Comics 101: What program should I use to create comics?

My friend, Jae, just shot me this question last night after I went to bed.  Actually it was in regards to her son starting to make comics but the way I wrote it above is easier for illustrative purposes here. 

I’ve answered her already in brief, but it really is such a great question that I realize I haven’t directly addressed it.  I’ve indirectly answered it between all my random word vomit on Patreon, but let’s make it easier than my ramblings with a new directed ramble.

In short, start with Clip Studio.  You can use it for nearly every aspect of creating a comic and it’s inexpensive.  If you want to draw digitally there are wonderful tools to make that happen easier and quicker 

Including perspective tools to make sure you’re accurate, simple and easy 3D figures to help you place, pose, and get scale accurate to draw over if you choose to use them, the inking features in it (I’m told) are extraordinary, there are tools to help you draw your panels, the lettering features were what I was using to letter SAVAGE SASQUANAUT issues 1 and 2 myself before McLain took over, and more I’m sure I don’t know about or that I’m forgetting.

If I were to start making comics in this day and age, having never made comics before, this is my one-stop shop of choice.

Next up would be the suite of programs offered by AFFINITY, which has a Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign set of analog programs.  Affinity Publisher (InDesign analog) is what I use for prepress on my comic for my printer.

It’s now easier and cheaper than ever to utilize the computer to help you make comics.  All those programs routinely go on sale and are inexpensive to start with.

Other than Affinity Publisher, I personally do NOT use any of them.  I have Clip Studio and used it for lettering, but I hired out that job now so I don’t make use of it any longer.  I know that ADI GRANOV has recently posted that he has completely switched to using Clip Studio and has “cut the cord” on Photoshop altogether.

I’m still stuck in Photoshop.  Currently, my brain’s bandwidth is too full and muddy to TRULY learn these other new, arguably superior, programs.  The little one occupies most of my time as you all know, and the limited time I have to work can’t be used to stumble along for hour after hour over days to do the same work I could have done in moments in Photoshop.

Photoshop is an incredibly POWERFUL tool that can do many many things. 

BUT… 

It’s crazy expensive to start with, especially now that they REQUIRE you have the creative cloud, so you’ll be spending about $500 a year for the pleasure.  I’m still using CS6, the last version before they went to Creative Cloud, it is years outdated but it works wonderfully, I paid for it ONCE, and I don’t have to worry about new “updates” from Adobe breaking my primary tools like they did last year to the lasso tool.

In all honesty, I cannot recommend Photoshop any longer to anyone.  Let alone someone wanting to make a comic.

I’ve been using PS for over 20 years now, pretty much daily.  In PS I do not have to think. Keyboard shortcuts and the tools are extensions of my thought process now, I know how to get what I want most time.  And when everything is on a time crunch that’s incredibly important.

I want to learn Clip Studio.  I’ve tried a few times.  The user interface is so different than PS that I struggle with it.  It would my much easier to go in knowing nothing than trying to adapt from one program to another.  That seems to be my experience anyway.  Same for PAINTER.

I’m sure I could learn it, but it will take time.  And I’d have to go cold turkey. No PS available and only Clip Studio.  Then I could do that.  But I can’t bring myself to do that. I have a lot invested in PS. There are tools, brushes, actions, and whatnot that I’ve made and bought that have also become part of my workflow. All of which are exclusive to PS, they don’t transfer. I know one day I’ll have to give them up or give in to the Creative Cloud. Neither option is particularly a good thought to me, so I delay and put it off.  

Start and stick with Clip Studio.  Don’t waste your time and money on Photoshop.  It’s too bloated and expensive and now with the Creative Cloud you are forced to be and stay online any and all the time you work.  Internet goes out?  Tough, no work for you!  

Can you tell I have a love-hate relationship with PS?  I LOVE PS.  It’s like alcohol.  It can be used for positive and healthy things, but it can destroy everything too, haha.

comics101