This is about what each sketch I do looks like after I scan it at 300 dpi. I open the TIFF in Photoshop and start cleaning up the drawing. This is where the image becomes inked.

Labels: Cartooning, How To, Sketching

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