Creating a Graphic Novel : Art – Food – Photography

Was thinking it would be nice to start the first day of Spring (here in Australia) with a photo. This is a photo of one of the gargoyles perched onto Notre Dame in Paris. I took this shot earlier this year when I was travelling around France. The foreground is in sharp focus while the background is blurred away.

The first post to appear on sigmatestudio.com was on 29-Jul-08. It’s been an interesting first month showcasing a couple of commissions, reviews and even a visit from Nat Gertler. From a website development the layout has now been set, along with the banner and the links to the left contain the relevant information.

So it’s been a very eventful month which much more to come in the pipeline. Planning to start posting up some work for review, more photos and definitely more sketches. Keep checking back or subscribe to the RSS feeds for new updates!

Check a recent post of mine: Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel. Now check the comments. I’ll wait . . go check . . .

Nat Gertler, author of the book posted a comment on my site!! I have to admit I was a little sceptical that it was actually him to start off with. A quick check on google for Nat’s website and I emailed him directly asking if he did post that comment and a promise of a donut (and beer!) if he was ever visiting Australia.

Nat :
If I ever find myself Down Under, I will indeed take you up on that donut. Right after figuring out why I’m in Australia (and, if I recognize this scene from movies, why there’s a bump on my head, a smoking gun in my hand, and a brand new wedding ring on my finger.)

I have to admit I was still a little shocked that he found my site! Anyway I got to ask him a question I really wanted his opinion on.

The Question :
Almost every site or book on how to create a comic / graphic novel or break into the industry usually ends with how difficult it is. Even with that . . why do you think there’s still so many budding writers / artists out there still trying?

Nat :
Every article on giving birth also talks about the agony of the effort… but in the end, you have your baby.

Some are trying because they don’t know how hard it is. Some are trying because they have a sense of it, but feel its worth an effort. Most are overconfident in their abilities. That’s not a bad thing. It’s tough, but you’ll never get through it if you don’t believe you can.

Is it always wise? No. For some, it will be failure, at times painful or expensive. I’m not one to tell you that if you try hard, you’re going to make it. But I can tell you that if you don’t try, you’re not.

I really value what he wrote.
It’s kind of the purpose of this site really . . . I decided I want to make the attempt knowing full well the effort it could take. Some days are good and I get a lot of writing done, some days aren’t so good and I end up procrastinating. You’re bound to not succeed if you never make the attempt.

To Nat a big thanks for writing Creating a Graphic Novel (lots of great stuff in there) as well as replying to my emails. I hope you drop into this site from time to time.

Finished reading the TPB of Daredevil Father over the weekend. (One of the comics I borrowed during the Comic Crazy Weekend).The artist Joe Quesada seems to be following Frank Miller’s Batman in terms of character design giving Daredevil a bulkier and heavier body type. I didn’t particularly enjoy that approach he took. Otherwise I really enjoyed Quesada’s art and hoping he can illustrate more, although I suspect most of his time now is taken up as Chief Editor at Marvel.

The story was interesting and pacing was excellent, with the writer (Quesada again!) revealing bits of information only when required and thus keeping the reader hooked. The basic synopsis of the story revolves around the characters relationship with their fathers (hence the title) and how their lives intertwine. The only complaint was the introduction of a new superhero team and of course the inevitable fight between this new group and Daredevil. It really detracted from the main story and would have been better removed. However it’s a good read if you have the chance to check it out.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel by Nat Gertler and Steve Lieber is an absolutely instructive read. There are heaps of great pointers even where to get ISBNs from. It’s definitely very very helpful in my dream to “Create a Graphic Novel”. It’s written in a fun and engaging way. I’m still working my way through it and so far it’s been great reading.

One of the lines from the book “If you want a sounding board, get a sounding board. If you want a cowriter, get a cowriter. If you want a donut, could you get me one too?” Classic!

Update 26-Aug-08 :
Check the comments on this post.
And “YES” . . it really is him!

A small note from the previous post . . .

Where did I get all those comics from?
The local libraries around my area have been stocking graphic novels and other trade paperbacks! As you can see from the previous photo, their range is incredible and the librarians there have been extremely helpful. Support your local library!

Check out :
Warringah Mall Library

I know I should be posting about my current project (which I’m still working on) and the design process. However, in between watching the Olympics and reading some trade paperbacks I borrowed, I haven’t progressed much further. Here’s a snapshot of some of the stuff I borrowed. I’ll have lots of bedside reading for the next few weeks I think!

I thought today I’d share a photo I took of the Westminster Abbey in London. I was very happy with how the shot turned out especially the clouds.

I was very disappointed when the previous course I enrolled in was cancelled due to lack of numbers. *sigh* Anyway I found another one and the course is held close by as well! It’s 8 weeks (2 hours a week) starting October 20. I’m set and enrolled. In the words of Homer Simpson “Woo-hoo!”

I recently purchased this graphic novel for my wife. I ordered it about 3 weeks ago and it arrived last weekend. She’s not really into superheroes although she loved Archie comics as a kid. Anyway she really enjoyed Pride of Baghdad and finished reading it in one sitting. Although she found the ending a little distressing (no spoiler), she remarked the art was incredible and it was a well written story.

I read this graphic novel a while ago and loved how the subtle themes of freedom (and our perception of freedom) is conveyed through the plight of a pride of lions escaping from a Baghdad zoo. The artwork is fantastic and the penciller is able to show emotions on the various animals in the story. Highly recommended and worth checking out.

Note : This won’t be a strictly comic review site, however I will post the odd review every once in a while. Please feel free to email me if there’s anything in particular you might want reviewed and I’ll do my best to get something posted.