April 8th, 2005 -- Roughing It
I'm still experimenting with the style. Actually, this is two experiments-- the new character design, and drawing with a big, fat marker. I've tried drawing this way before, and I'm still driven to use it now and then.
I was asked if drawing this way is easier-- it is, and it isn't. The actual pencil sketches have pretty fine detail that I went back over a couple times. But even if I'm really careful with the marker, I still end up covering most of the detail-- and really, that's what I'm going for. See, I draw the strip at 7"x9" at 300dpi, then shrink it down to 72 dpi, and then shrink it further so the whole image fits in a space only 400 pixels wide. That's maaaaany steps down in terms of resolution. Using the marker to do the inking before I scan the original image really brings out the fundamental shapes of objects in the panel, and shows me how much space they're taking up.
So, it's easier because once I scan it in, there's no touch-up/editing/PhotoShopping to be done (aside from adding the text). But, it's harder, because it highlights the weak points in my design abilities, and I have to work harder to correct those next time.
Copyright Ian Ton 2000-2018. All rights reserved. Blah blah blah.
October 28th, 2010
What have I been doing this entire time? I'll tell you: raising a daughter, and learning to draw Celtic knots. That's right.
December 14th, 2009
Okay, strip's up. Little later than I'd like, but what the hey. Wednesday should be back to normal (even though it's gonna be... diff'rent).
December 14th, 2009
There is a strip coming for today... but later. I let the weekend get away with me (had to take the bantling to meet Sinter Klas for the first time), and my telecommuting job is demanding my Monday morning. Fortunately, I'm on a 5 hour time difference from the States, so most of you won't even notice the strip's tardiness. (But the Gopher will notice. Ever watching, ever judging...)
