CREATING A MANGA - Stumbling on the Process and Time

[@SiyaOum]

I’m a road trip with spotty internet, Will respond to everyone shortly. Have a great weekend everyone ❤

[@SiyaOum]

@sakuratwister870 I'm Cambodian, Chinese mix.

[@AutumnRainTurkel]

Way back when I was doing pages, I would production line things. So I would pencil two pages for a day. Then I would ink back and forth between them. This would give one the chance to dry enough to cleanly erase the pencils.

[@SiyaOum]

That sounds great!

[@Mothsaam]

I'm starting my graphic novel and while I'm working on it I often remember you and your manga and hope you're doing well and progressing and taking care of yourself! I'm rooting for you very much :)

[@nighthawkwarriorcomics]

Nice comic page layouts for this video keep it up and have a wonderful weekend

[@brianamplified3253]

🔥🔥🔥🔥✊🏾 ! You ROCK and INSPIRE ! Thank you

[@SiyaOum]

awe, thank youuuuu!

[@WeblightDreams]

Its been so long since I drew comic/manga pages. So excited for your process and journey. I hate using a blow-dryer but maybe that might help with the drying time.

[@SiyaOum]

For the speed I'm going for, and what I'm use to, which is inks done with brushes, it dries super fast, these new brush pens have a synthetic bristol which adds more pools of ink than intended. I may have a good work around, as soon as I find the time to test it out. Thanks so much for your insight as well!

[@mch43856]

12:02 that looks beautiful 🤩

[@KillerTacos54]

Phenomenal video! Looks amazing so far

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you so much!

[@xzaosfx]

As a fellow lefty, it really helps me to start inking on the right side of the page and working my way to the left side to help prevent smearing, and not having to wait for the ink to dry. I have a feeling you already know this and have a reason for why you don't do it, but just in case, I thought I'd share 😊. Beautiful work as always!

[@johnf6861]

Hi Siya! Looking forward to the update. Hope you're enjoying the process and the journey...self-imposed deadlines be damned! 😊

[@SiyaOum]

Awe, thank you! I do enjoy it, anxiety inducing as it may be, hahaha!

[@JadeSelena1]

My God, your line control is amazing.

[@fairy6615]

You’re such an inspiration to me. I never actually thought it’d be possible to create something so detailed and beautiful in a consistent book format, all by yourself. But finding your videos last year showed how much love and passion you have for the craft and every part of the process and it is incredibly ,, both humbling and motivating. I bow before thee hahaha you’ve got a young-ish artist like myself really believing in the merit of hard work. Thank you for sharing your process with us 💗💓 hope you take care of your health and your body, and the best of luck with the rest of your project!!!

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you so much for this comment. I can only hope to inspire new artists because there are no set rules for getting to that point at which we feel like we know what we're doing. Like my friend Eric says "Be immovable in what you consider quality and good." My best to you and your work!

[@zachhughes9149]

Measuring your progress by seasonal changes in the weather seems like a good way to get discouraged, but it made for a beautiful opening.

[@SiyaOum]

Hahaha, yes, since I suck at looking at past calendars.

[@andyArt5]

Such a massive project. It looks amazing.

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you so much!

[@JDSCT]

Premier just finished... aaaaaand going back for a re-watch! The pages are looking great!

[@SiyaOum]

Awe, thank youuuuu!

[@woopitywoo]

I really enjoy hearing you share your journey and what you learn along the way. It’s nice to see you rerouting or finding better alternatives that work best for your project, very refreshing-usually people say things are a certain way or should be. My biggest takeaway from your video is: I need to be more flexible and open to exploration in this big wonderful complicated creative thing called art!

[@dmrfunkster]

You're most definitely bringing the heat on those pages Siya! Excellent point on slowing down. In my experience, often times moving too fast can lead to mis-takes that end up taking longer to revise. Steady pace is where it's at, which in the long run is not slow at all. Cheers! =)

[@therealchewieswalkabout]

I really envy your artwork! I'm hoping to get to where you are where you're bringing your creation to life in the business world😄

[@SiyaOum]

Good luck to you and thank you!

[@MissMarck]

I'm looking forward to this! I also recently started a manga project, and your videos are like my co-workers!

[@SiyaOum]

Yas! I virtual art studio. I love it. Best of luck on your project! xoxo

[@ricksquiggles2473]

I felt your pain when your erasure smudged your ink! I literally said out load "oh no!" I'm really enjoying following your story.

[@GeraldLange1968]

Nice work so far. I wouldn't over analyze the process or expectations of learning something new. Just do the work and those are a result of doing it unhindered. Learning comes from experience not before or during the process. Always when looking back. My favorite line if from the 1982 film High Road to China when Tom Selleck visits the village elder in Nepal. He says ..the oxen are slow...but the earth is patient. I follow this is my art work.

[@voodopu169]

Watching your Videos is such a inspiration to draw or try to draw like you ❤ I have learned so much ^^

[@SiyaOum]

Awe, thank youuuuu!

