by jenn_iam » Tue Feb 04, 2014 6:40 pm
Symphoneus,
I have been a member of this forum since 2006, and ehoeveler, shortly after... we, along with all of the moderators (and many of the membership) on this forum have seen many artists, of varying levels of talents, take steps to join this community, share their work and accept and give positive criticisms, in an effort to expand their own creative pursuits as well as share tips & tricks that they, themselves have learned in like art projects. I can attest that when ehoeveler shares 'Put your soul into your work" it speaks to the passion of creating art and is not meant as demeaning or patronizing in any way. Nor is it meant as saying you do not do so already. WE all have a past, chalked full of good and bad experiences and personalities that come through and feed into our creative outlets, of which depending on our medium, tells the story of which we wish to convey. Your's is comic books / art.
That said, I have worked with comic artists before, have a number of very talented comic artist friends that are in varying levels of the profession, from amature, to self-published, to professional. So, knowing the journey, and understanding that type of art form.. I have a few questions for you, while understanding you want to do comic books.
1 - Do you want to create the comic book, story and art? Or, only the art?
2 - is there a particular style of Comic Art you are drawn to? Old School DC/Marvel, Stan Lee Style (Spiderman, Ironman, Superman, etc) or Frank Miller (Joker in batman), or do you like art like Sylvestri or McFarlane (Fathom, Spawn, Darkenss or Witchblade)? Or do you like more cartoony, like Jonen Vasques (johnny the homicidal Maniac & Invader Zim).
3 - if you are wanting to create the whole comic... that is GREAT! then you can start in two ways... with developing the characters and the world, then create a story around them.. or Create the Story, then develop the Characters look and world to match. Which are you thinking is the way your are going to go?
4 - if you are working with a writer or writing team on a comic, the same questions apply as above.
Knowing this will help those who review your work, provide you feedback that will help you refine your work to your desired result).
Developing a comic book isnt easy, but it can be a lot of fun and ememsely rewarding. But it takes lots of well thought out planning. A story that you can break out into scenes (similarly to a script, It requires understanding layout and how to convey the action or the element (unspoken story element). Of course it requires strong character designs, but also understanding that their environment (like in film) is a character too. It would look odd to have the McFarlane's character Spawn or Sam Keith's The Maxx in Whoville, right? Then a plan, a timeline to accomplish the project. It seems daunting at first, but it is all important, and well worth it.
So, onto some advice (outside of the above questions).
1 - people often will say, that's good, or whatever, not because they have nothing to offer your sharing to them. But because they truly believe that, and understand that its a worthy cause to encourage the artist in you. Also, they may not have anything beyond that, because while they can recognise the value in the art, they are not at a level to provide critique or do not feel they are qualified. Either way, just take the compliment, rather than get upset because they didn't give you hard criticisms. Be humble, say thankful.. it is possible you asked for critique from not the right people. Its important here to keep the tone, constructive and positive, no one is here to argue or demean in their attempts to help other artist reach their potentials.
2 - The Comic industry like all art, is very competitive. Persevere if that is your dream. Know that there will be rejections and hard to hear critiques.. Take all feedback as valuable, rather than negitive.
3 - When posting / sharing a peice here. such as a character - if you want to get feedback on something specific... mention the areas that you are wanting feedback on, or areas you think you are having difficulties nailing. That way some of the feedback is more honed and not always general.
Ok.. so that is a start.
Feel free to send me a message if you have specific Comic questions, etc., I will be happy to help if I can.
May your world be painted in the Brightest of colors!
Jennifer Erin
-Artist/Illustrator / Film/Media Designer & SFX MakeUp / Storyboard Artist
(All mediums; Conceptual Design, Costume Creation, to Application)