So, I’m thinking of starting a webcomic…

Roth · Post by **Roth** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:38 pm

Hello everyone.

I’ve wanted to make a webcomic for a while, and this seems like a perfect opportunity. However, there are a few things I need to know, and they seem more “General Discussion”-ish, rather than “Help Me”-ish.

Firstly, I’m not exactly skilled in the art of comic making, therefore the quality of my comics isn’t exactly fantastic.

Secondly, every single webcomic I’ve seen so far has some kind of storyline, with one comic linking to the next. Mine don’t do that, they’re completely irrelevant from each other, apart from having some of the same characters.

Are any of these things going to prevent me from turning it into a webcomic?

If you need an example of my comic, let me know and I’ll post a link to one of them.

Thankyou for your help.

Johndar · Post by **Johndar** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:51 pm

None of those things will prevent you from having a web comic. There are lots of Gag-a-day strips out there, and lots of bad comics out there.

Roth · Post by **Roth** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:55 pm

Well, I’m certainly not going to claim that my comic will be any good, but I know that it makes at least a few people laugh, and that’s good enough for me :p

Dave Against The Machine · Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:56 pm

I would have to say no, it wouldn't. Some of the crap that is out there art wise. You could scribble and make a better comic. Mine isn’t that great looking either. Along the having a story line. It's not imposable. There are some great comics out in the world that are gag a day strips. I find that I prefer a story line. But it can be done. So I say go for it. What have you got to lose?

Roth · Post by **Roth** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:59 pm

Well, I might as well post a link to what I’ve got already:

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/48373461/

I’m thinking that most of mine will be similar to that. I have a few others on that website, but I feel that this one is the best (art-wise, at least).

Killbert-Robby · Post by **Killbert-Robby** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:13 pm

When I started out in comics I SUCKED, big time. But you learn. Just draw all friggin' day long. I started out making the worst crap you'll ever see, now I can actually draw a decent still-life thanks to all my drawing practise

Joel Fagin · Post by **Joel Fagin** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:29 pm

I did a tutorial for beginners you might want to take a squizz at.

http://www.between-worlds.com/tutorials ... sics.shtml

- Joel Fagin

Roth · Post by **Roth** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:01 pm

That tutorial looks very helpful. Thankyou very much

Rao! · Post by **Rao!** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:15 pm

Just a little something: don't start off by telling everyone "it's not so good". Have some optimism man! In order for your work to be great, you have to start by thinking it will be great, and that it is great, and work to reach that greatness, and things.

And things I say!

Roth · Post by **Roth** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:40 pm

Good point. I suppose I do have quite a negative attitude :p

Black Sparrow · Post by **Black Sparrow** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:47 pm

Most people are either unrealistically praising of their art, or unrealistically insulting of their art. You're the latter type, so you're in good company.

I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said... I like your art style. It's solid, and simple, but still done with competence and flair. Beware of copy-pasting too often... we tend to get a little snooty about that.

Check out How Not to Run a Comic for some tips submitted by fellow webcomic writers.

TheSuburbanLetdown · Post by **TheSuburbanLetdown** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:47 pm

Copy & paste is the sign of a lazy wannabe most of the time.

Siabur · Post by **Siabur** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 11:27 pm

It all depends on what your goal is. For example, my goal is to have someone read mine that isn't a friend or realitive, and to tinker with a long lost passion.

Is it for yourself or others? If you have a story to tell, do. If it's something funny to you, do it. The only reason I could see for not doing it, is if you don't have the passion to do one. Here you are looking at forums and asking for advice tells me you do. So go for it. Have fun. Take out your frustrations. Start with gag a day then work up to longer stories.

Dutch! · Post by **Dutch!** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 2:46 am

Black Sparrow wrote:Most people are either unrealistically praising of their art, or unrealistically insulting of their art. You're the latter type, so you're in good company.

Or you can be in the third option like me. Indifferent. This is my art. Like it or lump it. It's not the Sistine Chapel, but it's also not the London Underground.

Phact0rri · Post by **Phact0rri** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:59 am

I think its best, not to be overly negitive about your art. even if its bad... ask yourself "what don't you like" thats a good place to begin working on making it better. Cause if all you do is complain you won't do yourself any good, and people will think your just fishing for compliments.

This really goes for anything. If you have material to complain about.. then you know what you should work on fixing.

Killbert-Robby · Post by **Killbert-Robby** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:59 am

Roth, just checked your comics, get them hosted, I like the art

Dr Legostar · Post by **Dr Legostar** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 8:38 am

it's the internet you can put up whatever you like, and this is comic genesis, you can put up whatever you like, in comic form. Have at it, and have fun.

Rkolter · Post by **Rkolter** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 1:25 pm

1) Bad art generally doesn't prevent people from drawing art anyway. Nor does bad art prevent a comic that's -good- from getting popular.

2) Gag-a-day comics or comics with many brief storylines are more common than ones that have an ongoing storyline.

3) Your art doesn't suck. If your example is representative, it's at least in the top 50%.

Vulpeslibertas · Post by **Vulpeslibertas** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 2:43 pm

Even stick figure comics can be good comics. Just don't let your simple art style be an excuse for sloppy workmanship. Understand your medium and use it to it's full potential.

Your art shows at least a little talent, and a good deal of care. Most people don't bother to shade their comics. The shading makes it look much more professional.

First recommends: Lose the copyright notice or move it somewhere out of the way. Straighten up the panel boxes. Crooked lines separating your pictures don't cut it. It's sloppy and doesn't look cute.

I'm a big fan of learning by doing, so my suggestion is to start going as soon as you can. If people tell you your comic stinks, then ask why. If they tell you your comic is great, then ask why. Even if your comic is horrible, then at least you can build on the experience for the next one.

Jae87 · Post by **Jae87** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 2:58 pm

I'm starting a comic too, I'll be pitching it soon.
I'm still working on my proportions and stuff, but I can draw them consistantly enough now!

I used to say my drawings sucked just to shut people up before they got a chance, but now I ignore it. I know it'll get better if I just keep updating, and so that's what I'll do.

As for your current artwork, Roth, I really liked it. The simple-art comics like that for 'gag strips' make them funnier in my opinion.