Things I have learned while making a Graphic Novel

Here is my ever growing list:


1) Make your files in CYMK mode. All printers print in CYMK. And if you end up needing it in RGB for some odd reason then you can still convert it after the fact.

2) Work in at least 300 dpi. That's what all the printers I've talked to print at. Most Marvel and DC guys create their pages at 450 to 600dpi but it all gets reduced in the end to go to print.

3) Make rules for yourself to follow for your book or it will look like a different book at the beginning and end because you got inspired along the way with some new technique. My rules are pretty simple. a)I only use the paint textures that I made. b)Above ground the pages are more or less white and below ground they are more black. c)I can only do 4 panels per page unless it's a sequence of frames where the camera doesn't move. d)I draw everything on paper and scan it. No digital lines except for subtle changes. e)all my pages are planned out as double page spreads so I can control the mood and story better. Those are my rules for this book. My next book will change as I figure out what is important to me then.

4) Develop a style that is doable and wont take you a gazillion years. I learned that I didn't need to ink my pages because I can just boost the contrast on pencil lines in Photoshop. That alone saves me hours every page.

5) Read "Making Comics" by Scott McCloud if you haven't already.

6) Focus on your strengths. Draw what you love to draw. Don't make a story about the army if you suck at drawing tanks. Unless it's your mission to learn how to draw tanks while making a GN. But I'd suggest not using this medium to learn how to draw something. It will just look different from start to finish and you'll constantly want to go back and fix old ugly tanks.

7) Start with an idea that you really believe in and want to share with others. This is important because if you don't really care about your idea then you'll never finish it. It takes dedication to make a novel or graphic novel so you really need to love what you are trying to say.




(Excuse me for cheating. This post will be continually updated as I keep learning new stuff.  So please ignore the time stamp.)