The latest road block is the lettering. Luke isn't sure if he has Photoshop on his computer any more, so we need to figure out a way to do lettering. And therein lies the question - where can I find a cheap copy of Photoshop or is there a similar art program which will do the lettering for less buck?
I know we've discussed lettering briefly on this blog before, and I have to say, I just don't think hiring a hand letterer is practical for a garage inc webcomic. I know lettering is increasingly becoming a lost comic book art onto itself, but I also think budding webcomics have to focus on developing a reliable update schedule. And if there's one thing I've learned about this process, it's this: stuff happens. The more streamlined the process is between the creative team, the easier it is to update when problems arise (which they always do) and outsourcing lettering can lead to more interruptions in the future.
So what is the easiest and most affordable way to complete the lettering way accurately and effectively? Is it just a question of finding the right program, or are there other options to consider?
It's something to ponder while I'm working on Yonder (pardon the horrid rhyme). Either way, I'll keep you posted on our progress as we near some big hurdles in the coming weeks.
Comments
12:31 Tue Feb 2nd, 2010
Thanks for the suggestions BDStevens.
Personally, I've tried a lettering tutorial here and there, and I totally agree with your "Harder-Than-It-Looks" assertion. I can't speak for all writer-types - Luke has slightly more knack for it because he has more art training than I do through art school a couple other things. Otherwise, yeah, I probably would consider either taking the (considerable) time to learn it or hiring a separate letterer.
21:25 Tue Feb 2nd, 2010
It must really suck to be a letterer. They're always the last to be considered, so if the budget has run out it's the first position to be cut.
23:52 Tue Feb 2nd, 2010
If you ever saw my handwriting you would know beyond a doubt why I never even considered the possibility of being a letterer. On the other hand I'm not a bad speller so there you go.
When it comes to software it took me nearly three years to learn how to do links so I don't think I'm the one you want to ask!
09:13 Wed Feb 3rd, 2010
@STURSTEIN: I understand your position - in fact I think I wrote the last half of this blog for you specifically. But it's not just about money. It's also about time. It's also about finding a process which works smoothly and can be repeated easily over and over again because - stuff will happen.
That said, having the artist do the lettering is a possibility I haven't considered. I'll look into it, but I can only see it working if it doesn't interfere with our schedule too much. We already have the artist doing a lot already.
This is what our last webcomic looked like lettering-wise. I'd appreciate your thoughts on it. We're definitely not trying to rush this or slap it together. We do want it to look good.
Thanks for the input on the software. If we go this route, I think we just want something that does the lettering - not anything too top-of-the line.
@TK: You're lucky with doctor-handwriting. I have preschooler serial killer handwriting!
16:30 Wed Feb 3rd, 2010
I really should point out that I've developed an extremely discerning eye for visuals, particularly with respect to comic books. I don't buy much these days, and what I do is by the likes of Mignola, John Buscema, and Dave Stewart. Needless to say, I spend my time examining the best of the best. Literally.
Alas, everything else I see inevitably get compared to those giants; nothing more than my own work. My point is that I'm a pretty harsh critic, and I like to see professionalism. So when I harp on it's only because I've gotten used to seeing really good work ;)
Having said that, I appreciate your position, and if I were in your shoes I'd probably choose digital lettering too. As you say, it's a way to split the duties, and it means someone else can fill in if your regular letterer doesn't have the time.
The Hector lettering isn't too bad. Comic Sans? If I were to use a supplied font from an Adobe program that'd probably be it. I prefer one called Digital Strip. It's free and available on a number of sites; just Google it. Not sure about the licencing on it, so if you plan to make any money you should check that.
One of the problems with digital lettering is that people get sick of seeing the same ones over and over again. If one of you has decent looking writing I suggest you try this: http://www.yourfonts.com/
It only costs $10, and you get your own unique digital font. It's something I've been meaning to do myself.
I'm sure any pro letterer could tell you a bunch of rules you should never break, but I don't know them. All I can suggest are do's and don'ts I've learnt from analysing pro work. And there are a couple of things I noticed in Hector which I think should be avoided. The first is balloons running off the panel (unless they're running into the next panel for a specific reason). It's not a major issue, but I think it ruins the aesthetic somewhat. If it's unavoidable, fine, but definitely don't allow the edge of the bubble to meet the edge of the panel! The last bubble in the second panel of your sample is a perfect example. I know it can sometimes be difficult to fit things in so they don't obscure the artwork, but if you can spend just a little more time trying to find an optimal solution your pages will look that much more professional. (I'm sure I don't need to tell you that, but I'll say it anyway.)
Personally, the trick I hate most is transparent balloons. The work becomes way too busy. Suddenly the lettering is fighting the image behind it for attention. And sometimes it's hard to read.
Obviously, at the end of the day, you're free to make your own choices, but I think if you can follow a few simple guidelines the work will turn out looking remarkably more professional.
I'm sure the other Zeds know a thing or two about lettering, or at least have their opinions, so hopefully some of them can elaborate on what I've said.
Sorry to give you an essay. Hopefully it's helpful :)
07:58 Thu Feb 4th, 2010
Thanks for the recommendation and reviews, STURS - it's actually just what I wanted.
I know it took Luke a while to actually learn the craft of lettering just from a digital stand-point. What I showed you was one of the later strips, since the first couple were probably pretty rough. Thanks for the pointers nonetheless though - I'll be sure to pass them along.
And also thanks for the Yourfonts.com recommendation. We were using Blambot fonts through most of "Hector!" - I'm not sure how they rank as far as lettering goes, but I liked them for the style we were going for.
Thanks again for the essay - don't apologize, STURS - it's stuff I needed to hear.
15:53 Thu Feb 4th, 2010
Glad I could be of assistance.
Those Blambot fonts are generally pretty good. I suspect that's where I got the Digital Strip.
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BDStevens
12:18 Tue Feb 2nd, 2010
Honestly, Photoshop is probably about the weakest type set program in the Adobe Creative Suite. Illustrator is probably the best for comic style lettering work. It has really clean and easy to use type tools, but also has a lot of the editing capabilities that Photoshop has on a nice, clean vector art format.
I've heard Manga Studio has some good lettering features as well.
Just curious, I know a lot of you writer types have talked about doing lettering. Is this something you guys all incidentally have experience in or is the perception that it's an easy way for a writer to chip in as part of the art team? I would definitely file type-setting... especially when the type has graphical significance (like in comics)... in the "Harder-Than-It-Looks" category. Might be worth your time to actually find a real letterer. Just sayin'