Product Description

A unique reference for creating and marketing original cartoons and comics

An original American art form, comics thrill millions of people across the globe. Combining step–by–step instruction with expert tips and advice, Drawing Cartoons & Comics For Dummies is a one–stop reference for creating and marketing original cartoons and comics. While many books tend to focus on specific characters or themes, this thorough guide focuses instead on helping aspiring artists master the basic building blocks of cartoons and comics, revealing step by step how to create everything from wisecracking bunnies to souped–up super villains. It also explores lettering and coloring, and offers expert marketing advice. The book′s color insert provides guidance on how to add color to cartoon creations.

Brian Fairrington (Gilbert, AZ) is a nationally syndicated cartoonist whose work appears in over 800 newspapers and magazines in America. His work has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today, and Time magazine, as well as on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. He has won many awards, including the Charles M. Schulz award for college cartooning and the John Locher Memorial Award, given annually by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119132 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

From the Back Cover

Your real–world guide to creating and marketing original cartoons

Do you love comics? Want to become a cartoonist? This practical, hands–on guide is packed with step–by–step instructions and plenty of tips for creating your own cartoons. From inanimate objects to animals to aliens, you can see how to breathe life into your characters and make your cartoons stand out. Plus, you discover how to

• Master the basic building blocks — set up your workspace; start creating with pencil, ink, and pens; and fix mistakes

• Get the creative juices flowing — find inspiration and formulate your cartoon idea, gag, or concept, and make it work

• Create your characters — from their heads to their toes, give your characters personality and presence

• Assemble your comic strip — create an effective background, plan your layout, letter your cartoons, create drama, and more

• Fine–tune your work — discover the tools and techniques for digitally formatting your comics

Open the book and find:

• An overview of the different cartooning genres

• Drawing techniques, such as shading and crosshatching

• An exploration of body, gender, species, and character types

• Tips for developing a cast of characters

• The lowdown on drawing editorial cartoons

• How to add color to your creations

• Ten steps to a finished comic strip

• Hints on breaking into the business

About the Author

Brian Fairrington is a nationally syndicated cartoonist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, and Time magazine, as well as on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. Fairrington has won many awards, including the Charles M. Schulz award for college cartooning and the John Locher Memorial Award, given annually by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC).

Customer Reviews

Amateur Cartoonist Needing Inspiration

I bought it for my husband & he assures me it has been of invaluable help to him. This, I believe, as he has not stopped reading & using it since it arrived.