The Far Reaches Webcomic

I’m really appreciating using this new technique. I still used 3d models to work out the composition and perspective, as well as the lighting. That method was indispensable in getting a dynamic composition. I could move the models around and resize them and get just the right look. Then there was the problem of how to pencil the ships. I ended up putting a white colored layer at 95% transparancy and a solid blue layer set to screen to color the entire 3d render blue. I then printed it out on regular paper. It came out a very faint blue, which was good enough to trace over, but wouldn’t scan. Then did the final pencils over the top with a very sharp lead holder, making up the details as I went. It would have taken at least three hours to ink digitally, but this nice loose pencil look only took about an hour. I think I’ll start doing the final pencils on sturdy bristol board so that I’ll have nice finished originals. Besides, inkjet paper is so flimsy.

Then the coloring method, which is much more like the traditional ‘cut and brush’ coloring technique using the lasso tool and a soft brush set either to screen or multiply (depending on whether I want to highlight or shade.) This method is much faster and I think it looks pretty good. And nicest of all, it only took a few hours to render it. I would have finished it earlier, but my busy schedule got in the way. However, I think it’s awesome that I was still able to finish it despite having such a full schedule.