preference of art supplies? [Archive] - TOKYOPOP Message Board

black_myst

04-05-2006, 03:35 PM

out of curiosity, for all u manga artist or aspiring ones

what sort of supplies do u prefer to use like which type of sketch pens/ink pens, paper, pencil, eraser, if u scan ur pics, an how u color them and etc...

i would really appreciate if u reply cause it'll give me an idea what to purchase and what brands people or types of supplies u guys like to use the most.

DescentfromOblivion

04-05-2006, 03:57 PM

SweetNymph

04-05-2006, 04:20 PM

Aspiring.

I use:

Copy paper
Proper grammar
.05mm mechanical pencil with blue lead
Proper spelling
.05 mechanical pencil with regular lead
Punctuation
005, 01, and 02 Micron pens

sferrick

04-05-2006, 06:31 PM

Copy paper
Proper grammar
.05mm mechanical pencil with blue lead
Proper spelling
.05 mechanical pencil with regular lead
Punctuation
005, 01, and 02 Micron pens
Lol! I love that! :D

There's this coverstock made by Hammermill that's a pretty nice surface for working on. I also use crowquills and other nibs from Speedball. You can get a nice set for under $10 that includes nibs for both bold and fine line work AND 2 nib holders. For ink, I like using Winsor & Newton's india ink. It's really opaque and it's got shellac in it which makes for a nice waterproof line art.
Kneaded erasers are also great to have too.

SweetNymph

04-05-2006, 06:36 PM

Did I mention that I also use capitalization? And I'm hoping to get a tablet soon.

crispy

04-05-2006, 06:40 PM

Lol! I love that! :D

There's this coverstock made by Hammermill that's a pretty nice surface for working on. I also use crowquills and other nibs from Speedball. You can get a nice set for under $10 that includes nibs for both bold and fine line work AND 2 nib holders. For ink, I like using Winsor & Newton's india ink. It's really opaque and it's got shellac in it which makes for a nice waterproof line art.
Kneaded erasers are also great to have too.

Augh! I have this ink, and while it is wonderful for my brush and ink work, it doesn't work too well when I use a crowquill. It's like -- it builds up in spots and doesn't completely dry ... FOREVER. So, it could be three or four minutes after I layed down the line, but as soon as I roll over it with my hand or with an eraser, the line smudges. Ugh, it drives me insane, especially since I'm trying to go back to nibs.

sferrick

04-05-2006, 07:31 PM

Augh! I have this ink, and while it is wonderful for my brush and ink work, it doesn't work too well when I use a crowquill. It's like -- it builds up in spots and doesn't completely dry ... FOREVER. So, it could be three or four minutes after I layed down the line, but as soon as I roll over it with my hand or with an eraser, the line smudges. Ugh, it drives me insane, especially since I'm trying to go back to nibs.

Ack...yes, that's a big drawback to the ink. It's definately annoying at times. And it gets so goopy sometimes that it clogs up the pen. I still love it dearly though...it just...looks so nice.

KaYoKitten

04-06-2006, 04:03 AM

Hmm...

~UK's Art Supply~

*(~$3.44 for two-pack) .05 mech pencil (normal #2 lead)
*(2.99 for two-pack) Pilot Precise ink pens (normal pen, you can get it in stationary at Wal*Mart)
*(4.99 for four-pack) Soft white eraser (usually the clickie kind cause I like that clickie noise. ^^; No other real reason)
*(splurge: 2.89 for a single pen) Micron .003 (gotta go to a specialty store for that one)
*(3.84 for 70 pages) Wal*Mart Sketch Diary
*($1 per pencil) Prismacolor pencils for color
*(Depends on brand) Watercolors, also for color

In addition, I also have a tablet (50 bucks off e-bay) and Manga Pro Debut (50 bucks) and a scanner-printer combination (yet to buy, been scanning on parent's. App. 150 dollars)

^^; I'm not too elaborate on the materials because I don't need to be and you don't either. You just need to try things out and find what's most comfortable for YOU, not for other people. If you feel you've GOT to have the best, go ahead. I'm comfortable using what's worked for seven years.

crispy

04-06-2006, 05:40 AM

Ack...yes, that's a big drawback to the ink. It's definately annoying at times. And it gets so goopy sometimes that it clogs up the pen. I still love it dearly though...it just...looks so nice.

*sigh* That's why I keep using it. It does so well with my brushes that I really just don't care when it screws up with the nibs.

Though, I'm thinking of going back to Dr. PHMartins India Ink (I think that's what it was called). It worked well with nibs.

PopM

04-06-2006, 09:38 AM

*sigh* That's why I keep using it. It does so well with my brushes that I really just don't care when it screws up with the nibs.

Though, I'm thinking of going back to Dr. PHMartins India Ink (I think that's what it was called). It worked well with nibs.

