At last–the first guide to drawing comics digitally! Artists! Gain incredible superpowers...with the help of your computer! The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics shows how to give up pencil, pen, and paper and start drawing dynamic, exciting comics art entirely with computer tools. Author Freddie E Williams is one of DC Comics' hottest artists and a leader in digital penciling and inking–and here, in clear, step-by-step directions, he guides readers through every part of the digital process, from turning on the computer to finishing a digital file of fully inked comic art, ready for print. Creating a template, sketching on the computer, penciling, and finally inking digitally are all covered in depth, along with bold, timesaving shortcuts created by Williams, tested by years of trial and error. Step into the digital age, streamline the drawing process, and leap over the limitations of mere physical drawing materials with The DC Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics.
The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics
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Editorial Reviews
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I have seen other artists use programs such as Manga Studio, Corel Painter, and Adobe Illustrator to draw their comics. These are all fine choices, but Adobe Photoshop is the primary program I use when digitally illustrating comic books, and it's the program I use in this book. Although I go in-depth in this book about how to create comics digitally, this is not a how-to or step-by-step book on the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop itself. Instead, this book is targeted at intermediate to advanced users of Photoshop, so if you are unfamiliar with it or any other computer programs I refer to, I highly recommend that you look on line for in-depth tutorials, purchase one of the many books on the subject, or even take an introductory course in using Photoshop.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
63 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was excited when I first learned about this book coming out because it's difficult for me to set up a normal artist's station in my house. Not knowing who this Freddie Williams guy was, I ended up going to his website and checking him out. It was here that I first became dismayed.
His website has a section labeled "DigiArt Quick Tools," in which one can find several Photoshop tools Freddie has available. These include several variations of his MasterPage file, which tend to cost a little bit of money (the bundle pack that gives you all the Master Pages runs I think about $125). I also noticed a blurb in which Freddie mentions that an entire section of the upcoming book is devoted to the Master Page. I immediately started thinking that the book was going to end up being a $15 commercial for the various tools he has to offer.
Never have I been so glad to be so dead wrong.
The section on Master Pages walks you through the process of making your own Master Page, and while he mentions his website, he never tells the reader to go buy anything. Instead, he teaches you how to do it yourself. In fact, there's only one thing that Freddie tells the reader to download, and that's the perspective tool that he created... and its free (as is a generic version of the Master Page, if you don't want to make your own or pay money for a company-specific Page).
As far as the rest of the book goes, it was a massive wake-up call in regards to realizing how powerful and how fast creating sequential artwork on the computer is. In fact, it seems that Freddie's main goal is to get the reader to create better artwork, faster, and he constantly discusses ways to make your work faster and more streamlined.
Be warned, though... this is NOT a "how to draw" book. If you don't know how to draw, this book won't be that helpful to you. This book is more accurately described as a "how to use the computer to draw" book. Additionally, if you don't know how to do any basic drawing in Photoshop, you might want to learn, quick. I have a very basic understanding of how to draw and paint with Photoshop, and this book has my mind racing with all the possibilities I have available to me now. Be prepared to think and imagine when you read the book.
Not every aspect of Freddie's work method will work for everyone, and he acknowledges fact. He describes his methods to the reader, and for key areas offers alternative paths for the reader to take that may be more comfortable for the reader.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did. Did I learn anything from this book? Almost every step of the way. Would I recommend this book to the serious hobbyist or the artist getting into the comics field? Without a doubt and with no reservations, yes!!!!
His website has a section labeled "DigiArt Quick Tools," in which one can find several Photoshop tools Freddie has available. These include several variations of his MasterPage file, which tend to cost a little bit of money (the bundle pack that gives you all the Master Pages runs I think about $125). I also noticed a blurb in which Freddie mentions that an entire section of the upcoming book is devoted to the Master Page. I immediately started thinking that the book was going to end up being a $15 commercial for the various tools he has to offer.
Never have I been so glad to be so dead wrong.
