Getting Started in Comics
7d
@thesketchmasterstudios
Hi,
I am a writer and artist looking to restore my motivation by diving into a project that combines both skills. I also hope to create something deeply inspired by my faith.
Originally, I wanted to work in the animation industry, but I realized that the stories I want to tell wouldn’t fit into its restrictions. Animation is too regulated to allow for the kinds of narratives I envision. If I want to see my stories brought to life in animation someday, I believe a graphic novel could serve as a strong proof of concept.
Here’s my pitch:
In the year 2000, with Jews nearly extinct and the last survivors displayed in human zoos resembling shtetl for public amusement, one captive sparks a spiritual revolution that defies a world bereft of faith.
Currently, I’m taking the Marvel course on the Proko platform. While I don’t plan to adopt a Marvel art style, the fundamentals I’m learning will transfer well to my project.
Here’s what I’m working with:
• Equipment: iPad Mini, Wacom Intuos, MacBook Air, comic markers, Staedtler colored pencils, pencils, and oil pastels.
• Favorite mediums: Oil pastels and Copic markers (though Copics are expensive, and oil pastels are unconventional for comics).
• Time constraints: As a full-time college student, I can’t color everything. I’m thinking about a style where most of the world is black and white except for the Jewish characters, with more color integrated as the story progresses.
For publishing, I’m unsure about the best platform. Webtoon is too NSFW for a young adult or kids’ series, and I want to make it accessible to more religious Jewish communities, whose parents often limit screen time. While I’d like to reach a non-Jewish audience, I know my core readers will likely be Jewish. I need a way to distribute the graphic novel that’s both affordable and accessible.
Some people I’ve shown my ideas to really like them. What’s the first step to getting started? How should I proceed from here?
I’ve also uploaded some sketches and drawings to show my art style. I’d love to hear your thoughts on which style you think works best for my project. Don’t worry about fundamentals—just focus on the artistic style, as some of the pieces are older, like the black-and-white and digital animal portraits.