Foundations in Comic Book Art

A comprehensive guide to creating and developing comic book and graphic novel art, from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the world's leaders in sequential arts instruction.

Artists seeking a way to break into the exciting world of sequential art first need to master the tools, techniques, and habits used by their favorite pencillers, inkers, and digital artists for creating dynamic, exciting comic artwork. In Foundations for Comic Book Art, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—a leading force in art and design education—enlists one of its top instructors, John Paul Lowe, to provide aspiring comic book makers with a thorough primer for creative comics, featuring must-know concepts like contour drawing, mastering perspective, using photo-reference, and adding digital patterns. Examples from the works of SCAD faculty, alumni, and students are paired with Lowe’s easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons and exercises for readers, demonstrating the vital processes all would-be sequential artists have to know before joining the ranks of the comic book–making elite.

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As soon as this book came out of the envelope, there was a mad grab for it by my thirteen year old. He's really the only one of us who has any amount of artistic ability (at least when it comes to drawing) and as he flipped through the pages, I could tell that he would be coming back to this book many, many times. When I had a chance to read through it, I was especially taken with the fact that the author appreciates individuality and leads the reader through the book in a series of chapter leading from easiest to most difficult. So long as you don't skip ahead, anyone with artistic drawing ability should be able to follow along and certainly to learn. I know that I learned a lot and while I had a very solid appreciation for what my artist friends do when they work on comics, this just cemented just how awesome that they are. If you have any interest in comic book art, becoming a comic book artist, improving your own artwork or just want to flip through a book with some amazing work in it, written by someone who is down to earth, pick up this book. It's another that I'm suggesting for the holiday gift giving season.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

BONUS Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: New York Comicon Booth Funding

Ah, NYCC.  One of the big ones, especially here on the east coast.  I try to make it as often as possible, and have even more motivation for this year knowing my good friend is trying to bring her awesome small business there.  She creates all kinds of fun geek things, like Doctor Who accessories, as well as her doing lots of cool cosplay.  In that light, she's started up a campaign to help raise funds for this effort.  Jump on over to her Indiegogo page and see all the great ways you can help her out!

BONUS Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Help Me Make Magic!

We love supporting projects far and wide from all ranges of artistic passion, especially ones from friends!  In that light, we are featuring a bonus this week from our amigo Eric Fiallos.  He's a wonderful photographer, and is looking to get your support for an upcoming shoot.  For more information, please head on over to his gofundme page with the handy widget below!

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Color Me Clayful

This week, we're stepping outside of the box a little bit...this particular fundraiser is over on GoFundMe. It's a small business that is owned by a friend of one of our own. As a site that throws our support behind the indie communities, this really is right up our alley and we have to do what we can to save this wonderful piece of the small business world. Please, go and check them out and see what you can do to help keep art alive!

We're including Brian's original review of the store below, just in case you need a little more inspiration!

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It doesn’t take long once you walk in to know that Color Me Clayful is a fun and relaxing place to spend some time at.  Good atmosphere is obviously a key factor in having a successful store, and owner Malene Hammerich has given her customers that.  It is warmly decorated and very spacious inside, providing for a comfortable stay, no matter how long.  I myself have been there for half a day and didn’t even realize it until I looked at the time.

On one side you have the pottery section offering a large selection of pre-made bisque ready to paint, with everything from kitchen items to superheroes for the kids.  Simply pick out your piece, choose your colors and sit down at one of the many tables to start bringing it to life.  The other half also serves as a handmade crafts store.  There’s a wide variety of creative items from folks across the U.S. and even international artists.  With so many different artisans offering their items in the store, you never know what new goodies you’ll see.

The art center will also be the home to various classes on skills such as leatherworking, woodworking, and jewelry making.  Color Me Clayful even has neat events like Wine Night for the ladies, and is always available to host fun craft birthday parties.

Whether you’re an artist looking for a new project or a parent looking for a good way to spend a Saturday with the kids, this is a great place to head to.  No matter who you might be shopping for, you have a very good chance of finding, and possibly even making, something nice for them.  Christmas is right around the corner too, so stop on by!

Check out Color Me Clayful on Facebook!

Brian Belanger Black Friday Surprise!

Hey guys, check this out! Our very own Brian is having his very first Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! We're so dang proud of him! He's a talented artist and we cannot tell you enough to go and buy goodies from him. Some of you were lucky enough to receive his prints in our giveaway. For the rest of you, go..buy...enjoy! 

Joining the ranks of countless other online stores, Brian ‘Scar’ Belanger will be offering all minimalist prints at lowered rates this weekend.  Featured sets include Avengers, Justice League and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic at $10 off the regular price!  Individual prints will also be at a buy two get one free discount.  This sale will be going from Black Friday all the way through Cyber Monday, so take advantage and get some great gifts cheap!  Visit his pages at : http://gotrei.storenvy.com or https://www.facebook.com/GotReiArt for more information.