure seems off, which is something I believe you can fix by doing some portrait studies.
I also see that there's an almost complete lack of backgrounds, which doesn't do well when it comes to immersing a reader into the story's world.
With the action scenes in your first few pages, I can see that you have a great eye for composition, but I feel that your lack of 'fundamental' skills may be holding you back.
I think that, especially with the photoshop colouring, that you're trying to tackle too much at once. Colour theory and lighting is something that can be very difficult to learn.
I can't really say a lot since I'm not much of a pro, but I think the link above may do you well. Heck, I've been drawing for a while and even I learned some things from it.
Just know that improvement doesn't come with a click, it takes hundreds, thousands of sessions to get to even a decent level. Work like there's no tomorrow, and the results will be pleasing to you.
Oh, and remember to have fun, that's the most important bit.
Ok, so I'm in the process of rebooting my current series and I'm trying to develop a new style for it (mostly because I want to make it easier to draw unique characters). But I'm not sure if the change is too drastic (Well, it is, but I'm not sure it's in a good or bad way).
Here's the original (sort of...)
Aaaand here's the new one(s)
What do you guys think? I'm mostly concerned about the eyes being too big...
Speaking as a subscriber, I do love your original style. I also like the second one and how you're keeping the "top rim of glasses being your eyebrows" thing! Definitely with the second one it would be easier to distinguish characters. But the change is drastic, since you're adding more complex eyes, nose, hair, and ears.
If you do go with the second style, I hope you don't abandon the original style's character structure, I just find it really charming! Maybe it could be a personification of your conscience or something.
Not a huge fan of the last doodle though, it reminds me of Angry Birds for some reason. XD
Thanks, I still have absolutely no clue how or when that started though...
I really like that idea. I didn't want to drop it all together so I think I could work with that (or maybe do a sort of half and half thing where I do some in the more realistic style and a few in the old one)
Yeah, I was going for something like "I Hate Everything" with the eyebrows, but it may be kind of overkill.
Hey Kall! So in-depth analysis here.
I personally like your style because, well, it's unique. While the new style you're trying out looks AWESOME, it really looks like many of the other art styles that there are already an abundance of throughout Tapastic/the Internet. Though that's kind of a vague description, I hope you sorta get what I'm getting at anyway lol What I liked about your style is that it was one-of-a-kind; if anyone who was a regular member of Tapastic saw one of your comics, they'd immediately be like "Yep, that's Kallehmono!" whereas this new style wouldn't be differentiated as well.
However, I do think the new art style is a much better representation of your abilities and skills as an artist. If it's a style you want to try working in, make sure that you're able to stay consistent with it. Practice with it, and maybe do a few test strips with it (so your readers can give an opinion too!)
As for the body shape, how well would the head actually fit in with the body? As you have a very cartoony, "chub" look going for the body, and a more semi-realistic style for the head. Those might clash and might not work well together. But you'd have to try it and see what happens. This is another case as well where the body looks a lot like how everyone else draws their comics; so if you did choose this path, think outside the box, come up with a way for it to be your style, and not just a reflection of others. Whether this was your intention or not, I know you're super creative when it comes to your style and ideas, so I'm sure you'd be able to make a style all your own that still reflects that creativity from former styles
ALSO, if you stick with that thick linework (like the "border" style you've got going"), maybe tone it down a little on the body? The head's been fine all along because it's just a circle head lol but when you make the border that thick on the body, it takes away teh flow and movement you could otherwise achieve with thinner lines. Everything just sorta reads as one big clump when you do it that way. You can keep the border, but maybe just make it half as thick? Especially if you decide to stick with your original style.
Overall, make sure to do lots of experimenting before you make any big leaps. It's your decision, it's your comic - do it in the style you want. Don't worry about "what sells" or "what the readers will want"; people already recognize you for your style and characters, and they enjoy it (as do I). Whichever one you choose, both are awesome in their own way and demonstrate different but equal values of your style and skills. Good luck ^__^
Thanks for all the feedback XD
Yeah, that's my biggest concern with this (well, besides the eyes, but that doesn't seem to be as big of an issue). Because I kind of think I've branded myself with my current style; but I'm hoping to find a way to keep using the old one in conjunction with the updated version. But how is still beyond me atm...
