How mrozna makes a comic, step by step
Introduction words, introduction words, let’s get to the point.
1. The first step is to write a script. And, buddy, that’s a pretty rough start, because I never learned how to do that properly, and drawing comics without a script apparently gets you a special place in Comic Hell.
I think primarily in pictures and scenes. Words are… somewhere there, mostly as snippets of dialogue attached to their respective scenes. But actually describing a scene? “Fuck you”, says my brain “You can sketch this out in 5 minutes tops OR bang your head on the table for an hour, trying to come up with the right words.There is no in between.” And so, all my attempts at shitting out a proper script were met by utter failure. I couldn’t continue like this.
So I thought, fuck it, I’m just gonna write a rough timeline and see where it takes me.
2. Draw the thumbnail.
Doesn’t have to be pretty or detailed. Its role is to give you a general idea how to transform your concept so it makes sense on paper, and how to arrange the elements so the page doesn’t end up cluttered and stuff.
Personally I consider this step the most difficult, as navigating the connection between the How It Looks In My Head and How Do I Get It Out Of My Head is pretty tricky. Thankfully, sketching teeny tiny thumbnails doesn’t take much time, so you can sketch as many as you want, until you’re either a) satisfied with the result and ready to continue your work, b) tired of this miserable mortal existence, in which case you need a break and a nice warm cup of tea or a refreshing punch to the face; whichever makes you feel alive again.
3. Create a new file in your drawing program of choice.
Seems obvious, but hey, if I say step by step then it’s step by step.
4. DO RECTANGLES.
With the rectangle tool (of course). Like this. You can reuse this setup in the next pages (like I did here), as long as you don’t plan on experimenting with more dynamic compositions.
5. Set the opacity to 40%, make a new layer and start sketching.
Use the thumbnail as reference, but don’t feel obligated to stick to it if you think changing some things would present your idea better.
I don’t put too much detail in my sketches (unless it’s something I’ve never drawn in my life), so usually I end up with something like this.
6. Set the current layer’s opacity to 40%.
Doesn’t have to be exactly 40%, you just need the sketch to be visible but not so it makes linearting difficult.
7. LINEART TIME, MOTHERFUCKERS.
On a new layer, ofc.
I draw panel edges by hand because I like how they look and also because I hate myself.
8. Continue until satisfied.
I really like when things poke out of their panels a little. It makes a nice illusion of… uh… something. Whatever.
Anyway, now’s the time for details. Have at it.
9. DONE.
Sketch and lineart comparison.
PRO TIP: Pour a bucket of cold water over your head for every hour you spend on procrastinating. It helps a lot. Mrozna approves.
So, that’s my take on the subject! I hope it was an interesting bit of info for you guys.
