Kamblamo – Week 4

This week has been odd. When the week started I didn’t think I’d be able to draw anything. But strangely, it started getting a little easier. On one day I went into a manic phase and did five pages! From this I can conclude two things. Firstly, the stop-start nature of comics is not so disconcerting that I can’t get into a flow. And secondly I do better in with comics when I find the story exciting. I guess that makes sense.

I wish I knew how to get into this creative grove on demand. I think it has something to do with setting myself goals. If I say I work until so much time has passed or I’ve done a certain amount of work. Clearly just letting myself do whatever until quitting time is not the optimal method for me.

But yes I have made progress. 19 pages are done and I will do page 20 soon. Sadly I probably won’t have time to colour it. Certainly not all of it that’s for sure.

Right now I’m doing the lettering. And oh God I had no idea how hard this would be. I’d forgotten how slow I am at writing. And I’ve written so much text! If I ever write another comic I will be more sparse with the dialogue. But at least if I get all the lettering done I will have a readable comic. It will have hit the minimum it needs. But I want to do more. I want to add colour. Clean up the borders and gutters. And maybe do a front and back cover. I’ll just have to see what happens.

 

For research this week I’ve been reading The Wolverton Bible. A beautifully drawn Bible done in dark black and white drawings. It’s not impacted what I’ve made. I’m a bit to deep in for new ideas. But it has been a joy to read and It’s helped keep me inspired.

 

As of today. I have all the lettering done! It was amazing. I had five pages to letter and one to draw and letter and I did it all with barely any breaks. I even did a cover for the comic.

 

I’m amazed. While I didn’t do all I wanted to I have done all I HAVE to do. And again, that feels good. I have a readable comic. Not a great comic. Or a comic with good art. But it is a 20 page comic that is perfectly readable. More than I was afraid I could do. It’s not the victory I wanted. But it is a victory of sorts.

Here are three of my favourite pages

 

So I can use my remaining days to try to improve comic where I can. I might even get a few pages coloured.

 

I think the reason I had this breakthrough was to do with the near deadline. But not because of pressure. I didn’t feel under pressure today. I knew I had time to do the work I needed.

I think it’s because I had a defined time to get the work in. That’s what helps. Today just flew by.