Drawing digital: is this a mistake?

Deciding between drawing digitally or traditionally brings up a lot of questions. Both mediums offer advantages, but I believe one of the major factor's artists must consider is money.
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[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the entire series here: kzbin.info/aero/PLnSGJ0XeWUB-JP6qnIX7_QCkxcQjmzUvK and if you took something away from these, it would be amazing if you shared these to other artists, both aspiring and pros alike! Thanks!

[@madbug1965]

With traditional pencils and inks the penciler gets to keep 2/3 of the original art. If the penciler scans the artwork in and sends it to a digital colorist, the penciler gets to keep 100% of the original artwork. That is a good deal for the artist.

[@justinhunt4767]

Definitely

[@mjmartinejohn]

Your art will also become more valuable the longer you hold it - and the less of it is on the market the more valuable it is. Pretty apparent, but the longer you hold it, the better retirement you'll have when you choose that. Look at a lot of the older artists whose pages are selling in the hundreds of thousands of dollars - and I bet they wished they still had those pages.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yup, that's the plus side to hording my pages :)

[@Kazoku002]

I appreciate every single one of these videos Francis. Thanks for keeping them coming.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, Kazoku!

[@martintaing7928]

As an art collector, it make me sad to see less original art on the market. But I understand all the benefits going digital for artists. Also, you should have Kwan on to talk about original art. That should be fun.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yeah, I agree. I love looking at originals, and I do enjoy working traditional. But I do also enjoy digital, and it usually comes down to the time and the look i'm going for. As for Kwan... good luck, he hates being on camera lol this phone call was as much as I could get out of him!

[@martintaing7928]

@@FrancisManapulArt too bad. Kwan’s a funny guy

[@Randie89]

NO ONE draws The Flash like Francis Manapul did! ⚡️

[@SiyaOum]

Yay! New Francis Episode!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, Siya!

[@noonecomics]

dude, these videos are getting better and better, you are making mini movies now.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much! That really means a lot!

[@11oclockcomics]

Francis, I really appreciated the candor. Sometimes, depending on our lens as collectors, we can forget the very real trade offs between working traditional versus digitally, not to mention the potential risks and value of holding onto your originals until later in life.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yeah, I definitely felt like at times striking while the iron is hot and selling the pages when the book just came out usually yields higher returns. But these days, I just want to get home on time and have weekends off. I suppose I'll always have those page to sell later on and working traditionally is a nice treat to do sometimes.

[@TheJanitor]

The Flash Unwrapped comic you did is one of my absolute favorites! Love seeing you being so open about how much your art means to you.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks! Also thankfully I still had every single one of those pages to scan since I had a hard drive failure and lost all the original files! I actually almost totally forgot that if I had kept them, that book probably wouldn't have existed!

[@waihi1736]

awesome video! i always wondered where your flash pages went :P

[@FrancisManapulArt]

😄 yeah I'm hoarding them! Also thanks as always!

[@jayperezart]

Awesome vids bro! i hope they keep coming

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I'll do my best! Many more days from this deadline to come!

[@TheKevphil]

I just discovered your channel and find it very interesting for your coverage of the business side of things, but also because you are working digitally. I'm a lowly Indy artist (pencils and inks - and lettering), and I work with Vector Layers in Clip Studio Paint. This gives me all the advantages you mentioned *_times three_* because of the endless editability. I am really keyed in on the quality of the line (two of my favorite inkers are Joe Sinnott and Rudy Nebres), so it gives me all the control I want in the inks. I'm not saying I hit any of those high marks (far from it!), but at least it gives me the tools. I use Vector Layers for everything from rough layouts to finished art, and CSP's inking brush engine is just unmatched in my experience.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Oh wow! Yeah I haven't quite figured out how to work with vectors but that does future proof your art for massive scalability. And those are fantastic artist you've mentioned, I'm lucky enough to have gotten a piece of original art from Rudy Nebres and it's beautiful to see his lovely line work.

[@TheKevphil]

​@@FrancisManapulArt In CSP's Vector Layers, *_ANY_* tool can be vector path-based. I have a page of Rudy's inks for some unknown book by an unknown penciler that I picked up at Sam de la Rosa's table for $15 _loooong_ ago. What a genius is Rudy! And sweet guy, too. Still going strong at 86.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

@@TheKevphil I've only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but when I did he was beyond generous with his time.

