Comic Book Odds and Ends (UPDATED 3-30-2013)

[Someonesane]

For anyone who enjoys creating Comic Books/Strips, I thought I'd share some of the resources I've created for use in ArtRage Studio Pro.

(EDIT: 3-30-2013) - It was requested that I pack my Odds and Ends into an ARpack for easier installation. Meeting this request, I've also packed in some other extras, such as my personal "Pencil" Sticker Spray Presets, extra Speed Line Sticker Spray Presets, and a few other goodies. The ARpack can be downloaded here: LINK (https://www.dropbox.com/s/gsetmt16k2bsna3/Comic%20%26%20Manga%20Helper%202013.arpack?dl=0).

I'll be leaving the individual links up here, for those members who do not have a version of ArtRage that can use the ARpacks, but can use the .prs and .stk files.

__RESOURCES________________________________
♦ The following three resources were created by me, by hand, with ArtRage (Read More (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28378)):



• Ellipse Stencil 1 (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43584&d=1269915409)
• Ellipse Stencil 2 (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43585&d=1269915423)
• Protractor (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43586&d=1269915470)

♦ These next attachments may take some explaining to use, so if you have questions, ask about them, and I'll get back to you.
• Perspective Line Grid Maker (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
○ Sticker Set: 49575
○ Sticker Spray Preset: 49577

• Speed Line Generator (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
○ Sticker Set: 49576
○ Sticker Spray Presets: 49578 49579 Speed Lines NT3.prs (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49580&d=1288060625)

[Someonesane]

Okay, I only really added this post, because I ran out of attachment space on my first post and I wanted to get all the presets in there, so I attached them here, but added them to the post above (so in short, don't bother downloading the attachments at the bottom of this post, because you've already got them if you downloaded the ones above).

So this post isn't a total waste otherwise, here are some example images that make use of the resources provided in my first post:

Here's some examples of the speed lines:
49581

http://www2.ambientdesign.com/gallery/files/3/3/4/2/spider_man_b308_thumb.jpg (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=13159&c=member&imageuser=3342) http://www2.ambientdesign.com/gallery/files/3/3/4/2/sasuke_thumb.jpg (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=9011&c=member&imageuser=3342)

Here's how the Perspective Lines can be used to create a two point perspective grid:

49582

49583

[fmc]

Thank you. You are good news for Artragers

[kenmo]

Great stuff....

I was just thinking on picking up a book or two by comic legend Will Eisner...

http://books.wwnorton.com/books/book-template.aspx?ser=Will+Eisner+Instructional+Books&lastpage=4&currentpage=1

[Someonesane]

Thank you. You are good news for Artragers


No problem :cool:



Great stuff....

I was just thinking on picking up a book or two by comic legend Will Eisner...

http://books.wwnorton.com/books/book-template.aspx?ser=Will+Eisner+Instructional+Books&lastpage=4&currentpage=1


Thanks :). I was just looking (not even 20 minutes ago) at a Will Eisner Book I bought a few years back (Comics & Sequential Art by Will Eisner (http://www.amazon.com/Comics-Sequential-Art-Will-Eisner/dp/0961472812)). Very useful stuff.

[Rowena]

most useful stencils - O how I have needed perspective guidelines such as these... many thanks :D

[kenmo]

Free comic book thought and word balloons...

http://mediamilitia.com/thought-and-speech-bubbles-pack-104-free-vectors-and-images/

[Bluetabbycat]

Ah, thanks guys! Some very useful stuff here - might tempt me back into doing comics! :D

[kenmo]

I grew up on Marvel comics...Jack Kirby is still one of favs....

[Siamsa]

For anyone who enjoys creating Comic Books/Strips, I thought I'd share some of the resources I've created for use in ArtRage Studio Pro.♦ These next attachments may take some explaining to use, so if you have questions, ask about them, and I'll get back to you.

• Perspective Line Grid Maker (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
• Speed Line Generator (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
Hi Someonesane, i just downloaded your sticker set for speed lines, but when applying it I only see a sort of mikado sticks cris-crossing. I suppose I'm not doing it right, so I'll appreciate some suggestions from the creator. Thxs in advance!;)

[Someonesane]

Hi Someonesane, i just downloaded your sticker set for speed lines, but when applying it I only see a sort of mikado sticks cris-crossing. I suppose I'm not doing it right, so I'll appreciate some suggestions from the creator. Thxs in advance!;)


Hi Siamsa,

If you're seeing something like mikado sticks, then things are working fine. It's just a matter of using it to get the result you want. Basically, the Speed Line presets work in reverse (sort of). For example, if you want black speed lines, over a white background, you'll need to fill the background in with a black color, and use white when laying down the speed lines. I know, it probably sounds confusing, but once you see it working, it'll make sense. So here are the steps I normally use (for better clarity, view the following images at full screen):

