An Experimental Life

I've gotten some email from folks asking how to get their own webcomics online, and while I'm definitely no expert, I'm always willing to share anything I've learned (usually I learn these things by doing them wrong the first time) with other creative minds.

So here goes--The official BCK Basic Webcomic Tutorial of Champions. We'll, for the most part, explore the way we do things, but we'll also talk about alternatives, like how to make a webcomic without a scanner or expensive software. This tutorial assumes you already know how to write and draw (or produce whatever type of art you plan to use).

Specifically, we'll cover the following:

• Materials and supplies
• Preparing and digitizing your art
• Inserting dialogue
• Getting it on the web (including how to get, customize, and use an update script)
• Promoting dos and don'ts
• Making a buck or three (if you're interested)
• Alternatives to traditional comics
• Links to resources

There is something you have to understand about this, though, before we get started. I consider webcomics to be the punk rock of the comic world. Yeah, I said it, and I'm glad I said it. What could possibly be more punk than putting together your own idea and putting it out there for all to admire (or loathe), with no label or publisher to tell you what you can and can't do? There've been underground and independent comics for ages, run off on Kinko's copiers and even the office copy machine when the boss wasn't looking. The web is the new version of the late-night Kinko's run.

(Note that there's nothing un-punk about making a few bucks off your work, either. Johnny Ramone died a millionaire, and anyone who thinks he wasn't punk doens't know much about punk rock. Anyone who calls you a sell-out for putting ads on your site can be safely ignored.)

Remember this, too: Part of the punk ethic involved is that there is no right or wrong way to do it--just ways that have and haven't worked for other people.

So go look in the mirror, give yourself a fauxhawk ( if you want to be authentic punk grab the superglue or some egg whites to set your 'do), pierce your pocket protector (there's a geek element to webcomics, as well), and lets go.I've gotten some email from folks asking how to get their own webcomics online, and while I'm definitely no expert, I'm always willing to share anything I've learned (usually I learn these things by doing them wrong the first time) with other creative minds.

So here goes--The official BCK Basic Webcomic Tutorial of Champions. We'll, for the most part, explore the way we do things, but we'll also talk about alternatives, like how to make a webcomic without a scanner or expensive software. This tutorial assumes you already know how to write and draw or produce whatever type of art you plan to use.

(Incidentally, if you're not happy with your drawing, you can do a photo comic or get FREE 3D Models, 3D Content, and 3D Software at DAZ3D with no strings attached. In addition to all the free stuff, until Nov. 20, 2006, if you buy a passport membership there for 29 bucks you can get Bryce 6.0 for just another six. I'm a member, and it is well worth it.)

Specifically, we'll cover the following:

• Materials and supplies
• Preparing and digitizing your art
• Inserting dialogue
• Getting it on the web (including how to get, customize, and use an update script)
• Promoting dos and don'ts
• Making a buck or three (if you're interested)
• Alternatives to traditional comics
• Links to resources

There is something you have to understand about this, though, before we get started. I consider webcomics to be the punk rock of the comic world. Yeah, I said it, and I'm glad I said it. What could possibly be more punk than putting together your own idea and putting it out there for all to admire (or loathe), with no label or publisher to tell you what you can and can't do? There've been underground and independent comics for ages, run off on Kinko's copiers and even the office copy machine when the boss wasn't looking. The web is the new version of the late-night Kinko's run.

(Note that there's nothing un-punk about making a few bucks off your work, either. Johnny Ramone died a millionaire, and anyone who thinks he wasn't punk doens't know much about punk rock. Anyone who calls you a sell-out for putting ads on your site can be safely ignored.)

Remember this, too: Part of the punk ethic involved is that there is no right or wrong way to do it--just ways that have and haven't worked for other people.

So go look in the mirror, give yourself a fauxhawk ( if you want to be authentic punk grab the superglue or some egg whites to set your 'do), pierce your pocket protector (there's a geek element to webcomics, as well), and lets go.