Showing posts with label comic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comic. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Newsletter!
16:46:00
So I thought I would start a newsletter to help build my subscriber base to my blog. Whilst some social platforms are great for promoting art/comics, newsletter subscriptions are the best and most consistent way to reach people who want to keep up to date with your content creation.
Therefore I launched my first newsletter last week. To the starters who did subscribe, thank you and I look forward to sending updates on my content as well as useful articles on different aspects of comic book creation.
What kind of articles could you expect if you did subscribe? Here are a few topics:
- Updates on new articles discussing writing, penciling, inking, coloring and lettering comics
- Updates on conventions as well as my first experiences exhibiting at Comic Con
- Reviews of useful books and tools for making comics
- Updates on my creator owned comic Catapulted
- Reviews of online comic book platforms (Tapastic, Comixology, Webtoons etc.)
I kept my first newsletter light and I did mention that its not going to be a super frequent newsletter that is super long. Instead it's going to be succinct and to the point as often I find newsletters I've subscribed to lengthy and sometimes a bit spammy.
However I did receive a response from one of my subscribers suggesting a schedule so at least the newsletters are regular and can be expected. The opposite end of the spectrum is that newsletters aren't frequent enough which therefore runs the risk of getting forgotten, meaning your content never gets looked at.
Therefore I've decided to send a newsletter twice a month. Content wise I think that's all I could handle at the moment.
How do you subscribe to the newsletter?
At the top of my blog on the right is a small sign up form, pop your email in and away you go, or more so your email address.
Monday, 12 December 2016
The Three Plots?
15:44:00
I once read that every story that can be told has
been told already. Many stories are reconfigured, disguised in
such a way that the audience is feels like they're seeing something
new and different. I didn't want to believe it but the more I boiled down and reduced stories to their bare plot elements, the more this seemed so. So, what are those three plots?
- The Mysterious Stranger
- The Quest
- The Genesis Story
That's it. Hard to believe isn't it? When you boil the story down, you will come to one or more of these three basic
plots. Yes, this is reducing stories to the extreme, but these are not where you
end. It's where you begin. Let's consider them one at a time.
Someone or something enters a community. The story built around
this plot often follows one (or both) of these two questions:
- What is this stranger's impact on the community?
- What is the community's impact on the stranger?
If it does not follow either of those questions, then the stranger may be used as a lens by which the author reveals the characters and/or community in which the stranger finds him or herself.
THE QUEST
This can be a
search for anything: love, treasure, the identity of the Mysterious
Stranger. All mysteries are built around the quest for the solution. You might
consider some subcategories to the Quest. It could be said that the quest is too broad and you could break things down further,
including such categories as the Chase and the Hunt. While these are all valid, they can still be seen as all being quests of one
sort or another.
THE GENESIS STORY
How something or someone came to be. In comic book terms, this is
the origin story.
When I thought about my favorite stories and I started to see at the heart of them is one or more of these
three basic plots. It is an art, to find new stories to tell based on these plots. This is where artistic vision
comes into play. We are all individuals, shaped by our experiences. It is our
unique perspective on these three stories that will give our work a distinctive
voice.
Remember if you are a duck there are special offers at Heinemann apparently...
Remember if you are a duck there are special offers at Heinemann apparently...
Friday, 18 November 2016
Triangles?
18:53:00
Trying to create a my own comic book is not easy when you are a one man band. In most cases creative teams consist of a writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer and maybe an editor. There are times when a creator is able to fulfill more than one of these roles and in rare cases all of the roles. However this means a lot of cross training in all these steps of comic book creation.
In my own case I started out as an pencil artist (not a great one at that) and tried learning how to ink, then letter, coloring and lastly writing. Learning to write a comic book has probably been the hardest. With the other steps there are scores of YouTube videos, on line How-To articles and books on how to put the visual aspects of comics together. However, writing comics isn't that easy, at least for me.
So, where do we start? How do you go from an idea to a piece of work that makes sense as a story?
A long time ago I read an online article that articulated how to make sense of an idea and progress it to a finished comic book. Unfortunately I can't remember the site and author although I would love to credit where I found this information.
I'll break the writing process into separate posts. But first lets talk about triangles.
Triangles... Doritos? Cheese triangles? Flying space triangles? No. The story triangle.
You will find that there are four basic elements in constructing a story as illustrated by the diagram below.
In my own case I started out as an pencil artist (not a great one at that) and tried learning how to ink, then letter, coloring and lastly writing. Learning to write a comic book has probably been the hardest. With the other steps there are scores of YouTube videos, on line How-To articles and books on how to put the visual aspects of comics together. However, writing comics isn't that easy, at least for me.
So, where do we start? How do you go from an idea to a piece of work that makes sense as a story?
