Create Your Own Graphic Novel Using Digital Techniques

The graphic novel, which evolved from comic books, is now one of the publishing industry's fastest-growing media. Meanwhile, the pen, ink, and drawing-board method traditionally used by artists and writers to create graphic novels, is now being superceded by digital illustration and lettering. Perhaps even more revolutionary is the fact that the internet is starting to replace traditional book publishers as an important outlet for distributing graphic novels. From first inspiration to publication, this book teaches budding graphic novelists how and where to translate their drawing and storytelling talents into digitally-realized art. In easy-to-follow steps, the authors demonstrate--

How to ink and color illustrations using computer software

How to create dialogue balloons and fill them with visually satisfying type fonts

How to develop a story line and give dimension to the story's characters

How to get a finished graphic novel noticed and published
BR> Approximately 350 dramatic and instructive color illustrations complement the text.

(back cover)
The graphic novel is a rapidly evolving art form that s gaining more and more respect. In recent years, its dynamic, full-color illustrations and complex, action-packed story lines have grabbed the attention of movie moguls and mainstream publishers and inspired hordes of budding artists and writers.

It s now easier than ever to create your own graphic novel as this book shows. Time-saving home-computer technology has superseded traditional pen-and-ink techniques, while the Web offers an invaluable source of ideas and advice and an easy way to present your work to a wider audience.

Create Your Own Graphic Novel teaches you how to translate your writing and drawing talents into digitally realized artwork in easy-to-follow steps. Better still, every page is presented in graphic novel format so you ll have fun while you learn.

Includes invaluable guidance and professional tips on:

Finding inspiration

Writing scripts

Sharing ideas

Sketching characters

Arranging panels

Coloring artwork

Lettering speech balloons

Getting your work published

Mike Chinn has written numerous comic books in a range of styles from fantasy through horror, to science fiction and superhero. He is the author of Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel, also published in North America by Barron s.

Chris McLoughlin is a comics industry veteran. His credits include Green Lantern for DC comics, Hunter: The Age of Magic for Vertigo, and Holmes: The Detective Monkey for  ditions Carabas.