[@h.sinclair]

🔥🔥🔥 these drawings are beautiful !!

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you!

[@davethomas1641]

Pacing, you're the author this is your "baby'. Tell the story thats in your head, not the story you think I want, or somebody else for that matter. Your art is top notch, the story, we'll see. I have a feeling it will be enjoyable. This is the best way to learn, your path has more potential downfalls than mine as you are reaching out to a far larger audience. Run it up the flag pole and see who salutes. Cheers

[@10XSeiga]

These videos really get me motivated to turn up my work ethic. Thanks for another lovely glimpse into the lifestyle of a comic creator. Stay blessed

[@SiyaOum]

Let's go get it! Thank you for your kind words.

[@tonylewis3801]

Total commitment.Keep up the fantastic work.

[@MissMarck]

Finally got a chance to watch! I'm currently trying to commit to a simplified, consistent set of tools too. I'm glad you share how you work through the various obstacles. It's super helpful and motivational!

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you so much! You guys give me good feedback as well, it's great working these things out together.

[@henrique2799]

i'm cheering for you so much, i'm also trying to complete a manga. it is probably the hardest thing to do. (specially if you are doing it by your own)

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you so much! I keep that in mind when I'm going through a rough spell. You keep me going. :)

[@henrique2799]

@@SiyaOum please keep going!

[@chevinkennedy]

i love your art!!! Btw what is that tilted board called that you are using to draw on and where can i get one??

[@xboxgamertrev6763]

I get deadlines are there for a reason but if you bypass it I'm fine with it, I mean I'm ready to read the manga but that just means the hype can build more. I'm also used to it beings I'm a gamer idk how many titles I've been wanting has been delayed so I'm ok with it

[@SiyaOum]

Thank you for that, it means a lot to me, there's always a balance between releasing when something is not ready and it hurts, or late.

[@suburbanview]

I was waiting for it, and then missed it for 1 minute, I didnt think its gona be that short. NEXT TIME!

[@SiyaOum]

Thanks for stopping by again, though.

[@jc_scott]

I just found your channel and I've watched the whole series so far. Can't wait for the next update!

[@SiyaOum]

Oh thank so much!!!

[@kevincooper5656]

You made mention in your vid that one of the challenges you ran into was when using your brush pen/ pens is that it would smudge and smear due to how fast you worked and then that would eat at your time having to wait for the ink to the dry (?) If that's the case, ever thought about using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process? I use a blow dryer when working in watercolors/acrylics from time to time....just a thought. Also you stated that w/the more technical aspects of your layouts you do more planning. That doesn't throw off the overall look does it? Either way, from what I see your work is stunning. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@mattkennedy6683]

Life - that thing that happens in spite of best laid plans! While it must have been a significant financial decision to cut down on freelance work to focus on your own thing, you are smart to invest in yourself. You'll make more (money, satisfaction, etc.) from your own IP just by selling five percent as many units of any project at a major comicbook publisher -regardless of whether there is any incentivized metric. But by choosing the manga format, you are virtually guaranteed to reach a wider audience, since the North American manga readership is vastly outperforming the standard serialized comic book market. That should be the multiplier that makes this project the greatest success of your illustration career, and one of expanding possibilities. It's probably gobbling up more of your work/life balance than you'd like right now, but it's ultimately going to earn you a lot more of the life part of that equation. Really looking forward to it!

[@Paine128]

I missed the live, but I really enjoyed watching you explain your process. Inspiring video as always sensei!💜

[@kenshirosuzuki4273]

Heya Siya, may I suggest using a hairdryer to dry the inks? It does the job for me when using watercolour and/or inks! By the way, such beautiful work. Love seeing your progress and always fascinating listing to your thought process too. I always enjoy watching your videos. Well done!

[@JDSCT]

Yay! New video inbound!! I'll be there

[@SiyaOum]

Glad to have you join me as always a comforting name to see in the chats. :)

[@tonyodonnell-tv9yq]

Your art is wonderful. A long time back I used to brush ink with a brush and Indian ink and mistakes could happen with smearing but line work usually dried quickly. I would leave large black areas for later. I love my brush pen but they do take longer to dry and are not so good for adding a wet wash or colour over inks.

[@SiyaOum]

Yeah. I'm now trying to find a way to take my ink with me when I travel without making a huge mess, lol.

[@the_flushjackson]

How are you taking care of yourself physically throughout the process - do you allow yourself time to exercise, hydrate and eat?

[@lindbo4545]

I’m buying this book immediately when you finish it. I wish I had your patience to finish a massive project like this lol.

[@SiyaOum]

Hahaha, I barely have the patience to do it. *high five!

[@manbat]

So good.

[@VVelcome2THEVOID]

You are amazing and highly underrated

[@SiyaOum]

[@VVelcome2THEVOID]

@@SiyaOum and ofcourse ♥️

[@sangeetakolase2139]

Waiting

[@keithaguilar9790]

I want to live where you live. Yeash...talk about a scenic view.

