Inking for Comics. I wish someone would teach people how…

Inkers.   HAH!  They are to laugh!

I inked this. I'm sometimes a professional inker.

There’s a character in the Kevin Smith film CHASING AMY who inks comics for a living, and his friends call him a professional tracer. He complains that he’s not, but convinces no one, and the movie was a minor box office hit, so it left that defining moment in America’s brain.

Banky Edwards during a moment of self-loathing

When it first started up in the 90s, the inkers at Image Comics, were working with prima donna pencilers who insisted their work be reproduced as faithfully as possible and forced their inkers to actually BE “tracers”. This further convinced a generation of comic fans that inkers were barely trained monkeys with a sweatshop tool in their unskilled paw.

un-inked pencils by Erik Larsen. The inker better not get "creative".

And of course, there’s always just running the pencils through a photoshop filter. Screw the inker, who needs ‘em? They’re only messing up my work.

But the inker is the essential last hand on the drawing. He or she is the one that makes the artwork lively, or bold, or personable, or slick, or capricious. They are the singer of the song. The human hand. The Deus Ex Machina: The creator emerges from the machine.

Consider your favorite comic book or graphic novel: A CONTRACT WITH GOD, MAUS, WATCHMEN, BATMAN YEAR ONE, RED HULK POUNDS HIS ENEMIES TO DEATH, BLANKETS, SIN CITY, V FOR VENDETTA, or Name Your Own Favorite…

pictured above: Knowing what you're doing.

Every one of these magnificent examples of the form has a distinct and memorable kind of line work. It’s built into the character of each story, inseparable to the experience, and to treat this essential skill with little more than a backhand slap is to misunderstand what makes comics the appealing form of media that they are.

Ty Templeton inks Tom Artis on Tailgunner Jo.

I’m teaching a seven week comic book inking bootcamp at the TCW this January, starting on January 17th, on Tuesday Evenings. (spaces are still available in Inking for Comics. –kts)

click here to visit the TCW online and find out more

Come on down and learn to know what you’re doing.

Click here to find out more.

Ty the Guy OUT!

PS:  If you’re in Toronto tonight, drop in for my “Drawing the Figure” drop in class.  25 bucks at the door for three hours with a live burlesque model, and an instructor who knows anatomy!   Who says this isn’t the TCW Age of Learnin’?

587A College Street (at Clinton), Toronto, On, Canada, M6G 1B2 • Phone: 647.328.1656 • info@cartoonistsworkshop.com

(AND Ty is teaching Writing for Comics Level One, Mondays, starting January 16, 7-10pm. There’s still some spots available. And there’s a special deal if you’ve taken Level One before, and you’d like to repeat it before taking Level Two in March; 50% off of Level One. contact Sean Menard  through info@cartoonistsworkshop.com for details.

AND Ty is teaching a full course for Figure Drawing for the Comic Book Artist.  Featuring a different model each Wednesday evening, beginning January 25 7-10pm, with instruction from Ty. Spaces still available, but they are limited for this course.  Keiren)

Here now, your bonus moment.

While the inking is competent, it looks like it was "traced". Sigh...

The Previews Continue! Yay!

I promised ’em, and here they come:  more sneak peaks at the new TORONTO CARTOONISTS WORKSHOP comic that EVERYONE’S talking about in reverent awe.

As if the last blog entry wasn’t enough to send everyone into fidgety anticipation of Friday’s launch of the newest issue, I’m back again to give out the free samples of what awaits our legion of readers when the book gets published on Friday.  I’ve seen the whole book, so I know how wonderful it is, but I envy you people getting to see it for the first time.

Our next preview pages are from the delightful team of Mighty Mike Marano scripting, Gorgeous Grant Howarth layouts and grey tones, and introducing Killer Kellam Templeton-Smith on inks.   

There's nothing worse that having a computer come to murder you, just because of your name!

I wonder what that guy is going to look like when he crawls out of the computer core…I suspect it looks really cool.   I suspect the story is equally gripping! We never give you readers less than the best.

Next, the first of TWO entries by Racin’ Rob Pincombe, our assistant editor, and easily the hardest working man in comics, no matter what you hear about Tom Brevoort.

The MIND SPIDERS OF MADAGASCAR…written by Rob and beautifully illustrated by Dapper Dawnson Chen.   Warning: If you have a phobia about Mind-Spiders, you might want to look away, and latecomers will not be seated during the fight sequence with the SPIDER-QUEEN!

Wait…we’re stopping it there?  But…what  happens next?  What’s so extraordinarily BAD?

