Friday, November 30, 2012

How to do Wonders with Your Shape


Line and form walk hand in hand to create substance.


We start with the cube and sphere. From these primary shapes more complex shapes are given birth: the cylinder, cone, pyramid and hexagon (or more correctly a hexagonal prism). Well really it should be called a polyhedron to account for any number of flat surfaces and straight edges. However it seems mathematicians can't agree on a definition for polyhedra, so you see it gets complicated.


We reduce the problem of drawing by by seeing everything as based on these forms and their relationships to each other.

There are two methods to build form using ovals and rectangles. Of course some mavericks like to combine both. Hmm… are they mavericks or undisciplined? I'm not sure.


Each series of ovals and rectangles help to build masses in proper proportion and relation  to each other. This helps to build a figure or object and give it structure and weight. Then we use line to define the contour and create it as we draw with confidence and s sense of finality.

There are 3 expressions of form: contour only, contrast and using light and shadow.

I'll end this here even though there is so much more to say on this and you should make the study and observation of form a part of your daily routine.

Next… Light and Shadow.

to be continued…

read next - Are Afraid of The Dark?
previous - Are You a Passive Line or a Powerful Line?

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

Copyright 2016 H. Simpson

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

When you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Are You a Passive Line or a Powerful Line?


A simple line.


No matter whether you draw or paint it usually starts with a line. There are 3 types of lines; straight, angled and curved.


The straight line may be looked at as dull, passive and plain OR it can be seen as bold, brash and directional. Context changes the meaning. Lines can powerfully or subtly communicate and no line should be drawn carelessly. Each line should have have something to say. 

Lines can be very expressive. As an artist you should not think of a line as just outlining an object. If you do so, then you are a dullard and your line will be dull and lifeless. Yes dullard the truth hurts, but someone has to tell you.

All artists need to think of the line as a contour that creates form. Think of a line as being able to express emotion, texture and structure. Think of a line as being able to to show light and shadow.

Lines can lead the eye and be directional; whether implied or actual. More about that when we talk about composition. I have already touched on it when I discussed tangents. Think about the quality
of your line. Do you want it to be soft, angry, controlled or erratic? Or maybe broken, graceful or suggest movement?

I can only touch on the power of  the line here. This is just meant to be food for thought and motivate you to consider line carefully and embark on a study of it. let me leave you with one thought and one command. Every line should contribute to the storytelling. Practice drawing straight lines without a ruler everyday.

Next I'll discuss FORM.

to be continued…

read next - How to do Wonders with Your Shape
previous - Sound Effects and Display Type Techniques for Comics and Graphic Novels


Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.
Remember… Just Create!

Copyright 2016 H. Simpson

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

When you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

ANOMALY AT THE GROVE Nov. 29th

ANOMALY TABLE READ EVENT AT THE BARNES & NOBLE AT THE GROVE: NOV. 29, 7:00pm


I'm sorry I couldn't give you more notice on this. I  just found out myself today. Brian showed me the art on this when I met him a third time for the first time! I finally made an impression on him the third time.

The art on this is amazing!

If you live in the LA area join the creators and cast of ANOMALY at Barnes & Noble at The Grove!

Creators Skip Brittenham and Brian Haberlin will be on hand with a talented cast of actors (below) who lent their voices to the recently released ANOMALY Interactive Graphic Novel, available for iOS and Android (coming soon to Google Play).


Monday, November 26, 2012

Sound Effects and Display Type Techniques for Comics and Graphic Novels


Some Basic Techniques for Sound Effects and Display Type


Rather than use purchased sound effects fonts as your first choice, I encourage you as the artist to do them yourself in pencil and then you or the letterer ink the work. Of course, if it fits then by all means use a font. Sometimes you don't have to reinvent the wheel. 

Here are some techniques to get you started. Don't be limited by them, use these as a jumping off point. 



Don’t compete with the art. Complement the art to enhance and further the storytelling.

You can age, frost, drip and set the type on fire. You are only limited by your imagination. 

And check out these tutorials by Jim Campbell and Todd Klein.

read next - Are You a Passive Line or a Powerful Line?
previous - More About Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in using these tools, then I recommend these products and books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a item by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Fleischer’s Superman Cartoons 1941-1942


Happy Thanksgiving!

Warners Bros. has given us a real treat!


This week Warner Bros. posted most of the Fleischer Superman cartoons to their You Tube channel.


Warner Bros. has restored them for our viewing pleasure. No more bootleg grainy videos. Even after all these years they are still fun to watch again and again.



I really love these and enjoy the imagination, talent, energy and excitement shown and generated in these cartoons.

Superman



Mechanical Monsters



Terror On The Midway


Read about the history and DVD review of the Warner Bros. release



Here's direct links to all of them.

Enjoy!

Keep reading and  +1 me. Share with your friends. Please comment. Just create!

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

More About Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels

Old School vs New School

The state of comic book sound effects make me yawn. Nowadays they mostly look alike. Yes you can buy fonts created specifically to be sound effects. You've seen them over and over again. I would have thought digital fonts would have opened the door to more creativity. It hasn't.

First, let's look at some more old school lettering and then some creative lettering being done today.

