Becoming a Cartoonist

[8Bit-Joe]

So, I've been drawing since I could write, but didn't really get serious til' freshman year of college. (Summer break, start sophomore year soon). I first went in thinking of doing realistic drawings, and I did for awhile. Soon, I got interested in doing graphic novels. I don't know what it is, but it's a hard transition for me. With working in pencil, it just felt easier. With pen, it just looks like my art is now stupid doodles. Below is my recent work. I outline it all first in pencil, then ink with a regular black pen. What should I try to focus on improving, what tools should I use, and should stick with this or go back to what I used to do (http://www.newgrounds.com/art/view/8bit -joe/luigi)? Thoughts, advice, and opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

[iCleon]

Anatomy. Shading. Lighting. Perspective. And lose the anime-esque style as you develop these skills or develop your own style.

[BluGil]

underline perspective.

[Aigis]

At 6/11/11 03:19 AM, 8Bit-Joe wrote: What should I try to focus on improving

I'd have to say basically everything.

One thing in particular is that I think you should try to shy away from those generic Japanese style facial expressions, where each character looks exactly the same when they show any sort of emotion.

Try to treat the face as a face, rather than a whiteboard on which to stick pieces of paper representing emotion.

[8Bit-Joe]

Yeah, I try to stay away from manga style outbursts. I got two characters below I tried to draw more comic style rather than manga. I try to use styles I know for comedy, but the only American or Canadian graphic novelists I've read is Scott Pilgrim and V for Vendetta (which is more dark humour in certain situations). As for perspective, I try drawing from real life or take pictures of myself and friends and draw those. Anatomy, I don't even know where to begin. Should I get a medical anatomy book or is there artist ones? Also, is there a better way to practice perspective?

[Aigis]

At 6/11/11 04:52 AM, 8Bit-Joe wrote: ... the only American or Canadian graphic novelists I've read is Scott Pilgrim and V for Vendetta (which is more dark humour in certain situations).

Actually V for Vendetta is written by Alan Moore, who is English.

Anatomy, I don't even know where to begin. Should I get a medical anatomy book or is there artist ones?

There are thousands of them. Check your local library.

[8Bit-Joe]

At 6/11/11 04:57 AM, Aigis wrote:

At 6/11/11 04:52 AM, 8Bit-Joe wrote: ... the only American or Canadian graphic novelists I've read is Scott Pilgrim and V for Vendetta (which is more dark humour in certain situations).

Actually V for Vendetta is written by Alan Moore, who is English.

Yeah, I just remembered that now. So I guess I haven't read any American graphic novels. Huh. Thanks for all the advice again and I'll make sure to check out the library.

[iCleon]

Try practicing these body types.

[maadis]

Thanks for that Picture...really great.
Do you have such a pic for perspective bodys? thats my biggest enemy

[Jester]

You might find this helpful.

[Flowers10]

posemaniacs.com

this for poses, not for anatomy though.

[Little-Eise]

At 6/14/11 07:19 PM, Mark-er wrote:
Wow do you have a larger version of that picture? I'd like to read that.

Here you go.

[MiddleFingerRings]

I think its a good idea to sharpen up your traditional drawing skills before you simplify/cartoonify. Here's a great tool for figure drawing practice: NON-PORNOGRAPHIC NUDES