We’d like to tell you, but we have to move on to another thrill-a-minute mystery.  The script for this oceanic opus was written by the Amazing Yolanda Cheung, who intended to draw the tale herself, but was called away by a higher duty.  Racin’ Rob and Killer Kellam stepped in on the art chores at the last minute, and I’ll be darned if they didn’t knock it out of the park!  You heard me right- the writer of the last story, stepped in and drew this next one, and the inker for OLD WOUNDS, stepped in an inked another one.  This is the sort of dedication that you readers deserve.

Who doesn’t love an old man kicking ass in a transforming aquatic wheelchair?  Can I get a witness?

And wait until you witness THIS western tale.  Written by “Calamity” Kathleen Gallagher, with art by Dynamite Danny Setna!  Kathleen’s had a few stories under her belt, and we’ve come to expect genius from her (which she never fails to deliver), but this is Danny’s first time in print anywhere, and yeehaw, that boy surprised us editin’ hombres with his detailed line-work!

Is there anything more wonderful than a crime spree that just MIGHT involve non-farting cows?  I told you Kathleen writes a fun script.

Don’t forget, you can still download issue #1 (with stories by Rob Pincombe, Kathleen Gallagher, Mike Marano, and a host of other clever writers, teamed up with artists as impressively skilled as you’re seeing up above) all for free at a bunch of digital comix websites you can find HERE at the Holmes Inc Hompage on the Web.

Wait, did you say “FREE”?

Yes I did.  And issue #2 will be free in just a matter of days as well.  We want you to see these amazing, soon-to-be-stars before Marvel, DC, IDW and Dark Horse snatch them away from us and pay ’em what they’re worth.  (Note to Marvel, DC, IDW and Dark Horse editors:  Please snatch these guys away from us and pay ’em what they’re worth!)

And if you’re in the Toronto area THIS Friday evening, drop by to the TORONTO CARTOONISTS WORKSHOP,  587A College Street (at Clinton), and meet the creative team that made this issue great.   We might even find you a copy of the book in print form, and I’m fairly sure we’ll get you something to  snack on.

Don’t worry, the previews are still coming.  Tune in tomorrow for even more Holmes Incorporated sneak peaks.   We’re not even close to running out of talent!

Ty the Guy OUT!

Here now, your BONUS Holmes Incorporated Comics Moment:

Artwork by Daniel Wong with colours by Keiren Smith.  Where do we FIND these artistic wunderkinds?   It must be something in the water in Toronto.

Ty Templeton’s WRITING for COMICS

For those in the Greater Toronto Area: Writing for Comics/Toronto Cartoonists Workshop

 Ty Templeton (writer of Batman Adventures, Simpsons Comics, Human Defense Corps, Howard the Duck:  Media Darling, Stig’s Inferno and much much more) teaches his well-known and much-recommended “Writing for Comics”. Sez TCW’s description,

“This action packed course will teach students story construction, character development, dialogue, plotting, as well as pitching and editing a script for the comics industry. Students will explore the different formats and techniques of comic script writing (including Marvel style and full script) while creating their own characters and stories. While basic writing skills are helpful, they are not necessary.”

Ty promises that you can’t possibly have writer’s block after taking this course! The course starts Monday, July 11, 7-10pm. Contact Sean Menard for registration info.

(actually planning to take this myself, yes, even though I live in the same house as the guy—it’s such a jam-packed course that there’s no way he can teach it twice in a week, so it’s probably best I just turn up in class!)

Duration: July 11 – August 29 (no class August 1)

(From the last Fit to Print: Holmes Incorporated #2 meeting)

Keiren

It’s all about the learnin’!

If you’ve been around this blog for a while, you probably know I teach classes at the Toronto Cartoonist Workshop when I’m not drawing stuff for comics (and writing stuff for comics).  Today’s an anatomy class, and I prepared a couple of handouts, showing the development of the arm and shoulders from a simple skeletal form to a finished one.  They’re fun little examples and I thought I’d show off a couple of today’s handouts, just so you guys can see what you’re missing by not coming ’round to the Workshop and hanging out.

The headless woman claps her hands above her neck hole...

More of today’s handouts:

All right, that’s enough knowledge bombs for today.  You’ve got the working understanding of the arms now, go draw an issue of the Hulk, already!

Ty the Guy OUT!

Here now, your bonus comic book anatomy moment:

The drawing of Cap on the left is by Rob Liefeld...the drawing on the right was drawn anonymously, but it shows off the level of anatomical drawing skill that Rob is known for.

Take a Workshop with Ty!

