Drawing a cartoon can be a bit of a laborious process. With a single panel cartoon, it’s so much simpler: one pic, one panel frame, one caption, and you’re good to go.
Because a cartoon strip, even a short one of three or four panels, requires more time and effort, it can be a bit off-putting. This is especially true if you intend to draw the cartoon on a regular basis, and not just a one-off.
This article is going to show how you can make the process a bit more efficient and save you some time which you can then put into the fun part: the thinking of the ideas and drawings themselves.
I work with Procreate. You can use the same ideas with other drawing apps as well.
Create the frame
First create a rectangle like this.
The measurements should be: 3 7/8 by 13 inches 9.84 by 33.02 cm 372 by 1248 pixels. This is a standard size based on traditional newspaper strips, although you will se other sizes as well.
Once you’ve created it, you can then shrink it down or expand it accordingly keeping the same ratio.
Create panel dividing lines
On a separate layer, draw two parallel lines like this. These will be used to separate panels. Like this.
Keep all of these layers as a separate artwork or file. Copy them each time you create a new cartoon strip.
Now let’s look at a cartoon strip in progress.
I use the frame and the dividing lines to give me an idea what size the characters need to be and how to space them out.
There are a number of layers here:
The frame
Panel dividing line #1.
Panel dividing line #2.
Panel dividing line #3.
Gerald and Rob
Gerald and Rob
Rob
Gerald and Rob
Text
I like to keep the elements on separate layers as it makes them easier to move around until I am happy with the layout.
Once I’m happy with the layout, I’ll then erase any overlapping elements.
You can also save your strip time and signature as a separate layer as well.
What’s next?
I put out a Cartoon Newsletter with a whole host of characters as well as occasional cartooning tips. Add your name and best email address to the box below and I’ll wing a copy your way.
