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[242] Exceeding Expectations

kawaiidaigakusei

on Nov. 23, 2007

Webcomic Creator Special
Ever wonder how I make Kawaii Daigakusei from start to finish?
No? Okay, then. I'll explain anyway.

Basic Materials
Paper:
9"x12" Strathmore Windpower vellum Bristol - it's the ecofriendly kind so I'm able to "help the environment" by using paper made with renewable energy. The irony kills me sometimes.
Pens:
Light Blue R.S.V.P Fine
Energel w/ 0.5 mm needle tip
Pilot G-2 1.0 mm

Step 1 I sketch out the idea I've been conjuring up in my head all day long into three of the four panels. It's very important that I use a light blue pen since it does not leave smear marks and it's light enough to edit out the lines during the scanning process. Notice, I jot down ideas for the final script on the edge of the page while I'm sketching.

Step 2 I outline the page with two black ink pens. I use the finer one for the eyes and bangs and the thick one for the clothes and chin lines.

Step 3 I use my photo program to edit the brightness/contrast, saturation, brightness/contrast (2nd time), blur and then resize feature. Then I copy and paste each panel to MS Paint (o.o)

Step 4 I go back to my photo program and color in the black and white areas. I start with a really light intensity as to cover the most surface area within the black outlines.

Step 5 I alternate with two programs to do the lettering. MS Paint (o.o) and my photo program. Sometimes I have a predetermined script, others depend on how I'm feeling at 9:30 PM. In the end, I upload my comic and get the finished product, to you guys, my favorite audience.