For those of you in the Greater Toronto Area, there are still a few spaces available in Toronto Cartoonists Workshop workshops. Ty will be teaching his WORLD-FAMOUS Comic Book Bootcamp Part 1 (he’s starting to infect me with his all-caps!), on Mondays and Tuesdays.

There will be other workshops starting March 3–check the website for details.

 

Toronto Cartoonists Workshop. Holmes Inc. Issue #2

Hey.

As some of you might recall, last year, the school I teach at (Toronto Cartoonists Workshop) put out their first issue of an all new adventure comic series “Holmes Inc.”  It was a wonderful experience for all concerned. lovely to read, well reviewed, and enjoyed by all who got a copy.  (I think there are still a few available…we’ll get to how to order one in a minute…)  Impossible as it was to believe, most of the work in the issue was from heretofore unpublished,  first time comic book artists and writers, ready to burst onto the scene and kick Joe Quesada and Jim Lee around the block a few times with their upstart-y enthusiasm and skills.

Anything with exploding aircraft and wheelchairs on the cover can’t be all bad, right?  And I THINK it had something to do with Sherlock Holmes and his descendants fighting world crime in the 21st Century.

Well, it’s starting up again…for issue #2.  In just a few short weeks, the gears start gearing and the submissions start submitting.  If you have graduated from any of the TCW classes (especially comic book bootcamp, storytelling or writing) and want to join in the fun for round #2 then head on over to the TCW homepage and let the king of TCW, Sean Menard, know that you want to play too.

TCW’s phone number is 647-328-1656 and the email is: info@cartoonistsworkshop.com

I hope to see some of the newer students head out this year, as well as welcoming back some of the creative studs and studdettes that helped make our first issue so good.

Oh, and if you can’t live another moment without your personal copy of issue #1, called “The Best Sherlock Holmes Comic Book Ever” (by my mother and some of my neighbours), then let Sean know your troubles when you contact him, and he’ll get one out to you.  A measly six bucks for 52 solid pages of tomorrow’s superstars is a pittance to pay.

Ty the Guy OUT

Here now, your Sherlock Holmes Comic Book Moment:

It’s…it’s…NOT Melvin!

Back to teaching, starting tomorrow! Come on out for learnin’!

The holiday is over, and I’m back at my post, teaching comic book courses at the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop tomorrow.  Besides writing and drawing comics for a living, I also instruct on how you guys can waste your life doing the same things.   Classes for the scriptwriting courses are more or less filled up (though I think we can squeeze one last student in before we run out of space) but the layout and storytelling courses have about five empty chairs as of now.  If anyone’s interested in learning the ropes of comic layout, and you live in the Toronto area, then get in touch with Sean Menard, the Workshop’s fearless leader (Call 647-328-1656.  E-mail info@cartoonistsworkshop.com ), and give him a shout, the classes are more fun when they’re filled up.  You learn more from the other students than you’d expect.

Shameless plug over, back to drawing Spider-Man, Homer and the gang.  (And no, I’m not drawing a cross-over, as cool as that would be…I’ve merely got two gigs on top of each other this month….bragging bastard that I am.)

Ty the Guy OUT!

Here now, your shameless plug afterthought:

I think it's clear from this cover that Plug is a shameless person.

 

A New Year, New Classes!

Yes, it’s that time again…time to tell you the glories of the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop, and all it’s classes.

TCW has expanded it’s selection of children’s art classes, and there are now classes available after school, and on Saturday and Sunday. Kids’ workshops will run for nine weeks. Classes for adults run in the afternoon, late afternoon, and early evening, and will run for seven weeks.

Ty will be teaching Writing for Comics, on Monday evenings (January 10-February 21) and  Professional Layout and Storytelling for Comic Books and Graphic Novels on Tuesday evenings. Comic Book Inking:  4 Perspectives will run on Wednesday evenings, and I believe Ty will be teaching the first two classes (check with Sean Menard).

To the best of my knowledge, there are still spaces available in all TCW classes (all you savvy Christmas shoppers, saving their bucks and waiting to see what’s left after the holidays!), but they go fast this last week, so contact Sean Menard NOW! NOW! NOW! at Toronto Cartoonists Workshop and get in the class of your choice.

