Shop Talk 1

 

 

As an art nerd I find process post and shop talk extremely interesting, so I’ve decided to make some posts on the behind the scenes workings of our comic in case anyone else might find it informative.

 

As far as tools I keep it relatively simple.  I like to use a lead holder for my penciling and I switch between using standard HB lead or, as is the case most recently, non-photo blue lead.  I don’t have any real preference right now it is just what do I feel like using on the day. I am pretty good about keeping my pencils light enough that I don’t leave marks once I erase them later, so for me HB lead works just fine.

 

I like my inks to be rich and black on my original art boards.  You can always darken the line work once it gets into photoshop but I prefer looking at original art and prefer the types of ink that give you a purer darker look. I really like the flow and quality of the Rapidograph Black India ink.  It has a fast-drying time, flows incredibly smooth, and gives you a deep rich black line. It also comes in these little squeeze bottles that make it easy to pour into your inking dish.

 

I only use two brands of brushes for my comic work. Of course, the ever-popular Winsor & Newton series 7 Sable is my first choice.  It’s good, last long, and you always get a reliable quality line from it. I have also started using the Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Series 22 brush.  These brushes are a little cheaper than the Winsor & Newton ones and they also give you a great line.  I find they tend to be a touch more sensitive and if you use too much pressure they will go to a thicker line very quickly.  You need to handle it different than the series 7 but once you get the hang of it, it becomes really great for outlines and just inking in general. I do all of my inking with a size 1 brush.  It gives you the versatility to make thin lines and nice fat ones with just one brush.

 

This is my standard tried and true comic making kit. Until next time.

 

• James