The section on Master Pages walks you through the process of making your own Master Page, and while he mentions his website, he never tells the reader to go buy anything. Instead, he teaches you how to do it yourself. In fact, there's only one thing that Freddie tells the reader to download, and that's the perspective tool that he created... and its free (as is a generic version of the Master Page, if you don't want to make your own or pay money for a company-specific Page).
As far as the rest of the book goes, it was a massive wake-up call in regards to realizing how powerful and how fast creating sequential artwork on the computer is. In fact, it seems that Freddie's main goal is to get the reader to create better artwork, faster, and he constantly discusses ways to make your work faster and more streamlined.
Be warned, though... this is NOT a "how to draw" book. If you don't know how to draw, this book won't be that helpful to you. This book is more accurately described as a "how to use the computer to draw" book. Additionally, if you don't know how to do any basic drawing in Photoshop, you might want to learn, quick. I have a very basic understanding of how to draw and paint with Photoshop, and this book has my mind racing with all the possibilities I have available to me now. Be prepared to think and imagine when you read the book.
Not every aspect of Freddie's work method will work for everyone, and he acknowledges fact. He describes his methods to the reader, and for key areas offers alternative paths for the reader to take that may be more comfortable for the reader.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did. Did I learn anything from this book? Almost every step of the way. Would I recommend this book to the serious hobbyist or the artist getting into the comics field? Without a doubt and with no reservations, yes!!!!
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
By Eric
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is my edit as of 4/08/13
Be aware you guys that even though this is a good book and great for those artists using Photoshop for comic book work, honestly I've completely converted over to Manga Studio EX and don't recommend using Photoshop as your main software for comic books or illustration. Manga Studio EX bypasses most of the complications of using certain Photoshop tools for hand drawn tablet art. Manga Studio EX is made for the hand drawn artist, and specifically for comic book work, not for photography like Photoshop. Photoshop is still a good program for certain coloring tasks and touch-ups, but Manga Studio is made for the artist and the difference os obvious. For drawing, inking, and coloring hand drawn tablet artwork Manga Studio has much superior and/or tools than anything Adobe has to offer in this area. So with that said, I can't recommend this book with the same enthusiasm as before because half the book focuses on getting around the problems of using Photoshop, and honestly Adobe should have fixed these problems with selections, scaling, and combining vector/raster into a single program long LONG ago. Manga Studio combines both vector and raster illustration options, along with excellent 3D support and new painting and coloring options as well. It's also a lot cheaper and much, much faster than anything Adobe has to offer. Please know that I was skeptical about using Manga Studio for a long time, but I finally tried it out and now I don't use anything else when doing comic book or illustration work.
Here is the rest of my former review...
This is an excellent, excellent book, truly..
But with that said I felt it would be helpful for you guys to know whether you really are ready for this book. This is an advanced book for generally competent comic book artists who are aspiring to move into a digital work flow. This book will not teach you how to draw. If you have never used Photoshop or are just getting started with it and aren't familiar with a Wacom tablet, this book is probably a solid two years away from being really helpful to you. I've been a graphic designer for more than ten years and I actually found a couple of challenges with new tricks I gleaned from using this book.
Something else I'm going to mention that might seem obvious but you might not be thinking about when purchasing this book is that in order to follow through with setting up your digital work station, there is a good chance you'll need to spend some bucks, possibly a lot of bucks depending on what kind of system you have and whether you already own Photoshop and a Wacom tablet etc. Oh, and you'll need your RAM to be up to snuff.
For newer and intermediate guys I would give some added advice: If you are still really working on your drawing and anatomy skills, you will learn to draw better and faster by pouring through sketchbooks than by trying to learn how to draw strictly through the use of a Wacom tablet. A tablet will help you to be much more efficient in the production end of your drawing, but its not ideal as an art learning tool to really tighten skills. Some people might disagree, but most artists I've talked to, and from my own experience, the learning part really works best with a sketchbook.
All that aside, this is an almost perfect book for moving into digital drawing and comic book illustration. Freddie does a stellar job of really mapping out the process and helping you to set up your files and templates. It has excellent explanations and for the most part is very clear. In it's category, I couldn't recommend it more.
