Dov Torbin is curating an interesting blog focused on defining 10 rules for drawing comics. It looks like it is in its early stages of development so now would be a great time to jump on the bandwagon.
Judging from what has already been posted, different comic creators are given the forum to present their personal 10 rules. So far seven creators including Dov Torbin have chimed in, each with distinctly different perspectives.
There is a cathartic overview that comic creators have the opportunity to make their own rules regarding creating comics. This is especially true for independent comic creators who are not burdened by editorial policies of the big corporate publishers. It is also one of the reasons making comics can be so fun and exciting.
Every medium including comics, however, is predicated on some foundation of particular idioms. Though the blog site is in its infancy, repetition of certain themes is already beginning to surface, establishing a few golden nuggets that may ultimately define a true cannon of actual rules that may be sworn by.
So far, the dominant themes seem to be: clarity, enjoy what you are doing, and the importance of good lettering. These may seem mundane at first but as you read the entire blog to date and go over each of the existing fifty rules on the site it becomes apparent that the contributing creators have a mutual affinity for these basic rules that will ultimately elevate their importance in the grander picture.
As each creator shares their personal wisdom, however, a broader perspective of the nuances involved in creating comics is revealed. Eventually, as the site continues to develop, individual comic creators will be able to find validation in their own creative process and discover a treasury of insight and inspiration that will broaden their ability to create great comics. One thing for certain, especially when creating comics; rules are meant to be broken so it is nice to finally have an idea of what boundaries to cross in the name of innovation.
This blog will surely become a valuable resource to comic creators everywhere at every level of achievement. Dov Torbin is to be commended for facilitating such a wonderful opportunity for the community of comic creators to establish such a dynamic and creative dialogue concerning this unique medium.
If you are a comic creator, it would be a good exercise to jot down your own personal ten rules of creating comics before you read the blog then reevaluate those rules after reading the posts there. You may surprise yourself as to how your opinion may change about what is important to you in your own creative process.
What are your ten rules for creating comics? Has your perspective changed after reading the rules of other creators at the 10 Rules for Drawing Comics site? How quickly will you break those rules in an effort to be spontaneous and creative?
Share your answers with us!
Making Comics Because We Want to,
Gerry Giovinco
