Forums » Art & Creativity » Thoughts and questions about drawing comics

Hi everyone! How do you all feel about comics where the art isn’t great? Does it turn you off? Or do you give it a chance? I am okay at drawing people, but when it comes to action scenes, buildings and scenery... well I’m kinda terrible at it. I thought about writing my story, but I don’t think I could express the same emotion through words like I could through images. I do not expect a following, I expect maybe 2 people to read it. But in the back of my head I keep saying, is it worth drawing if I can’t draw very well? Are there any manga or comics people can name where the art isn't great but there is still a huge following? Again, I never expect my story to be famous or have a following, I just want a handful of people to appreciate it and not judge it poorly because the art isn't phenomenal or if their hands look a little weird. Can I get some opinions on this?

Hiring someone to help me is not an option. (Unless I win the lottery, at which point that changes things lol )

Well, If the story is good, then in my opinion the art won't really bother me. It takes a lot to make a comic just like it takes a lot to make a game or write a book. So I can understand in the art isn't like something out of a DC or Marvel comic. As long as the plot is good and such. At least in my opinion.

I've heard people say there's no quicker way to improve at art than making a webcomic! Forcing yourself to draw things outside your comfort zone and keeping a regular pace forces improvement! Look at any long-running comic and you will see an undeniable difference between the first page and the most recent. You may struggle to draw things now, but with enough time they will become second nature!

Sure, you might have people snub your comic because of the art but you're not making it for them. You're making it for yourself and people who appreciate your art, story and effort put into it.





(These are ones I thought relevant - but here's the entire archives of that series )

Hmmm, where to start?
Do I mind if the art is bad? Not at all (unless it's nearly impossible to follow, or feels too cluttered, then I find myself quickly scanning the pages and moving along). Really, the narrative is what matters most I suppose, which is odd since you mainly have pictures. Though, pictures do speak a thousand words or whatnot.
As for manga, I dunno. There are maybe a few (but they're still drawn pretty well, minus some anatomy flaws, talking about Jojo's) I would consider I guess.

All that matters in the end is if you enjoy doing it, which may seem like a cliche thing to say, but it holds a lot of truth.

I wholeheartedly second what Claine and Ricochett say also.

Thankk you everyone for your input. Especially you claine, Those comics really helped me face some fears that I shouldn't worry or be concerned with what people think of it and it will help me draw things I am weaker at. I am feeling a little more confident!

And then I tried to draw concept art for the castle after looking at references and got really mad and quit lol. Oh god. This is not going to go well

Honestly, the only thing that should matter is the story (granted I do not mean this in the most extreme case, as complete scribbles and such greatly take away from what your trying to read.) as well as the writing.
Take my personal favorite web comic 'archepelago' for example. The beginning of the comic starts as unique although somewhat beginner work, but woth each arc her skill and ability start to change until she almost gets TOO good that the changes distract.
So whilst a comic may originally appear bad, if given time it might shape up and become something better.
Bottom line, its good to find a good balance.