How to Finish Your Comic!
It is easier said than done to finish your comic. A multitude of things might get in the way of its completion. These could be laziness, distractions, boredom, a lack of time, or poor planning. But no need to give up; you can certainly complete your comic!
If you have not yet started your comic, you may want to read my comprehensive guide on making a webcomic first.
Determine the Amount of Work
First, decide how many pages you must draw to finish your comic. If you have not already finished your script, do so now. This will help you determine how many panels you must still draw. Next, make a list of any extra work that needs to be done for the comic, like making a cover, setting up print files, or creating merchandise. Now you know exactly what steps to take in order to complete your comic.
Sometimes, the amount of work remaining might feel overwhelming. You may find yourself with the common mistake of planning a comic that is just too big. But do not go on hiatus or quit; you will only disappoint your fans and yourself. Instead, simply scale back the scope of your comic, and shorten the story to something you can more realistically complete.
Set a Time Frame
The next task to help you complete your comic, involves making a schedule. Start by printing off a free calendar to help you plan what days you will work on your comic. Then, write down how much time you will spend or what tasks you will do on those days. Try not to set unachievable goals, like drawing three pages in a day. Also, remember to leave room for breaks so the amount of work left to do does not become overwhelming.
Avoid Perfectionism
Another tip to help you finish your comic is to not dwell on the details. Try not to redo pages or waste time fixing little things. Also, remember that readers will likely only glance at each page for a few seconds. They will not notice if that one guy in the back has a wonky shoe. So, try to find a balance between fixing every minute detail and being sloppy. As well-known artist, Jake Parker, recommends on his YouTube, make work that is finished, not perfect. After all, it is better to have a 90% perfect comic, than one that you never complete.
Work Efficiently
An additional way to help you finish your comic is to streamline your working process. This involves using the techniques of an assembly line, such as creating a set sequence of steps and not switching from task to task, in order to create a large mass quickly.
For example, when working on your comic, find all the references images you will need for the next bunch of pages. Then, when trying to layout pages you will not get sidetracked on Google or Pinterest and waste time. Another example is to set up a template file for your comic pages. Then, you will not waste time trying to remember what dimensions the page are, setting up the margins, setting up the text style, or creating and naming all the layers you will need.
So, try to find shortcuts like these that you can apply to your own comic in order to cut time, work faster, and finish you comic!
Make it Fun
As we all know, time flies when you are having fun. That is why it is super important to make working on your comic a fun task! Here are some ways to make finishing your comic a faster and more enjoyable process.
For one, you can change up your working environment. Pack up your equipment and head to a cafe, a friend’s place, or even a different room in your house. The new atmosphere will make for a refreshing change of pace while working on your comic.
Secondly, you can find some background noise to play as you work on your comic. Play some “draw with me” videos on YouTube in the background, listen to a live-stream, find a podcast to play, or ask your fellow comic creators what tunes they like to listen to as they work.
Thirdly, you can set rewards for yourself if you finish drawing a page. For example, take a walk outside, make something yummy to drink, or read some comics.
A fourth way to make working on your comic fun is to share your progress online. Posting your art online might just bring joy to someone’s day, which will uplift you as well.
Fight Fatigue & Laziness
Sometimes, you may feel too tired or too lazy to work on finishing your comic. Here are some ways to fight off these problems.
First, you can ask people to hold you accountable in regards to working on your comic. For example, you can inform your fellow comic creators, friends, or family members of your goal to finish a comic, and let them know you need their help to make sure you stay on schedule.
Second, you can set challenges for yourself to spend “x” amount of time working on your comic. Completing the challenges you set will bring you happiness and confidence, and thus you will find motivation to work towards those goals.
Thirdly, avoid distractions, (like starting new comics, multitasking, social media, and television), while working on your comic. Try to only do these things if you are staying on track with your comic schedule or as a break.
Finally, making a comic takes a long time. You may get sick of drawing the same characters over and over, feel tired of drawing in the same style, feel like your art is not improving, not like how the pages are turning out, feel bored of the storyline, or just want to make something new and better. But this is just a season. For right now, learn everything you possibly can from making your current comic. That way, when you make a new project you will avoid making the same mistakes. So fight the fatigue a little longer, because eventually, you will go on to draw new characters, write better stories, and draw more appealing pages.
You Can Finish a Comic!
Determine the amount of work you need to do, set a time frame, do not be a perfectionist, work efficiently, make working on your comic fun, and do not submit to the fatigue. Then, your comic will be done in no time. You will be free to work on new and even greater projects. And most importantly, you will have a finished a work of art that you and others will cherish for years to come!
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