51693

51694

[Siamsa]

Many many thanks for your help Someonesane. I tried and it works! Your speed lines are a powerful way to improve the expresiveness of my drawings... and your tuts are even more powerful. :)

[artsy fartsy]

can you give an overview of how to use the perspective grid sticker? how to select it.. how to place them, etc.. (like your example image)

thanks!

also-- thanks for sharing your 'supplies!' (brushes, stickers, etc)

[Someonesane]

can you give an overview of how to use the perspective grid sticker? how to select it.. how to place them, etc.. (like your example image)

Hi Artsy,

Hmm.... Well, the idea behind the Perspective Line sticker is pretty simple, and basically works like my Speed Line Presets. The idea being, one selects the Perspective Lines Preset from the Sticker Spray list, selects a vanishing point area, and then clicks and holds down the mouse button on that spot until the Spray tool has created a focus point of lines. By choosing and creating two or three vanishing points, one may then use One point, Two point, or three point perspective using those lines to create an object within that perspective grid. This may be something that is easier to display by video, rather then a written tutorial, so I'll see what I can do about making one up.


also-- thanks for sharing your 'supplies!' (brushes, stickers, etc)

Sure, no problem :cool:

[Someonesane]

Sorry for the double post, but I wanted to bump the thread up to an active area, so everyone would know that I've updated the thread with a video tutorial on how to use my Perspective Lines Sticker Spray preset. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGxW_WAMisM

[Siamsa]

SoS I see you panel your drawings with AR, could you give some suggestions to make panelling easier with the app?

[Someonesane]

SoS I see you panel your drawings with AR, could you give some suggestions to make panelling easier with the app?


Hi Siamsa,

I don't do anything that needs very much precision, so I don't really do anything fancy for my panels. Mostly I just use the Selection tool to select the areas I want to use, invert that selection, and then fill it with the Fill tool. But if it will help, here are the steps I normally take, in more detail (be sure to open the images up to full size, for better clarity).


52432

52433

52434

[kenmo]

Someonesane.... You rock...!!!!

Within the depths of your mind along with Nick Harris & Jon Hodgson there is perhaps enough know-how to author a good tutorial book on ArtRage... I know it's there....

[Siamsa]

:cool: Thans a lot SoS. I tried and it works!
Nice to have a teacher so clear & quick when answering. That's one of the good things with AR ;)
Now I suppose have to tint and color each panel in a new layer, but first I'll try if it's possible to stick he "old" paintings I made into the "new" pannelled canvas. Just to make use of the work already made.
Yummy work!:)

[dbenner11]

I am brand new to this, I apologize if this isn't the best way to contact someone,
But I read what you said to another user, in reference to stencils. It involved the way you use stencils with your cartoon drawing. I cannot figure out how to make a stencil work like a "mask" properly.
I drew a simple guy, with multiple layers, each dividing his body, clothes, hat, shoes, etc., with a pencil tool. But, when I try to make a stencil out of each layer individually (so I can do shadows like you described), all I get is a stencil of exactly the lines I drew, which doesn't allow me to add any paint except to the lines themselves.
Any advice or even a simple method would be greatly appreciated.
And sorry if this is the wrong way to post.
, Danny

[Siamsa]

The work increases to me having discovered the panel's secrets. Added to some mistakes not undone... But now I thing I 've got something more like real "comic strip". What do you think (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EVgUjof8TvlD2pe4kfeQI-U9R9eb4r4kl2Dj903WB70?feat=directlink)? (Critique accepted: it's unfinished yet but hope you get the feel of the story) ;)

[Someonesane]

I am brand new to this, I apologize if this isn't the best way to contact someone,
But I read what you said to another user, in reference to stencils. It involved the way you use stencils with your cartoon drawing. I cannot figure out how to make a stencil work like a "mask" properly.
I drew a simple guy, with multiple layers, each dividing his body, clothes, hat, shoes, etc., with a pencil tool. But, when I try to make a stencil out of each layer individually (so I can do shadows like you described), all I get is a stencil of exactly the lines I drew, which doesn't allow me to add any paint except to the lines themselves.
Any advice or even a simple method would be greatly appreciated.
And sorry if this is the wrong way to post.
, Danny

Hi Danny,

Which version of ArtRage are you using? Which version you use, will determine the easiest methods available to you. In any event, none of the versions will automatically create a 'filled' stencil, from pencil lines. I'm not sure which of my posts you read, but my normal methods usually deal with creating a new layer, and filling specific areas in using whatever tools or features will work for me. Once that's done, I'll create a stencil of that layer, which acts as a mask for shading, and highlights on separate layers. I'll sometimes use the selection tool to outline the area, and then fill it in, as well.

I can help you further, by making a tutorial or some sort later, but first I need to know which ArtRage you use, so I know what tools/features you have available.



