Mediums (Pilot B)
Mediums are the various tools that can be used in the creation of webcomics, whether digital or traditional. Our hosts discuss the mediums they use for their webcomics.
Delphina began with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, exploring the use of vectors and tools before switching over to Manga Studio (now Clip Studio Paint) and she has stuck with that. In combination with that software, she uses a Wacom Intuos 3 that has lasted her from the start of her webcomic journey and is still going strong.
Claire had a similar transition, in the way of beginning in Adobe Photoshop. However she then discovered the iPad and the application Procreate and began using that in 2018 and never looked back. She still uses Photoshop to add lettering to her comics, but loves the portability and speed the iPad provides for the art side.
Varethane had a longer journey that began with one of the smaller Wacom Intuos for coloring with her illustrations being drawn traditionally. They used Photoshop to clean up text, and then borders, and have slowly migrated more of their process to digital mediums. When they finished their first comic, they realized they had been tied to their tools to keep the consistent look. They upgraded to a larger Wacom Cintiq and discovered that the larger surface made digital much more accessible and enjoyable for them . They currently use Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint in combination.
Renie finds that mediums seem to be chosen by necessity, and her process began by drawing her pages in pencils, scanning them into the computer and then completing the inking and coloring process digitally. As her life changed, she found she wanted the portability to enable her to draw on the go and transitioned to an iPad and Procreate. Later she opted for a XP-Pen display tablet and Clip Studio Paint and the majority of her work is done digitally, except for thumbnails which still remain in pencil. Renie finds that regardless of the medium, they will feed each other. What you learn and practice in traditional art will feed into your digital works.
Krispy’s process is primarily traditional. She initially used Micron pens, but would have to replace them after so many pages. To improve this she switched to the G-nib which is a pen that requires ink wells to dip in, so while the ink needs to be swapped out, the pen is much longer lasting. She insists that you shouldn’t use a tool that does not work well. You will enjoy your process more.
Why did you choose your medium?
For Delphina, it is primarily cost. A digital process and using the tools she’s had from the beginning have required little extra investment. Claire prioritizes comfort and familiarity in her choice of medium. She grew up with Photoshop and it was a natural tool for her to begin using and even as she’s switched to the iPad, she appreciates the cleanliness and ease of use that those tools offer. Varethane found their tools were chosen out of convenience. They used Photoshop because it was already available, and the majority of their starting tools were given to them. From there, it was a matter of refining the materials and incorporating more digital work into their process. Also important is being comfortable and confident with their chosen medium so they can focus on what needs to be done. Renie opted for primarily digital mediums because it was accessible and came naturally. Digital was easy to pick up and start working with, whether using a mouse or a drawing tablet. Krispy’s preference leaned towards traditional as that was what she had grown up with. From Crayola colored pencils to ball point pens, she enjoyed the messier approach and the working around the mistakes. Her favorite medium is inking, inspired by traditional manga, so when starting her comic, she stuck with what she enjoyed.
Where do you start with choosing your medium if you are a beginner?
Delphina addresses some ideal specifications for working in digital. Having something capable of working with larger files, something with layer functionality, and software with a larger user base that can provide resources for when you get stuck or need help. Clip Studio Paint and Procreate both have very effective tools for a one time cost. Krita and Medibang are some free applications if you want to try out working digitally at minimal cost. Photoshop is another available tool but is a subscription based service.
Claire knew she wanted to create digitally in a way that would allow her to utilize her traditional knowledge and Procreate fit the need for her. She encourages trying traditional art methods and techniques. You’ll learn something, find things you like and it’s likely these techniques will follow you into whatever medium you finally opt for.
Varethane encourages experimentation. Digital is very accessible in today’s world, but you don’t necessarily need expensive tools to try out traditional techniques. Try what feels good and have fun and you’ll find what works best for you.
When experimenting, Renie agrees that you should have fun and not worry about whether it turns out perfectly or not. You don’t need to be brilliant with a medium to try it out and it’s okay if something doesn’t come naturally to you.
Krispy believes the experience of trying and playing with new mediums can help you figure out how your body reacts and works with the various tools. So even more so than figuring out what you like the most, you’ll find what works with the way you hold your hand or arm.
There is a lot of experimenting and mistakes that will be made as you try to find your perfect medium and there are so many resources available today. Don’t be afraid to try out community college classes, or paint activities or even online classes. You can even find artists sharing their process online on places like Twitch or YouTube. If you’re passionate about something, try it out and when you find something you love, stick with it. Don’t force yourself into a medium you don’t enjoy. Your medium should work for you. And in the words of Ms Frizzle, “take chances, make mistakes and get messy.”
YouTube/Twitch of Artists Referenced:
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Episode Release Date: October 5, 2021
Episode Credits:
Kristen Lee (@feathernotes) - she/they, ghostjunksickness.com lunarblight.com
Christina Major (@delphina2k) - she/her, sombulus.com
Renie Jesanis (@renieplayerone) - she/they, kateblast.com
Ally Rom Colthoff (@varethane) - she/they, chirault.sevensmith.net wychwoodcomic.com
Claire Niebergall (@phantomarine) - she/her, phantomarine.com
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The Intro "DO IT (feat. Shia LaBeouf)", and the Outro "It's Good To See You Again!!", both by Adrianwave, have been used and modified in good faith under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Licensed. Edits include: Fade IN/OUT, and a repeat added to the beginning of "It's Good To See You Again!!". For more information on this creative commons use, please reference https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.