Be aware you guys that even though this is a good book and great for those artists using Photoshop for comic book work, honestly I've completely converted over to Manga Studio EX and don't recommend using Photoshop as your main software for comic books or illustration. Manga Studio EX bypasses most of the complications of using certain Photoshop tools for hand drawn tablet art. Manga Studio EX is made for the hand drawn artist, and specifically for comic book work, not for photography like Photoshop. Photoshop is still a good program for certain coloring tasks and touch-ups, but Manga Studio is made for the artist and the difference os obvious. For drawing, inking, and coloring hand drawn tablet artwork Manga Studio has much superior and/or tools than anything Adobe has to offer in this area. So with that said, I can't recommend this book with the same enthusiasm as before because half the book focuses on getting around the problems of using Photoshop, and honestly Adobe should have fixed these problems with selections, scaling, and combining vector/raster into a single program long LONG ago. Manga Studio combines both vector and raster illustration options, along with excellent 3D support and new painting and coloring options as well. It's also a lot cheaper and much, much faster than anything Adobe has to offer. Please know that I was skeptical about using Manga Studio for a long time, but I finally tried it out and now I don't use anything else when doing comic book or illustration work.
Here is the rest of my former review...
This is an excellent, excellent book, truly..
But with that said I felt it would be helpful for you guys to know whether you really are ready for this book. This is an advanced book for generally competent comic book artists who are aspiring to move into a digital work flow. This book will not teach you how to draw. If you have never used Photoshop or are just getting started with it and aren't familiar with a Wacom tablet, this book is probably a solid two years away from being really helpful to you. I've been a graphic designer for more than ten years and I actually found a couple of challenges with new tricks I gleaned from using this book.
Something else I'm going to mention that might seem obvious but you might not be thinking about when purchasing this book is that in order to follow through with setting up your digital work station, there is a good chance you'll need to spend some bucks, possibly a lot of bucks depending on what kind of system you have and whether you already own Photoshop and a Wacom tablet etc. Oh, and you'll need your RAM to be up to snuff.
For newer and intermediate guys I would give some added advice: If you are still really working on your drawing and anatomy skills, you will learn to draw better and faster by pouring through sketchbooks than by trying to learn how to draw strictly through the use of a Wacom tablet. A tablet will help you to be much more efficient in the production end of your drawing, but its not ideal as an art learning tool to really tighten skills. Some people might disagree, but most artists I've talked to, and from my own experience, the learning part really works best with a sketchbook.
All that aside, this is an almost perfect book for moving into digital drawing and comic book illustration. Freddie does a stellar job of really mapping out the process and helping you to set up your files and templates. It has excellent explanations and for the most part is very clear. In it's category, I couldn't recommend it more.
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am reviewing this as a working comics creator who has read almost every comics how-to book under the sun...
Buzzboy Trouble in ParadiseBuzzboy Volume 2: Monsters, Dreams, & Milkshakes
I've grown up reading how-to books for comics since the age old "How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way"-- whichas a twelve year old, blew my mind. "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud brought the unique concepts behind comics to the forefront, and as I prepared to launch my professional career in comics, it helped give me a set of mental tools to focus on storytelling that I still use to this day. But Freddie E Williams II has written and illustrated The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics as a book that focuses on the draftsmanship and technical tools that will help define comics through the 21st century.
Written in a friendly, easy-to-understand style, Mr. Williams leaves the basic discussions on HOW TO DRAW, and assumes the reader already has enough books on that. This book really focuses on creating comics in either a completely digital way, or (addressing most traditional artists' fears) creating comics as a hybrid between the computer and the hand drawn comics in a variety of ways that can cater to one's strengths. I have always been a writer/penciller, and can only describe my own inking as though I inked with a chocolate bar instead of a brush. When I picked up the book, I immediately went to the Inking section, and immediately found the methods to be completely within my technical abilities in Photoshop (a must have, along with a wacom or cintiq tablet for the methods described). And while I have over 15 years experience with Photoshop, Williams really makes this a doable thing for anyone who takes the time to learn just a few of the tools in Photoshop.
