Making comics

Posted in Tumblr on June 18, 2016.

Some parts of this blog will be different if you’re not into Garry’s Mod comics but you’re interested in learning the process. It doesn’t necessarily need to be about Garry’s Mod comics at all.

Writing

An idea usually pops in my head when I want to think of something inane or crazy. Sometimes I don’t write the idea down in a Word Document, so I just let the idea fester in my mind for months to years. Sometimes I do write it, which does immensely help with the creative process. Otherwise, when I’m in Garry’s Mod doing the posing, I just bunny hop around the map thinking of what other scene to create.

If you’re a first time comic writer, Jimmy Palmiotti (look him up) told me at a con that it’s best to write about situations you yourself have been in. His advice reminded me of how Fight Club was written when the author was mugged and none of his co-workers would want to mention his bruised face.

Workshop

One of the best things about Garry’s Mod and Source Filmmaker is the modding capability. Thanks to it, I could create comics based on third-party properties like Mario or Halo.

I went through at least two computers because of all the crap I had in my Garry’s Mod folder. I think my PC couldn’t handle it all, so I had to keep upgrading or get an entirely new PC. Don’t install too much and uninstall said stuff when you’re done with it.

Scene setting

Most of the time, I pick maps people are familiar with because they know the layout. I like to think that when they read the comic, they’re within the same map with the character. It helps to immerse them a bit more. Don’t let it discourage you from using custom maps. I also found it to be 10000x better than pre-installed maps since map creators create some great looking areas.

I always add in some props to help set the scene otherwise it would look empty without it.

Posing in Garry’s Mod

It takes time and a lot of patience if you want the characters to pose in an expressive manner. Depending on the ragdoll, there might be a bunch of restrictions to get it posed into your vision. Sometimes I use a little trick where I spawn a small item and weld it to a specific limb so I can pose it in the correct area.

I get a lot of criticism for my poses for being too stiff, but I don’t believe that since some panels don’t really require something really expressive. If you look at other comics, sometimes they reuse the same illustration of a character standing like nothing.

Editing

GIMP is a free photo-editing programs.

This isn’t something you’ll learn with overnight. It’s almost like riding a bicycle, so you’ll get the hang of it.

I honestly don’t think of a comic layout until I’m done with taking photos in Garry’s Mod.

Dealing with criticism

There are two types of criticisms:

• Helpful.
  
• Toxic.

What I’ve typically seen with Youtubers and celebrities lately is that they want to shut themselves away from people. This is because the content creators notice toxicity more than legitimate helpful criticism.

You will get a bunch of assholes who would want to put you down for no discernible reason. I get really upset if their criticism/opinion lacks any sort of support or weight to it (ex. your crap sucks, DevArt quality tier).

People will make fun of you if you attempt to talk about it with them. You can either be the mature guy in this scenario or treat those people the same way they’re treating you. You’re just there to make entertaining content and if people are being rude to you about it, then you can do your best to ignore them.

No idea where to go on from here

When I first began, I was mainly naive and firmly believe that my work would be a viral internet hit.

I still think that whenever I make a new comic. I want to each of my work to be great to read for myself and any reader. I want them to come back to it in five years and get entertained all over again.

 There will be a lot of bumps in the road. Some people will be assholes to you. But if you’ll continue to do what you love without stopping, then I’m sure you’ll make it.