A long time ago I read an online article that articulated how to make sense of an idea and progress it to a finished comic book. Unfortunately I can't remember the site and author although I would love to credit where I found this information.
I'll break the writing process into separate posts. But first lets talk about triangles.
Triangles... Doritos? Cheese triangles? Flying space triangles? No. The story triangle.
You will find that there are four basic elements in constructing a story as illustrated by the diagram below.
Lets break each part down one by one.
The Characters
This is the "who". Who are the main characters? Who are the supporting characters? Are some heroes or villains? What are their motivations and characteristics? Do they have personality flaws? Are they following a certain stereotype? What do they look like? How do they dress?
Lots of questions when it comes to characters but this is basically the "who".
This is the "who". Who are the main characters? Who are the supporting characters? Are some heroes or villains? What are their motivations and characteristics? Do they have personality flaws? Are they following a certain stereotype? What do they look like? How do they dress?
Lots of questions when it comes to characters but this is basically the "who".
The Plot
This is the "what". What do your characters want and what happens? It is the simple sequence of events. For example:
Rosie wants to be on time for work. Unfortunately, she wakes up late. Natalie makes her breakfast. Rosie eats breakfast quickly, dripping egg yolk on her shirt. Now Rosie has to change her clothes, making her even later for work. Rosie leaves the house in a rush, not looking in both directions before she crosses the street. Rosie is hit by a bus and dies. That is a plot.
That's what happens. The plot is the series of conflicts and resolutions leading to the climax and ending where everything is tied together.
This is the "what". What do your characters want and what happens? It is the simple sequence of events. For example:
Rosie wants to be on time for work. Unfortunately, she wakes up late. Natalie makes her breakfast. Rosie eats breakfast quickly, dripping egg yolk on her shirt. Now Rosie has to change her clothes, making her even later for work. Rosie leaves the house in a rush, not looking in both directions before she crosses the street. Rosie is hit by a bus and dies. That is a plot.
That's what happens. The plot is the series of conflicts and resolutions leading to the climax and ending where everything is tied together.
The Story
This is the where, when, how, and why. Where and when are surface details, but they are important as they determine how the character and society act and react. People in feudal Japan would not act in the same way that Native Americans would act in 1800America
The plot described above with Rosie would have to happen in fairly large, modern city where cars and buses exist. It could not be transplanted toFrance
This is the where, when, how, and why. Where and when are surface details, but they are important as they determine how the character and society act and react. People in feudal Japan would not act in the same way that Native Americans would act in 1800
The plot described above with Rosie would have to happen in fairly large, modern city where cars and buses exist. It could not be transplanted to
How expands on
the question of "What do you characters want?" by exploring how they
go about achieving their goals. We then ask the question of why should the
events of the plot matter to the characters and the readers.
Ultimately, the
story is the impact of Rosie's death on Natalie, the bus driver, other characters,
and most importantly, on the reader. Why should the reader care about Jimmy's
death and its ramifications? Therein lies the story.
The Theme or
Premise
Every story sets out to prove its theme or premise. In the story outlined above, the premise might be "Remember to set your alarm clock so you don't wake up late." The consequences of not setting your alarm clock are then spelled out. The theme or premise does not have to be overly complex. It can be as simple as "Love conquers all" or "Crime doesn't pay" or "With great power comes great responsibility" (sound familiar?).
It can be much more complex, perhaps trying to prove or disprove the existence of a higher power. It doesn't matter how simple or complex your premise, as long as everything in the context of the tale--the characters, the plot, and the story--all relate to the theme in some way, shape, or form to your theme. Ultimately, when someone asks what the story is about, they will usually zero in on the theme or premise.
Every story sets out to prove its theme or premise. In the story outlined above, the premise might be "Remember to set your alarm clock so you don't wake up late." The consequences of not setting your alarm clock are then spelled out. The theme or premise does not have to be overly complex. It can be as simple as "Love conquers all" or "Crime doesn't pay" or "With great power comes great responsibility" (sound familiar?).
It can be much more complex, perhaps trying to prove or disprove the existence of a higher power. It doesn't matter how simple or complex your premise, as long as everything in the context of the tale--the characters, the plot, and the story--all relate to the theme in some way, shape, or form to your theme. Ultimately, when someone asks what the story is about, they will usually zero in on the theme or premise.
That's all for now but this is extremely useful in organizing and transforming an idea into a proper comic book story.
Also here is a pic of a breakfast sandwich. Why? Because breakfast sandwiches rule.
Also here is a pic of a breakfast sandwich. Why? Because breakfast sandwiches rule.
Friday, 11 November 2016
Comic Cons 2016
21:34:00
Recently I went to two comic cons that I don't usually go to. MCM ComicCon and ThoughtBubble.
