School Nights

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#38 Red Roses & Blue Violets

Evil Emperor Nick

on Aug. 30, 2007

Today's page is by NS regular Arya. Hurray!

Remember NS needs artists to keep going. If you want to draw a page PQ either myself or Amy and we will send you the script for a page.

I'm trying to read more comics on the Duck lately. I've found the more I immerse myself in comics the easier it is write for them. It is interesting to see how other people deal wish issues like background or reusing art elements without being boring. I tend to be fairly critical however so I usually don't comment unless I feel I have something important to say or I'm such a fan of the comic I can overlook its flaws.

I know some people are huge on that tear people down to help them get better mentality but that is a load of crap. Most people go through phases. When we are starting out we stink and deep down we know it but we really want to believe we are bringing something special to the table. Why? Because at that point what most people really need is practice, practice, practice. Most new artists can't actually act on the advice given to them and simply need to learn by doing. Most people start a comic to test the waters and at that point encouragement goes a long way. At that point suggestions are a lot more helpful the crits. In my experience criticism has it place, and that when someone has gotten to the point of trying to refine their style rather then establish the basics. At that point criticism is a good and healthy thing most people need to hear. There is a rule of management that you should say 10 good things about your workers for every 1 thing you say that is critical. (Seriously I am not making that up.) Because people take your advice much more seriously if they think you value them and really are saying something to help them improve as opposed to just trying to make them work harder or build yourself up. The same I feel is true of comics, you really need tend positive comments for each critical one or it can become very demoralizing and once you loose your momentum making comics goes from being difficult but fun to a second job you don't get paid or thanked for. When that happens suddenly it seems very hard to find the time to work on your comic. So remember that readers when you find a new comic.