Set Up Your Work Area

• 1). Make sure that you have a flat work area where it's possible to concentrate without interruptions. To finish the comic strip, find an area where you can use the same space.
  
  
• 2
  An example of thumbnail sketches done for illustrations, which can apply to comics.
  
  Begin working on thumbnail sketches, or small drawings that allow you to work out the comic's dialogue, look and feel in advance. Essentially, they're comic art planning tools, so don't worry if they aren't masterpieces--just use them to get your ideas down.
  
  
• 3). Begin drawing panels and measuring them out carefully. Plan on using a ruler--this step often uses non-reproduction blue pencils. If necessary, lightly use harder drawing pencils. For those lacking the dexterity, consider computer programs that will do the panels.
  
  
• 4). Pencil in your comic. If you're planning to ink right on Bristol board, save the details for later. Go more detailed, however, if a lightbox and vellum paper are your chosen methods--taking care to draw out the action, characters and scenery with a light regular pencil or non-reproduction blue pencil.
  
  
• 5
  An example of a completed inking job once it is done.
  
  Apply India Ink (usually black) to the pencilled comic, using pen nibs, micron pens and brushes to apply the ink. Getting comfortable using these tools and application is imperative during this step.
  
  

Get Ready for Detail Work

• 1). After ink dries, clean up the Bristol board if you're done with a direct application, using an eraser to wipe any stray lines. Kneaded erasers or white vinyl erasers work best--traditional school-like gum erasers will leave crumbs.
  
  
• 2). Color in your comic by using paint or markers--opaque gouache paint or colored inks work best. If you're downloading to an online program, use Adobe, Photoshop or other programs to color it. This is the prevalent way if an artist takes the step to color a comic.
  
  
• 3). Consider an alternative inking method by using light boxes, making for tighter art work. Use vellium or paper, however, so that the light shines through the surface. This step saves on major erasures later.