The work increases to me having discovered the panel's secrets. Added to some mistakes not undone... But now I thing I 've got something more like real "comic strip". What do you think (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EVgUjof8TvlD2pe4kfeQI-U9R9eb4r4kl2Dj903WB70?feat=directlink)? (Critique accepted: it's unfinished yet but hope you get the feel of the story) ;)

Hi Siamsa,

Looks great! Keep it up :)

[Nureek]

Huge thank you for the perspective tool!! I'd been fiddling with different ways to get exactly that. This way better than anything I had come up with. Brilliant! :D

You're a sanity saver! Is that why you're still someone sane?

[Judith Tramayne]

Saw your video since I'm subscribed to your youtube channel and had to come over and get the stencils and sticker spray.

I love the way you teach!

Judith

[Someonesane]

Saw your video since I'm subscribed to your youtube channel and had to come over and get the stencils and sticker spray.



Thanks Judith! I like your tutorials as well. I hope you enjoy the stickers and stencils :)

[kurt_hectic]

nice try... but what if why have 15 objects in view and all of tjem have own v.p?

layersmagazine.com/illustrator-cs5-perspective-tool(dot)html


ehhhh

[Someonesane]

nice try... but what if why have 15 objects in view and all of tjem have own v.p?


I'd use the rulers, like I do when I draw with paper and pencil, or I'd create perspective line layers for each object and simply hide them when I'm not using them. That, or I'd use a program designed for sophisticated perspective work, rather then one created for painting.

[Nureek]

Someonesane, I love your perspective tool (thank you!) and have been tweaking it a bit to help speed up the creation of the grid (I get some crazy deadlines and every minute can count....and my computer is old and slow). I think I finally have a good working version to share. The image below just took two quick clicks.

See attached (let me know if I missed any of the required files...there is the sticker sheet and the preset)

Best way I've found to use this is to place one perspective sticker in the middle of the sheet and then move it to the location of your vanishing point. Repeat for any further vanishing points and line up the blue horizon lines.

Next I'm gonna try to see if it's possible to tweak the lines to correctly recede into space and create a true to life receding grid to draw on. Any help!? :)

[Nureek]

I think I sussed out a receding perspective sticker. 1 and 2 point.

[suffolkgal]

For anyone who enjoys creating Comic Books/Strips, I thought I'd share some of the resources I've created for use in ArtRage Studio Pro.

__RESOURCES________________________________
♦ The following three resources were created by me, by hand, with ArtRage (Read More (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28378)):


• Ellipse Stencil 1 (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43584&d=1269915409)
• Ellipse Stencil 2 (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43585&d=1269915423)
• Protractor (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43586&d=1269915470)

♦ These next attachments may take some explaining to use, so if you have questions, ask about them, and I'll get back to you.
• Perspective Line Grid Maker (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
○ Sticker Set: 49575
○ Sticker Spray Preset: 49577

• Speed Line Generator (Sticker Spray Preset and Sticker):
○ Sticker Set: 49576
○ Sticker Spray Presets: 49578 49579 Speed Lines NT3.prs (http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49580&d=1288060625)





I came across your Perspective sticker spray via youtube and realised you were on this forum too. It's a brilliant tool but I am not sure how to put it on my copy of studio pro. Would you mind explaining how? I tried putting it in 'stickers' but it has just come up blank. Computers and me don't really mix lol.

Thank You :)

[Someonesane]

I came across your Perspective sticker spray via youtube and realised you were on this forum too. It's a brilliant tool but I am not sure how to put it on my copy of studio pro. Would you mind explaining how? I tried putting it in 'stickers' but it has just come up blank. Computers and me don't really mix lol.

Thank You :)

Hi Suffolkgal, and welcome to the forums :)

I've just posted a video for you, starting with downloading the files from the thread, to importing them into ArtRage. You can watch it HERE (http://youtu.be/mTNqen3lXS8).

[suffolkgal]

That was perfect, thank you very much for taking the time to do that :)

[suffolkgal]

I do have a slight problem...the cursor disappears as soon as I try to use it on the canvas...it's everywhere else on the screen except on the canvas. It does start when I apply it but I can't see where that actually is until it starts lol

[Someonesane]

I do have a slight problem...the cursor disappears as soon as I try to use it on the canvas...it's everywhere else on the screen except on the canvas. It does start when I apply it but I can't see where that actually is until it starts lol

It's probably because you have your Cursor set up to use Outline. Since you've seen my video on using the perspective sticker, you might recall my mentioning that you'll want to switch the Cursor over to its Precise mode, while using the Perspective Sticker Spray Preset (about 50 seconds into the video, shown here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OGxW_WAMisM#t=50s). What you'll want to do is go to Edit > ArtRage Preferences, open the Cursors group, select Precise, and then click OK to accept the change. You'll then have a small cross hair for a cursor, which you may use to accurately place your vanishing points. When you get the chance, you might want to think about making shortcuts for the cursor options, so you can do it on the fly in the future (that might need another tutorial, ;)).

