If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your comic making process? I find it hard to make comics that look eye-pleasing to read and yours are like candy.
Ah, comics! Dig under cut to see some old wips as I attempt to explain my nightmare thought process to you.
For making a comic AESTHETIC and APPROACHABLE:
I've noticed that it's easier for people to be pulled into a comic if I set the environment first and foremost, so people have some vague context for the scene. Of COURSE that's not always necessary ( there are a lot of comics that start out without environmental story telling and it works perfectly) but I've always liked having a lil illustration before digging my rat claws into the meat of the story.
For example! “Emmet and Elesa have a clandestine meeting in the library at 4 am.”
The sketch was sort of the jumping point to where I wanted to go with the comic. I wanted to a. explain wtf is happening and b. draw a nice conclusion about what the f is happening.
You don't need to make the environment available in every panel too! I'd suggest making your first panel tell all the environment detail you need and then like... slowly removing irrelevant detail from there. And then hit folks with the background again at the end. (So basically, you don't see the library in this comic until the beginning and a bit towards the end. I have tricked you! aha!)
So that's one tip i have.
For Readability:
Anyways, to make a comic easy to read, spacing is super important. Dialogue tends to cramp a shot by a WHOLE lot. For example!
Remember the "Lamp is told she's beloved (and has a tsundere moment over it"? That used to be TWO panels. Man. Nightmare fuel. Lemme find it.
(This is the rough. I Lined It, realized the pacing is off, and then withered. Please don't look at it too hard.)
So here's the thing. This READS. But the sheer amount of dialogue in the beginning is fatiguing for me and the "you are beloved, Lampent" NEEDS that oomph of both characters realizing that over the span of years, their relationship stopped being antagonistic and started being family instead. Some folks are fine with blocks of dialogue, but I have the attention span of a patrat on candy. I will not make it.
SO! To match the almost moody atmosphere, I stretched the comic out. I stretched that bad boy out a LOT.
And I got this out of it.
Something to keep in mind in comics is there's always going to be one or two iconic lines. Lines that make people FEEL things.
Those lines deserve their own panel, their own shot, their whatever. A good story has lulls in its conversation. If you can replicate it, you're winning.
Character Blocking:
So basically no, it's not all witchcraft. It's only a bit of witchcraft.
Another thing that helps is differentiating characters if they're on the same panel is by solid blocks of color. I have, for the longest time when working on storyboards, blocked characters different tones in order to help differentiate them. Don't be shy! Do that if it helps your comics read! Ingo will always be darker shaded then emmet. The angry nightlight will always have some hint of purple on her (unless I forget). The first goal in a story is to convey information, hehe.
Here's an example of color blocking! (This is from a VERY old botw comic I did for linktober in 2021.)
It's, ah, rather rustic compared to what I do. usually. I know!
BUT the primary goal here is to convey where the characters are in relation to each other. And the fact they're color coded makes life easier for both reader and artist.
Alright! That's all the tips I can think of off the top of my head. Time to get off that soap box, haha.
Overall:
Basically, my work process is-- draw a story telling image/ write a funny piece of dialogue. Build the comic around that. Pace it so the important lines stand out. Color code the characters for max visibility.
And then four to twelve hours of lineart, but that's neither here or there.
Thanks for coming to my unregulated rambling!
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I posted 239 times in 2022
That's 165 more posts than 2021!
97 posts created (41%)
142 posts reblogged (59%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@motegiryo
@ora-illustration
@zelda-the-sacred-realm
@mochiwei
@truffeart
I tagged 91 of my posts in 2022
#zelda - 39 posts
#legend of zelda - 38 posts
#linktober - 33 posts
#linktober 2022 - 30 posts
#illustration - 30 posts
#digitalart - 25 posts
#art - 21 posts
#procreate - 21 posts
#digital painting - 18 posts
#link - 17 posts
Longest Tag: 54 characters
#idk what to call their species it's just a funky thing
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
Morning bowuigi doodle uwu
318 notes - Posted June 3, 2022
#4
Happy pride month!!🌈💚
Disclaimer: I don't want ur ship opinions, sorry! Worked too hard on this piece to just get "I dOnT lIke tHis sHiP" yaknow-
ANYWAY- Bowuigi has completely taken over my brain, it's my current hyperfixation :3
See the full post
355 notes - Posted June 22, 2022
#3
(doodle) bowser finds Luigi's bed head cute 😌💚
480 notes - Posted May 31, 2022
#2
(doodle) them 💚
926 notes - Posted May 29, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
New doodle
Beauty and the beast x mario
But also gay
1,687 notes - Posted May 24, 2022
Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →
LMAO IT'S ALL BOWUIGI
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I posted 40 times in 2022
That's 27 more posts than 2021!
