I continue to sketch with pencil on paper at my drawing board. I normally use Bic or Papermate disposable pencils and refill them with .05 mm or .07 mm lead. I sketch on HP Brite inkjet paper or whatever is handy.

I do draw on a very small light box. If you do not have a light box you are missing out on a major time saver. You can make quick changes to a drawing by using a clean sheet of paper and the light box. Just trace over the original while making the new changes you would like.

I draw my characters pretty small, most averaging only about 4" tall. The smaller size helps in the clean up process by speeding things up. Some cartoonists draw very large with thicker lines which looks more detailed once reduced and eliminates as much clean up. Many cartoonists actually ink the drawing before scanning.

I try to keep my sketch as clean as possible but I do end up with many erased areas. I scan my sketch into PhotoShop to clean up. This is where I "ink" my designs. More on that later.

Labels: Cartoon Supplies, Cartooning, How To, Sketching

Welcome to the Curtoons Cartoon Studio A.K.A. Shaggy Duck Studios. Before you can buy any cartooning supplies or equipment you will need a place to practice your craft.

I have created a cartoon studio in my home using a spare bedroom. It consists of a 5 foot drafting table, three computer desks housing four Apple computers, a TV, an American Fender Stratocaster, a fully functional airplane pedal car, a six string Takamine acoustic, a drawing stool, two computer chairs, three ink jet printers, stacks of books on cartooning, logo design and marketing. Shelves full of greeting card stock, polka dotted envelopes, blank CD's, mailing supplies and hundreds of pages of cartoon sketches.

Make your studio fun and a place where you will enjoy spending many hours. If you truly want to be a successful cartoonist you will need a comfortable spot to get those juices flowing. I'll give you ideas in the future on what essential cartooning supplies you will need to create a professional cartoon studio.

Labels: Cartoon Supplies