These pages were drawn in the 1980′s as part of a 120 page graphic novel. I recall being conflicted by criticism that my style was too pretty, and I briefly adopted a harder edged look. This was a mistake.
Later, when I began self publishing, I tried to soften the hard ink edges, and give the book a more holistic style. This was tricky. The original GN’s were printed in color, which required further revision to the inks for black and white reproduction.
This week’s pages showed some improvement in the art, compared to last week, anyway.
I think ink is tricky. I tried it for the first time on Saturday night, and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Softening hard ink edges, I cannot fathom. My respect for your skills has reached new heights.
Aw, shucks.
I love trying new looks and styles, but there’s a sequence in the middle of the first installment (this one) where, as I said, I bowed to criticism of my work and introduced hard edges to the art.
I also rejected earlier pressure to ink with a brush. Almost all of my inking is with a pen. I don’t think any of my published work is done with a brush.
VT: “Softening hard ink edges, I cannot fathom.”
That’s the problem I have inking with pens, which is why I much prefer inking with a brush.
Inking with a brush is a pita. Inking with a dip pen is nasty. Oops. Ink splotch. argh! Inking with a cartridge G pen (sorta a caligraphy pen, but not quite, used in Manga) is also a pita, but better. Technical pens are easiest, but it is just as easy to break a nib. It also depends on which technical pens you use as well. I’ve gone through hundreds. I now have to keep my supplies practically under lock and key to keep them safe from curious kids who might have the talent as well.