How did it go?
MCM Comic Con
I've always known that MCM has drawn large crowds historically but I wasn't prepared for how packed it would be. I only went to the Sunday but friends who attended all three days had told me that the Saturday had sold out and that it was almost impossible to walk around with the crowds.
MCM in London is typically held in the Excel Centre. But whereas London Super ComicCon (held in the same venue) takes up 3 or 4 halls, MCM took up practically all the halls, both sides!
Of course MCM is not just about comics or manga, it has merchandise stalls, film, game, food and even karaoke areas! Halls on both sides of the main corridor were used, all filled with cosplayers who had traveled from all over Europe.
Although enjoyable with lots to see and do, I prefer cons that are solely focused on comics.
ThoughtBubble 2016
Now here is an interesting convention. ThoughtBubble has always been held in the city of Leeds, something that had always put me off from attending as its a good 4 hour car journey from London.
However I did not realize that some amazing writers and artists have been attending for years! In times past Adam Hughes has attended (an artist I've always wanted to meet and chat to).
This year saw Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman and Kim Jung Ji as well as many others attend. The event is spread around the Royal Armories Museum. The benefit of this venue is that panels can be held in nice theater auditoriums where panelists can be heard clearly (unlike at the Excel Center). I attended one panel on how to make money from comics where the panelists shared their own experience which was very helpful.
Watching Kim Jung Gi was a treat, transforming a huge blank canvas into a an amazingly detailed picture before a crowd of onlookers. How he manages to do these pictures, without reference and planning will always amaze me.
I got to buy some sketch books and a piece of original art from artists in artist alley, include Dean Beattie, Dave Stokes and also got to speak to some creators including Chris Lewis who I met at Kapow Comic Con years ago when he first self published Drones before IDW picked it up.
I had entered the yearly art competition, from which the top three entries get published in a ThoughtBubble anthology published by Image comics. Unfortunately I didn't come in the top three but it was a good experience to complete a one page comic within a finite period, something I often struggle with.
On the bright side I put the comic into a format that would be suitable to Tapastic and I think it will be an ongoing series of short 'slice-of-life' strips.
Check it out in the link below! Tapastic also has an Android and IOS app for you to enjoy comics. Search for 'Sebastian Chow' or 'Art Imitates Life' and subscribe and like the comic. Alternatively you can view it on their site without an account by clicking the link.
https://tapastic.com/series/Art-Imit
Leeds was also a lovely city to visit and in the main shopping center there was a replica of the 1989 Batman Batmobile (my favorite look of all the films). Needless to say I took some snaps.
I would love to go back to ThoughtBubble and even hire a table for commissions and selling art however I know this can be difficult with many being turned away due to the high volume of requests and limited space.
Onward to LSCC 2016 which now has a new venue and new dates...
How did it go?
MCM Comic Con
I've always known that MCM has drawn large crowds historically but I wasn't prepared for how packed it would be. I only went to the Sunday but friends who attended all three days had told me that the Saturday had sold out and that it was almost impossible to walk around with the crowds.
MCM in London is typically held in the Excel Centre. But whereas London Super ComicCon (held in the same venue) takes up 3 or 4 halls, MCM took up practically all the halls, both sides!Of course MCM is not just about comics or manga, it has merchandise stalls, film, game, food and even karaoke areas! Halls on both sides of the main corridor were used, all filled with cosplayers who had traveled from all over Europe.
Although enjoyable with lots to see and do, I prefer cons that are solely focused on comics.
ThoughtBubble 2016
Now here is an interesting convention. ThoughtBubble has always been held in the city of Leeds, something that had always put me off from attending as its a good 4 hour car journey from London.
However I did not realize that some amazing writers and artists have been attending for years! In times past Adam Hughes has attended (an artist I've always wanted to meet and chat to).
This year saw Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman and Kim Jung Ji as well as many others attend. The event is spread around the Royal Armories Museum. The benefit of this venue is that panels can be held in nice theater auditoriums where panelists can be heard clearly (unlike at the Excel Center). I attended one panel on how to make money from comics where the panelists shared their own experience which was very helpful.
Watching Kim Jung Gi was a treat, transforming a huge blank canvas into a an amazingly detailed picture before a crowd of onlookers. How he manages to do these pictures, without reference and planning will always amaze me.
I got to buy some sketch books and a piece of original art from artists in artist alley, include Dean Beattie, Dave Stokes and also got to speak to some creators including Chris Lewis who I met at Kapow Comic Con years ago when he first self published Drones before IDW picked it up.
I had entered the yearly art competition, from which the top three entries get published in a ThoughtBubble anthology published by Image comics. Unfortunately I didn't come in the top three but it was a good experience to complete a one page comic within a finite period, something I often struggle with.