30 posts created (75%)
10 posts reblogged (25%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@sparrowsworkshop
@onewingedsparrow
@thewritewolf
@mostlovedgirl-writes
I tagged 40 of my posts in 2022
#tloz - 25 posts
#the legend of zelda - 23 posts
#loz - 23 posts
#legend of zelda - 19 posts
#sparrow art - 19 posts
#link - 18 posts
#zelda fanart - 16 posts
#traditional art - 16 posts
#linktober - 15 posts
#linktober2022 - 14 posts
Longest Tag: 136 characters
#so many angsty prompts for today but i wanted something wholesome :) and this was the first thing that came to mind! i hope you like it!
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
“To Bee a Leader” by OneWingedSparrow; Chapter 3: Draining
t Chapter
Previous Chapter
Next Chapter (TBA) >>
Summary: RiD'15, post TFP. Set sometime in the first season, before the finale. Bumblebee knows that Optimus Prime chose him to be leader of the Autobot team on Earth…but he’s tired and he misses his dad’s leadership.
Main Tags: Bumblebee & Optimus Prime, Bumblebee & Russell Clay, Father and Son Optimus and Bumblebee, Prime in Disguise Bumblebee, Light Angst, Hurt / Comfort
(Adulting is hard and this ’Bee knows it well…why is he so relatable)
Chapter 3 Summary: A weary Bumblebee journals his thoughts.
Reblogs are appreciated!
Read on AO3
~
An excerpt from Bumblebee's personal log.
Surprisingly, all entries— this sample included, naturally—were documented in English, rather than Cybertronian.
Perhaps the lieutenant worried his records would fall into Decepticon possession, and sought to secure them in an admittedly unconventional manner. No one knows for certain, save the author himself.
The lieutenant was...a rather curious individual.
* * *
February 21
Earth time: 1333 hours
Dear Diary,
I am tired.Maybe it's physical. Likely it's not. My Energon levels have never been so full. Despite not having a Bridge off Earth, and basically being stranded, we seem to be doing okay supplies-wise. The Alchemor cargo bays remained largely intact after the crash, providing us with easy access to a decent amount of Energon cubes. No need to ration quite yet. Even so, I am trying to manage our supply efficiently. The Decepticons set loose here have given us quite a beating, but not many have stabbed past our armor, thank Primus.
So why does it feel like I'm constantly draining?
If I was actually leaking, I could do something about it. I could cauterize the wound. I could apply pressure to slow my circulation. I could slap a bandage on it and drive it off, and everything would be fine. Eventually. But this is something different. Internal bleeding? Maybe. Somehow, though, I don't think anything would come up internally if I let myself be scanned. Whatever is happening is flying under the radar...and it's annoying.
I just feel so...I don't know. Tired. That's the best way I can put it. I want a kind of rest that doesn't come by simply recharging. I don't know how to get this. I don't know if I can get this. I just wish...I wish my steps didn't feel so heavy all the time. I wish I could identify the problem. I wish I could put an APB on a specific target and collar it for good.
For now, all I can do is keep going.
Yeah, I know, I know. Ratchet's yelled at me over that so many times. Believe me, I know. Sometimes, that's the worst thing you can do when you're injured, physically or not. But sometimes that's the only thing you can do. Sometimes, it's even the right thing to do. Sometimes, it's necessary.
My team needs me. Optimus needs me. I can't break down and give up just because I hurt, or just because I'm tired for some unidentified reason.
One day, I'll be better. I want that. I will make sure of that. For now, though...I'll keep going.
I know it's the right thing to do.
~
t Chapter
Previous Chapter
Next Chapter (TBA) >>
30 notes - Posted April 9, 2022
#4
For the @zelinkcommunity event Opposites Attract! Week 2: Flourish / Wither.
Flourish (intransitive verb):
1. To grow well; to prosper; to thrive 🌱
2. To wield dramatically! 🍃💐
My first posted art for my “Deku Tree Link AU”! I had so much fun drawing this! (✿◠‿◠)
In this OoT AU, Link inherited botanical powers when he was adopted by the (actual tree) former Great Deku Tree, who made him the next Guardian of the Forest. When the Hero can summon plants by a mere thought, why wouldn’t he use this gift to show his princess how much he cherishes her?
Special thanks to @zeldadiarist for the inspiration for Link’s straw cape!
Sketch under the cut!
31 notes - Posted November 13, 2022
#3
Fire Emblem: Three Huberts
It’s his birthday today btw :D Happy Birthday, Hubert! 💜
Reblogs okay! But PLEASE DO NOT REPOST
32 notes - Posted April 17, 2022
#2
“The Song of Stormlight” by OneWingedSparrow
Inspired by this wonderful art by @louwhose!
