This is an in-depth primer on the tools and techniques used by top sequential artists. It uses detailed instruction and step-by-step examples to teach key artistic methods. It is based on SCAD's world-famous sequential arts curriculum with examples of professional comic book art from their staff and alumni. John Lowe, Dean of the School of Communication Arts at SCAD, presents an in-depth primer on the tools and techniques used by top sequential artists to create comic books, graphic novels and other sequential art forms. Based on SCAD's world-famous sequential arts curriculum with examples of professional comic book art from their faculty and alumni, the book uses detailed instruction and step-by-step examples to teach key artistic methods like sketching, thumbnailing, reference gathering and using production/digital design methods. This book covers all the materials and methods aspiring artists need to master to make it as sequential artists.
1. Anyone Can Draw
The Two D's: Desire and Discipline
Necessary Materials
Exercise: Drawing Objects from Memory
2. Learning to See
Drawing Straight Lines
Exercise: Freehand Drawing
Seeing Forms
Contour Drawings
Exercise: Defining Volume through Line
Drawing Multiple Objects
3. Perspective Basics
How to Divide a Square
Creating Symmetrical Curves within
Two Squares
The Cube Method
Perspective Drawing
Placing Objects
4. The Figure
Gesture Drawing
Foreshortening
Exercise: Drawing Figures from Memory
Drawing Multiple Figures
5. Visual Problem Solving
Thumbnail Drawings
Exercise: Composing Thumbnails
Using Photo Reference
Visual Research
Using Photoshop with Photographic Reference
Creating Blue Line Pages to Ink
6. Inking
Inking Tools
Pen Inking Techniques
Exercise: Inking with a Pen Nib
Brush Inking Techniques
Exercise: Inking with a Brush
7. Advanced Inking Techniques
Using Unconventional Materials to Create Unique Textures
Masking an Illustration
X-Acto Knives and Straight Razors
Sponges, Toothbrushes, and Other Alternative Inking Tools
Black-and-White Design
8. Software Applications in Comic Book Art
Creating a Grid in Photoshop
Using the Perspective Tool in Manga Studio
Using Manga Studio to Apply Screentone Patterns
Conclusion
Credits
Index