[@tonylorenz5579]

awesome work, can you tell me your scanning technique, I too use clip studio doing my tones, but I seem to get a moire to them, what am I doing wrong.

[@beulahhemalatha4635]

Nice project super

[@JoeyPerezthethird]

Woohooo! Another one!!!!!!!

[@SiyaOum]

Yup yup! 😅

[@ElectricEmphasis]

Question: do you think that inked work looks "more alive" than when it is "colored"? For example, when I look at original artwork by different artists (Marvel/DC/Image) and compare it with the colored comic page, 9 times out of 10, to me it feels as if it has lost some life i.e. that the impact of the inked artwork diminished...I would really want to know what your opinion is on inked artwork vs colored artwork. Thanks in advance.

[@SiyaOum]

I do have to agree with that statement quite a bit. As much as I love works that have been colored. I myself prefer it in black and white, which is also why I chose to do a manga this time around without colored interiors.

[@jakemonster001]

Do you ever just finish your lines digitally without ink? Great looking work - looking forward to seeing it finished! :)

[@SiyaOum]

I do for some client work, I do prefer ink on paper for my own works. xoxo

[@Mothsaam]

If you don't mind me asking (idk if you mentioned this in one of your videos already) what size margins are you using and what your planned final print size is gonna be? I'm doing some research and for some reason the size of live areas is proving to be really confusing to me. I'm trying to decide if I should buy 11x14 or 11x17 paper for my own project. 11x17 seems way too big for me since I draw very small usually.

[@SiyaOum]

That's a great question. The comic book standard is 11x17, and the margins are usually predrawn if you buy comic bristol. Canson, Blueline Pro, and Eon Comic boards have the margines pre-marked.

[@JoeyPerezthethird]

What do you listen to when you draw? Do you listen to music, ambient sounds, podcast, etc? I listen to soundtracks of movies. Lately it’s been man of steel and the last samurai. Music with words tends to throw me off my flow. Lol. I was just curious what you listen to.

[@SiyaOum]

I listen to all those things! I'm thinking about making some of my spotify playlists public so everyone can see how "all over the place" my taste in music is, haha!

[@JoeyPerezthethird]

@@SiyaOum oooo!! That’s sounds like a great idea! Give us the heads up when you decide to put your playlist on Spotify. I’d love to draw in some of the sounds that inspire you when you’re doing your thing😊👍🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@SiyaOum]

@@JoeyPerezthethird Thank you! I guess I'll try to remember to post it in the community post on YT. Thanks so much again.

[@anthonykamm1007]

How big is your laptop riser because to be able to hold your art board in the video it must be around 10 inches one way and maybe 10 inches wide. Thanks for responding back to me so quickly.😀

[@SiyaOum]

Yes,it's 10x10 with a hard bristol board or chip board placed on top of it.

[@midollafun]

What brush pens did you use, I been looking for a brush pen that kinda gives me the feel of a manga brush.

[@SiyaOum]

I have a link to all my supplies, including the brush pen in the video description.

[@midollafun]

@@SiyaOum oh my bad I don't see the brush pen link

[@SiyaOum]

@@midollafun Do you mean this one? Kuretake MANNEN MOUHITSU"TAKUJO" Brush Pen (No.8). It's my bad, since I forgot to update it when it came back on the market. It should be available on Amazon now.

[@midollafun]

@@SiyaOum Thank you yeah that's the one.

[@SiyaOum]

@@midollafun Thank you, for catching that! :)

[@SeniorAntonio]

🤩

[@O_Godz]

I see you Fatalis! 12:24

[@paulwoodford1984]

I don’t get why there are such strict deadlines for such intricate work. Painting commissions seem to get more time lol

[@SiyaOum]

Publishing schedules are based on income from sales so it’s different in that way. I can include more info in a later episode because it is important. Thank you so much for your comment!

[@willexcel]

Can you please tell me what pen you were inking with in this video?

[@SiyaOum]

It should be in the video description with all my supplies.

[@willexcel]

It's just a ballpoint pen? Wow

[@SiyaOum]

@@willexcel Yep. I recently started using it for fine detail.

[@VerbalArchitect703]

How did you know what scene to start with first???

[@SiyaOum]

In terms of drawing. I started with the scenes that were pivotal, and knew they weren't change even if I rewrote aspects of the story.

[@kamerayafisilda]

1:20 what is the brand name of that pen

[@SiyaOum]

Here is the name of that brush pen. Kuretake MANNEN MOUHITSU"TAKUJO" Brush Pen (No.8)

[@jacksilloway7281]

some mangaka use hairdryers to save time

[@zachhughes9149]

Just blame it on the writers’ guild strike.

[@SiyaOum]

😂

[@fuzzydragons]

its not a handrawn/inked piece without getting a little smeared ink on a piece 😜

[@SiyaOum]

hahah, yes, so true.

[@Jonathan-0001]

Siya about how long did it take you to get to this level of skill ??

[@SiyaOum]

I'd say 10 years drawing full time haha