Okay, so I stink at drawing...

[Violin]

...But I want to get better! Any tips?

[thegreenmooseofdoom]

What areas are you having trouble in? You gotta be more specific than that. ^_^ You can also get some specific help if you put a picture up here for us to look at and critique.

[Violin]

Just take a look at my comics in the NT. I do it all on paper then scan it and add the words. Should I do more on the computer. Like the backround maybe?

[thegreenmooseofdoom]

What's your username, just Violin?

[Crystal]

Her name's violinoutoftune.

Seriously, though, I don't usually read all the comics in the NT. Just the ones that I follow - I'm wierd that way. Try posting one of your pictures here, and we'll tell you what you could do to improve on it.

[Violin]

Okay here's a part of a comic. I do it all off the computer except for adding the text. Should I do more on the computer. Like the colors. I don't really have any art programs. I've got MGI PhotoSuite and Paint of course.

[gkskis]

Violin said:

Okay here's a part of a comic. I do it all off the computer except for adding the text. Should I do more on the computer. Like the colors. I don't really have any art programs. I've got MGI PhotoSuite and Paint of course.

That's pretty good, and although the grundo is a little messed up. Also, the chia's expression in the last frame there shouldn't be happy, but scared and confused.

I'll be quiet now, since I'm not qualified enough to help you.

P.S. - I draw some of my art all on paper, some all in Paint.

[thegreenmooseofdoom]

Violin said:

Should I do more on the computer?

Contrary to popluar beliefs, expensive computer programs will NOT make you any better. Actually, it might make you even worse becasue you're constantly having to rely on Undo and filters and other shortcuts that make your work seem fast and cheap and unpolished.
My reccommendation is to stick with the colored pencil and take some time to learn how to use it and learn what you can do with it.
You're using colored pencils like most people start using them- just to color in the lines and only use one color and pressure for each part.
The wonderful thing about colored pencils (Prismacolors in particular) is their ability to blend.
The more colors you use to shade with, the more depth and richness your color will have.
Coloring a Green Chia? Don't just use the green pencil, use light green, forest green, seagreen... Use as many different colors as you can along with the normal green.
When you start getting more advanced with your technique, try shading with color compliments- in this case, it would be red.
Also, layer your colors and apply it with even strokes so that the white of the paper doesn't show (except for highlights and such). Don't be afraid to shade (heeh, that rhymes.), and always try for a lot of contrast in shading. It'll make your pictures pop and look three-dimensional.

I also redlined the chia for you, it's expression just wasn't working for the emotion he's supposed to convey.



I hope all this rambling of mine helps you, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're lost. Good luck, and keep it up!

[Violin]

greenmooseofdoom said:

Contrary to popluar beliefs, expensive computer programs will NOT make you any better. Actually, it might make you even worse becasue you're constantly having to rely on Undo and filters and other shortcuts that make your work seem fast and cheap and unpolished.
My reccommendation is to stick with the colored pencil and take some time to learn how to use it and learn what you can do with it.
You're using colored pencils like most people start using them- just to color in the lines and only use one color and pressure for each part.
The wonderful thing about colored pencils (Prismacolors in particular) is their ability to blend.
The more colors you use to shade with, the more depth and richness your color will have.
Coloring a Green Chia? Don't just use the green pencil, use light green, forest green, seagreen... Use as many different colors as you can along with the normal green.
When you start getting more advanced with your technique, try shading with color compliments- in this case, it would be red.
Also, layer your colors and apply it with even strokes so that the white of the paper doesn't show (except for highlights and such). Don't be afraid to shade (heeh, that rhymes.), and always try for a lot of contrast in shading. It'll make your pictures pop and look three-dimensional.

I also redlined the chia for you, it's expression just wasn't working for the emotion he's supposed to convey.



I hope all this rambling of mine helps you, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're lost. Good luck, and keep it up!

Thanks for all the advice. Yes, I tried to draw the Chia with different expressions, but it just wasn't working. Thanks for showing me some examples! They're really going to help!!! And thanks for the coloring advice as well! I'm going to try to use all of it!