Tools
| Tools | The Idea | Penciling | Inking | Scanning / Touch Up | Lettering | Finishing Up |
For the sake of simplicity, speed, and overall cheapness I have chosen easily found items to create my comic strip with. Except for the blue pencil, all of the items should be available to you at your local office supply store, or even supermarket.
I create my strip on a typical sheet of 8½’ by 11′ Xerox paper. I used to use a special type of animation paper, but found it too expensive and difficult to get in steady supply to justify using it for just “sketch paper”. Plus I’ve found it nice having a standard size for my drawing. And you can’t beat 150 sheets for $2.99.
For penciling, I use a Sanford Col-Erase blue pencil. The Col-Erase is a type of colored watercolor pencil, meaning you put the color down and brush water over the top to mix it into the paper. The special thing about this colored pencil is that is is designed to be erased. I tend to use the Col-Erase #20044 (Blue). I also like using a regular wood pencil for drawing since I like the varying line weights you can get as well as the “feel” of a real pencil on paper.
Now as I said, this type of pencil is not readily available at the local art store (hell, not even at some art supply stores around here). The most common way I’ve seen these available is in a pack of colored pencils. These are easier to find, but you end up spending about five bucks just to get the only blue one in the pack. I suggest bulk ordering online. You can try here, or search them out on your own.
For inking, I use two varying types of Sharpie Marker. Now these are available just about everywhere from what I’ve seen. I use the “Ultra Fine” point (with the metal barrel, not the plastic point) and a typical fat Sharpie.
I’ve been using Sharpie markers for years and even though they are sort of looked down upon in some art circles, they get the job done for me. Never let anyone tell you what materials to use or use an art tool just because someone else uses it. Find out what works for you, see what you’re comfortable with, and stick to it. Of course it’s nice to experiment every now and then, so also remember to try new tools and techniques. You might just find a new way to do something.
For inking paper, I use traditional drafting vellum (like a thicker tracing paper). I have been fortunate to find 11′ by 17′ pads of it at my local art supply store. The particular type I use is Seth Cole Drafting Vellum. It runs about $18 for a pad of 50 sheets.
Overall, I can create about 100 strips for about $25 in art supplies.
To round out my art supplies I use a ruler for straight lines (windows, desks, doors, etc.), a large white eraser (erases nice and clean), and my pencil sharpener.
You will also want a pleasant working environment with good lighting so you don’t strain your eyes. I should know. I still wear glasses from my years in art college where I rented someone’s basement to live in and do my homework.
