Doot Doot Garden: The Blog of Craig Thompson
comics vs sketchbook June 11th, 2008

Quick follow-up to that last entry. Peter asked how big the sketchbook pages are. They’re 9″ x 12″.
Here’s another sketch with today’s page of HABIBI laid behind it. The HABIBI pages are drawn within
an 8.75″ x 12.5″ live area, but you can see how detailed they are compared to the sketchbook.

kathleen.jpg

Because the sketches are drawn from life with plenty of space on the page, it’s easy to dash them off with pocketbrush.
But the comics compositions are ridiculously worked over - generating heaps of eraser shavings. And they’re inked with
these sable watercolor brushes (I’ve graduated to the Winsor Newton series seven!)
(That’s my hand posing to give a sense of the page size.)

pageproportion.jpg

Anyways, this HABIBI page was drawn today. And the sketch above is of my friend Kathleen at Benoît Peeter’s apartment in Paris.

Posted in Habibi, Sketchbook |

24 Responses to “comics vs sketchbook”

  1. Jamie S. Rich Says:

    Both are really pretty.

  2. Rafael Macías Says:

    OMG! I can’t wait to read Habibi!

  3. Lili Says:

    -wow- this sketsch is even better than below!

  4. Felipe Says:

    I love to know more about creative processes of artists I admire, and your work has a special place on my shelf and is a constant inspiration when I´m not in the mood to continue with my graphic novel. It´s your words saying that it IS hard to work on something that no one will see untill you´ve worked on it for at least a whole year that makes me keep going, because seeing what you do without being published (yet, of course) makes me go back to work really quickly, thanks a lot for that!

    Also, do you plan to write a post about your process of pre-production of a Graphic Novel? it would be great to know some of the steps you take before hitting the first brush stroke on the page.

    All the best, and keep up the good work!

  5. from chicago Says:

    the expressive hands and feet (of very long legs) in your drawings always make all the difference.

    you should like make a video of your inking process - it still baffles me that you can get such regular, crisp lines with a brush.

  6. from chicago Says:

    anyways, thanks for letting us in on these!

  7. Jordi Says:

    it is really interesting to see the process. thanks for all the information!

  8. Alex di bologna Says:

    im looking forward to see and read habibi, your drawing skillz and your style are amazing.
    one question, did you study a lot of anatomie or its just your eyes?

  9. Alisa Says:

    Your work is such an inspiration! I’m glad the world of blogging allows artists to share their sketches and process with each other. And also to cheer each other along when the road to the finish line of a book seems miles away.

  10. MariNaomi Says:

    Hi Craig,

    Wow, that last panel looks incredible! I am really looking forward to this book.

    Awestruck,
    Mari

  11. Peter Beare Says:

    Thanks so much!

  12. eli Says:

    I’d love to see an exhibit of your sketches, the variety of lines on this one is really something.

  13. tyler Says:

    your patience and skill is baffling! as said earlier, i can’t understand how you get such amazing line quality with those brushes!

  14. czina Says:

    thanks for this informations.
    i was always wondering how big the paper you draw on is… in real.

    the brush, your hand is posing with, this is not the brush you are drawing with HABIBI, is it?

  15. Matt the Smigiel Says:

    What type of paper do you use for your professional work, Craig?

  16. tita Says:

    breath-taking! it’s lovely to see how lively your lines are!

  17. Jackson Says:

    Habibi looks very interesting– I’m looking forward to it!

  18. izas Says:

    hi!
    :)

    i like kathleen’s hands
    they look strong and delicate at the same time

  19. Dave Says:

    hey craig, these are incredible drawings! i was wondering about the paper you use, i remember reading somewhere that you use bristol board, but do you buy it in a certain size, or do you cut it yourself? if you do cut it, how do you know how big to cut it? just wondering,
    dave

  20. Jan B Says:

    i was impressed BEFORE i knew what size you draw in. that’s not so big but still it’s full of detail and acurate lines. oh well, back to the drawing board…

    by the way i tried sketching as much as possible during my recent NYC visit, inspired by your carnet. i realized i should have bagan warming up my sketching weeks ahead. took me days before i was satisfied with a sketch.

  21. S.T. Wo Says:

    I’m a big fan Craig. But I’ve always wondered how you do the ‘dry brush technique’ that you do so well. Please share your prowess.

  22. Caffeinated Accountant Says:

    Craig, your drawings are AMAZING! This is the first time I visit your site, but I’m a fan already of your art…you’re so talented!

  23. Stephanie Says:

    You don’t have any ugly friends, do you… :)

    Beautiful work, by the way. :)

  24. julian Says:

    Hi, I´m a great fan of your work!

    I’d like to show you mine:

    http://www.julesfru.blogspot.com

    Thanks!

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