A Creative Journal

Differences Between an Online Comic and a Graphic Novel

The Overlord — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:58:05 +0000

For a lot of people a comic is story telling through a series of pictures. So it should come as no surprise that the words ‘online comic’ and ‘graphic novel’ don’t come across as being overly different. It’s a lot like an artist saying that they’re a digital colourist verses an acrylic painter. They both paint and can produce the exact same painting with nearly the same look.

What makes a graphic novel?

A graphic novel is usually the creative efforts between a group of people, usually a writer and artist, who work together to tell a story. The word ‘novel’ suggests that the story will not be summed up in 25 pages, which is the usual length of traditional comic book volume.

The length of the story can take course over a number of volumes usually spanning over 100 pages, which allows for plot and character development to take place at a much slower rate.

Once the work is complete it’s usually professionally published through a reputable publishing house that specializes in graphic novels.

What makes an online comic?

The obvious answer to the question above is the fact that the comic is published online. This isn’t to say that it can’t eventually find itself in a print format or professionally published.

A web comic is usually the brain child of one person, who is happy to share their story on their own time. Though there is no predefined length for an online comic, it is recommended that pages be posted at regular intervals in order to encourage return readers, otherwise the comic runs the risk of being forgotten.

The story arc of an online comic can take years to develop and as such requires a great deal of persistence and passion in this particular creative medium.

Today most creative works are produced digitally due to speed and efficiency, further blurring the lines between paper based and web based comics. Publishing your comic online has become yet another platform to express yourself. In either case, both medium require dedication and strong networking skills to make the project a success.

If you see this article anywhere else it was stolen. This was originally written for a client who refused to pay for it but it was good enough to steal.

5 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Own Online Comic Today

The Overlord — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:57:27 +0000

The success of some popular online comics will have inspired some to venture out on their own creative journey; sharing their message and creative talents with the world all at the click of a button. Here are a few reasons why you might want to start your own comic.

1. Share your message with an online comic
Everyone has something to say, but how we convey our message determines how people react to it. Political cartoons poke fun at government decisions in attempt to stir debate about local policies. Other messages are hidden behind elaborate stories that take readers on a fantastic adventure, while mirroring our world through their characters and situations.

2. Use online comics to flex your creative muscle
You might immediately associate the word ‘pictures’ when you hear the word ‘comic’. Creativity is so much more than just a series of drawings. Story telling is an art in itself. How you tell that particular story will define themes and moods that would otherwise be missed.

3. Grow a loyal fan base through online communities
In the internet generation, everything from entertainment to information has become instantly accessible. If you create something that people love to read, they will share it with their friends, who in turn share it with theirs.
4. Create a second income by monetizing your comic

It’s nice to do what you love while earning a little extra money for your hard work. As your fan base grows, it’s not unreasonable to think that your donation pool or merchandise revenue will grow as well.

5. Setting up a web comic is free and easy
The best part of setting up your own online comic is that it’s free. Sure, there are plenty of worthwhile web comic hosts who charge for space, but that’s an issue for later when you’re sure that this comic of yours is worth investing in.

There are many reasons to start your own online comic. Whether your reason is fame, praise, money, or the simple act of creating something; comics are a rich playground for personal expression that can reach a large audience.

If you see this article posted anywhere else. It was stolen. This was originally written for a client who refused to pay for it but it was good enough to steal.

A Creative Journal has Moved to Evil Ink

The Overlord — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:00:52 +0000

In an effort to merge all of my projects into one related creative venture, I have moved A Creative Journal to Evil Ink.

In the year to come, Evil Ink’s Creative Journal will be revealing what I’m doing behind the scenes to grow Evil Ink. Stay tuned for tips for freelancers and bloggers on productivity, time management, content, traffic generation, client contact and processes, some design goodies from a variety of my personal projects as they surface (no I’m not afraid to reveal how it was done or even how to do it right). Keeping in the spirit of what a Creative Journal is supposed to be I hope my notes are of some use to you.