I use Windsor Newton as well. That ink is my all-purpose ink. It clogs quills but generally workable. I use FW ink for brushes because that goop will clog a quill faster than a Big Mac clogs arteries. FW also has a nicer sheen than Winsor, in my opinion. Black Magic is one that I'll use with quills for the long haul. It's not very opaque but you can't tell when it's applied with a quill.
So yeah, I use like three different brands of inks. :) I'll even mix them a bit for a better consistency. For example, I'll mix some Winsor into my FW so that it won't goop as much.

SweetNymph

04-06-2006, 06:47 PM

lazesummerstone

04-06-2006, 09:39 PM

As far as ink, I really really suggest that everyone use the Ink from Deleter. Buy it online or at kinokuniya or something, but it does everything that an ink SHOULD do. With a lot of inks from america and europe they dry to a grey or are like dirty water and who knows what they're ment to be used for. I do have to admit that Winsor and Newton does have a pretty good black ink, but as someone mentioned, it does gum up your pens.
Please, Japan has it down to a science, so please if you haven't tried it out before buy yourself some Deleter ink.

tomselleck69

04-07-2006, 02:40 AM

i draw with:
silverwhite round brushes [sizes 5/0 and 00]
higgins ink
faber-castle pitt brush pens
sakura microns [.005, .01, .05 and .08]
bic ball-point pens [for shading]
rotring artpen [F tip]
various non-photo blue colored pencils
various #2 pencils + gum eraser [for sketching]
ames guide*
q-tips [for large black fills]
crappy plastic t-square

i draw on:
strathmore bristol vellum [11x14]

* even though i letter in photoshop, using an ames guide to rule out the lines that i would be using for text is handy for accurately figuring out how large/small word bubbles need to be.

KaYoKitten

04-07-2006, 02:43 AM

*tackle*

THEY MAKE A 003?!?!?! Where did you get it? What kind of specialty store?

*ish tackled* O_O;;...I got it at Michaels...and my university's student store had it, too...and Hobby Lobby had it, too...

SweetNymph

04-07-2006, 08:30 AM

Huh... I didn't see any at Michael's when I got my pens. I'll have to look carefully when I go back for another 005.

NekoCat

04-07-2006, 01:27 PM

I absolutely must have a Faber-Castell brush pen. And I draw comics on cheap "doodle pads" for $1 for 60 sheets.

For coloring, I'm hooked on Tombow dual brush pens, but I also use/have used Prismacolor markers and pencils, gouache, and watercolor. I'll draw on watercolor paper, printer paper, or paper out of a sketchbook.

Pedes

04-07-2006, 01:42 PM

Augh! I have this ink, and while it is wonderful for my brush and ink work, it doesn't work too well when I use a crowquill. It's like -- it builds up in spots and doesn't completely dry ... FOREVER. So, it could be three or four minutes after I layed down the line, but as soon as I roll over it with my hand or with an eraser, the line smudges. Ugh, it drives me insane, especially since I'm trying to go back to nibs.
I tried some "good inks" in the past, and now I'm using one made in Czechs Republick wich is cheaper, dries fast and I'm very fond of it (plus, you can get it in some nice colors too liek sepia, karmina and sanguinia). I just doubt you could buy it outside Europe... :(
[EDIT]The previous ink I used was from Czech Republic. The ink I'm using currently is Polish - sorry fo the mistake ^^'

BettinaMarie

04-07-2006, 02:38 PM

Materials I be using...

Mechanical pencil (5.0)
white plastic eraser
Neopikos (0.3, 0.8 )
Copic Multiliners (0.3,0.5,0.8 )
12" metal ruler
11x17 Hammermill coverstock(ROCK ON!!! ^,^V)
Drawing board(made from a piece of scrap laminated counter top from the local Girl Scout camp when they renovated the camp kitchen years ago>.>;; )
Something or other to prop the board up
28"x48" foldaway table (desk is too full of stuffs to work at>,< D'OH! )
me comfy desk chair on wheels>.>;
a lamp or some sort of light source
a computer and/or laptop(depending on where I am>.>;; )
A3 scanner
Comic Works
Photoshop 7.0
me trusty rusty perty tablet XD
a BIG POT O' JAVA! with plenty of sugar and cream
munchies of some sort or other
....and.....

A CAT! >,< there's ALWAYS one hanging around my feet/legs or sitting on the table beside me when I'm trying to work XP

KaYoKitten

04-07-2006, 11:38 PM

A CAT! >,< there's ALWAYS one hanging around my feet/legs or sitting on the table beside me when I'm trying to work XP

You have that problem, too? XD But not only that--I have five "lap dogs" who all want to sit in my lap when I'm trying to tone. In fact, Jun Jun is in my lap right now...XP Silly puppy. My kitten likes sitting on top of my monitor and staring at me. It's rather unnerving. I guess I wouldn't ordinarily think of my pets as vital to the list of things you need--but it sure helps! ^__^

Oh, and I need candles. And incense. ^^; Yes, I am obsessed.

