How'd you do it?
Hey metal heads! Just thought I would keep sharing with everyone how Colossus came to be.
The image above is the cover of the book done by the fabulous Dominique Louis! I am a big fan of his work and he so graciously agreed to honor my book with an original illustration.... done entirely on computer. So a big thanks and a big bow to Dominique!!!!
I dont know how many comicbook artists use the computer these days but thats all i used in creating this graphic novel. i use the computer all the time to do my work. Its true I've left the pencil and the comfort of paper behind but what I've lost is more than made for in flexability.
I work only with photoshop and I draw on a wacom cintiq ( its the kind you can draw right on the screen) most people ask me if there is any lag? The answer is NO! not really . If I draw really fast there is but it doesn't change how you draw. the cool thing about it is I never have to erase, you just grab it and delet, perfect, no smudges. I can also get as close to my drawing as I want without getting close, no more bending over the table. Saves the eyes. There are many more benifits that well out way what I miss about paper and pencil. Ah well Im a tech convert.
Not to say that classical illustration will be left in the dust.... no way... drawing in the classical way or even painting gives you a foundation that is priceless.
anyway enough rambling. I did the whole comic on the computer because it was fast and gave me way more flexability and control. the pages below will explain in a simple way how I did it.
enjoy
M
posted by MANDREWS at 10:51 AM
23 Comments:
Holy molly Mark, these sketches and process drawings are so cool. I love the knight on the horse, its awesome! Your making me really anxious to get your book man.
Hey Man
that stuff looks great!
and a hugely succesfull facelift to the last book
makes me want to learn to draw
man you really tamed that computer
I might have to get you to give mine a kick or too
can't wait to see all the Pixar books
Gimpy eyes- making you anxious is the point. the time will come soon very soon.
Brave sir robin- Thanks for the feedback. And I'll kick whatever you want me to kick.
Just when I thought I had enough blogs to frequent... Expect many hits and a long line at Comic-con. Your book looks beyond amazing. Geez, someone should hire you to do storyboards or something...oh wait...
Cool! Mark Andrews has a blog! I'm geekin' out!
Roque- Thanks for the prediction,I will look forward to long lines.
Amelia- Its about time huh? Glad your geeking out I am too.
Wow Mark!! It's looking fantastico! :D
Thanks Potato Farm Girl!!!!
great stuff mark.
>oVi
Mark-
I am ready to read this book! Question: how do you find the time to do this? I heard you were directing a short film, and I assume your storyboarding some kind of project as well, do you ever sleep? Thanks for all the inspiration, as always, and see you at the Con.
-Dave Au
Moth-In truth I was on the fence about adding any behind the scenes stuff.... but when yuor one page aver yuor signature and you cant loose a single pg a "process" section really saves the day. I liked doing it too. I kick myself for even considering NOT doing it.
Ovi- (tips hat) thank you sir.
Billy- glad you dig it... now get that scetch book out and get crakin'
Dave- I have this time warp machine that allows me to compress time so an hour turns into ten.... kidding! Its all about discipline mostly, well 10% discipline and 90% no sleep. I just work on weekends and duringing the evenings after the wife and kids go to bed. I find that if I am noty busy doing something I find something to get busy doing. Colossus was a great outlet. Im basically impatient. Its a power, a gift and a curse.
Came over here from Ronnie's blog. I picked up the original version of the book when it came out...to be honest, for the Mignola pin-up (I being a Mignola nerd). Then, as it rarely happens, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Looking forward to expanded brand-new epic and to meeting you at the con.
Rick.
Rick- honesty IS the best policy. I was very fortunate and honored when Mignola agreed to do a pinup for my first book. I would have bought it just for the pinup as well. Im glad the book had merits too. Wait 'till you see the new version. I put in a lot more love.
Hi Mark,
Dave again, what days will you be at the Con? And will you be signing or doing sketches?
John- see you at the con
Dave- I'll be there everyday man. i will not be doing sketches but i will be selling original art from my first Colossus book.
Oh, man that's cool, I hope you print a bunch of them cause i'm coming down to SDCC and I'm picking one up!
Ted
ted- no fears man i printed plenty come get one
M
UPYORZ- I believe so. let me know what pgs you would like in a first choice second choice third choice type of format and I'll see whats available. we'll work out the details after that.
M
venam 1- thanks for your comment. so nice to hear from the mentally challenged. did you type that all you self or did you need help?
M
Ianfeller- Im sure we'd like to hear what you'd have to say. stop by our booth at comicon.
M
I hope you have permanently blocked that venam guy's ability to post. What an @$$hole.
See my comment added to your first post! Autographed if possible!
Mike
http://artofmikethompson.blogspot.com
Mike-- thanks for the support- Venam is a friend of mine that likes to talk sh*&^@#t. No prob send me an address. Autographed and everything.
Brian-- thanks for the comments. And thanks for the link. everylittle thing helps. Hopefully very soon I will have a link so Colossus would be available on line. Keep your eyes peeled.
Colonel--Hope you piced one up at the con-vention. It was a nerd fest but in a good way. 90thousand this year. If you didnt make it down keep checking the blog for updates on how to get one.
Oh, man, sorry about that! It sure didn't sound like the two of you were friends! The written word is so difficult to interpret.
I'll e-mail my address to you pronto! Thanks A LOT!
-Mike
Hi, I have a question about the cintiq, i just got the cintiq and i find myself going back to paper because its like drawing on glass, its so wierd.
And how do you get the thick and thin in photoshop? I can't seem to get those angles on the cintiq cause its not a pencil.
i'm one of those guys who are like sketch drawers, i can't do anything when i clean it up. When i clean up my lines look weak and there is no flow.
anyway thanks for the great inspiration. i love your work.
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