Fic Summary: Left outside in the rain during a Weeping, bridgeman Link introduces his fellow slave Sheik to a secret about spheres.
P.S. You don’t really need to know anything about The Stormlight Archive to enjoy this fic, but I highly recommend reading the books because they are very good ;)
Main Tags: Ocarina of Time AU, Stormlight Archive Setting, Zelink, Sheik / Link, Fluff without Plot, Bridgeman!Link, Darkeyes!Link, Darkeyes!Sheik, Music, Song of Storms
Read on AO3
Written for the @zelinkcommunity Opposites Attract event!
Week 4: Hidden / Revealed.
Reblogs are appreciated!
~
“The spheres are singing,” Link said softly.
Leaning against the bars of the cage, Sheik tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Link’s ears twitched slightly, one at a time, gradually angling in different directions like a chull’s antennae. “Can’t you hear them?”
Sheik closed her eyes too and focused, but the rushing wind drowned out everything else. “It’s too loud.”
“May I?”
Sheik opened her eyes to find Link staring questioningly at her. She raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he requested, but somehow trusting him regardless. “I suppose?”
Slowly, Link scooted closer, his hands reaching out for either side of her head. Sheik couldn’t help but tense a little as his face neared hers. Storms. His dark brown eyes were rich and warm in shade, but somehow sharp and fierce too; both welcoming and dangerous, alluring and terrible all at once. Like a barbed spear with an elaborately gilded shaft, or a beautiful Shardblade with a bloodthirsty, serrated edge.
Why...why was it that darker eyes were considered inferior, again?
His hands found her ears, and gently, hesitantly, pulled the mask away from them. Not enough to unveil her face—which was fortuitous, because Sheik could feel an embarrassingly strong blush raging on her cheeks.
Thankfully, he let go quickly, and backed away into his corner of the cage. “That oughta help,” Link said, absentmindedly looking out through the bars. “You can...you can try again now, if you want.”
Sheik nodded, even though he wasn’t looking her way.
The slave driver’s bag of spheres sat on the ground a few yards away, faintly aglow from within. The splintered floor of the cage scratched against her ragged clothing as she moved closer to press her nose against the cold metal bars. Torrential rain wept down her face, but drenched as she already was, Sheik ignored it. Breathing carefully, Sheik tried once again to listen.
Splashing. Pattering. Puddles bouncing. Ripping, roaring, rushing. Her nose began to run, not unlike the steady stream thundering off the roof. A standard symphony for a Weeping. She still couldn’t hear anything new.
Until Link started singing.
Back and forth, up and down, never ending turnaround.
Bid me once to stay, else I fall away….
Colors flashed before Sheik’s eyes.
Blue. White. Purple. Green. Each glowing boldly. No distinct form, no identifiable shape. The colors took a rhythm of their own, and danced around Sheik’s vision, like some sort of musical spren. She knew not where they came from. They were gone in an instant.
But the spheres on the ground...they followed that rhythm, and pulsed to the same beat. And as Sheik stared, wide eyed and awestruck, a faint voice seemed to emerge from within them, drawn out by Link’s calling.
Seek the shore!
Dare not drown!
New beginnings can be found….
“Rid of all farewells and pain,” Sheik murmured along with their voices.
Her heart jolted. Where had the words come from? How did she know? She frantically glanced over at Link for an explanation, but instead of a sagely expression, Link possessed the biggest, brightest grin she’d ever seen on a living bridgeman.
“I thought you could hear them,” Link said with satisfaction. “What with you being musical and all that.”
Fingers shaking, Sheik pulled the mask back over her ears.
How much...did he know about her, anyway?
~
33 notes - Posted November 29, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
“The Right Words” by OneWingedSparrow
Fic Summary: Link has recovered some of his memories of Princess Zelda, but feels like he doesn't remember her as well as he ought to. One day, on a visit to Korok Forest, a particular Korok encourages him with some wisdom that opens Link's mind a little more.
Tags: BotW, Zelink, Link & Koroks, Loyalty, Recovered Memories
Read on AO3
Written for the @zelinkcommunity Discord server’s weekly prompt: “Reminisce.”
Reblogs are appreciated!
~
When one of the Koroks invited Link into his home to chat, Link hadn’t hesitated to accept. After the existential crisis of trudging through the dizzying, maddening haze of the Lost Woods, it was a relief to take a breather in a safe place. Of course, the Korok Forest proper was calming, with its gentle breezes that carried distant giggles of Koroks and their ever spinning pinwheel blades—yet, there was something reassuring about stepping into a more secure area, surrounded by bark-scented wooden walls instead of a collection of healthy, flourishing trees that, for all their charms, reminded him far too much of the maze of sneering, rotting snags.
