Boom Talk
This issue was the last time I drew Boom Kid using traditional tools. From the first to this chapter, so much occurred in my life. I was writing copy for Apple full-time and had access to better tools and programs to speed up my workflow. Yes, I enjoyed sitting down and drawing with pencil, paper, and microns, but they couldn’t compete with the new program I was learning to use: Procreate. I was able to set up my pages to be drawn faster. And the iPad Pros in 2017 were killer products. I slowly moved from a bristol paper and my Macbook Air 11-inch to a Macbook Pro 13-inch and an 11-inch iPad Pro.
One of my goals for Boom Kid is to use it to develop new processes for telling my stories. As I was transitioning from traditional to digital, I noticed the original plan for page six in this issue was not where I needed it to be. I was not in the mood to redraw it traditionally, so I did it all on Procreate. It’s imperfect, but I realized I could do the entire process on the iPad. It was way better than the initial page I had drawn.
I still use a sketchbook to plot, create, build, and plan. I scan what I know is ready and use those scans to build from. Then, everything from inking, coloring, and lettering is done in Procreate. My process is ever-changing. And if you pay attention, you will notice it.
If you’re making comics or any other creative project my advice to you is have fun with it. Don’t get stuck in one way or another; be open to trying new techniques and tools. It will make the journey to the end more fun and rewarding.