Here's some more old school sound effects that are very individual and complement the art and contribute to the storytelling. Something that is sometimes lacking with computer fonts.












I firmly feel that artist should draw their own sound effects. Make them part of the design of the page and fit the sound. The sound effects can be hand drawn and then rendered digitally by the letterer if you don't want to do it yourself..

Here is a great current example from Cafe Suada by Jade Sarson. We should all aspire to this level of creativity.








to be continued…

read next - Sound Effects and Display Type Techniques for Comics and Graphic Novels
previous -  Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

Copyright 2016 H. Simpson

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

When you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels

Comic Book Sound Effects

Now let's take a look at sound effects.

I mean it. Take a look.









Now go back and really see them. Are they part of the art? Do they tell the story?

to be continued...

read next - More About Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels
previous - Types of Balloons and Captions for Comics and Graphic Novels

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in using these tools, then I recommend these products and books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a item by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.



Friday, November 16, 2012

Types of Speech Balloons and Captions for Comics and Graphic Novels

These are examples of different types of word balloons and captions. These are not the only way to portray these types. You can be very creative in your interpretation of these types.

Dialogue - used with quotes when it's in a caption.
Thought - with captions sometimes a symbol is used in the upper left to let you know who is thinking and/or it is color coded.

Computer - indicates computer audio.
Double Gutter Burst - two balloons one inside the other to indicate yelling; not screaming.
Ghostly
Icicle - indicate cold shoulder being given or pissed off attitude.
Loud Speaker
Monster
Radio/Electronic - indicate speech broadcast via radio, TV or other devices.
Robot - indicate artificial being speaking.
Scream
Telepathic - indicate character is using their mind to communicate.
Telephone - indicate person speaking on other end of phone.
Weak - indicate character is distressed, dying, tired or becoming unconsciousness  in some way.
Whisper - indicate softly spoken speech.

Types of Balloons and Captions

and many more that haven't been done because you haven't created it.

The typeface chosen and color can add to the effect also and should be used where needed.

Hey creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

to be continued...

read next - Sound Effects for Comics and Graphic Novels
previous - Balloon and Caption Placement for Comics and Graphic Novels

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in using these tools, then I recommend these products and books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a item by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

Please support me making video tutorials on Patreon.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Speech Balloon and Caption Placement for Comics and Graphic Novels


Word Balloon and Caption Placement

If you are working from a full script, then put in your text first to get a general idea of space needed.
Do this whether you are working digitally or traditionally.

text placed on page

Then draw your figures. 


Layout figures

Then you can go back and finalize the text position and balloons.


Do final ballons and captions

If you are working from a plot, then leave the top third empty, but don't leave empty space. As you draw leave a dead space just begging for a balloon or caption. 

Check out more on balloon and caption placement from one of the masters in the field; Todd Klein on his blog.

Also check out this article by the great Nate Piekos on grammar and aesthetic traditions.

read next - Types of Balloons and Captions for Comics and Graphic Novels
previous - Framing Word Balloons and Captions for Comics and Graphic Novels

Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.




Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Framing Word Balloons and Captions for Comics and Graphic Novels


Speech Balloons That Create Panelitis


Don't give your characters Panelitis.

Panelitis occurs when you have to squeeze your characters to fit into the panel
or under the word balloon or caption.

You either bend them or distort them.

Also don't cut off their head or hat.



When drawing just automatically leave the upper third of the panel open for balloons and captions.

Be careful. Don't leave a wide open space. Draw in the space, but don't put critical information there.




Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Word Balloons for Comics and Graphic Novels


Speaking Order for Speech Balloons

For western audiences, the first person to speak should always be
on the left to match the reading order of left to right and top to bottom.

The second balloon will be to the right and if possible make it a bit lower than the first balloon.


This is not a good idea.

Better solution if person on the right must speak first.

OR
change the wording.


Keep reading and follow me. If you have found this helpful, please let me know and share with other creators. Are the explanations clear and complete? Feel free to ask me questions.

Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

You can support this blog when you purchase a book by clicking the link below, I get a piece of the action and helps me to continue doing this blog. Support an artist today.

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.


Monday, November 12, 2012

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook - Good for drawing?


I spent a day with the Sony VAIO Duo 11. Here's my first impression and my first drawings.

The new VAIO line comes installed with ArtRage Studio Pro, so I did some drawings with this. It comes with a digitizer stylus that lets me draw naturally. It is very responsive and feels comfortable in my hand. When the stylus is close to the LCD, the touch sensors automatically turn off so I was able to rest my palm on the screen and draw.

I will have to try it again to check the pressure sensitivity. I don't feel I was getting good thick and thin lines, but that may be due to the fact that I didn't set things correctly.


The Sony stylus comes with the VAIO Duo 11. It is not Wacom technology, it is made by n-trig in Israel. Needs a battery inside.

It only works with the VAIO Duo 11. All the other Sony VAIO touch screens do not support this stylus just finger touch and the same brushes and styluses should work that work on the iPad.


I would say 'Yes, it is good to use for drawing'.







Keep reading and  +1 me. Share with your friends. Please comment. Just create!

copyright 2012 H. Simpson.