Pedes

04-08-2006, 07:38 AM

AH, the hell...
Aspiring.
Sharp pencil, 0,5mm while working on A4 0,7 when on A3. HB
Drawing pad(s A4 A3). Made by my friend :)
Eraser - I tried various ones. It's good so have few, harder and softer ones. And very hard eraser for emergencies. My favourite is a kind of click-eraser - it looks like very thick sharp pencil but instead of lead there is eraser. It's great for erasing small parts.
Paper - As I like to feel the way pencil/nib moves on the paper I prefer it smooth. Recently I'm using thicker paper (I think it's what you call bristol) because sketchblocks tend to have different quality, besides I may want to randomly use:
Ecoline. It's a kind of liquid watercolor. Unlike watercolor it allows smooth shading similar to what I see people make with copic markers (wich are unavaliable here and, I heard, expensive). I only started to use it but fell in love instantly. If you want to know how it looks check http://iruka-loves-kakashi.deviantart.com/ gallery, she's good with it :P (I know you can buy ecoline online, but you may be ablefind it in art shops)
Ink: As I wrote before, polish ink. Waterproof. It's important, you don't want to have ugly smudges on your picture just because there was one tiny dop of water on your hand :(
I'm using dip pens, that is pen holder+nib(s). I also have some unidentified pen I got from someone, 08 wich is great, just the signs rubbed off... It's probably Uni or sth... (you can only see 'Japan' sigh) I do have 2 ZIg millenium pens and They. Are. The. Most. Crapy. Ever. DO NOT BUY THEM ><
I admit I feel tempted to buy more and use those marker-like pens, because they are soo easy to use *.*

Joanna

04-11-2006, 10:29 AM

Ah, I use all kinds of stuff... depends on the story, really.

For Roadsong, I like my deleter B4 paper, because it's really smooth, and any kind of pen will just gliiiiiide along it like an olympic figure-skater. Smoother paper also smudges less during the pencil stages. (Though the real reason I love deleter paper, is because it has measurements on the sides. I just got done drawing a story on 11x17 blue-line comic board, and the lack of measurements on the side was making me CRAZAY~!! ... I'm probably just spoiled.)

And speaking of pencils, I've been meaning to look into alternate methods. Right now I just use regular graphite mechanical pencils... usually 07mm leads. (I buy them in big ol' packages at Kroger.) ... But sometimes that soft No. 2 lead can be difficult to erase, and muddies up the page a bit. I've been meaning to try a harder lead pencil, so my pencils will look lighter. ... Or maybe I'll try the non-photo blue, so I won't have to erase at all.

But when I DO erase, I generally use one of those white plastic erasers. I did try a kneadable recently, and it created a much less dust than my usual plastic ones, so I might switch to kneadable.

Inks are my favorite part, I think. I'm always trying out new inking supplies... but for Roadsong, I've settled into a nice groove with japanese brush/caligraphy pens (I use the pilot futayaku fude pen), and Micron technical pens, (usually the 005 and 01 sizes work for me... though I ink panel borders with a 08.)

Sadly, the elusive pilot futayaku fude pen can only be purchased from japanese book and stationery stores. No US. stores will carry them, or order them for you. However, sometimes the Japanese stores will order them...

After that, everything is all computers... but I won't get into that right now.

Klawzie

04-11-2006, 12:34 PM

::shrugs:: Whereas I recommend ZIG Millennium pens. Granted, inking isn't my artistic strength, but they serve me very well.

SweetNymph

04-11-2006, 12:51 PM

For those who use a tablet, do you draw the entire page digitally, or scan and import a sketch drawn on paper?

avion

04-11-2006, 01:24 PM

Oh i wanted to know where i can buy screen tone paper?

Klawzie

04-11-2006, 01:46 PM

You can buy screentones at akadotretail.com under "Manga Supplies".

KeoKa

04-11-2006, 02:05 PM

aspiring

i use

papermate phd mechanical .5mm stander lead
kon i noor .50 and .13 Tech pens
#102 nib
higgens black magic ink
pentel clic eraser
Strathmore paper 14"X17" but trim it to 11"X17"
toning digital

Aspiring.

I use:

Copy paper
Proper grammar
.05mm mechanical pencil with blue lead
Proper spelling
.05 mechanical pencil with regular lead
Punctuation
005, 01, and 02 Micron pens

Cool it Miss spelling bee. This is a manga website not a grammar site. yu katch mi dreft?!?!?!111

I use:

Ink

Kabura spoon pen nib. “Sometimes Maru and G-pen"

B4 manga paper

Traditional Screen tone

A verity of pencils

Light blue pencil

Some other things and my hands. X3

KaYoKitten

04-11-2006, 03:38 PM

Cool it Miss spelling bee. This is a manga website not a grammar site. yu katch mi dreft?!

She has a point, cakes. Most people will respect you more, and will be more willing to publish your work if you've at least ATTEMPTED to polish your work.

tohruhonda16

04-11-2006, 03:42 PM

hello

Joanna

04-11-2006, 07:45 PM

For those who use a tablet, do you draw the entire page digitally, or scan and import a sketch drawn on paper?

I own a tablet, but I use it mainly for tones and colors. I do my inks by hand, and then scan them in. Nooooo digital inks for meeee. It's just not my bag.

