FLIGHT

Kean made a good point about setting the guidelines now before we start running around like headless chickens. (I added the chickens part) So here's what we have at this point in time:


- A "Flight" theme for the comics (but not absolutely necessary)
- A standard comic-sized format (10x6.5")
- B/W stories (with the possibility of greyscales)
- Greyscale comics are sized at 300dpi, B/W at 800dpi.
- Deliver the goods on December 15th


Original artwork should be done at a larger size, then shrunk down for printing, although this is not required for those that feel comfortable working smaller. I'll be drawing my original pages at 10x15. (That is the standard size, correct?)

I also told Jake earlier that a good frame of reference for the final product would be to take a look at Jeff Smith's Bone trade paperbacks. I looove the look and feel of the books, in that they are definitely identifiable as fun-filled comic books, but the material is on the level of the best in literature. If we can collectively achieve a similar effect, I will faint from happiness. You will be allowed to work with greyscales (though the images won't be quite as crisp), so please do keep that in mind when you flip through those books.

I'll edit this post if we come up with any other guidelines. And for the more seasoned comickers out there- please let us know if we are going about this right way, or if there are any pitfalls we might encounter in the process.

I should point out that if you use EPS files (usually made in Illustrator) you can use both grayscale and B&W images in one file. Also, the B&W layer and the grayscale layer can be in different dpi. That way the line work can stay super crisp at 800 dpi, but also have grayscale below it, which can be in lower dpi like 300. That's how I did a lot of the stories in my book (thanks to John Pham showing me the ropes). Personally I did everthing, both B&W and grayscale, at 600dpi, but it never hurts to go higher. (John prints all his B&Ws at 1200dpi!)

Is it cool if I use EPS files, Kazu?

Sure, Derek! As long as it's cool with the printers. You see how quickly I have exposed my ignorance to you all? I'm like a crazy mad bus driver leading all of us off a cliff! Seriously though, that was super informative, Derek. Knowing about the ability to set up linework and greyscale separately is a big plus. However, I am starting to think that your method of doing everything at 600 dpi is the way to go, so we can simply avoid all the confusion. What do you all think?

Are we there yet, Mr. Bus Driver? I hafta go pee real bad...

600 dpi sounds good to me. I don't actually have Illustrator, but in my (limited) experience, .TIF files seem to be what other kids are using these days. So maybe we should settle on a couple of file formats that everyone will be happy with, too.

A question: Anyone have any idea what the suggested "live area" should be when working on a comic of this size (10x6.5")?

I thought it was a live 10x15 drawn on 11x17 paper?

Half inch gutter on either side with an inch at top and bottom....but that's me assuming, really.
No matter what, it's a snap to resize digitally, as long as you have that basic 2 to 3 ratio.

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10x15 is the standard.

uh, right? :)