Final Blog Post

Over the course of the term, I developed and improved on many skills. I learned a lot about myself as well.

One skill that has always been difficult for me is organization. Without a question organization was important in completing my comic book. I take two English courses and had to complete two projects in one term. This was extremely difficult and would not have been possible if i did not stay organized and did not manage my time well.

Another skill that was put to test was my writing skills. I realized that writing comic strips is similar to writing a short story. I decided not to do a lot of writing, and only write a few words for each comic. Thus the wording i chose was really important. I also took advantage of drawing in detail to "show" rather than "tell".

I did a lot more reading than I expected. The first half of the term I spent reading comic books, and read a book on the basics of writing comics. After reading I developed a good understanding of how to write comics.

My listening skills were somewhat important. I worked with Cyn, (more in the first half of the term). We bounced a lot of ideas off of each other. I tried to listen to what she said and apply it to my work. We also did a couple of interviews at comic con. Out of respect for the artists, I listened carefully to what they had to say.

I learned a lot about myself through the process. I think that I work better independently. Towards the end of the term Cyn and I split and wrote our own comics. I also noticed that if i started a comic on one day and finished it another day that I could add more details in my comic strips. I have never really drawn much before but I think my drawing skills improved quite a bit. I think with a little more practice drawing comics could come a little easier to me.

I have learned a lot about myself over this past term. Creating comics has been a blast and I learned so much about art and comics, things I never thought I would ever learn. My writing and drawing skills have improved tremendously. Before this term I could barely draw a straight line and I had trouble free drawing. I was never very good at free drawing but after creating so many comics and taking the time to actually think about what I wanted my final product to look like, I have improved in this area greatly. I also believe that my writing skills have improved a little bit. Blogging every night was tough but being able to express myself freely and knowing that people would be reading my words helped and motivated me pick and choose my words carefully. As a student I have learned a lot about time. Before this assignment I would usually set high goals for myself and fail to meet them due to time management issues. But this project has taught me to not have such high expectations but to be more realistic when setting goals and due dates.

           

What I enjoyed most about this project and my final product was the uncertainty of it all. In the beginning I had this clear image of what I wanted my final product to be but once midterm came around everything changed. I was going in a completely different direction then I had previously been going and everything seemed to be spiraling downwards. At first I was worried but I learned to trust my instincts and not give up so easily. I am glad I did because I am so happy with my final product. I honestly thought it was going to turn out terrible but I surprised myself by really stepping it up these past two weeks and just let my mind do all the work.

           

I don't really have any recommendations for next year but one thing I really thought could go in a different direction is the calendar. I know it was mandatory to fill out at least two but I never really once looked at my calendar. I don’t have any suggestions for what could replace the calendar for next year. Something more concrete would be ideal. Maybe there is a website or an app out there that organizes things just like this. I tend to loose papers and don't usually refer back to my notes so it was only natural for me to not use the calendar. It was very helpful though to create the due dates in the beginning just to get my mind thinking about what I wanted to have done by the end of the project.

         

Overall I had a last doing this project. I am glad my partner and I really pulled through with our comics. I would definitely suggest this project again for next year’s students but also warn them that none of it is as easy as it seems. 

--Cyn

IM DONE!!!!!!!!!!! ITS GREAT ! i'm finally done. all i have to do it the last blog! YAYYY

Over the weekend I worked on my presentation. I am putting together a few of my old sketches and comics that I didn't put into the book in a binder to display during the presentations. I also worked on fixing my video errors. I'm really hoping that the video turns out well because I worked really hard editing it and it took forever. I have been managing my time well. IM EXTREAMLY worried about the comic book not getting in on time because the company said it wasn't shipping until Monday. This is because of certain fonts I used apparently? I have prepared a backup presentation for class incase the book doesnt get here on time. This way I will be prepared no matter what and with most definently have the book for the bigger class presentations that we will be doing. 

Tonight I finished up the last of my comics and scanned them into the computer. I put them into my comic book and will do the last editing tomorrow in class. Today in class I did a little research for my last comic, i want it to be something really funny that not only girls can relate to but boys as well. I really hope my book is in on time for my presentations but im pretty sure it will be. I'm also very happy that i am meeting the may 18th deadline. 

In class today I finished scanning the comics that I have done right now. Im encountering my first technologic difficulty. Some of the black in my comics is coming out blue and the blue in my comics is coming out black. Its very frustrating and I think I might have to redo this comic. 

Tonight I finished scanning all the comics onto my computer. I have started up creating my online comic book in paperback to be sent to me. I'm almost done with all my comics. I have been creating a lot of one pannel comics. They are more fun to me and its less hard creating the exact picture six times. With one pannel comics I can spend more time detailing just one and getting a lot more to look at then just simple six pannel ones.

I just learned how to scan!!! I scanned all my photos onto the computer and it was quick and easy. I'm so glad that this wasn't something I would have to stress over. Now I can edit my comics right from my computer! I have learned a lot about technology throughout this project. When you need to rely on it most it usually doesn't come through for you but thankfully I haven't had too many technology issues!