SweetNymph

04-11-2006, 11:47 PM

She has a point, cakes. Most people will respect you more, and will be more willing to publish your work if you've at least ATTEMPTED to polish your work.

Actually, I meant it in the insulting way, just because I hate chatspeak. But for the sake of effort...

I totally meant that I check my writing. ^_~

T0M0_chan

04-12-2006, 12:05 AM

hello
oi! tohru may pm k basa m!!!

>>>I usually use pencils and charcoal {traditional art stuff}
doesn't matter what kind of paper I draw on {usually copy paper}

KeoKa

04-12-2006, 07:44 AM

She has a point, cakes. Most people will respect you more, and will be more willing to publish your work if you've at least ATTEMPTED to polish your work.

Oh absoulutly you need good grammer in manga, but your grammer does not need to be perfect when you are posting on a fourm and you most certinaly don't need harass for not having perfect spelling, which Nymph was clearly doing, if you look at my qoutes carfully. But I'm not going to get in all a huff over this, I'm just making sure that Nymph was being a little rude.

*Sorry for the bit of off topicness

You can buy screentones at akadotretail.com under "Manga Supplies".

Yeah, just don't go on the fourms, too many Emos for my taste ;>

Pedes

04-12-2006, 12:13 PM

The Enigma

04-12-2006, 01:29 PM

Buy it online or at kinokuniya or somethin

Is that a website or somthing? 'Cause I think I might want to buy some.

ouch

04-12-2006, 10:50 PM

A CAT! >,< there's ALWAYS one hanging around my feet/legs or sitting on the table beside me when I'm trying to work XP

hee, I have a dog version. But she usually just came into my room, FART, and go....:mad:

My list:
HB Pencil
Non-photo blue pencil
Staedtler Marsmicro 775 0.5mm (it's heavier than normal mechanical pencil, I just like the weight of it.)
Pentel GraphGear500 0.3mm (again, it's heavy...)
Sanford pro-touch II 0.9mm
Knock-eraser stick normal/X-small
Earaser brush
15 inch Ruler
F-curve (a set of 5)
some circle templet
T-square
8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17 printing paper
12 x 18 Lightbox (from my animation class...)
male and female dollfie for reference
scanner
computer
Intous 2 tablet
Photoshop, Painter, and Manga Studio

extra:
handeze glove for my right hand >_<
A dog for reference.

lazesummerstone

04-13-2006, 09:25 AM

Is that a website or somthing? 'Cause I think I might want to buy some.

kinokuniya is a japanese bookstore, but... there are online stores such as:
http://www.deleter.com/

or maybe cheaper here:

http://www.akadotretail.com/shop/comictones.php?client=MA

Nny-chan

04-13-2006, 09:09 PM

Aspiring.

I use
-Any mechanical pencil with .7 lead and a good eraser. I also use those pencil cap erasers.
-Normal computer printing paper
-Micron pens for inking. My favorites are sizes 005, 2, 5 8, and graphic 1.
-When coloring traditionally I use Prismacolor colored pencils.
-When coloring digitally(which is most of the time) I use Photoshop Elements which came with my tablet.

All of these items are pretty cost effective. You don't need fancy things to make something look nice. You just need to know how to use the items you can get.

Rem Akimichi

04-17-2006, 01:18 AM

Uuugg!

There's this one specific type of pencil, an Eagle with really hard lead and feels kinda plasticy on the wood part. Theres nothing on it to distinguish it from all the other types of cheap Eagle pencils, but they are, because they draw diffrently. Unfortunatly, BECAUSE theres no identifying marks, I have a really hard time finding them in packages; usually its just the stupid smudgy kinds (OMG I HATE the smudge!!).

So I kinda... hoard them. I'll even take the whole box of library pencil halves if they're made from these pencils (of course, I always leave a few pens in return, since I'm never without at least 4 on my personage). It's not just some regular 4HB pencil -even those smudge worse- it's like...really really light, but dark enough so I can see, and NO SMUDGE! (can you tell I hate smudging? Charcole gives me nightmares :P ).

Other than that, copic sketch pens in diffrent point widths, bristol board, and a kneaded eraser are all I really use. If I'm putting it online, I'll usually scan (or I would. I need to get one T_T) and clean, color/tone and resize in photoshop too.

SkullKihd

04-17-2006, 02:09 AM

what're the dimensions for a manga page?
like the A4....what by what is that? >.<

Pedes

04-17-2006, 09:22 AM

what're the dimensions for a manga page?
like the A4....what by what is that? >.<
Check THIS TOPIC (http://messageboard.tokyopop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1631)

KeoKa

04-25-2006, 12:43 PM

Does anyone know where I can get Dr.phil ink?

sferrick

04-26-2006, 06:28 AM

Try dickblick.com.
I'm pretty sure they have it there.

Ali Wilgus

05-01-2006, 12:30 PM

Pedes

05-01-2006, 01:11 PM

I'm currently having a panic attack regarding inking.