As Link stepped inside the Great Deku Tree, he blinked rapidly to let his eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting. The interior was cozy, almost like an ordinary house—clearly well planned out, with carvings in the walls and floor that formed sturdy benches and tables, as well as leaf garments that were strung about in festive fashion. Link wondered if the Great Deku Tree had naturally grown such décor, or if the Koroks had somehow crafted them with their tiny nubs for hands. Either would be an impressive feat, but he thought it might be rude to inquire which was the case.
Unsure of what else to do, Link settled himself on a bench facing the exit, where he had a clear view of his Korok friend. They were hard at work dividing a colorful assortment of fresh mushrooms that had been haphazardly plopped upon a small wooden table. They would thoughtfully pick up each mushroom individually; regard it for a moment in deep concentration, and then dutifully separate it by type, and then by size. It was oddly mesmerizing to watch.
“So? Tell me about her,” the Korok merchant piped up. For a moment, they broke their rhythm in favor of jovially swinging two Stamella Shrooms around like Hestu’s maracas. “You must have plenty of good stories to share, koowee!”
Link rubbed the back of his neck, quickly regretting it as his hand came away slick with sweat. “Stories...about who?” he asked distractedly, although he was fairly certain he already knew the answer.
“The princess, kikoo!” The Korok drummed the mushrooms rapidly on their little table before dropping them into their assigned group. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten her again. The Great Deku Tree would be displeased to hear that.”
Link looked down at his boots, which were caked with mud and dead leaves from his trek. “I haven’t forgotten.”
Even without turning, he knew the Korok was watching him expectantly.
“But that doesn’t mean I remember,” Link continued, biting his lip. “I mean, I can remember a few things about her. But they’re only...well, snapshots. Pieces of my memory, torn apart and patched together, with so many holes in between. Not enough solid information for me to tell any stories.”
“Anything can be made into a story,” the Korok said confidently. “It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t have enough words. All you need are the right ones.”
Thoughtfully, Link wiped his hands on his tunic. His mind wandered backwards, drifting through the shadowy paths of a different type of Lost Woods, searching for even a small detail of Princess Zelda that he could somehow craft into a story.
Surprisingly, it didn’t take long for him to discover one. Like...stumbling upon a Korok in a most obvious hiding spot.
“She loves animals,” Link began. A smile tugged at his lips. “Dogs...frogs...horses. I think it took her a while to warm up to the horses, but after I gave her some pointers, she really enjoyed riding. Which was nice,” he mused, “because when she went riding, I got to ride too.” He paused. A new thought awakened in his mind.
Riding. The sword still on his back, its weight reminding him sternly of his duty, but his hands free from that burden, preoccupied as they were with the reins. Still bound to his responsibilities, and yet, at the same time, freed from them. A strange feeling, and contradictory, but so wonderful.
He would...yes, he would direct Zelda to ride her horse either beside him or directly in front of him so he could keep an eye on their surroundings. He would cautiously regard all that was ahead, scanning for any mounted Bokoblins that might cross their path, ready to draw his bow if necessary.
And just like that, like arrows loosed in a frenzy, little details came rushing back to him, rapidfire.
How one time—was it the first time?—they went riding out in the wilderness, her horse spooked and burst into a gallop and she dropped the reins and clung to Celestial’s mane for dear life until Link could catch up and help.
How he would quietly offer her a hand up when she mounted, even though she refused his assistance for several weeks at first. Eventually...oh, eventually she came to accept his shy offer of chivalry….
How she would grow in her confidence on horseback, until she could gallop at will again and keep her reins securely in her grip, laughing at him to match her speed….
And….
And how he would try not to be distracted by how she smiled while she rode—one of the rare occasions he could see her so happy and carefree. He had to stay alert; he had to remain vigilant. But...but he kept glancing at her all the same, to see as much of that joy as he could, to keep that in his memory….
Forever.
Link swallowed a lump in his throat that he hadn’t realized was there.
“Koo-ee?”
He shook his head, and the room he was in came back into focus. Wooden bench. Grainy floor. The rich, earthy scent of mushrooms.
Something nudged his leg, gentle but uncertain. Link realized the Korok had abandoned their workstation, and was now standing before him, repeatedly poking him in obvious concern. “Is that the end of the story, koowa-kee?”
He took a deep breath, and reached out to pat the Korok on the head in a timid sort of thanks. The Korok visibly relaxed, worry fading from their shiny black eyes.
“No,” Link said, and meant it with all his heart.
~
39 notes - Posted September 12, 2022
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