Comic Drawing Tools--what do the pros use?

wildfire405 · Post by **wildfire405** » Thu May 20, 2010 7:53 -0700

Hello!

Since David Petersen gave me his blessing and encouragement to continue drawing my little mouse knight, I've been putting out a lot of little drawings of my Sir Bedwir. It has, however, raised some drawing and technique questions.

If you read this post, Mr. Sakai, what do you use for inking your pencils? I don't have the time to learn the ultra-awesome technique of inking with a brush, but am looking for a waterproof, fadeproof pen that I might be able to watercolor over. David Petersen showed me the pen he uses for inking his books, but like a bonehead, I didn't write its name down. Someday soon I'd like to ask you about lettering and your lettering guide settings. I have fiddled with lettering. Its fun.

What about the rest of you forum goers? I'm sure we got some artists out there. Please give me your suggestions! It its not fully rendered graphite, I'm pretty clueless about most other drawing techniques--especially comic book stuff. As big a fan I am, I've never done much practice.

I have a few students in my advanced class I might encourage to do comics and if I can find real supplies, that would be enjoyable for them!

Thanks everyone!

Joe

MikeM · Post by **MikeM** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:35 -0700

I can't answer those questions for you, but I have to ask....where can we see your drawing?

MikeM

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:13 -0700

I could be wrong, but I think David uses the Uni-ball Vision. At least I think that is what he was using at MCCC, and I asked if that is what he usually uses. It is permanent, waterproof, and comes in fine and micro tips. I use the micro point when I do those quick sketches at conventions. These pens are sold at almost all office supply stores, and are relatively inexpensive.

I usually use a Kooh-i-noor Sketchpen, with Badger Black Opaque ink on my pages. Unfortunately, the pen was discontinued about 15 years ago. There is a new sketchpen on the market, but it is a technical pen, rather than a true sketch pen.

wildfire405 · Post by **wildfire405** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:27 -0700

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4 ... =661112359

That link is to the sketch I finished today. Its a crappy cell phone photo of a drawing inked with a felt tip marker. I photocopied it and intend on watercoloring it.

This is a link to and image that is more up my alley:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2 ... =661112359

You might have to cut and paste to get the link to work. I tried earlier and it didn't work. I'll be back in touch after work lets out! Lunch is over.

Vermis · Post by **Vermis** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:48 -0700

There's a couple of good books on the subject - collected in one volume - by Gary Martin. (From the same publishers as the best comic about a Rabbit Ronin) He's pretty much in favour of putting in the time to learn brush-inking; but he, and to a larger extent a lot of the contributers, use and talk about 'crow quill' dip-pens. Easier to use apparently, but the effect tends to be a little different.
IIRC there's not much talk about other, more 'modern' pens, apart from detail work or ruling straight lines. The general consensus - among the small group of contributers, anyway - is that they're not great for varying the line 'weight'. Depends on the style you want, I suppose. I think there's a definite pro for them two posts up. (pun intended)

As a lowly hobbyist I still haven't got the hang of crow quills, let alone the brush. I tend to reach for Staedtler and Artline liners first out of convenience. IMHO they're not too bad provided you don't use them too stiffly.