I have a hard time with varying my line weight gracefully with microns, so recently I've been having a blast with the brush pens we stock at my office (Staedtler mars graphic 3000 duo, which are fantabulous and only moderately expensive.) However, I find that unless I switch over to microns for the detail work, my inks turn out far too heavy-handed.

So I've been giving some serious thought to trying my hand at nibs and brushes again, in hopes of it going better than it did last time.... *shudder*

Lots of you have already offered great advice regarding inks -- any super-specific tips regarding nibs and brushes? Or suggestions for delicious brush pens that will give me a finer line? I hope I hope I hope?
OOH, I've spend ages in art shops making they show me their thinniest nibs ><
If your line is too thick then either you have thicker nib or.. you're pressing hard. But I know it's the hell of finding thin ones. Though I think you can barely have a thinner ones that those I have... (proof is I once poked myself with one in finger and it cut into it for a few milimeters >< =SHARP!)
I just switch between few different nibs AND use a rapidograph... Not sure if it's English name, but it IS written on the box - You can say it's similar to fountain pen, but instead of nib there's a veeery thin tube (like in mechanical pencils) with wich you draw. I Use 0,25 Rotring one for touchups and thin technical lines (when I have to use the ruler).
I haven't tired brush pens yet though...

YamPuff

05-01-2006, 01:28 PM

*($1 per pencil) Prismacolor pencils for color
*(Depends on brand) Watercolors, also for color

^^; I'm not too elaborate on the materials because I don't need to be and you don't either. You just need to try things out and find what's most comfortable for YOU, not for other people. If you feel you've GOT to have the best, go ahead. I'm comfortable using what's worked for seven years.
I agree. I use a very strange combination I've built up over the years and use, not the best, but what I like. That way I enjoy whatever I draw.
Ahh, I LOVE prismacolor!! Woohoo!
I'm an aspiring (expiring, whatever) artist and:

I use prismacolor pencils.

Watercolor pencils. these are awesome; you can combine them with colored pencils and they're beautiful! You just color in like you would with a colored pencil, then get a brush with some waterand voila! Instant watercolors!

Any kind of felt tip pen I feel like using. XD

Acryllic gouache (its for highlighting; useful for colored pencil users)

KaYoKitten

05-01-2006, 11:00 PM

Jinu

05-02-2006, 01:45 AM

Lets see I use

Just about anything I get my hands on.
But usualy I use.

regular wooden no 2 pencil
Mchanical Pencils .07 or .05
printer paper mostly.
Colord Pencils mainly Cryola
Wacom Tablet Graphire 2 or 3 im not to sure wich.

Software I use:
Adobe Photo Shop
Painter
Manga Studio (demo as of right now)
Deleter Comic Works

though I am still trying to get use to my tablet. I think Pencils are my thing right now. I am getting better with my tablet but I still struggle with it a bit.

Pedes

05-02-2006, 05:24 AM

Actually, here's one you may not have thought of yet: Work very, very, very large. I suggest 3X TP standard size. Also, I like using the microns for detail work. You don't HAVE to use only one pen, you know!! If you're uncomfortable with a medium after you've tried it, I suggest either working with it a lot and getting used to it or putting it by the wayside. I couldn't stand nibs because I couldn't get the inkflow I wanted. So I don't use them. I use about five or six pens for varying levels of thickness and I add details in later with microns. Works for me. ^_^
OMG! 3XTP size! I can't ger myself do it right on A3 wich is more like 2xTP size... It's because I'm small probably >< And when I printed as a trial what was drawn on A3 in TP size it was OMFG so small, the lines soo thin (and they weren't that thin on original either...). I think for me 1,5xTP suffices (AND on A3 i have the tendency to do too many panels...)
Anyway, with nibs I also suggest using few different ones with different hardness and thickness.

Elae

05-02-2006, 08:19 AM

OMG! 3XTP size! I can't ger myself do it right on A3 wich is more like 2xTP size... It's because I'm small probably >< And when I printed as a trial what was drawn on A3 in TP size it was OMFG so small, the lines soo thin (and they weren't that thin on original either...). I think for me 1,5xTP suffices (AND on A3 i have the tendency to do too many panels...)
Anyway, with nibs I also suggest using few different ones with different hardness and thickness.

Agreed; working that large, you're going to spend a lot of time (and ink) drawing lines that will barely be visible once it's put at publishing size. You won't be able to properly judge how thick your lines (or how large your balloons, etc) need to be drawn for them to come out looking natural on the printed page- also, like Pedes said, your sense of space will warp, and your paneling may not come out with the same flow- pacing that works at 3x the size may seem really crammed when seen at normal TP size.

