Webcomics 101: Creating Your Story

Introduction

• Overview of webcomics: comics available online
• Instructor: Star, creator of the comic "Cast Off"
• Purpose of the session: To share knowledge on creating webcomics due to a lack of conventions and rising inquiries on social media.

Why Make a Webcomic?

• Reasons to Create:
  • Practice: Good for writing, drawing, visual storytelling, and self-promotion.
  • Discipline: Regular updates create accountability to keep you motivated.
  • Portfolio: Builds a body of work to showcase skill progression.
  • Personal Satisfaction: Sharing your work and connecting with readers brings joy.
  • Fun: Enjoyment in the creative process.

Reasons NOT to Make a Webcomic

• Fame: Expecting immediate fame is unrealistic.
• Money: Most creators do not make substantial income; better to focus on enjoyment.

Common Excuses for Not Starting

• Art Isn’t Good Enough: Improvement comes with practice; you’ll get better while working.
• Too Much Effort: All creative work requires effort.
• Lack of Motivation: Discipline is crucial; don’t wait for motivation to strike.
  • Perfectionism: The perfect story doesn’t exist; focus on enjoyment and progress.
• Not Enough Time: Many creators manage comics alongside jobs; find time to create anyway.

Getting Started

Writing Your Story

• Determine Comic Style:
  • Gag-a-day strips (e.g., "Garfield") or long-format comics (e.g., graphic novels).
  • Infinite scroll comics (e.g., "Webtoon").
• Start with a Script/Outline:
  • Especially important for comics with overarching plots.
• Writing Tips:
  • Don’t start at the beginning; write scenes as inspiration strikes to ease writer's block.
  • Address plot holes by brainstorming solutions.
  • Write everything down; ideas can easily be forgotten.

Key Writing Guidelines

• Avoid info dumps at the start; hook readers with characters instead.
• Start with smaller projects to build skills before tackling larger stories.
• Keep the narrative tight; sprawling epics can become burdensome.
• Experiment with your writing style: planning vs. pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants).

Making Your Comic

Methodology & Tools

• Choose Art Method: Traditional, digital, or 3D. Decide on color schemes (full color, grayscale, black & white).
• Tools Recommendations:
  • Clip Studio Paint: Best for comics, frequently goes on sale.
  • Photoshop: Good for those with Creative Cloud but more expensive.
  • Free Options: Paint Tool SAI, Krita, Medibang, Procreate.
• Resources and Shortcuts:
  • Use custom brushes, 3D models, and reference photos to enhance productivity.
• Backup Files: Importance of saving work to prevent loss in case of emergencies.

Character Design & Storytelling

• Design characters with distinct silhouettes and colors to avoid confusion.
• Avoid the remake loop; focus on moving forward rather than redoing old work.

Posting Your Comic

Website Features

• Build a website or use free hosting sites (e.g., Webtoon, Tapas, Comic Fury).
• Essential website features: About page, archive, character page, navigation, comment section, and links to other webcomics.
• Social Media Links: Make your social media easy to find for audience engagement.

Update Schedule

• Establish and maintain a consistent update schedule for your comic. Aim for at least one update per week to retain readership.
• Buffer Pages: Keep a buffer of completed pages to alleviate stress during updates.

Conclusion

• Webcomics are a marathon, not a sprint.
• Emphasize the importance of self-motivation and community support.
• Encourage participants to start creating their webcomics now.
• Q&A Session: Address questions regarding comic creation and management.