[suffolkgal]

It's probably because you have your Cursor set up to use Outline. Since you've seen my video on using the perspective sticker, you might recall my mentioning that you'll want to switch the Cursor over to its Precise mode, while using the Perspective Sticker Spray Preset (about 50 seconds into the video, shown here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OGxW_WAMisM#t=50s). What you'll want to do is go to Edit > ArtRage Preferences, open the Cursors group, select Precise, and then click OK to accept the change. You'll then have a small cross hair for a cursor, which you may use to accurately place your vanishing points. When you get the chance, you might want to think about making shortcuts for the cursor options, so you can do it on the fly in the future (that might need another tutorial, ;)).

Aha! Yes, I did indeed miss that bit in my note taking. Thank you again :)

[kevphil]

Someonesane (I knew there had to be one still left out there)

I really loved your "Skull" tutorial on YouTube and was wondering if the custom papers you used were available for download? I'm sure it was a lot of work, and I can understand if you don't want to let go of them, but just thot I'd ask... :D

Again, thanks for your watercolor tut!

_kevin

[Someonesane]

Someonesane (I knew there had to be one still left out there)

I really loved your "Skull" tutorial on YouTube and was wondering if the custom papers you used were available for download? I'm sure it was a lot of work, and I can understand if you don't want to let go of them, but just thot I'd ask... :D

Again, thanks for your watercolor tut!

_kevin

Welcome to the ArtRage forums Kevin :cool:. I'm glad you found my watercolor tutorial enjoyable. I do have the canvas textures I used in that tutorial kicking around someplace here, but I figure it'd be easier to do via the package file now, so I've gone ahead and packed them up for you. Just download the ARpack from the link below, and then double click on it to have it begin the installation process for ArtRage. I've made the package with AR4, so if you're using AR Studio or Studio Pro it may not work. If not, let me know here and I'll set you up with them another way.


Click Here to Download

74603 (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/27387217/Watercolor%20Canvas%20Textures.arpack)

[hypotaxis]

Great canvases! Thanks Gaeton.

Brett

[Someonesane]

Great canvases! Thanks Gaeton.

Brett

No problem Brett. Hope you get some good use out of them :cool:.

[justjean]

Thanks SOS, I've grab them also :)

[Someonesane]

Thanks SOS, I've grab them also :)

You're welcome, and enjoy :D.

[Armoured]

Hi Someonesane,
Please to simplify the installation of your Comic Books tools can you insert these in an ArtRage 4 package? :)
Thanks.

[Someonesane]

Hi Someonesane,
Please to simplify the installation of your Comic Books tools can you insert these in an ArtRage 4 package? :)
Thanks.

Hello Armoured,

I've gathered the Odds and Ends I posted here and packed them into a an ARpack for you. I've included some other items I made in the pack as well (such as Sticker Spray Presets I've made for emulating sketch pencils, additional Speed Line Spray presets, and the like). The pack can be downloaded here: LINK (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/27387217/Comic%20%26%20Manga%20Helper%202013.arpack) (Note: The Watercolor Canvas' are not included within this pack, because they weren't intended for the Comic and Manga Helper section. If you wish to use those, you'll need to download the ARpack for them, in my previous post).

[Armoured]

Hello Armoured,

I've gathered the Odds and Ends I posted here and packed them into a an ARpack for you. I've included some other items I made in the pack as well (such as Sticker Spray Presets I've made for emulating sketch pencils, additional Speed Line Spray presets, and the like). The pack can be downloaded here: LINK (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/27387217/Comic%20%26%20Manga%20Helper%202013.arpack) (Note: The Watercolor Canvas' are not included within this pack, because they weren't intended for the Comic and Manga Helper section. If you wish to use those, you'll need to download the ARpack for them, in my previous post).

Thanks again Someonesane ;)

[Speedy]

Thank you so much!

[tomatogoatee]

Is there any chance to get an updated link to the arpack? I used the crap out of these tools, but got a new tablet and didn't save the arpack from the old one. When I came here to get it, the link is dead. :(

[tomatogoatee]

Disregard. I was lucky enough to find I had saved it in one of my Google Drive accounts.

[Someonesane]

Disregard. I was lucky enough to find I had saved it in one of my Google Drive accounts.

Hi Tomatogoatee,

Sorry for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, I've been very busy and haven't had the chance to frequent the forums as much I would like. I'm glad you have enjoyed the arpack and have managed to locate a copy to use. In the event that you should find yourself needing it again, please know that I have now updated the Download Link (https://www.dropbox.com/s/gsetmt16k2bsna3/Comic%20%26%20Manga%20Helper%202013.arpack?dl=0), so it should be active again.