How to make a Quirky Webcomic

In this course we are going to learn how to create a quirky comic for newspapers and the web. This course is meant for intermediate creators that have a basic foundation of how to draw pictures on paper. You don’t need to be an experienced comic created by any means, but it would be helpful to know how to make art. This is part 2 of my comic making series and it is focused mainly on digital comics. The purpose of this course is to build off whatever foundation you have for making comics and teach you some of my tips and tricks I use to create my work. If you have never made a comic before, check out part 1 of my comic making series where we learn the foundations of making comics through making socially conscious comics for print media. Part 1 is an depth look at how comics are made with a variety of examples. This course follows the same format, but with the understanding that you are already familiar with the comic making process and you want to explore it even further. At the end of this course, you will have an understanding of how to create a quirky comic with a lighthearted joke and publish it in print, on Instagram, or any other web platform. My name is Steven Christian, and I am excited to take you on this creative journey as we explore the wonderful world of digital comics and storytelling with sequential images.

In this course you will learn:
1. How to write a script
2. Add text and speech bubbles to the comic
3. Render art within panels
4. Convert the comic format for mobile platforms like Instagram
5. Publish to the web from your phone

You will create a comic with a quirky joke that you can publish in newspapers, on Instagram, and other web platforms.

What are webcomics?

Webcomics are comics that are published online, typically on a website or web platform. Like traditional print comics, webcomics can cover a wide range of genres and themes, and can be created by a single artist or writer, or by a team of creators working together.

One of the key differences between webcomics and print comics is that webcomics are typically published on a regular schedule, with new pages or strips being added to the website on a regular basis. Many webcomics also allow readers to leave comments and interact with the creators, which can create a sense of community around the comic.

Webcomics can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, and can be read on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Many webcomics are available to read for free, although some may require a subscription or offer paid content.

Webcomics have become an increasingly popular medium in recent years, and there are many talented creators publishing their work online. Some webcomics have even been turned into print editions or adapted for other media, such as television or film.

What are some examples of webcomics?

There are many examples of webcomics, ranging from short, gag-a-day strips to longer, serialized stories. Here are a few examples of popular webcomics:

XKCD: A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language created by Randall Munroe.
The Oatmeal: A webcomic that covers a wide range of topics, including science, technology, and pop culture, created by Matthew Inman.
Homestuck: A webcomic about a group of teens who play a video game and become involved in a world-ending adventure, created by Andrew Hussie.
Gunnerkrigg Court: A webcomic about a young girl who attends a mysterious boarding school, created by Tom Siddell.
The Adventures of Superhero Girl: A webcomic about a young superhero trying to balance her personal and professional life, created by Faith Erin Hicks.
These are just a few examples of the many talented creators publishing their work online. There are webcomics available in a wide range of genres and styles, so there is sure to be something for everyone!

How do you create a webcomic?

To create a webcomic, you’ll need to follow these general steps:

Choose a subject or theme:

Start by deciding on a subject or theme for your webcomic. This can be a fictional story, a political commentary, a slice-of-life narrative, or anything else that you’d like to explore.

Design your characters:

Next, you’ll need to design your characters. This can include creating visual reference sheets or models that show how your characters look and behave, as well as coming up with their personalities, backstories, and other characteristics.

Write a script:

Once you have your characters and theme in place, you’ll need to write a script for your webcomic. This should include a clear outline of the story or concept that you’d like to explore, as well as the dialogue and actions of your characters.

Layout your webcomic:

After you have your script written, you’ll need to lay out your webcomic. This involves deciding on the panel layout, determining the placement and size of your panels, and sketching out the rough draft of your webcomic.

Draw your webcomic:

Once you have your layout finished, you can start drawing your webcomic. This can be done digitally or with traditional tools such as pencils, pens, and paper.

Add text and finalize your webcomic:

After you have your webcomic drawn, you’ll need to add any necessary text, such as dialogue or captions. You can then finalize your webcomic by cleaning up any rough lines and making any final adjustments.

Publish your webcomic:

When your webcomic is complete, you’ll need to choose a platform to publish it on. There are many options available, such as webcomic hosting platforms, social media platforms, or even creating your own website. You’ll need to consider factors such as ease of use, audience reach, and any potential fees or restrictions when choosing a platform.

Promote your webcomic:

Once you’ve published your webcomic, you’ll need to promote it to get it in front of readers. This can involve sharing your webcomic on social media, reaching out to relevant blogs or websites, and engaging with your audience. You may also want to consider creating a mailing list or social media group to keep your readers updated on new releases.

Remember, creating a webcomic can be a lot of work, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. With hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, you can create a successful webcomic that resonates with readers and helps you connect with your audience.

Where can you publish your webcomic?

There are many options available for publishing your webcomic, depending on your goals and preferences. Some options to consider include:

Webcomic hosting platforms:

There are many websites that are specifically designed for hosting webcomics, such as Webtoons, Tapas, and ComicFury. These platforms typically offer a variety of tools and features to help you publish and promote your webcomic, and many of them are free to use.

