Comic Artist Starter Pack
I thought I'd written this list at least a dozen times, but checking my archives, it's nowhere to be seen. I've probably written it as a draft a dozen times, and through various computer deaths, have lost it a dozen times. So by popular request, here are my recommendations for those interested in making comics.
There's no 'gimmick' that will make you a better artist, let alone a better comic artist. I refuse to promise easy steps, or that these materials will change your life for the better. What matters most is the time YOU put in to improving.
These are, however, materials and methods that work for me. These are the tools I use regularly, the books I've learned from
Sketching:
Nonphoto blue lead- I like Color Eno Soft Blue in .7
HB and B Graphite lead- I prefer Pentel Hi Polymer leads in .7
Mechanical Pencils- I have at least 2- 1 dedicated to holding non photo blue lead, 1 for my H lead, 1 for B lead. The metal bodied drafting pencils look legit, but after years of using one, it's wrecked my hand. For regular sketching, plastic is more than fine, and if you can find something you like with a good grip, all the better. You can always buy different pencils, but you've only got one pair of hands.
Blick Sketchbook or Strathmore Sketchbook- I use 9"x12" top spiral bound sketchbooks
Color pencils or china markers for quick studies
Recommended colors:
Henna
Black
Terra Cotta
Tuscan Red
Espresso
Sepia
Inking:
Kuretake Fudegokochi
Sailor Mitsuo Aida - Double sided, waterproof and alcohol marker proof on most papers
Creative Mark Rhapsody Brush Size 1 or 0
Waterproof India Ink
Tech Pens:
Budget: Prisma Illustration Technical Pens (they're really very good!)
Copic Multiliner SP (refillable and replaceable nibs, metal bodies)
Correction:
Signo White Gel Pen
Copic Opaque White
Synthetic brush for application
Rulers:
I invested in a 24" Alumicolor aluminum ruler that has lasted me half a decade with no signs of deterioration but honestly, even cheap rulers are fine. I would stay away from wavy metal yardsticks. 12" and 18" clear plastic rulers are fantastic and very affordable
School compass for circles
Comic Paper:
Strathmore 500 Series Vellum and Plate Bristol- For your finished pages.
Neenah Cardstock
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper or Blick Studio Watercolor paper (budget)
Watercolors:
Budget- Sakura Koi or Marie's watercolors
Midrange: Kuretake Gansai Tambi (if you don't plan on traveling with it)
Favorite: Winsor and Newton Half Pan Set
Brushes:
Cotman Mop Brush
Cotman Flat Brush
Creative Mark Rhapsody Brushes, Round- 2, 4, 6
As you paint, you'll discover what brushes you need, but these will help you get started.
Markers:
If you're serious about getting into markers, I've written a buying guide that you can read here
Blick Studio Brush Markers
Recommended Reading on Storytelling and Drawing
Reference Sites:
Humanae
Humans of New York
The Sartorialist
Senshi Stock (stock poses) Senshi Stock (figure drawing study tool)
Pixelovely- figure drawing tool, nudes (NSFW)
Google Sketchup
For even more great recommendations, please check the sidebar on the blog. You can also check out this fairly comprehensive list.
You learn the most reading other people's work and analyzing what works and what does not. You cannot write/draw if you don't consume the works of others, so read avidly!
If you're broke and JUST starting out, I highly recommend you purchase a sketchbook, a copy of Glen Vilppu's Drawing Manual, and some color pencils/wooden graphite pencils and get to sketching. Those items, your time, and sincere dedication to practice and improvement, are some of the best investments you can make in your artistic development.
There's no 'gimmick' that will make you a better artist, let alone a better comic artist. I refuse to promise easy steps, or that these materials will change your life for the better. What matters most is the time YOU put in to improving.
These are, however, materials and methods that work for me. These are the tools I use regularly, the books I've learned from
Sketching:
Nonphoto blue lead- I like Color Eno Soft Blue in .7
HB and B Graphite lead- I prefer Pentel Hi Polymer leads in .7
Mechanical Pencils- I have at least 2- 1 dedicated to holding non photo blue lead, 1 for my H lead, 1 for B lead. The metal bodied drafting pencils look legit, but after years of using one, it's wrecked my hand. For regular sketching, plastic is more than fine, and if you can find something you like with a good grip, all the better. You can always buy different pencils, but you've only got one pair of hands.
Blick Sketchbook or Strathmore Sketchbook- I use 9"x12" top spiral bound sketchbooks
Color pencils or china markers for quick studies
Recommended colors:
Henna
Black
Terra Cotta
Tuscan Red
Espresso
Sepia
Inking:
Kuretake Fudegokochi
Sailor Mitsuo Aida - Double sided, waterproof and alcohol marker proof on most papers
Creative Mark Rhapsody Brush Size 1 or 0
Waterproof India Ink
Tech Pens:
Budget: Prisma Illustration Technical Pens (they're really very good!)
Copic Multiliner SP (refillable and replaceable nibs, metal bodies)
Correction:
Signo White Gel Pen
Copic Opaque White
Synthetic brush for application
Rulers:
I invested in a 24" Alumicolor aluminum ruler that has lasted me half a decade with no signs of deterioration but honestly, even cheap rulers are fine. I would stay away from wavy metal yardsticks. 12" and 18" clear plastic rulers are fantastic and very affordable
School compass for circles
Comic Paper:
Strathmore 500 Series Vellum and Plate Bristol- For your finished pages.
Neenah Cardstock
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper or Blick Studio Watercolor paper (budget)
Watercolors:
Budget- Sakura Koi or Marie's watercolors
Midrange: Kuretake Gansai Tambi (if you don't plan on traveling with it)
Favorite: Winsor and Newton Half Pan Set
Brushes:
Cotman Mop Brush
Cotman Flat Brush
Creative Mark Rhapsody Brushes, Round- 2, 4, 6
As you paint, you'll discover what brushes you need, but these will help you get started.
Markers:
If you're serious about getting into markers, I've written a buying guide that you can read here
Blick Studio Brush Markers
Recommended Reading on Storytelling and Drawing
- The Glen Vilppu Drawing Manual - Glen Vilppu
- Vol. 1 (Kindle)
- Vilppu Drawing Manual (Book)
- Figure Drawing, Design and Invention (Book)
- Andrew Loomis books
- Drawing Words, Writing Pictures (Book) - Jessica Abel and Matt Madden
- Understanding Comics (Book) - Scott McCloud
- Story (Book) - Robert McKee
- On Writing- Stephen King
- Perspective! for Comic Book Artists: How to Achieve a Professional Look in your Artwork- David Chelsea
- Drawn to Life Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 - Walt Stanchfield
Reference Sites:
Humanae
Humans of New York
The Sartorialist
Senshi Stock (stock poses) Senshi Stock (figure drawing study tool)
Pixelovely- figure drawing tool, nudes (NSFW)
Google Sketchup
For even more great recommendations, please check the sidebar on the blog. You can also check out this fairly comprehensive list.
You learn the most reading other people's work and analyzing what works and what does not. You cannot write/draw if you don't consume the works of others, so read avidly!
If you're broke and JUST starting out, I highly recommend you purchase a sketchbook, a copy of Glen Vilppu's Drawing Manual, and some color pencils/wooden graphite pencils and get to sketching. Those items, your time, and sincere dedication to practice and improvement, are some of the best investments you can make in your artistic development.
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