An update on my week

           This week has been rather chaotic for Cyn and me. We have been working hard to accomplish our goal of creating a comic book. I have a personal goal of doing 10 comics. This may not seem like a lot, but our project evolved quite a bit. We did a lot more research and reading than we expected. Through reading, I was able to improve my analyzing skills. The comics that I read were also inspirational. They triggered several ideas for me.

In class Monday Cyn and I worked independently. I worked in the classroom drawing and drafting comic ideas. I listened to some music and got into the zone. However, I do tend to get side tracked when I work in the classroom. Outside of class I finalized my latest draft.

Tuesday I worked more on my comics in class. I made a rough draft. I like doing my rough drafts in class and finalizing them outside of class. Today Cyn and I decided to take different approaches on our finalized product. I will be creating a comic book with a small book that I have. Whereas Cyn will be scanning her comics and creating a book electronically.

Wednesday night I spent about half an hour drafting a comic. I also read some Calvin and Hobbs because I had a tough time falling asleep. I ended up reading a lot more than I expected.

Thursday in class Cyn and I decided to go to the library and work. This was a great idea. We sat at a table in the back of the library and worked diligently throughout the block. I was able to stay focused the entire time because there was barely anyone in the library. It was the quietest the library has ever been in my few years here. I definitely plan on working in the library next week. Outside of class I was busy with other work and one acts so I did not have a lot of time to draft comics. I started to finalize the one I worked on in class.

Friday in class I worked on my log and tried to incorporate my habits of mind/ what works well for me, and what doesn’t.  After this week I have decided to work more in the library, it can be very easy to get distracted in class when I hear other people talking about their projects. 

-Eric

I'm learning a lot about these new websites. One of them is Shutterfly.com its really interesting and seems easy to use. I am going to learn how to use a scanner if I want my picture quality to be excellent. Today talking with Eric and Mr. Igoe was awkward, I felt bad like I was ditching Eric but we are still helping each other out. I am finishing the comic I started today in class. Everything is going well right now! 

Things I am learning about myself:

-I have learned that I work best by myself. Working with Eric has been fun but we both are pretty stubborn so its hard to agree on things. 

-I have learned to meet deadlines and stay on top of my work

-I have learned how to manage time between the drawing and the writing and the reading and research. 

-I have learned that when you really want something accomplished you have to stay on top of your work. I have learned I don't do this well. 

Yesterday I wasn't in class but I had a chat with Mr. Igoe. We decided that Eric and I should write different comics and our final projects will be two different comic books consisting of about ten different comics. Hopefully I can create more. 

Today I finished my proposal thingy in class. It was tough filling out my strengths in most of the categories for some reason but I'm glad my calendar is coming along. Hopefully we can meet our deadlines!!!!

The one comic a day is going to a little unrealistic but hopefully we can get as much as we can done before our deadline. I have been looking at the website fmylife.com for ideas and it's helps a lot to get my thoughts flowing. Eric and I talked about what we want our final project to be. We have different ideas a little bit so we will have to meet half way. 

Over this past week I have been so busy making comics that I have forgotten to blog! To fill you in, Friday we did presentations which went well. On Monday and Tuesday I was finishing working on a drawing on my iPad. Mr. Igoe didn't like it but I still believe that it will be fine and everything. Eric and I have decided to pump out these last comics. One a day till the 18th!!

I JUST REALIZED I HAVE BEEN POSTING ON THE WRONG BLOG FOR THE LAST WEEK!

Drawing Comics

Today Cyn and I drew comics during class. Mine is about a life guard calling adult swim, and a kid going through drastic lengths to swim. I got a little caught up with the detail of my drawings and did not finish it. Outside of class I drew a female character. My goal is to draw a character every day to try to develop one I want to draw on a consistent basis.

Character Developed

In class yesterday I finally developed a character that I like drawing. This is a huge step forward. I have spent some time thinking about funny comic strips and started drawing one out today. I look forward to finishing it up tomorrow.

Yesterday after class I downloaded "brushes for my iPad." it's tough getting used to the program but it's pretty helpful because now I can draw on my iPad and save everything there. I duplicate and copy and everything else. It's pretty cool! -Cyn

Today in class we got our seminar grades. I was pleased with ours. I also worked on a new comic. It's just a rough draft done completely in pen and its pretty much just stick figures right now. Eric showed me that he got a notebook for drawing which I was happy about. Hopefully we move along quickly now. I am also researching apps on my ipad so i can digitally draw comics too!

In class on friday we presented what we had done so far for midterms. We showed some comics that we liked and talked about where we were as of right now. Where we thought we would be was finished with all the writing of our comics. It turned out that we had to do a lot more research then we expected. For the past couple of weeks its been all reading and research online about how to draw comics and what makes a good comic. I feel comfortable enough to move forward with this project because I feel that I have enough knowledge as of now to start creating my own. I spent the rest of my weekend finishing up a comic I had showed in class. It took my another good hour to finally finish the drawing. I am going to have to manage my time well if I was to finish all these comics by the end of the term. 

