How I make 2:15
Step #1: Come up with an idea.
Step #2: Draw the idea. I use non-photo blue pencils to do my layouts, because when you scan in black and white the blue line don't show up. Hence "non-photo blue"
Step #3: Ink! I work with cheap microns. They get the job done. I'll go back in to get variety on the line weight once I've got everything down.
EDIT: I no longer use microns to do the linework. Starting around strip #47 I switched over to brushwork instead. I like the variety of line and the movement I get now. Not so stiff and dull!
Step #4: Scan it! Remember kids- always in black & white so those blue lines go *poof*
Step #5: I put it into Photoshop, and change the Image > Mode > Greyscale to RGB Color, because I work with green tones instead of greys.
Step #6: Delete everything but the linework for you first layer. Layers are very important and I use as many as possible to make life extra confusing. Each new step gets its own layer.
Step #7: I add in my borders, text, and word bubbles! All in seperate layers :D
Step #8: The fun begins. This is where we start our tones. I start with my blacks- everything I've marked previously with an "X" means "I'm Black!"
Step #9: Now I add in the other three tones. I use the same three, a light, midtone, and dark. It's all you need.
Step #10: Finishing touches. Shading & Highlights.
And finally, Step #11: CHECK MY SPELLING! and fix ALL the typos I am guaranteed to have made. Two in this word balloon alone! (Which is why Photoshop should have built in Spell Check)
And there you have it. All the steps to making a 2:15 comic strip.
That's how we roll.
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