What computer programs/software can I use to start comics?

[ASPEN_RAINER]

So I'm a new artist. I would like to know what programs I can use to draw comics and everything else about this new realm.

[michaelson]

http://firealpaca.com/en

I recommend starting off with Fire Alpaca, simply because it's free and user friendly. Once you get accustomed to drawing with a tablet then I suggest moving on to more robust programs that fit your individual needs.

I know a lot of artist use Adobe Photoshop, but there are plenty of great alternatives. Personally, I really enjoy using Manga Studio (anything v3+ is fantastic) and those go on sale a lot (keep your eye out for it around Thanksgiving).

[feyuca]

http://painttool-sai.en.softonic.com/

Paint tool Sai is also pretty good The brush sensitivity is fairly easy to use and they have great blending brushes for painting, if you're into that kinda thing. There's also Manga Studio (http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Micro-Software-Inc-ALA31002327/dp/B00ANH074Y) but that might be better later on down the line once you've gotten used to drawing digitally!

[ASPEN_RAINER]

Thank you! These programs look really helpful!

[UltHamBro]

My advice is to use a mix between Sai and Photoshop. Each one has its ups and downs, and I almost always start a drawing in one and end it in the other.

[jessiepolfliet]

Personally I use Sai for line art and coloring and Photoshop for effects and text. But I heard also people about a program called Gimp wich has all in once.

[Cash_Masheen]

I usually draw in red and blue pencil on 9x14 bristol board. Then I ink and scan it into Photoshop to do touch ups and whatever coloring I want. It's kind of a lot to do, but I find it most comfortable for myself.

[Spitfire]

Sai is great with brush but doesn't have text tools, I've heard rumours about it having problems with file corrupting. I have not tried it personally.

Manga Studio is great, has awesome brush feel and blending tools work fabulously but lacks abilities with text tools. I use it.

Photoshop is versatile and has great text tools, very customisable brushes, but lacks in brush sensitivity and blending tools are bit awkward. I use this as well.

Have not used gimp or heard anything much about it.

I've seen fire alpaca in use and it seems very valid tool to start with.

Pen and paper are really good, but I often find it irritating missing the undo button

[dairyfiend]

I personally use FireAlpaca and GIMP like some others have mentioned, both of which are free. Also, in terms of the art itself there's a thread I posted with some links to some great digital painting/general art tutorials. Good luck!

[UzukiCheverie]

GIMP and FireAlpaca are great for starting off, but if you're looking for a program that's great to use and won't cost you an arm and a leg (coughs photoshop coughs) then consider getting Paint Tool SAI. I heard it's pretty cheap nowadays, definitely cheaper than buying one of those industry-level programs that probably has more settings and tools than you're going to need u o u

[jessiepolfliet]

I heard that older versions of Photoshop I believe CS2 can be downloaded for free on their website since they won't be updated anymore.

[lira]

I use Photoshop for the layouts and texts and SAI for the art itself. However if I was to start from scratch today I would totally use the latest version of MangaStudio. It's not only for manga and it has lots of great tools that make everything easier and faster to make.

[dairyfiend]

I haven't personally used Paint Tool SAI but I've heard great things about it. FireAlpaca is definitely more beginners software, but there are ways to make it more complex for example I just started using their bitmap brushes (i.e. custom brushes) and they look great. Also stacking layers with blur and different blending modes creates effects you'd find in more advanced programs. I don't mind doing the workaround, in fact I like how it looks more "imperfect", but there are a lot more features (and they're easier) in paid software (even cheap ones!) so it depends on the user.

Also I guess I could get the "imperfect look" with better software but I'm just too cheap

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