Other topics that surprised me for their ease and flexibility include the sections on creating backgrounds, working from a library of art for warping to fit perspective and placement, and other items that caused a few "Why didn't I think of that?" moments.
Whether you draw funny animals, super heroes, or manga, I highly recommend this book to anyone that is ready to delve into the process of creating comics in what can ultimately be a more efficient, flexible, and ultimately more creative way.
Buzzboy Trouble in ParadiseBuzzboy Volume 2: Monsters, Dreams, & Milkshakes
I've grown up reading how-to books for comics since the age old "How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way"-- whichas a twelve year old, blew my mind. "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud brought the unique concepts behind comics to the forefront, and as I prepared to launch my professional career in comics, it helped give me a set of mental tools to focus on storytelling that I still use to this day. But Freddie E Williams II has written and illustrated The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics as a book that focuses on the draftsmanship and technical tools that will help define comics through the 21st century.
Written in a friendly, easy-to-understand style, Mr. Williams leaves the basic discussions on HOW TO DRAW, and assumes the reader already has enough books on that. This book really focuses on creating comics in either a completely digital way, or (addressing most traditional artists' fears) creating comics as a hybrid between the computer and the hand drawn comics in a variety of ways that can cater to one's strengths. I have always been a writer/penciller, and can only describe my own inking as though I inked with a chocolate bar instead of a brush. When I picked up the book, I immediately went to the Inking section, and immediately found the methods to be completely within my technical abilities in Photoshop (a must have, along with a wacom or cintiq tablet for the methods described). And while I have over 15 years experience with Photoshop, Williams really makes this a doable thing for anyone who takes the time to learn just a few of the tools in Photoshop.
Other topics that surprised me for their ease and flexibility include the sections on creating backgrounds, working from a library of art for warping to fit perspective and placement, and other items that caused a few "Why didn't I think of that?" moments.
Whether you draw funny animals, super heroes, or manga, I highly recommend this book to anyone that is ready to delve into the process of creating comics in what can ultimately be a more efficient, flexible, and ultimately more creative way.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just amazing!
This book is great. Very helpfull for those who have some basic skills on Photoshop. Brought to you from one of the greatest artists from DC: Freddie E. Williams II. I recomend it.
Published 2 days ago by Lucas Ordońez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Guide on the Process of Drawing Comics Digitally
This is one of the best best book on the subject of drawing comics digitally. This is not a book about the techniques of drawing comics nor is it a book about photoshop. Read more
Published 1 month ago by F. Wong
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comics, Photoshop, and you!
This book is fantastic. If you're looking to learn how to create comic books in a digital format I can't imagine a better book. You'll learn about photoshop and a digital workflow. Read more
Published 1 month ago by JStoltzfus
5.0 out of 5 stars
All you need to know about going digital
This book is wont teach you how to draw. With that in mind realize that it is a great resource for the ADVANCED illustrator and comic book artist. Read more
Published 2 months ago by officer_m
3.0 out of 5 stars
Another Photoshop Book
It's ok if you work in photoshop but thats all.Don't get me wrong it's a good book gave me some ideas for working on different programs but just more for photoshop.
Published 2 months ago by John Fitzpatrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Book!
He really takes you through the steps of getting started in photoshop. I also really liked his style and artistic views.
Published 2 months ago by Victoria
3.0 out of 5 stars
not bad
I thought this book is about the actual digital drawing (how to get the advantage of digital drawing) maybe tips tricks but it is not. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kovács László
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gran ayuda
Aprendi mucho con este libro solo algunos links que menciona el autor como por ejemplo para hacer perspectivas no funcionan. El resto bien!
Published 3 months ago by israel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book and the seller delivered as promised.
Freddie Williams shows you how to get it done. The book is an extremely useful guide to drawing in digital form. Freddie makes it interesting without boring you. Read more
Published 4 months ago by nelson maldonado
5.0 out of 5 stars
I picked up this book expecting to learn a couple of useful facts.....
I've read every book available on this subject. Usually I have to plow though an entire book to pick up a pointer or two that's actually useful. Read more
Published 4 months ago by William H. Vallely
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