Make A Webtoon From Scratch : The Guide
Are you dreaming of making your own Webtoon? Having readers trying to figure out the next steps of your stories, making up theories, making fan art… Well, here's your starting point!
Learning to Draw
You're not an artist? Guess what, neither was I! Stick figures were my jam, but now, I can draw figures that actually resemble what they're supposed to be. I committed to 500 hours of learning over six months and pulled off my first chapter. Let's dive into the lessons learned.
‘1’ is a reproduction of my level at the very start. ‘2’ was the result of a few weeks or anatomy training. ‘3’ is a rough sketch I can do now. All in all, it took me around 500h to get to this point.
The Three Cornerstones: Realism, Planning, Motivation
Realism
Look, we all have big visions—epic stories filled with action-packed scenes. But, sometimes you gotta walk before you can run. Webtoons don't need to be art masterpieces; some have simple drawings but gripping stories. Consistency is king here. Publish weekly and you'll create a loyal fan base—even if it starts with just two people.
Additional Tip : Don't forget to invest in good art supplies or a reliable digital tablet. It can make your learning curve less steep and enhance your art quality.
If you don’t want to invest too much, I advise this tablet, that’s what I started with and it’s very reliable : The best value tablet I used
Planning
Before anything, allocate time. My 500-hour target over six months was achievable. The learning curve in art is more like a vertical line - you could be at it for years and still feel like a newbie. That's why setting a timeline is crucial. And know this : You'll learn the most by just doing your project, drawing your characters, or items everyday. Don’t stay in your confort zone, but don’t force yourself out of it all the time as well.
Project Management Tools : Consider using tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and milestones. Organization is key in complex, ongoing projects like a Webtoon. Or… Don’t ! I never used anything like that but I know some people need it. I also know a lot of people using a free and easy method called Pomodoro. It’s a method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, usually 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.
Find what suits you best, and go for it. The best way is always what works for you, so ‘trial and mistake’ until you find it!
Motivation
Two things fuel you: having fun and chasing a goal. If you're not enjoying the process, you're on the wrong track. Feeling stuck is normal, but don't wallow in it. Switch things up, or revisit something that you know you're good at. End your session on a positive note. Like my pastry chef brother always says - the last course defines the meal. Make your last artistic stroke a satisfying one.
How I learned, can help you
How to Choose Your Courses
Courses can be hit or miss, and this could either fuel you or frustrate you. My first Udemy course felt like wasted time because it was too general. But then I hit the jackpot with another one that focused on anatomy - a game-changer that significantly leveled up my skills. Here's my shortlist of impactful resources:
1. Ethan Becker on YouTube : His no-nonsense advice to draw without low opacity - essentially drawing with gusto - helped me make bold choices and learn from my mistakes.
2. Udemy Anatomy Course : It was dry and heavy, yes. But it broke down muscle groups, skeletal structures, and proportions so well that my characters now have a life-like quality I couldn’t achieve before. (Best part is that it was cheap and thorough, here’s the link if you’re interested : https://www.udemy.com/course/anatomy-for-figure-drawing-and-comics/
3. New Masters Academy : It comes at a price, but if you can afford it, the advanced techniques and top-notch educators make all the difference.
Drawing Tips That Make a Difference
Mastering Character Drawing
Drawing characters can be intimidating. Start with basic geometric shapes—circles for heads, rectangles for torsos, and lines for limbs. These act as the scaffolding for your character. Once you’ve sketched this framework lightly, begin to refine your shapes into muscle, clothing, and facial features. Over time, try diversifying your portfolio by drawing characters in different poses and with various facial expressions.
It takes time and practice to find your style.
Background Creation for Non-Artists
Backgrounds are more than just filler; they’re the stage upon which your characters act. Start simple with single-point perspective, choosing a vanishing point on your horizon line from which all other lines extend. This gives depth to flat spaces and is excellent for simple outdoor scenes or straightforward indoor spaces. As you get comfortable, move to two-point perspective for complex, dynamic settings like busy cityscapes or intricate rooms.
A plank from my Webtoon that shows that knowing how to draw characters doesn’t make you good at backgrounds. But, hey. You don’t need to draw like Da Vinci to make something great.
3D Software for Quick Backgrounds
If drawing backgrounds feels too daunting, 3D software can be a lifesaver.
- SketchUp : It's beginner-friendly and mainly used for architectural designs. An extensive library allows you to download preset models.
- Acond3D : Provides a variety of pre-designed environments and assets, making it convenient for those who want quick, quality backgrounds without steep learning curves.
You can export these 3D scenes to serve as a sketch guide in your 2D drawing software or integrate them directly into your webtoon.
