Backgrounds and Action shots

[Lianweijun086]

Hey guys, as a semi-new artist, I've been playing around with a lot of stuff, like backgrounds, ESPECIALLY those related to action sequences. I've found one that I kind of like (the streaky lines that you see in old school TMNT), but I've found myself kind of overusing it. A side from that, I've tried color splashing (simple gradients),... and that's about it. I've run out of ideas.

http://twfc.comicgenesis.com/d/20090616.html
http://twfc.comicgenesis.com/d/20090620.html

The backgrounds have come down to this, which is the point at which I'm REALLY unhappy with it. So my main question is everything regarding backgrounds in action sequences. When do I use a normal background, when do I use the flashy colors. And secondly, are there any other cool effects that you would use to draw my action scenes? Thank you so much!

PS. As always, I'd appreciate any comments on the rest of the comic as well. http://twfc.comicgenesis.com

[Lianweijun086]

... I'm sorry, I didn't get that at all. Are you typing through a translator or something? Thanks for the reply though!

[VeryCuddlyCornpone]

Sorry boyo, looks like it was just a spammer.

I have yet to draw anything with thrilling action backgrounds, so I'm afraid I'm not much help. Except I like the streaky TMNT look, but you already said you think you overuse it.

I've been meaning to check out your comic since a million years ago. I think I'm going to do that this weekend. Hooray plans!

[Lianweijun086]

VCC, thanks for the support! I really hope you like my work. Hopefully my crappy backgrounds and effects will not deter you from reading >.< I promise, I'm trying my best to learn and improve!

[W M]

Maybe look up digital screentones--if you've never heard of these, they're basically patterned backgrounds (very simplistic patterns so as not to take away from the foreground). You can usually find some nice packs of them for free download on google.

Originally, they were used in traditional comics as translucent paper with pattens that you could peel off, stick on the panel, and cut away excess, which made filling in patterned backgrounds very fast for the busy comic artist.

(but maybe you already know about screentones--sorry if this is nothing new )

[Lianweijun086]

No, actually that was really helpful! I've no education in art whatsoever and so everything is pretty new to me. Thanks a lot, I will definitely look into it!