How to Set up a UNIVERSAL Page template for a COMIC STRIP

If you've always wanted to draw comics that look slick and professional-either to show off to friends and family, or to seriously "push" toward publication... then this article will hopefully answer some questions surrounding many of the mysteries of getting started.
Comics, comic strips, graphic novels...all pretty much deal with the same content, but with different format sizes as well as borders, bleeds, gutters, trim and page requirements- which should be considered when mapping out a strip or a page.
In this article, I will discuss the borders and sizes commonly used in a universal-size/format comic page.I will also give some pointers on how to mass-produce a template, without having to spend a ton of money in the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good set of drawing pencils-not too heavy/dark ( I recommend using a .07mm mechanical pencil with a soft lead-this doesn't leave too deep an impression in the paper/board, and erases without much of
• Drawing paper AT LEAST 12x18 (11x14 is good, too)
• Masking tape to secure your work to your work surface
• A GOOD "T" SQUARE for lining up your work, measuring and making cuts ( if necessary)
• I suggest a METAL t square.
• Fine point BLACK Permanent markers -Something with a Fine Point (Sharpie, Rapidiograph, Staedtler-Mars...all are good)-use your judgment and personal preferrence.
• a notebook to record your ideas
• a good scanner large enough to fit your work without too much altering.
• a good selection of erasers
• a dust brush to keep your work surface clean
• black India ink and an assortment of brushes

1. 
    

   The easiest way to decide what type of format to use to complete your work is to study the medium you're working in. For example, like i said in the intro., we're going to focus on a good ol' fashioned comic book page. To get specific sizes, border cuts,or a rough estimate of how big/small you should make your panels...I would say to just pick up a comic book and a ruler and measure it out (Width and length).

2. 
    

   For this exercise, we'll be adhering to the standard size of contemporary comics. graphic novels may appear to be similar in size, but can vary, depending upon the publisher, the company, and/or the artist's artistic vision-so, we'll just ignore them for the time being and focus on the monthly comic.Comics (the monthly one's)almost always measure in at roughly 6 3/4"W x 10"H.From here we'll need to begin to make a few decisions.

3. 
    

   Now, there are a few things to decide at this point. Are you going to work actual size or are you going to work larger and have the work reduced later on, in order to fit the format of the page? Many cartoonists and comic artists ( myself included)may choose to work larger in order to develop details and character nuances, and then reduce the work down to fit the format-other artists may choose to work actual size (that is, the actual size of each panel/page)and not have to worry about reducing/enlarging their work. I wouldn't recommend opting for the latter, unless you have a very steady hand and aren't too much of a "detail-oriented" artist. *The reason I say this is because too much detail, when compressed or shrunk down, will turn into one big blotch of mush, probably not what you intended.

[CaseyCarlton]

on 2/4/2009 Good article. 5 stars

[Colonna]

on 1/30/2009 for some reason, the remaining steps and so on for this article did not go through. I apologize for leaving you hanging, and intend on adding the finishing touches later on today!