Choosing a Sketchbook

So you want to try to choose and fill up a sketchbook? Good for you! The guide below is based on my personal experiences when choosing a sketchbook. The first step is to decide what type of sketchbook you want!

Size

• They can come in small (approx. 3”x5”), medium (approx. 5”x8”), or large (approx. 9”x12” or larger). I would pick it up from your local art/craft store like Utrecht, Dick Blick, Michael’s, or Jo-Anns with a 40% or 50% coupon. 
• It’s probably best to stick to one sketchbook at a time but I tend to have two or three sketchbooks at a time. That’s because I have a large 9x12 one I carry in a backpack and smaller ones that I carry in a purse/bag or pocket for whenever I feel inspired.

Paper Weight

• You might want a heavier weight of paper that contains some cotton fibers if you have a heavy hand or use quick washes to prevent the paper from buckling or warping. Normally you’d want 75 gsm or higher depending how heavy of a hand you have or if you want to quick watercolor washes. 
• I find that 100 gsm seems to work for me since I usually use dry materials and handles light washes but does buckle the paper, but that doesn't bother me. If it bothers you, you'd might want to use 150 gsm or more.
• I like measuring by the “grammage (aka gsm) because it’s easier to tell if it’s thicker or not. You might also want to consider eco-friendly paper or paper made from sustainable sources.

Making Time for Comics

How have you guys been scheduling time for comics?

Well I guess I should mention that I work by stages or phases. I do story/script, thumbnails, blue pencils, ink, bubbles, then tone all separately. I don't finish page at a time and post it online since that doesn't seem to work easily for me. I like to do everything at once so I can get a feel of the flow and fix things as I go instead of realizing I made a mistake and go back to fix it after I already finished a page.

One of my biggest problems is that I have the hardest time starting. However, once I get started it's smooth sailing from there. XD I think I've lost that "Get it done" mentality that I had in high school. Well lately I've been getting better at controlling myself and have the "Stop thinking and just do it" mentality. I've been slowly working and getting the things I want done, not as fast as I would like but it's getting done nonetheless. :D

Do you have a ritual that you go through before you start? I do. I fill my cup up with a drink, go to the bathroom, check my feeds, then pull up some music. Once I'm settled I get that "get it done" mentality and I just get up and pull up the files/pages and get working. Then try to take a break every once in awhile. Get up and stretch, get a snack, or check up with the family. I just keep at it until it gets late and I'm ready to go to bed.

Importance of Support Groups

This is unfortunately a subject where I'm lacking. I'm kind of used to doing things solo, I mean, I can work in a group too but I always thought of comic-making as a solo thing. That is, unless you're collaborating with a partner or building a comic in an assembly line(pencils, ink, color, lettering etc). There isn't a wrong or right way to do it, but during those moments of despair or frustration, a support group would be great to turn to in those times of need.

Support groups are those who help give honest critique of your work and are there when you need them. They don't necessarily have to be your friends (but it sure does help! ^_~) so be open to the possibilities! They also can help you brainstorm for ideas if you get stuck. They can be great motivations if you like to slack or procrastinate (like me). They can give you fresh eyes or perspective that you may not have noticed or thought of while creating.

Unfortunately, I have driven some people away due to my anti-social behavior and reluctance to share my stories with others on the basis that I'm not very verbally articulate and think my stories are still raw. It may also be that I don't talk about it much so they don't even know that I draw comics. Not something I take outside, when I go out because I tend to go hang out with friends so drawing comics don't really cross my mind. I've been better trying to bring a small sketchbook/notebook to jot ideas or brainstorm during any dead time.