When do you consider your comic ready to be worked on?

[brusskel]

I have the main characters (and important side characters), the whole story and key locations finished and ready. I could start working on my comics right now but I've yet to start because I feel like I should have my would 100% fleshed out before I REALLY start working on it. I've always thought everything should be 100% done ready before I do something but in this situation, I don't feel like it's needed? Like, I could still continue writing for extra and non-important things as I go... what would you do in this situation?

[33rdCenturyCaveman]

You will never be 100% ready. Perfect state of readiness exist only in video games.

[AmysGames]

For long-term projects, I don't think it's important to have the entire thing scripted from front to back before starting. For me, a script for the first chapter or two and an outline for the rest of the story is enough for me to start drawing—especially since I tend to make adjustments along the way anyway.

The only thing I don't recommend is going in without any script at all. Been there, it's terrible.

[skicoak]

Do it NOW.

And another important point, do it NOW.

So in conclusion...

Do it NOW!

[SleepingPoppy]

The risk with big projects is burn out. You don't want to get sick of something you're working so hard on, better to get started. Of course, different people have different creative needs- some like to write and draw as they go, some need an outline (generally recommended), and some need every t crossed and i dotted.

If you feel like you can start, start.

[AVXP]

I would worry less on what you have fleshed out and worry more about nailing down the exact look and style.
That's what you don't really want to be changing too drastically over time.
And I don't mean "You got better at it" I mean, getting others to see some pages before you launch.
So I agree, get to startin!
BUT! Don't make your first page and then upload it that night. lol

To be exact- lock in on word balloons and fonts, page layouts and general comic format.
Please get some feedback before the big launch.

And hopefully your first comic isn't the sweeping epic, massive, world-spanning, three generations length, expansive drama.

[rajillustration]

To me it's like cooking dry beans. You have to do a test run of a few pages to see if it's...still crunchy...if you know what I mean. If it's not really jiving yet and isn't really coming together, put it back in the pot to cook and work on it some more. Because it's honestly the worst thing ever to keep going when you know it's still crunchy. Because you have to commit to things you decided at the beginning for youknow...hundreds of pages, you want to make sure you don't have to change all of those things 50 pages in, youknow? You want to have shown it to people, tested it a little, and made sure that the work flow will be conducive to a schedule.

[Skaarfy]

If you feel super confident with the prep material you have now, It's about time you started working on it!

But, for one like myself. I'm currently trying to build an audience with my first comic that I'm currently posting. I'm also using the first comic as my practice-comic because let's face it, you make the most mistakes in your first work. For example, I had trouble with fonts at first, think about it... FONTS! At least I won't make that mistake anymore.

At the same time I'm also trying to finish up writing my other comic, which has an overarching plot line with multiple main characters. Obviously I rather not start posting the one I'm writing on because I see its potential and would rather polish up the prep work to the point where the characters, story the world feels real. I've drafted 2 of 3 acts so I have yet to reach the revision phase.

In the end it all comes down to an author's confidence or purpose with their comic. If they're doing it for harmless fun they'll improvise and post whenever they want to. If they have story that they want to execute well, then it's best to a have prep material to avoid plot holes, lack of world building, character inconsistencies and retcons.

[Iris-Grimoire]

If you have a game plan, you're already ready. You don't have to go and post right now, but you can already draw pages, promo art, covers and see what's going on. Maybe you'll find out you'll need to study thumbnails for new pages, maybe you don't like the art style, maybe you realize you can't understand your own script and it needs some hotfixes. Keep in mind you don't have only one shot at this - grab a friend (not physically), ask them what they think, build a nice buffer, and when you're sure you can keep that production line or have plenty of stress-free time, you can start going public with it. Doesn't have to be perfect - it has to be fun to work on.

[Inspector_Spinda]

I don't even know my ending lol but I started last year. I have a general sense of the plot and know the characters very well. My story is more of a slice of life though and there's only really a serious plot a bit later. It can always exist outside the a larger plot and just be nice stories so it takes the pressure off me.

Plastic Teeth | Tapas