I have a few ideas to change up the body type beyond the normal boxy look. I've been doing figure sketches and a few studies of other styles I thought did a great job with that but I don't have anything pinned down next for this I'm comfortable showing anybody yet. Most of my time has been devoted to the heads and faces. (The final sketch I added was a sort of simplified version of the body I added at the last minute)
Also thanks for the tip with the line-work. I'll keep it in mind
I'll keep experimenting before/IF I make the switch.
I am guessing the lower pic of "random stuffs" is vector based. It looked more clean and the shapes are simple to catch. While the two above looked kinda sketchy. Since you mentioned that you just got a tablet not long ago, I am assuming you still need some time getting used to it. =) I do have the same question as well myself. But to pick one of the 3 picture displayed, I would prefer the art in "Random Stuffs", because the lines are smooth and not to say it has distinctive colors. Hope this helps.
First of all, props to OP for making this topic, it's really cool of you.
Second of all, my comic isn't up yet but I'm planning on next Monday or Sunday to get it up. However I've moved from LINE Webtoon (because I found out that cursing is allowed ayy lmao) so I'm unfamiliar with the format so there's a chance it'll take until Tuesday, but I'm very adamant on making the style synonymous with the genre of the content, as not having a set style is kind of my strength so I gotta use it? You feel me? No? Anyway.
I'll put the picture first and the genre afterwards.
Before
After
Okay I know this looks a little fanservice-y but that's not what it's about and this is LITERALLY the "worst" it gets. Anyway, the genre is romance with lots of action, there's a lot of cussing, humor, and innuendos, and it's aimed at a 17 and above female audience but anyone that can see past the naughtiness or appreciates that kind of humor can appreciate it.
As long as no one feels the art I posted isn't alarmingly out of place with the genre it's fine.
damn it xD i literally spent like four hours drawing the rest of it in the second style.
But I'm very thankful for the feedback; the truth is I'm gonna HAVE to have color in it anyway so it was unavoidable but I'll definitely keep that in mind for chapters where there may be a flashback/silly scenes in which I don't require color at all and I can just pull that off. Thank you!
Heyy so I'm looking for some feedback concerning paneling and moments. I don't know how to explain it, so here's my thumbnailing snippet. Sorry it's kind of messy >.< that's what thumbnails are for, though, right?
here's the scene: The girl pictured (Max) has decided to stay awake all night outside her house guest's door to make sure he doesn't do anything bad (e.g. run away, steal things, dress up as a vigilante and gallivant through the night, etc). Of course, she falls asleep in the chair. I can't decide between situation A: we see her falling asleep over the course of 3 panels (and then the page ends) and situation B: page 1 ends with her vigilant watch and then on page 2 we see that in fact, she fell asleep.
I want to decide while I'm still in the thumbnailing process to save time later ^.^' what do you think is more effective?
you're very welcome u w u
regarding your styles, I like the second one! It pops a lot more, and though the first one is more distinctive, it could also make reading the comic a lot harder, because the ink is so bright and vibrant, it might be a little hard on the eyes, and hard to register what's happening in scenes. There's a lot more depth to the second one, which is important if you're going to be drawing backgrounds in your comic behind your characters.
Also, I'd suggest making the text lines a little thicker; in both cases they clash with the colors and they aren't thick enough to read easily.
Either way, whichever one you choose, pick the one you like and works for you! The second one is nicer IMO but it will also require a lot more upkeep and time compared to the first one. Good luck! <3
Thank you so much for the precise review! I'm happy to say I tackled the problems mentioned (thicker text and trying to balance the colors), here's the result: Absolute Purgatory2
I'll definitely remember the advice given in future episodes. Thanks again! ♡