Pedes

05-02-2006, 11:21 AM

Agreed; working that large, you're going to spend a lot of time (and ink) drawing lines that will barely be visible once it's put at publishing size. You won't be able to properly judge how thick your lines (or how large your balloons, etc) need to be drawn for them to come out looking natural on the printed page- also, like Pedes said, your sense of space will warp, and your paneling may not come out with the same flow- pacing that works at 3x the size may seem really crammed when seen at normal TP size.
Yep. I catually have done a page on A3 and it looked good! And it looked good shrinked to A4. But at TP size it was just... wrong... >< But that is because of how I draw, for some people A3 works fine (but 3XTP is BIIIG)
But everyone has their own preferences. You can even draw on 3xTP size with drawing marker if it looks good. Just how the hell you are going to scann it? No idea...
(Or maybe uglykitten ment 2xTP size?)

Oh, and remember - bigger format = more time.

J. Stoncius

05-02-2006, 11:43 AM

I wouldn't suggest drawing at 3x TP size, from a practical standpoint. On most scanners, you'd be scanning that in four pieces, which would take forever, because you'd have to get them all lined up right. Also, paper that size is hella expensive. The only thing you could find is like, bristol, and it's probably $20/20sheets at that size.

KaYoKitten

05-02-2006, 01:43 PM

^^;; Ooooops, I sorta meant that if you were inking digitally...Sorry, ya'll, my felony, my felony! The reason I said that was because I like using reeeeeeeeally thick lines when I ink digitally. And that's only for the main lines--I can handle inking details at-spec. Sorry for all of the confusion!! ><

KeoKa

05-02-2006, 02:13 PM

It's all right!

Tsuzuki

05-02-2006, 02:55 PM

umm i usually just use a pencil and my eraser, i brought a special pad for drawing though~ ((are you supposed to ink it))

Pedes

05-03-2006, 04:40 AM

umm i usually just use a pencil and my eraser, i brought a special pad for drawing though~ ((are you supposed to ink it))
I made my friend make me one ^^

Well in 98% comics are inked...

Tsuzuki

05-03-2006, 01:46 PM

I made my friend make me one ^^

Well in 98% comics are inked...
shoot just somthing more for me to learn *sigh*
time to find a thread about inking *someone must have made one by now.*

Amecka-Mudd

05-03-2006, 08:09 PM

Well, since I never have had and don't have any money what so ever (except for the three dimes in my pocket...), I'm unable to walk down to the awesome art store down the street and buy a bunch of awesome art supplies, so for now, I'm stuck with stupid #2 pencils that break every five minutes, printer paper, and a fountain pen with smudgy black ink that spills all over the place. If I hadn't spent that $45 bucks to go on my Six Flags field trip next month...>.<

TheBohemian

05-04-2006, 01:16 AM

Living to achieve a goal like becoming a manga-ka is great and all, but don't get so wrapped up in it that you forget to have fun while you're still young. There'll be plenty of time to be obsessed over getting the exactly right supplies when you're older...:D

crispy

05-04-2006, 09:17 AM

There are no "right" supplies.

And so far as Ali's question goes... I'd suggest thinner brushes. I mean -- you've got to find what works best for you, so it's very hard to suggest different brushes, because it's not so much the type of brush you use, but rather the way in which you use it that affects your line-quality. One of the biggest points to remember is that if the brush cannot come to a tip, then it's basically worthless. Holding your brush straight up and down can allow you to have greater control over the line weight, but you lose some of the ease that would come with holding it like you would a pencil. However, if you hold the brush like you would a pencil, your line is automatically going to be thicker.

It's all rather complicated, but yeah... I'm sure you understand.

Pedes

05-05-2006, 07:03 AM

I'm unable to walk down to the awesome art store down the street and buy a bunch of awesome art supplies, so for now, I'm stuck with stupid #2 pencils that break every five minutes, printer paper, and a fountain pen with smudgy black ink that spills all over the place.

Invest slowly. If your pencil brakes so often, then 1st investment is mechanical pencil.
I don't know how it is in America, but nibs are pretty cheap here... And you can find a pretty cheap ink (actually the cheapest I found is also the best ^^). As for printer paper - it can be pretty good (though last 2 I've had were pretty bad :|).

Living to achieve a goal like becoming a manga-ka is great and all, but don't get so wrapped up in it that you forget to have fun while you're still young. There'll be plenty of time to be obsessed over getting the exactly right supplies when you're older.
First: there are no "right supplies". You can draw with brush made of your own hair with your won blood, as long as you make it lok good in print.
Second: I think the best way to become comic artist is obsessing. No, reallly :D

TheBohemian

05-05-2006, 11:14 AM

Oh, I agree, there are no pre-set "right" tools for the trade. But at the same time, maybe because of that, finding the tools that suit their style best is something that will be fairly difficult and costly, cumulatively. Which was my original point.

As for obsessing... personally, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've been obsessed with the art form since I could crawl, and always knew this was what I wanted for myself.
But there's still something kinda sad about a teenager wrapped up in an obsession like that, as if he/she's forcing him/herself to grow up too soon...

Pedes

05-05-2006, 12:31 PM

KaYoKitten

05-05-2006, 12:58 PM

My opinion is, the artist is a child who never grew up. ^_^ lol The reason I say this is because often an artist can see what a child can--what an adult can't see because logic and reasoning has replaced too much of the creativity. Americans have lost creativity over the years, IMHO, so the introduction of manga and art back into the culture is like a breath of fresh air. What does this have to do with the preference of supplies?

