Tools of the Trade
What I use to create comics
Greetings, I’m Monday. A former digital artist turned traditional who creates graphic novels. This is the first entry to a series I like to call, “Behind the Art”. Now, when you’re doing digital art, the process of creating is streamlined. Just open an art program, pick your brush, and get to doodling. Any mistakes you might make can be simply undone with a button. A massive differnce between the meduims. Why would I choose traditional then? Simple. Because it’s fun and the satisfaction of seeing a piece of artwork physically in your hands is unmatched. Besides, my eyes need a break from all the screens. Enough with the introductions. Let’s get right into it with number one:
1. 0.7mm Pilot Color Eno Mechincal Pencil & Pilot Color Eno Lead(blue)
To draw the basic sketch, I use this pencil that feels light and comfortable in my hand. Paired with the Pilot 0.7 Eno Color lead in blue. The best part of using this lead is that it doesn't smudge. Also, I don't want to bother erasing a sketch after I'm done inking it. What a time-saver!
2. Paper Mate| Pink Pearl Eraser
A classic eraser. There isn't much to say about this, tbh. It works just fine but the downside is that it leaves quite the residue pile if you're one to erase quite often(me.). So, you're going to need to clean off a lot of eraser shavings after you're done.
3. Chotune Micro Fineliners
It isn't much different than the classice Sakura Micro Fineliners. But if you have money to spend, I would buy the Sakura brand instead. This brand doesn't have a nice solid black as much as I would've liked and I think one of the pens came out drier than intended. For the job they do(inking panels), they're passable.
4. New York Central Art Supply| Waterproof India Ink
For the sake of transpancery, I haven't used this ink for too long. I've used it for the last three pages of Issue#1 of Black Cat Walking. But, so far it has been a great experience. The ink is a gorgerous black and I think I might prefer this ink over the one I used before(Dr.Ph Martians Matte Ink). Aso, it comes in much bigger bottle, which will last much longer.
5. Tachikawa Dip Nib Pen Holder
If you're not familair with this Japanese brand, then you should give this one a try! It's a beloved tool among artist who use dip pens to ink their work. Also, it's a pretty dependable tool that comes with a grip for comfort. I have different nib pen holders, but I don't use them as often as this one.
6. Assorted Rulers.
I use a variety of rulers all from different brands. So, instead of listing them all, I'm just coming to list all of the different types I used here. I use a t-square, a beveled ruler, and a triangle ruler. I mostly use them for panels and perspective(for when I need to ink a building and such).
7. Bic Wite-Out, Quick Dry Correction Fluid
For any and all inking mistakes, I use this pretty cheap correction fluid! It works and it dries fast too. I make a lot of mistakes, so it's great to have this on hand.
8. 11 x 17 Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Smooth
Using this has been quite a journey. Before switching to smooth, I use to used the vellum verison instead due to it's rougher texture. Before the switch, I found the smoothness of the paper felt too "glidely" but since then(thanks, Micheals!), I've gotten used to it.
9. 11 X 17 Display Book
I keep my finished work in one of these display books. Works well, and saves space somewhat.
After I'm done illustrating a page of my comic, I scan it and add the final touch-ups(screen-tones!)and fix any mistakes I might've made that I didn't use wite-out on. That's a wrap on all the tools I use for comics. If you found this to be an interesting read, subscribe to my substack for more on "Behind the Art"! Thanks for reading.