How To Draw Comics

No matter how excited you are to start a new comic book project, there will come a point where your motivation to keep on going will diminish. Our mind loves novelty and the anticipation of embarking on a new endeavor, but with familiarity grows lack of interest. So what get's things done? In Episode 13 of the HTDC Podcast, Clayton Barton and Ric Bulow talk tactics when it comes to cultivating unbreakable discipline when it comes to seeing your projects through to the end. As artists, developing an ability to sit down, grind through our challenges and force ourselves to succeed despite our lack of motivation is incredibly powerful. It can determine whether you get your entire comic book done in a month, in years, or at all. When you know that everyday you're going to be able to wake up and produce, regardless of if you're in the mood or feeling inspired, there's a new level of self trust a creator can hang onto. The things you create come first, your procrastination comes second. Starting a project and

In Episode 12 of the HTDC Podcast, Ric and Clayton reveal techniques for expanding your visual library so that you can come up with unique and compelling ideas that capture the interest of your audience.

When it comes to learning the art of comic book illustration, there's many paths we can take. The question is, do we venture down a path lead by those before us, armed with their wisdom as we face the trials and tribulations on the road ahead, or should we enter into the unknown ourselves, conquering each lesson as it comes? Sometimes the road we take can say a lot about us as an artist. Are we someone who learns from example or would we prefer to figure things out on our own? Do we feel safer being held by the hand, knowing that the advice from those more experienced should lead us to the success we seek - or - are we brave enough to think outside the box, rebuilding the wheel to arrive at an outcome which is truly unique? Most importantly, when is it time to take off the training wheels and learn to walk on our own two feet as an artist? After all, if we never step out and make our own discoveries there can be no way to feel confident within our own abilities.

In our 10th Episode of the HTDC Podcast Clayton Barton and Ric Bülow are joined by guest artist Nick Melanshek to discuss his art, process and the challenges he's faced as a comic book creator. Nick is the author and illustrator of two self published series titled "White Cell Inoculation" and "Big Man Down". For the past several years he's put his head down to develop his skill set and bring the stories he wants to tell to the world. But as many artists know this is often a time of true trial and tribulation, as an artist searches deep to overcome fear and self doubt. We talk with Nick about his journey through these different fazes of self discovery - the moment he got serious about his work, letting go of perfectionist expectations, the taxing experience of his first issue, and how now he's reached a point now where he's able to produce a book once per month while raising a family.

As artists we tend to put a lot of emphasis on the end result. We want the outcome to be the best it can be otherwise why set out to create anything at all? Problem is while we're so focused on the destination we completely miss the joy of the journey. In this weeks Podcast Episode, Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow talk about the importance of embracing the process. Ultimately, if you're an artist who's making progress, improving, evolving; that destination will always be out of reach. What you create today will always be trumped by what you create tomorrow. So it's pointless stressing out over reaching perfection. You've got to revel in the imperfections. Learn from them, and remember that often times what you consider an impure characteristic within your work reflects a signature style unique to you. If you don't enjoy the process of creation, there's no point in pursuing it in the first place. So remember to have fun with your art. The outcome isn't as important as you think. -Clayton

In Episode 8 of the How To Draw Comics Podcast Ric Bülow and Clayton Barton talk about the dangers of Burn Out, in the physical and mental sense. As artists we've all experienced the onset of eye-strain, carpal tunnel, headaches and even back pain from long, unbroken periods of time at the drawing board. Nothing feels more debilitating to an artist then to have to take a month long recovery break from overuse. So taking regular breaks is important, ensuring we look after our physical well being so that we can maintain peak, artistic performance. But what about the mental fatigue we also often suffer from? Those days, weeks or even months where we simply lack the motivation to pick up the pencil. Constantly being bombarded with deadlines to meet, crazy schedules, lack of sleep and physical exercise, and a poor diet are all sure fire ways that lead to mental depletion - which is ultimately just as debilitating as the physical counterpart of burn out. This episode discusses the dangers of falling victim t

In Episode 7 of the HTDC Podcast Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow are joined by Ed Foychuk to discuss the comic book grind and what it truly means to dedicate all the focus you've got to mastering your skill-set. Having released two issues of his Comic Book Captain Corea, Ed lets us in on his approach to creating comics. He gives us insight into his mindset and tactics for getting better, and shares his thoughts on experimentation, development and dedication to the art form. We learn about the incredible value community forums can offer the aspiring artist both in receiving critical feedback for improvement and challenging us to lift our game to greater heights. We also discus diversity in comics and the many ways in which we might be able to branch out and experiment from time to time to come up with stories that are truly unique.

In this episode we're joined by guest artist Jenevieve Broomall to discuss what it means to follow your passion. Like many, Jenevieve is a self taught artist, who over the last eight years has refined her skill-set, mastered her medium and developed a finessed style that sets her apart from the rest. Having worked as a cover artist for publishers such as Zenoscope, Valiant, IDW, Coffin Comics and more, Jen shares her insights into the challenges that hold many of us back such as burnout, ego, self-doubt, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone to grow as an artist. We also learn about the importance of nursing your passions, expressing yourself regardless of the outcome and allowing yourself to become part of the creative process. Jen ends off with a heart felt message all artist's can relate with which is the act of giving, and the amount of impact our art can truly having on those around us.

In this weeks episode Erika Williams (Miss E) joins us to discuss artistic evolution and the impact learning can have on your work overtime. We also delve into the powerful mindsets that'll help keep you on the path to mastery as well as the profound impact body language can have on your comic book characters.

Learning how to draw comics is a long and difficult process that doesn't always give you the results you're looking for right away! It requires dedication and the ability to delay gratification. In this Episode Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow discuss what finding you style, while talking to viewers from Facebook Live!

In this episode Clayton Barton and Co-Hose Ric Bülow discuss the many different ways of getting yourself out there, as a comicbook creator and also announcing the winner of the Monthly challenge that's running on the "How To Draw Comics" Facebook group.

Learning how to draw comics is a long and difficult process that doesn't always give you the results you're looking for right away! It requires dedication and the ability to delay gratification. In this Episode Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow discuss what Motivation is and how it can be cultivated to give you the drive to succeed!

In Episode #1 of the HTDC Podcast, Clayton Barton and Co-Host Ric Bülow give an introduction into their experience with comics and discuss their mutual passion for teaching the craft and giving back to the Comic Artist community. This episode also delves into the therapeutic advantages of artistic expression, the pros and cons to being a perfectionist, and how to both give and take critique in a positive and effective way.