That we can like like a child still, and use the supplies we want and are comfortable with. That we can use crayons and markers, and create masterpieces that people wanna plaster on their walls as wall paper (I'm doing it with copies of Manga Magazine XDDD) or look at over and over again.

My point? Use whatever you're comfortable with, but don't be afraid to be the child and explore a medium you might have left behind. (I've begun trying to use crayons again....interesting effects with watercolor. :D )

J. Stoncius

05-05-2006, 03:33 PM

Uh, I'm kinda glad I'm an adult, personally, since I can legally own my motorcycles and play the lottery. >.>

TheBohemian

05-05-2006, 10:57 PM

Me too-- I love my ciggies! =p

Pedes

05-06-2006, 05:17 AM

"Hands on a window pane
Watching some children laugh and play
They're running in circles
With candy canes and French braids
Inspired to question
What makes us grown-ups anyway?
Let's search for the moment
When youth betrayed itself to age
So let the children play Inside your heart always
And death you will defy
'Cause your youth will never die
In searching for substance
We're clouded by struggle's haze
Remember the meaning
Of playing out in the rain
We swim in the fountain
Of youth's timeless maze
If you drink the water
Your youth will never fade
Never die I won't let go of that youthful soul
Despite body and mind my youth will never die"Creed - never die

Artists' hymn ;P

My point? Use whatever you're comfortable with, but don't be afraid to be the child and explore a medium you might have left behind. (I've begun trying to use crayons again....interesting effects with watercolor. )
I agree. I'm considering revival of coloured pencils...

And getting back to
Oh, I agree, there are no pre-set "right" tools for the trade. But at the same time, maybe because of that, finding the tools that suit their style best is something that will be fairly difficult and costly, cumulatively. Which was my original point.

As for obsessing... personally, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've been obsessed with the art form since I could crawl, and always knew this was what I wanted for myself.
But there's still something kinda sad about a teenager wrapped up in an obsession like that, as if he/she's forcing him/herself to grow up too soon...
The searching for the right supplies require that child-like happiness of trying various ones :D

Rem Akimichi

05-10-2006, 01:28 PM

That we can like like a child still, and use the supplies we want and are comfortable with. That we can use crayons and markers, and create masterpieces that people wanna plaster on their walls as wall paper (I'm doing it with copies of Manga Magazine XDDD) or look at over and over again.

My point? Use whatever you're comfortable with, but don't be afraid to be the child and explore a medium you might have left behind. (I've begun trying to use crayons again....interesting effects with watercolor. :D )

Two of my alltime favorite webcomic artist BOTH use marker for most their coloring/shadng, and they do it gorgeously.

I agree, people shouldn't be afraid to try new (or very old :P ) mediums. I personally love watercolor, and my earliest memory of it was when I was 3 or so. Pre-school! Obviously, I didn't learn many techniques until I was older, but still... That and finger paints. Because you're never too old for fingerpainting :D

Pedes

05-11-2006, 12:11 PM

That and finger paints. Because you're never too old for fingerpainting :D
-_- It seems I pain my fingers rather than with them... That's what you get from using watercolor ink/ecoline... I walked with one finger blue one red on Easter because I painted eggs and helped myself with fingers XD

Mew Sumomo

05-13-2006, 01:09 PM

Here's what i use:

Paper stock: Copy paper or bristol board because bristol is working wonders for me lately.

Lineart: Sakura Microns. 01, 05, 08, or 1 mm. in black or sepia. They're good because they don't smudge a lot and they're waterproof. Or a uni-ball pen with a lot of ink so the lines are really crisp. But sadly they aren't waterproof.

Coloring: Watercolor brush markers suck as Marvy LePlume II, Tombo ABT, and Staetler Mars Graphic 3000 duo; Copic sketch markers; Prismacolor colored pencils; watercolor paints.

Places to buy this stuff: My aunt got me my first set of copics online... but if you want brush markers, AC Moore and Michaels sells those. If there's a Pearl Paints around ya, they sell them there too, as well as Copic sketch markers by me. All those stores sell microns. And you can get prosmacolor pencils or watercolors anywhere. ^^

SweetNymph

05-16-2006, 03:57 PM

What type of paper is best for both penciling AND inking. As in, what will hold up against erasing well enough for good inking?

KaYoKitten

05-17-2006, 12:15 AM

What type of paper is best for both penciling AND inking. As in, what will hold up against erasing well enough for good inking?

Bristol holds up REALLY well, but if you're looking for good, cheap paper if you're still starting out and just want to practice...Wal*Mart carries a sketch diary out by Meade that is MOST excellent, IMHO. It's only about 4 bucks for seventy pages, 8.5 X 11. It can take erasing and ink pretty well. Unless you're using quills or nibs. It still takes it pretty well, but if you accidentally blot, you will have a big mess. I promise. If you blot, I promise bleed-through. But that's if you blot. I still say it takes ink well. Depends on the ink and how you use it, though.

