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improving as an artist

ProFile: Erik Larsen

by Palle Schmidt Leave a Comment

ProFile-Erik-Larsen

Erik Larsen has been writing and drawing Savage Dragon for the last two decades. Before that he worked on Spider-Man. He likes Savage Dragon better.

What made you decide to work in the medium of comics?

I’ve drawn comics since I was a kid. I grew up reading them and I’ve never wanted to do anything else.

What part of the process is the most challenging or frustrating to you?

Deciding what ideas to pursue over others. There are so many options and choosing the best one is always a challenge.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring comics creator, what would that be?

Your job is telling a story. Clarity is key. Don’t think it has to be perfect. But if a choice has to be made of being clear or clever–clear is the way to go. Your goal is to have readers understand what’s going on.

– More about Erik Larsen at savagedragon.com

Filed Under: Pro Tips, ProFile Tagged With: comics, creativity, Erik Larsen, idea generation, Image Comics, improving as an artist, making comics, Savage Dragon, Spider-Man, storytelling, tips for making comics, workflow, Writing

Dean Haspiel Short Cuts to Making Better Comics – Comics for Beginners podcast episode 15

by Palle Schmidt 2 Comments


Emmy-award winning artist Dean Haspiel gives some insights on the craft and business of comics, the benefits of being part of a studio community and his current work on the series The Fox with writer Mark Waid. Dean also shares what he believes to be the secret to making better comics: It’s all about hair! For more about Haspiel’s work, check out http://www.deanhaspiel.com and http://www.tripcity.net .

Dean Haspiel sketching on napkins at an after NYCC event, New York 2013.
Dean Haspiel sketching on napkins at an after NYCC event, New York 2013.

Filed Under: News, Podcast Tagged With: career, comics, community, creativity, Dean Haspiel, Hang Dai Studios, improving as an artist, learning, making comics, Mark Waid, New York Comic Con, NYCC, studio, The Fox, tips for making comics

Tom Lyle and his Inner Voice – Comics for Beginners podcast episode 11

by Palle Schmidt 1 Comment


We’re often told to listen to the voice inside ourselves. But what if that voice is preventing you from working on the thing you love most? This morning I went back to the New York Comic Con to talk to Tom Lyle (tomlyle.blogspot.com), comics artist known for his work on Spiderman and Batman & Robin and teacher at the Savannah College of Art & Design (https://www.scad.edu/). And I was surprised and encouraged by the fact that this 28-year comics veteran also hears voices. So it’s not just me!

Give it a listen and leave comments below.

Tom Lyle signing for one of his long time fans at NYCC 2013
Tom Lyle signing for one of his long time fans at NYCC 2013

Filed Under: News, Podcast, Pro Tips Tagged With: Comic Con, creativity, critique, improving as an artist, learning, making comics, mind hacks, New York Comic Con, NYCC, pro tips, productivity, Savannah College of Art & Design, Spider-Man, storytelling, tips for making comics, Tom Lyle

Great Advice from Comics Writer Jim Zub – Comics for Beginners episode 10

by Palle Schmidt 1 Comment


I met Jim Zub, writer of Skullkickers, Samurai Jack and the Pathfinder comics at the New York Comic Con and grilled him about why he is letting everyone in on the secret to making comics. Turns out it’s all because of roleplaying!

For more of Zub’s great advice, go to http://www.jimzub.com or follow @jimzub on Twitter.

 

Filed Under: News, Podcast, Pro Tips Tagged With: career, Comic Con, comics, creativity, how to, improving as an artist, Jim Zub, Jim Zubkavitch, learning, making comics, New York Comic Con, NYCC, Pathfinder, pro tips, Samurai Jack, Skullkickers, storytelling, tips for making comics, Writing

Breaking In at the New York Comic Con – Comics for Beginners podcast episode 9

by Palle Schmidt Leave a Comment


At cons like NYCC you hear a lot of chatter about “breaking in” to comics. In this episode we get three different perspectives on the subject: from writer Kurtis Wiebe (http://kurtiswiebe.wordpress.com/), artist Rick Parker (http://rickparkercartoons.blogspot.com/) and colorist Jose Villarrubia (http://www.mica.edu/About_MICA/People/Faculty/Faculty_List_by_Last_Name/Jose_A_Villarrubia.html). Some great tips and valuable insights in this one!

NYCC-2013

Filed Under: Podcast, Pro Tips Tagged With: breaking in, comics, Comics conventions, comics industry, creativity, critique, Image Comics, improving as an artist, José Villarrubia, Kurtis Wiebe, learning, making comics, New York Comic Con, NYCC, pro tips, Rick Parker, tips for making comics

New video: Get some perspective!

by Palle Schmidt Leave a Comment

 

Perspective drawing and backgrounds for cartoonists – Teaser for episode 6 of the Comics for Beginners tutorial series!  Sign up for full video.

Filed Under: News, Pro Tips, Video Tagged With: backgrounds, how to, improving as an artist, learning, making comics, perspective drawing, pro tips, video

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