The basics of being print ready
Ahh, lookit the time. Itās the first blog entry and thereās stuff to discuss. First and foremost, I hope that you have your tea. Second up: our very first showcase will feature the talented Mark Zuptich talking about his upcoming comic Into the Darkness. Iāll send a note when the interview is up and on the showcase page. Onto our immediate topic, though, isĀ āDo you know what you need to do in order to have a print worthy comic?ā
Iām not talking about content. Of course you need content. You could have an entire comic about booger eating space barbies proudly displayed at your local comic book store next to a Victorian-era detective comic. That point is, thereās a lot to go through before you ever reach that point.Ā
And, yes, you need a crew unless youāre a one man/woman bandĀ who can do everything yourself. Beyond that, what do you need? Most comic printing presses have the same requirements, so weāre going to talk about each and every one of them and what member of the team that the specific job falls on.Ā
Creating comics is a lot like a team sport. Unless you have a project manager or a specific person doing all of the formatting and grunt work, each team member needs to pull their own weight. So hereās how it typically goes:
The Writer/Editor:
Ā Ā Ā *Makes sure that the project manager has agreed to the script before it moves onto the next step.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *The script- as well as a copy of all important character and location descriptions are made availableĀ to every member of the team.
Ā Ā Ā *Has the creator/project manager proof the script and make sure that there are no revisions to be made.
Ā Ā Ā *When possible, provide a storyboard for the penciller.
The Penciller:
Ā Ā Ā *Goes over the script with the writer and suggests any changes to the format.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Draws the script at 11ā³x17ā³ dimensions (unless otherwise requested) with bleed/safe area adjustedĀ for the following sizes: 10āx15 3/8ā centered area for full bleed art, 9 3ā4ā x 15ā trim area centered within the full bleed area, or 9āx14 1/4ā centered within the trim area. This prevents any white boarders on full bleed pages during printing. Nothing important should go outside of the area.
Ā Ā Ā *All pages of the penciled art should be numbered the same as they are in the script.
Ā Ā Ā *Has the creator/project manager proof each page before sending onto the inker.
Ā Ā Ā *Scans the work at 300 dpi or higher in full grayscale to provide to the inker, along with any specific notes about shading or lighting or specific effects.
Ā Ā Ā *Unless otherwise noted or permission given by the writer/creator, an artist does not render any sound effects or writing.Ā
The Inker:
Ā Ā Ā *If the inker is using a color other than black for linework, it must be discussed with the comic creator.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Does not resize the piece unless requested to do so by the creator/project manager.
Ā Ā Ā *Has each page proofed by the creator/project manager before turning over to the colorist.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Scans in his work at no less than 300 dpi in black and white (not grayscaleĀ as it leaves a mess on the page), then cleans their speck unless arrangements are made for another party to do so.
Ā Ā Ā * Provides the colorist with any specific notes about shading or lighting or specific effects.
The Colorist:Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Must discuss with the creator/project manager whether they are to use CMYK or RGB. Most printed comic require CMYK (It is easier to go from CMYK to RGB. RGB to CMYK almost never translates cleanly).
Ā Ā Ā *Must have it cleared with the project manager/creator if they plan to change any deligated palettes.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Has each page proofed by the creator/project manager before turning over to the letterer.
Ā Ā Ā *Discuss with the letterer and project manager/creator what format they are to save the files/send the files to the letterer in.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Maintain the 300dpi format and not alter the dimensions of the piece unless previously discussed with the creator/project manager.Ā
The Letterer:
Ā Ā Ā *Discuss with the project manager/creator who is paying for any required fonts for the project.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Have each page proofed with all effects in place.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Ensure that no letters, bubbles or captions are placed outside of the safe zone.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Suggest any changes to dialog to the creator/project manager before going off script.
Ā Ā Ā *Be sure that the lettered version is saved in the format that the creator/project manager requires.
The Creator/Project Manager:
Ā Ā Ā *Be realistic about their projected timeline and budget, as well as the that of every person working on the project.
Ā Ā Ā *Must credit each person working on the project.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Understand that flexibility and patience keep a team working well. There is a time to say that enough is enough. If youāre keeping in contact with the team, it will likely never reach that point.Ā
Ā Ā Ā *Donāt forget your test readers, fan groups and support system. Thank them somehow.
Ā Ā Ā *Know and communicate whether you want to use offset printing or standard. If you want a foil cover, make sure that your cover artist knows.Ā
With this mix of teamwork, communication and following the basic rules of making a comic print ready, youāll have a book that it fit to send to the printers without your printer crying. Questions? Comments? Letās chat. And bring tea.