Ty is not the only instructor at TCW (hence that whole “4 Perspectives” idea behind the inking course!). Others, this semester, are:

the inimitable Leonard Kirk—Cover Design and Layout, co-taught with…

Kalman Androsofszky

Scott Caple—Basic and Fundamental Drawing

Eric Kim—Manga Dojo Level I

Joseph O’Brien–Screenwriter’s Workshop:  Basic Training (Joe is fitting this class in before he goes off to watch filming of his latest screenplay, announced last year at Cannes, and produced by Guillermo del Toro. So–yes, Joe knows of what he teaches)

J. Bone–1/4th the Perspective for Comic Book Inking

Sam Agro–another 1/4th for Comic Book Inking

Craig Yeung–making a full 4 Perspectives for Comic Book Inking.

Kids’ Workshops will be taught by

Eden Bachelder—Acrylic Painting

Ruzya Karpinec—Cartooning for Kids, Flipbook Animation

Walter Dickinson (the man who founded TCW)–Drawing Rodeo

Dave Lapp–Cartooning and Illustration for Kids

8

Keiren

NEW CLASSES!

Ty just finished teaching his second class for the week, last night, and has a meeting today to talk to the man behind TCW, Sean Menard, about plans for future classes. But, classes for the next term have been announced!

Check out the listings at the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop’s website…and see what you’re interested in. There’s a heckuva lot of choices available. Ty will be doing Part 2 of his Comic Book Bootcamp, and a new course:  Drawing the Human Figure from Memory. Leonard Kirk has liked teaching at TCW enough to sign up for another tour of duty–he’s heading up, Penciling the Comic Book Page. LEONARD FRIKKIN’ KIRK!

Geordie Miller will be back and will teach Life Drawing for the Comic Book Artist.  I’ve not met Mr. Miller yet but hear from students that they are loving this class and eager for more.

Mr. Sam Agro will  lead students in Show Me a Story:  Fundamentals of Storyboarding. The man knows what’s he teaching–he’s paid his rent by storyboarding everything from the Droids tv show to some of the Saw movie series. (Seriously–check HERE)

Dave Lapp is teaching not one but TWO classes for kids:  Cartooning and Illustration for Kids. These are on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Gotta say–our youngest son is loving his class with Dave and highly recommends him. I’ve only run into Dave briefly, but lurking in the halls when I drop the son off has led me to believe that he is amazing with kids–has a great rapport with them. Our son barely talks out loud to most strangers–when I’ve left him the last couple of weeks, he’s been chatting up a storm and telling Dave everything he can think of!

Last but definitely not least is Manga Bootcamp with Eric Kim. I find while chatting with comic creators, store owners and employees*, that there is still a lot of resistance to manga and anime…I will say that my kids love it, and most of their friends love it. While people worry about the future of comics, a lot of the discussion is around North American mainstream comic publications–because manga is still going strong. For those of you with an interest in making your own–this is the course to take. (*not meaning my son who works in a comic book store–he’s actually the “Japanese buyer” for the store, and for good reason. He completely and utterly bows to Christopher Butcher, manager of The Beguiling’s superior knowledge of all things related to manga/anime, but he’s in there trying)

I’m not going to give you links for all these amazing instructors–all the bios and links you’ll need are on the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop site.

Wow, I got all the way down here without putting a date. NOVEMBER 2!! New classes start November 2, just a few short weeks away, so check out the website NOW NOW NOW before spaces are filled.

Toronto Cartoonists Workshop new classes

Alas poor comic strips, I knew them well.

I teach a class on writing and drawing comics at the TORONTO CARTOONISTS WORKSHOP, and the first class of the new semester started yesterday.  As I always do, I asked what comics the new students currently read, and what they grew up reading…to get a sense of the sort of stuff they’re looking to make.   This is the first class in which no one volunteered a comic strip as something they grew up reading.

Not Calvin and Hobbes, not Peanuts, not nothing, baby.

And last week, when I posted the Seven Best Gay Characters in Comics, it was noted that I included comic strips in that list as though that was odd.  So clearly, it is, nowadays.  I’m a relic.

It’s not necessarily a good thing or a bad thing, but it’s a new thing, and so I mark it down.

Now, obviously there are still GREAT comic strips still being made.  I read Doonesbury daily, and I head over to www.gocomics.com when I need a massive comic strip/political cartoon fix, it’s one of my favorite bookmarks.

But there’s a big difference in the influence and penetration of the “newspaper comics” nowadays if you have to go FIND ’em online, instead of just getting them delivered to your breakfast table while your parents read Sports – or finding a Sunday Comics Section on a table at a pizza place, or in any one of the thousands of places that newspaper comics used to be in the world.

Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer the internet and cures for diseases and stuff.  Future World all good, hoo baby!

But still…

Ty the Guy OUT!

Here now, your comic strip moment of zen.

a star is born

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