Art vs. Plot
- Sortelli
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Art or plot? So ... like... should I stop drawing pictures and write a novel if plot is more important to me... or should I stop writing in dialogue and story and just draw a bunch of pretty pictures if art is more important to me?
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
- Sortelli
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Art or plot? So ... like... should I stop drawing pictures and write a novel if plot is more important to me... or should I stop writing in dialogue and story and just draw a bunch of pretty pictures if art is more important to me?
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
- Sortelli
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Art or plot? So ... like... should I stop drawing pictures and write a novel if plot is more important to me... or should I stop writing in dialogue and story and just draw a bunch of pretty pictures if art is more important to me?
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
We're talking about comics, not novels or pin-up art. Both are relevant factors.
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As to this debate, I feel that plot is somewhat more important. I do like to be able to tell what's going on however, so sloppy art is out of the question. <u>Badly Drawn Kitties</u> is a good example. The title tells you what you're in for. But in my opinion, the art isn't too bad, and the writing is good enough to keep you hooked. In this case, plot definitely rules. Then again, maybe I'm just a biased writer.

Still, I'm starting to explore the possibility that my Grandfather left me something in the family bloodline. He was an incredible artist, and I truly wish I'd gotten to know him more before he died.

I'm hoping I'll be able to develop my talent and maybe make some comics myself. Whether I post them on the internet remains to be seen. I need to see how well I can draw first. Still, if my plots are good, and my art is half decent, I don't see why people wouldn't want to read it. I just need to convince my parents to get me a sketchbook for Christmas. Even then, they'd remind me I need a day job.

- McDuffies
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Nike, this is a poll I refuse to answer. Comic art is not a pure novel illustrating nor an ordinary illustration string. They simply can't work without each other and that's the one of things artist must understand to be able to make good comics. When art in comic is bad, that doesn't mean it's less important; If it lacks effects in photoshop or strict anatomy it can still have it's sharp.
I never look at sites with illustrations and very rarely those with fiction. But comics managed to tie me up to the chair even if they had a lowsy art or so good art that it compensated lowsy script.
You just didn't include my option in the poll: they're simply equally important!
I never look at sites with illustrations and very rarely those with fiction. But comics managed to tie me up to the chair even if they had a lowsy art or so good art that it compensated lowsy script.
You just didn't include my option in the poll: they're simply equally important!
Both are relevant factors, indeed...
but recently I've picked up a habit of favouring the art over the story:
you see, even if a thing has no story, it's still valuable as an art reference,
but if it has no art, it's no good (If you can't see what's going on, why bother following the story?)
I used to like, medium-quality art (meaning: you can see what's going on, but no more than that), but I kinda put more weight to the art now.
but recently I've picked up a habit of favouring the art over the story:
you see, even if a thing has no story, it's still valuable as an art reference,
but if it has no art, it's no good (If you can't see what's going on, why bother following the story?)
I used to like, medium-quality art (meaning: you can see what's going on, but no more than that), but I kinda put more weight to the art now.
- Cindermain
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Re: Art vs. Plot
NO GLOVES? OK...you asked for it.NikeYoung wrote:There's no middle ground, no stupid answers, no gloves.Which one is more important to you:Art or Plot.


No middle ground?

Sorry about being horribly blunt, but that's asinine. That's the very attitude that has given birth to all the crap comics on the web today.
I find if you DON'T have a middle ground, any strip will inevitably suffer terribly.
There are numerous examples of great writing being totally ignored or overshadowed by the poor artwork presented, and obvious examples of gorgeous artwork being ignored as the storyline is totally non-existant.
This is ESPECIALLY prevalent on the internet, where there are SO many strips to choose from.
Sure, the writing could be the next best thing to Shakespeare, but without even somewhat good art to capture the eye, not many people will give it a second glance in strip form. In that case, do yourself a favor; learn to draw, hire an artist that can get your points across, or get a blog and stop cluttering up the strip world.
On the other hand, your art could be the next best thing to sliced oatmeal, but if your story sucks you aren't going to get a steady readership. Occasional visits, maybe, but never a steady readership unless you decide to sell your soul and do daily nudes. In that case, either team up with a writer, or stop calling yourself a comic strip artist, start calling yourself a pornographer, and start charging admission, you'll do better.
ONLY by having the two working together can something great be created. You have to have a balance.
Otherwise you're just wasting time.
****RANT MODE OFF***
(Sorry if that was bitchy, having a tough day at work.)
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What sunday comics have the best, most realistic art? Soap opera strips. Apartment 3G, Rex Morgan MD, all that hooey, probably has far better art than most of the stuff on the paper (especially compared to, say, Dilbert, or Rhymes with Orange, or something like that). The strips are, however, boring. I refuse to read them. Skip the art, if there's no good reading, I'm not touching it with a ten foot pole.
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