The Energon Pub

[Ninjabot_Nightfire]

Okay, so for the past few months I've had this idea for a new cartoon (or at the very least comic) in the TF franchise. Now, I think it's a pretty good idea and a couple people that I've talked to thinks it's a good idea too (not too many TF fans where I live)

I just have 2 pretty big, general problems (which could be broken down into several smaller, more detailed problems):
(1) I don't have the artistic skills to draw humans or giant alien robots. The only person I know that does is my sisters former tattoo guy (he called her a bitch and tried to pick a fight with her husband, so we're not talking to him anymore)
(2) Even if I did have the above-mentioned skills, I have no idea who to talk to or how to prepare in order to turn this idea into reality (or at least a possibility).

Any tips/information?

[Rodimus the Prime]

I'd say get as much written down as you can first. A full synopsis, and outline for at least a few episodes/ issues. (I used to work in Animation). If you're not able to draw, then try to describe the look for everything in writing as best you can.

Not sure what advice to give about finding an artist. The best I can think of is to try networking on the Deviant Art site. It's kind of like a social networking site for artists. You never know, there could be someone really talented who lives close to you and is willing to work with you.

[G1 Smoketreader]

Frag the tattoo guy, you don't need him.

The deviant art suggestion is a great one, as is writing it all down.

Find a book called how to draw super heroes the marvel way, buy it, read it, and adapt it to your Transformers.

Then go to www.elfquest.com and in the galleries or archives, find "how to draw elves the wendy pini way" and study it inside out, specifically the silhouettes and individual faces.Adapt those to your TF drawings as well.

Then start sketching your characters. Each sketch will perfect one tiny detail. It's faster than you think.

When you get stuck on something later such as just hands or just flare suppression or just scared eyes, find artists near you and bug them till they teach you.

Be patient.Treat it like a growing baby.

[Rodimus the Prime]

Ooooo...good advice too, my man! Especially about the Marvel Book!

[Ninjabot_Nightfire]

This is great advice guys, thank you so much
I'll look for the books.

Again, thank you.

[G1 Smoketreader]

More stuff:

See the hidden years comics in the Elfquest archives? Those are all colored with magic markers (that is, textas).

NEVER color the original job: color the photocopies ONLY and save the originals for potential revisiting. You'll thank yourself if the need ever arises.

Learn to shade, it makes good work great.

Photocopy the final original DOWNWARD in size, the condensed shading and compressed detail will make it look like a photograph. I promise you will be thrilled by the result, then color.

Since you're doing panel-by-panel storytelling, you can draw any panel in any order, then assemble the pages later. This can let you focus on what you need/want to do rather than tediously go through from page 1 to page end and get fatigued or frustrated.

Remember that a page color can affect the mood of the reader: Sticking ten panels of
a shadow-grey nightime event onto red paper can suggest anger or danger, on a black page neutrality, and so on.Leave gaps between the panels when you need to.

Tell an UNHURRIED story.You don't need the token one fight and one flashback per issue crap. You can dedicate a whole page to one character going through an internal emotion struggle via facial expression close-up: eg:(Disbelief, realization, internalization, refocusing, pity/sorrow, calmness, death glare).

Draw in light pencil then go over with dark pencil.You want thick pencil (Staetdler style) for the silhouette/outline and thin pencil (pacer/mechanical) for the bodywork.

When drawing a large arc or long straight line, use the inside curve action of your drawing hand, not the outside curve action.
Meaning, if you are right handed, this is an inside curve action: (
and this is an outside curve action: )
If you need to do an outside curve, turn the sheet upside down to convert it into an inside curve. Draw guide dots first to help you.

Know that technology and storyline will change in the greater world by the time you start and finish your project. Have no fear, especially if you can tell yourself 100% you never sold out on the quality you intended to deliver, the outside doesn't matter.

Enjoy!!