How to Create your own Comic Book

I participated in the panel discussion “How to create your own comic book” at Houston’s Comicpoolza, a pop-culture convention. I delivered the first section. My friend Jay spoke for the second half discussing scripting and artwork. Here are my notes for the section I presented.

Introduction:

It all starts with an idea. I’m sure many of you all have some great ideas for comics and that’s why you’re here today.

1: Nail down a genre and art style for your comic — This will help others know what type of project you’re working on and determine if they are interested in it, either as a reader or if you are looking to collaborate.

Genre examples: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Science-Fiction

Art Style examples: Cartoon, Realistic, Manga, Stick, Furry

While your work may have a combination of many of these elements, select the prominent one or two that best represents your project so you can quickly convey it.

2. World Building

Describe the environment where your story takes place.

What time period does your story take place?

Is it a dystopian wasteland? How did the world go down the toilet?

Are there vampires who sparkle in the sunlight? Don’t write a story about vampires who sparkle in the sun.

3: Create Characters for this world

Create primary & secondary characters

Write characters’ history, personality & flaws

4. Create an Outline

Characters should evolve through the story, a.k.a., character development

5. Select a medium, digital vs. print

Know where your story is going and how it will end. This gives your story focus. You’ll also have an opportunity to include foreshadowing and reduce the chances of having to redo the comic after you produce pages.

Digital:

RGB color mode format looks better on a computer screen.

Your comic should be between 600–800 pixels wide for ideal viewing on a mobile or computer monitor. No one wants to have to scroll to see…

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