Pedes

05-17-2006, 08:34 AM

Unless you're using quills or nibs. It still takes it pretty well, but if you accidentally blot, you will have a big mess. I promise. If you blot, I promise bleed-through. But that's if you blot.
Moral: don't blot :D

I've recently nicked my dad's Uni pens different width, they're good :) Inking is so easy it feels like cheating... Althought I still stay at nibs. And no, I don't blot :D

SweetNymph

05-17-2006, 09:40 AM

Bristol holds up REALLY well, but if you're looking for good, cheap paper if you're still starting out and just want to practice...Wal*Mart carries a sketch diary out by Meade that is MOST excellent, IMHO. It's only about 4 bucks for seventy pages, 8.5 X 11. It can take erasing and ink pretty well. Unless you're using quills or nibs. It still takes it pretty well, but if you accidentally blot, you will have a big mess. I promise. If you blot, I promise bleed-through. But that's if you blot. I still say it takes ink well. Depends on the ink and how you use it, though.

Oh, thank you. ^^

Yeah, I'm still starting out, but I want to work with better paper, since I hope to be good enough to make a decent portfolio and have an Artist Alley table next Fall.

SweetNymph

05-29-2006, 12:44 PM

New question: Scanners. Can anyone recommend a scanner than can scan 9x12 paper with good output and resolution?

SweetNymph

06-15-2006, 10:47 AM

Okay... guess not.

Meanwhile, I managed to find that sketch diary at Rite Aid (didn't want to go to Wal-mart, since it's owned by Satan and managed by the possessed). I haven't tried it out yet, but the paper feels like very good quality. That's for the recommendation, Kitten. ^^

stewisgood11

06-22-2006, 08:32 PM

aspiring...

Black Prismacolor marker
2 Sakura Micron pens
prismacolor verathin colored pencils
faber-castell graphite sketch set
Prang Vinyl Eraser (great eraser)
Strathmore Bristol paper 11x14
i plan to buy some Copic markers for my color pages/cover art/random illustrations (VERY expensive, and the store is about 20 miles away from my house...)
ruler
various pen nibs w/ Speedball Super Black India Ink

Andyhep

06-23-2006, 01:09 AM

New question: Scanners. Can anyone recommend a scanner than can scan 9x12 paper with good output and resolution?

Just about any modern scanner should do you fine. Although 9x12? Does a standard A4 scanner bleed quite that far? I'm used to metric, not imperial.

dronedevil

06-23-2006, 06:58 PM

I use pencil #2 (cheap one bought anywhere)
sketch pad (thick paper about $5)
eraser

Pedes

06-25-2006, 07:53 AM

Just about any modern scanner should do you fine. Although 9x12? Does a standard A4 scanner bleed quite that far? I'm used to metric, not imperial
It's a 0,5 cm and 1,5 cm difference.... (metric too :D)
It depends what it's for, but you can just take in account that loss in scanning or draw in smaller A4 format....

chaos dragoon

06-25-2006, 04:34 PM

Moral: don't blot :D

I've recently nicked my dad's Uni pens different width, they're good :) Inking is so easy it feels like cheating... Althought I still stay at nibs. And no, I don't blot :D

Inking .....easy?! You must be really good with it. It is hard for me. The effort I put into not meesy up makes it seem like h*** at first.

Pedes

06-29-2006, 12:44 PM

Inking .....easy?! You must be really good with it. It is hard for me. The effort I put into not meesy up makes it seem like h*** at first.
Try to draw (doodle, without sketches first) with a writing pen (I mean those with nib end, fountain pen is the name...?) for a longer while... 10 months of doodling with writing pen in my uni notebooks (artist rule: draw whenever you anc) and even nibs feel easy...
And don't be afraid of inking. I found I ink better nor being afraid I'll ink wrong. Sure, sometimes I do, but it's not a disaster (unless it's a lineart for watercolor coloring) -_- because there's always white-out and, when you tone on the computer, the possibility to retouch.

Talim

07-02-2006, 01:30 PM

I use:

1.) Deleter Comic Book Paper "A4 GRID 110 KG" (Akadot.com)
Sometimes regular printer paper for sketches and stuff (WAL-MART)
2.) I use RoseArt pencils, 'cause they have a clean eraser. I do use mechanical pencils too. (WAL-MART)
3.) My ink pen is an ordinary "Extra Fine Rolling Ball Precise V5: Pilot", which you can buy at WAL-MART! >.<
4.) The Tones I normally use are JR. Screen Tones for Shading. SE for Backrounds. IC Youth for special effects. And IC Illust for Clothing Design. (Akadot.com)
5.) I use a "PRO GEAR CUTTER (I.C)" to cut my Tones with and "PRO GEAR SCREEN TOOL (I.C)" w/ "PRO GEAR VARNISHER 2 (I.C)" for flattening my tones. (Akadot.com)
6.) And finally I use a "Liquid White Out Correction Pen" to get rid of my mistakes! (WAL-MART)