Social media platforms:

You can also publish your webcomic on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms can be a great way to reach a large audience and interact with your readers, but they may not offer as many features or tools for publishing and promoting your webcomic as dedicated webcomic hosting platforms.

Your own website:

Another option is to create your own website for publishing your webcomic. This can give you more control over the appearance and functionality of your site, but it may require more technical expertise and may be more time-consuming to set up and maintain.

Print publications:

If you’re interested in publishing your webcomic in print form, you may be able to find a publisher or distributor who is willing to work with you. Keep in mind that the process of getting a print edition of your webcomic published can be challenging, and it may require a significant amount of time and effort.

Ultimately, the best platform for publishing your webcomic will depend on your goals and resources. It may be helpful to consider factors such as the size of your target audience, the level of control you want over your webcomic, and your budget when deciding where to publish your webcomic.

It may also be helpful to do some research and try out a few different platforms to see which one works best for you. You may want to consider creating a presence on multiple platforms to reach the widest possible audience.

Keep in mind that no matter which platform you choose, it’s important to be consistent in your posting schedule and to engage with your readers. This can help you build a loyal following and increase the visibility of your webcomic.

Finally, it’s important to remember that building an audience for your webcomic takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results – with hard work and persistence, you can create a successful webcomic that connects with readers and helps you achieve your goals.

Do webcomic artists make money?

Yes, it is possible for webcomic artists to make money from their work. However, like any creative field, the amount of money that webcomic artists can make can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the popularity of their webcomic, the size of their audience, and the methods they use to monetize their work.

There are several ways that webcomic artists can make money from their work, including:

Advertising: Some webcomic artists earn money by selling advertising space on their website or social media platforms. This can be a good way to monetize your webcomic if you have a large audience, but it may not be practical if you have a smaller following.

Patreon: Patreon is a platform that allows creators to receive ongoing funding from their supporters, typically on a per-creation or monthly basis. Many webcomic artists use Patreon as a way to monetize their work and receive support from their readers.

Merchandise: Webcomic artists can also make money by selling merchandise related to their webcomic, such as t-shirts, prints, and other items. This can be a good way to monetize your webcomic if you have a loyal and engaged audience.

Print editions: Some webcomic artists may also be able to make money by publishing their webcomic in print form and selling physical copies. This can be a more challenging route, as it requires finding a publisher or distributor, but it can be a good way to reach new readers and monetize your work.

Overall, the potential for making money as a webcomic artist can vary widely, and it may take time and effort to build a successful and sustainable business. However, with hard work and dedication, it is possible to make a living from creating webcomics.

How to write a script:

In this module, you will learn how to write a script for your quirky comics, including how to craft engaging and humorous dialogue, how to structure your story for maximum impact, and how to use wordplay and wit to add layers to your jokes. You will also learn about the importance of pacing and timing in comedy writing and how to use these elements to create an engaging and satisfying reading experience for your audience. By the end of this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to write a script for your quirky comics that is funny, well-crafted, and ready for the next stage of production.

Add text and speech bubbles to the comic:

In this module, you will learn how to add text and speech bubbles to your comics, including how to use font, size, and placement to enhance the meaning and impact of your words. You will also learn about the different types of speech bubbles and when to use each one, as well as how to create sound effects and other special text elements. By the end of this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to add text and speech bubbles to your comics in a way that enhances the storytelling and adds to the overall humor of your work.

Render art within panels:

In this module, you will learn how to render your artwork within panels, including how to use line and shading to create depth and texture, how to use color to convey mood and atmosphere, and how to use lighting and shadow to add drama and emphasis to your illustrations. You will also learn about the importance of consistency and attention to detail in rendering your art, and how to use techniques such as crosshatching and stippling to add visual interest to your work. By the end of this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to render your art within panels in a way that enhances the visual appeal and impact of your comics.

Convert the comic format for mobile platforms like Instagram:

In this module, you will learn how to convert the format of your comics for mobile platforms like Instagram, including how to resize and crop your images to fit the platform’s dimensions, how to optimize your images for fast loading times, and how to use filters and other editing tools to enhance the visual appeal of your work. You will also learn about the importance of considering the unique visual style and audience of mobile platforms and how to adapt your comics to fit these factors. By the end of this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to convert your comics for mobile platforms in a way that maximizes their impact and reach.

Publish to the web from your phone:

In this module, you will learn how to publish your comics to the web directly from your phone, including how to use apps and tools like Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr to share your work with a wider audience. You will also learn about the importance of building an online presence and how to use social media and other online tools to reach and engage with your audience. By the end of this module, you will have the skills and knowledge to publish your comics to the web from your phone and promote your work to a wider audience.

Quirky Webcomics Quiz

Welcome to the quiz on creating a quirky comic for newspapers and the web! In this course, we learned about the process of writing a script, adding text and speech bubbles to the comic, rendering art within panels, and converting the comic format for mobile platforms like Instagram. We also covered how to publish the comic to the web from your phone. By the end of this course, you should have a good understanding of how to create a comic with a quirky joke and publish it in various formats. This quiz will test your knowledge on the concepts covered in the course. Good luck!