But what if you don’t feel like learning all that? Well, check my article on how to create art without knowing how to draw (yes, even Webtoon) : Here
Harnessing Community Feedback
One thing that sped up my learning curve was engaging with online art communities. Websites like Reddit have several subreddits dedicated to drawing and webtoons, offering a platform for constructive critiques and skill exchange. The key is to actively participate: post your work, comment on others, and don't shy away from asking for specific feedback.
Crafting Your Pitch and Preparing for Publication: A Detailed Guide
The Pitch
You've got the drawing skills and a style that makes you proud. Now you're eyeing the pitch and thinking, "This should be easy compared to mastering art." Well, don't underestimate the power of a gripping story. Take OnePunchMan - basic art, but the storyline got everyone talking. What you should aim for is a story that's not just good, but addictive. Think of it as dopamine for your readers. Solo Leveling is a prime example. The plot is nothing extraordinary, but the moments it delivers? Unforgettable. So, aim for a balance: create a story that's deep but also filled with 'cool' and 'fun' elements that keep readers coming back.
Narrative Structure : Don’t neglect the structure of your story. Consider techniques like the Three-Act Structure to give your story a well-defined beginning, middle, and end.
- Act One : Setup: Introduce your main characters, the world they live in, and the status quo. This act should also contain the 'Inciting Incident,' an event that thrusts your protagonist into the main action of the story. Try to not make your first chapters too dense with information. Visualize your story like a big body of water, when your reader dives into it, too much info might be like doing a belly flop. Make sure to make it flow, make it light enough. Don’t info dump, alternate between action and dialogue.
- Act Two : Confrontation : This is often the longest part of your story. Your characters should face multiple obstacles, each one escalating in difficulty. Introduce sub-plots or secondary characters that challenge or assist the protagonist. The end of Act Two often contains a 'Crisis,' a low point for your protagonist where all seems lost.
- Act Three : Resolution : This is where the major storylines and subplots come together. The climax is the final confrontation between your protagonist and the main obstacle or antagonist. The 'Denouement' or falling action wraps up any remaining loose ends and sets the stage for future arcs or sequels.
These are practical suggestions to make your initial journey smoother. It's crucial to have beta readers - whether it's friends, family, or acquaintances. If you're hesitant to share your work (which is completely normal), consider online communities like Reddit or Facebook groups where many are eager to provide feedback. Just be prepared - receiving critiques can be a little tough, but it's part of the creative process.
Technicals: Creating and Publishing Your Webtoon
So you've refined your pitch and practiced character development sketches. Now, what software should you use to actually create your webtoon?
Software Choices
- Procreate : That's what I used on my iPad. It's great for large files, offering dimensions of 800x16000 pixels, which is crucial for webtoon chapters.
- GIMP : A free alternative to Photoshop, it also handles large files well and offers an array of tools for both drawing and editing.
- Krita : Another free alternative, specifically designed for digital artists. It's user-friendly and equipped with various artistic tools.
- MediBang Paint : A free software tailored for comic and manga artists, it comes with cloud storage to make working across devices easier.
File Dimensions
- Width : The standard width for a Webtoon is 800 pixels.
- Length : The length can vary, but you'll need software that can manage large files to accommodate the scrolling format typical of Webtoons. That's why I worked with an 800x16000 pixel dimension for mine.
File Management
Working with large files can be a challenge. Consider breaking your chapters into smaller segments while working. Once all segments are complete, they can be combined into a single, long strip using your software's built-in tools or manually in a larger canvas.
Color and Resolution
- Opt for a high resolution, aiming for a minimum of 300 dpi. The higher the resolution, the better your art will appear on various devices.
- Webtoons are generally colorful. While the color scheme is your choice, ensure it complements the tone and mood of your story.
Backup and Data Management
Given the size and importance of these files, make sure you have an effective backup strategy. Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox can be lifesavers.
In summary, here are the key takeaways for launching your own Webtoon:
1. Commit to Learning : Dedicate time to improve your drawing skills, aiming for consistency over perfection.
2. Plan Carefully : Use project management tools and set achievable timelines to keep yourself on track.
3. Stay Motivated : Keep the process enjoyable and always aim to end each session on a high note.
4. Course Selection : Choose learning resources that offer specific, in-depth knowledge to elevate your skills.
5. Tech Matters : Invest in reliable software and hardware to make your artistic journey smoother.
6. Community Engagement : Actively participate in online art communities for valuable feedback and skill exchange.
7. The Pitch : Craft a compelling, balanced story that not only intrigues but also retains your readers.
8. Technical Specs : Know your file dimensions and resolutions, and always have a reliable backup strategy.
With that in mind, I’m sure you’ll be able to start your journey to make a great Webtoon !