Presentation Prep.

Tonight Cyn and I mastered our video. This took a long time because I have very shaky hands when it comes to recording with a video camera. We spent a long time stabilizing the footage. We also added a nice star wars theme. For our presentation tomorrow, Cyn and I prepared by answering questions on the rubric. We picked out which ones were relevant to our project. We also have some comics that we picked up at comic con. We worked in the library from 8:40 to 10:00. We look forward to presenting tomorrow morning.

-Eric

Today in class Eric and I found out we are last for our project so now we get an extra day to work on our video for the midterm presentation. The video as turned out well but now we have to work on perfecting our presentation to the point that we are off note cards and onto just memory. Communication between us will be key for this midterm presentation since we really need the grade. I also apologize for updating the blog so many times. Please don't get bored! KEEP READING><#@#!#$#>$<!>$<!

Eric and I worked in the library on Tuesday night editing the video together. We are putting a star wars theme song as the background music and are pretty excited about it. We learned a lot about different types of pens and inks you can use to draw comics and hope to get some and experiment with them. The video took a while to edit so we didn't get it finished. 

I missed class on monday and tuesday but I edited the video footage we got at comic con. I was expecting to get more footage but sadly it was very loud in the place so most of it was unusable. Also it was awkward video taping the people in costumes because they thought we were taking pictures of them. Hopefully the video turns out well and you can hear the interviews. It takes a while to stabilize them because eric has really shaky hands when video taping. 

This past weekend Eric and I wen to the comic con. My expectations were greater then what I got. I thought it would be much bigger but it was actually only two small rooms. We did get to meet a lot of people but I learned something about comic book artists and writers. When we would go to ask them questions most of them would ask what TV station we were from or what the purpose of the video was. When we told them we were doing a senior project on comics and creating our own they seemed uninterested. The artists only cared about getting publicity and not fans. Also one of them didn't even read any comics and said he just got into them randomly and even now that he is a comic book writer, he still doesn't read any. 

I know I haven't updated in a while so I have lots to tell. Last week after handing in our proposal Eric started and idea on another comic. It has something to do with birthdays and that is all I can tell you for now because it's a secret. Our project goal has changed a little. We have strayed from the idea of doing a comic book all based on one character. We have decided to draw and write about a wide variety of characters instead. Hopefully this will be more relatable to everyone. 

Comic Con

Yesterday Cyn and I went into Boston for Comic Con. This is a huge event for comic artists. We got the chance to talk to a lot of people, and we learned about some different styles people have for drawing. Some use watercolor, some dip their pens in liquid ink, and others use colored pencils. Using watercolor might be good for us because it is very forgiving. We also learned about the inspiration of these artist. One consistent theme was originality. Comic artist have the goal of doing something that has never been done before. What I found most interesting at the convention were the fans. A lot of them were dressed up, and I felt a little out of place. We got a chance to talk to a couple fans, and what they had to say was pretty interesting. We got a lot of video footage, and I will be editing the footage during class today.


-Eric

Rough Draft of my first comic: 

Reading Comics

The past two days Cyn and I have been reading comics. It has been fun and inspirational. Reading comics will surely bring a smile to the readers face. If you are having a bad day... read a comic! If anyone would like to read some popular comic books, feel free to ask Cyn (they are her books).


-Eric

Yesterday in class Eric and I read through some of my favorite comics. I showed him the Cydine and Happiness comics. They were a good laugh and inspired us to be a little more creative. We got through almost the entire two books before class ended. After class I decided to finish reading the comics. We also decided that for our midterm presentation we might just talk about the comic con and everything we have learned so far. 

Today in class we finished most of the character. THEY ARE ROUGH DRAFTS! Don't make fun!

this is the first character i drew.

this is the second character drawn.

trying to draw her again...messed up a little

these two are kinda weird but i love them anyways

characters in the making

Today in class we will be sketching our characters! 


-Eric

Yesterday I drew my first character. It took a while but finally came out the way I wanted her to. I tried to take some pictures of it to post here but the quality just doesn't cut it on the iphone. Today I attempted to draw another character. I'm seeing a pattern going on with all the characters I attempt. Their eyes are really big as well as their mouths. They are very cartoonish looking. I guess I like that and I'm still considering black and white or very little color in my comics rather than full blown color. The first character I drew was in color and I used markers for it. I didn't really like how it came out so I think from now on I'll use colored pencils. Also I need to get a book of blank paper or something like that to keep all the drafts I make in for inspiration. I'm going to work on drawing a little more and hopefully by tomorrow during class I'll have most of the characters drawn and finalized. 

In class today we started to create our calendar for the next two months. Luckily to our surprise, there is a Boston Comic Con in late April. After class I attempted to get tickets and hopefully will soon. We plan on dressing up as well as taking lots of photos and videos to post. We also decided that we will be creating comics that will eventually lead to a finished book at the end of may.