On the bright side I put the comic into a format that would be suitable to Tapastic and I think it will be an ongoing series of short 'slice-of-life' strips.
Check it out in the link below! Tapastic also has an Android and IOS app for you to enjoy comics. Search for 'Sebastian Chow' or 'Art Imitates Life' and subscribe and like the comic. Alternatively you can view it on their site without an account by clicking the link.
https://tapastic.com/series/Art-Imit
Leeds was also a lovely city to visit and in the main shopping center there was a replica of the 1989 Batman Batmobile (my favorite look of all the films). Needless to say I took some snaps.
I would love to go back to ThoughtBubble and even hire a table for commissions and selling art however I know this can be difficult with many being turned away due to the high volume of requests and limited space.
Onward to LSCC 2016 which now has a new venue and new dates...
MCM Comic Con
ThoughtBubble/Leeds
Thursday, 25 February 2016
LSCC 2016 ArtRage/Surface Pro Mash up
16:00:00
There were many stands at London Super Comic Con 2016 this year but one stand I spent quite a bit of time at was the very welcoming art stand run by Paul Kercal and some of his student helpers.
From what I can tell there are various bits of tech and software coming together to help form this stand:
From what I can tell there are various bits of tech and software coming together to help form this stand:
- Promethean hardware: Imagine a flat screen TV that acts as a giant touchscreen monitor, has multi-touch functionality and a whiteboard style marker as a drawing stylus. This was running windows and Art Rage software. This was great fun to use and reminds me of use a big whiteboard with markers (incidentally my current work place has whiteboard paint on the walls which is great for doodling while making coffee in the kitchen). I used this screen twice doing a couple of sketches, one I even managed to colour.
- Surface Pro Tablets: Not sure if these were Surface Pro 3's or 4's but they had several Pros set up on easels running either Art Rage or Micrsoft Fresh Paint. I had never used Fresh Paint before and although it does not have layer support like Art Rage it did have great emulation of brushes/pens and canvas types. A couple of cosplayers in very tall and impressively made suits posed for some sketches.
I also won a small sketch competition and won a figurine statue of a new character that Markosia is publishing. Hope I can find some of the snaps taken when they get tweeted out or reported on.
I'll update this post with the pics when I they are released.
It was a great stand and I love the idea of getting non exhibitors to create art or comic art on great technology and software.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
LSCC 2016!
20:54:00
London Super Comic Con 2016 whizzed its way around the calendar and housed itself in back in the Excel where, incidentally, there was a baby exhibition, a classic car exhibition and a franchise exhibition on at the same time. So making my way between heavily pregnant women, businessmen and car enthusiasts I hurried my way through the crowd to make it to LSCC.
LSCC has definitely improved over the years. Each year seems to see an increase in attendees. Not even the gloomy weather and slight rain could dampen the spirit of cosplayers and comic book fans. I think there were more cosplayers this year than ever, and LSCC was prepared with several panel events and stands dedicated to cosplaying.
However I was there for different reasons. I attended panels on publishing your own comic, sequential storytelling and inking (discussed by Scott Williams). All three of these were enjoyable but I particularly enjoyed the inking panel with Mr. Williams who related his experiences of working with other creators like Jim Lee.
I met various comic creators and Comic Con is always a great place to get feedback, advice as well as network with other creators for future projects. In addition, there was an impressive list of artists and writers from all over the globe including all round nice guy, David Finch, who I interviewed back in LSCC 2013 (as a very obvious novice to doing interviews).
I bought some comics, some art supplies and even spent some time at a very interesting and fun stand (more to come on that). I will make blog posts on each of these aspects in a bit more detail but for now enjoy a few snaps taken throughout the con.
LSCC has definitely improved over the years. Each year seems to see an increase in attendees. Not even the gloomy weather and slight rain could dampen the spirit of cosplayers and comic book fans. I think there were more cosplayers this year than ever, and LSCC was prepared with several panel events and stands dedicated to cosplaying.
However I was there for different reasons. I attended panels on publishing your own comic, sequential storytelling and inking (discussed by Scott Williams). All three of these were enjoyable but I particularly enjoyed the inking panel with Mr. Williams who related his experiences of working with other creators like Jim Lee.
I met various comic creators and Comic Con is always a great place to get feedback, advice as well as network with other creators for future projects. In addition, there was an impressive list of artists and writers from all over the globe including all round nice guy, David Finch, who I interviewed back in LSCC 2013 (as a very obvious novice to doing interviews).
I bought some comics, some art supplies and even spent some time at a very interesting and fun stand (more to come on that). I will make blog posts on each of these aspects in a bit more detail but for now enjoy a few snaps taken throughout the con.
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