August 21st, 2013

My critical eye…

by Terri Libenson

So I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. I apologize. No excuses, just being a lazy lady.

Anyway, this particular post is about a recent artistic insight. If you read this blog, you probably know I work 4-5 months ahead. I also work in monthly batches. I tend to put these batches aside until right before they get published. That way, if there are any changes to be made, I can look at the strips more objectively after not seeing them for a few months.

Well, a couple weeks ago, I took a look at some fall strips that were about to be sent out. I was NOT happy. As much as I love my Cintiq and would never go back to drawing/inking, I realized I used to have a more pleasing delicate line quality with the Micron pens. I seem to go heavy-handed on the Cintiq. I think it’s more intuitive to do that on the digital device, but I still prefer the lighter touch. It’s just a personal preference.

So I pledged to revert back to my more delicate drawing style. Problem is, I’ve already finished strips through November. Started experimenting on the Cintiq with the December batch and am pleased with the new results — I’ve been able to achieve a lighter style as long as I pay close attention. I just have to put up with what I’ve already done in the last four months. Besides, there’s NO WAY I’m redrawing a hundred strips just to meet my own standards.

Here’s an example of before/after. The “before” panel on the left is from 2012, when I used Micron pens and scanned in the images. The panel on the right is an upcoming November one that I did on the Cintiq. I don’t have problem with how it looks online as much I do with the printed version. It’s also easier to draw tiny details using the thinner line.

If you read the strip, pay closer attention in the coming months to the drawing style. Notice how it’ll get progressively heavier-handed between Aug-Nov, and then more delicate early in December. See if you can spot the difference.

And if YOU have a personal preference, chime in!