[@kelwinser]

Hey Francis, great work and thanks for the tip on the stipple brush - just changing the soft round to dissolve! I went in a bit further and changed the opacity to 50% and flow to 10% as well as adjusting some other features to make the brush taper a little bit as I like to start light and go darker gradually. While watching this episode it got me thinking more about your process, especially during the time lapse of you drawing a page. I see you have your main computer screen above your cintiq screen - when drawing poses or choosing angles, do you use the internet for reference? Google image or stock footage sites, drawing by eye from the screen above, or do you have a range of ways to come up with ideas i.e. books/magazines/a mirror, life drawing sketches or artist dolls? Or...is everything you create imagined? Thanks for your time and the vids!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, Kel! Yeah there's a lot of customizability with those brushes. My secondary monitor, I'll usually have a zoomed out version of what I'm working on so that I can see the entire page. I'll usually also have some of the previous pages open for reference. I'm ashamed to say I don't use nearly as much reference as I should, and I tend to just make things up unless it's a very specific location like the Golden Gate Bridge or something like that.

[@kelwinser]

@@FrancisManapulArt Really appreciate you taking the time to answer Francis. I've always wondered how people work, making stuff up or using reference...I do a bit of both, but your work is so on point! I do a lot of characters from imagination, but cars, bikes, buildings, I have to use reference! Do you keep up with practicing human form by going to life drawing or draw random people at cafes etc - I'd love a peek at your sketchbook process (for observational stuff as well as comics or character designing. 😉 Cheers!

[@바보Queen]

dam ur videos need more attention, super high quality and great topic

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@jennysoapdish4502]

Do you save your art on a cloud so that you can access it and work on it from multiple devices?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yup I synch all my computers on a cloud to access my files.

[@JDSCT]

Great video, as always! Very interesting topic. This series never disappoints! I remember Jason Fabok saying in an interview (pretty sure it was for David Finch's Process video series, for which you also had a great episode), he works digitally except for covers and splash pages. The thought being they will fetch more and are more likely to sell. Have you ever considered a hybrid method such as this? Best of both worlds?? Looking forward to the next video!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much! Yeah I've done that every now and then, but sometimes some covers just demand me to do them digitally in order to achieve a certain graphic look. I've always tried to avoid making creative decisions from a financial standpoint, I've always found that method to let me down. I just try to do what's right for the image and what's right for me at that point in time and that usually yields better results. That said I"m not ruling out working traditionally and I actually have recently since I've had plenty of time to do them.

[@JDSCT]

@@FrancisManapulArt ​ Totally makes sense. I love that the art always comes first. It's a great philosophy and it shows in your work. It really is such an interesting topic. Can't wait for the next episode! Until then, take care.

[@MrFranFilms]

Awesome video and information! I actually just graduated the Kubert school this year and have always been a fan of your art. I have every single issue of the new 52 flash run you did. The traditional original pages look phenomenal. If I may ask what did you use for the grey tones ink wash or copics?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks, and congrats! I used either ink wash, or water color, and gouache. I found gouache more forgiving. All of these options are also waaaay cheaper than copics. I find the tones with copics look amazing, but almost mechanical.

[@MrFranFilms]

@@FrancisManapulArt Thanky you so much I love your water color and gouache stuff. Keep making videos they’re awesome!

[@JoeLovesComics]

Another fascinating video! Your run on The Flash got me into comics so it will always mean a lot to me, so it was interesting hearing about that!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey that means a lot! That was a real dream come true for me, as well as a huge learning experience.

[@KFamily-br7lb]

@@FrancisManapulArt your run on the flash was awesome, total loved it!

[@rayzaramon6598]

Dude, we have the same Wake up ring tone.😅 Just found your channel. I'm enjoying it.✌️😉

[@FrancisManapulArt]

heck yeah!

[@ShinKais3r]

You can always sell monoprints!

[@seannyhan2254]

Walt Simonson has kept most of his original art for his "retirement". Which is a laugh, because he'll die with a pen in his hand. Sean Murphy sells his art at a premium, pricing it not at what he thinks it's worth now, but what he thinks it'll be worth in 5 - 10 years. Kinda an investment in himself. I see a lot of young artists selling original art for a couple hundred bucks, and always thought they were undervaluing their work. I see the benefits of digital drawing. Not only can you work faster, with less fear of taking chances, you also have the opportunity to ink and color your own work, which can raise your page rate. Reliability and consistency have got to be a factor in getting work too. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

I imagine at some point I'll part with my Flash and Detective art. I hope not too soon :)

[@davenelson8592]

I mean it sounds like you obviously think the quality of life upgrades are worth the switch but some real numbers would be super interesting here. What's an average month page rate analog vs digital + comparisons of amount collections + original artwork vs prints etc. Even if those numbers aren't actually real because where an artist is at in their career would change this so much, I have a feeling the analog would work out to be far more cash especially at your level. That being said, it's hard to measure the cost value of your mental health and time with your family.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hey great question! Thinking about it, I should have addressed this in the video. But hopefully this answer will add more context (I'll pin this too): It's hard to fully analyze the exact numbers as my switch to digital began as a necessity to try and produce the same output pre-kids. But on average when I was working traditionally, I'd finish a book in a 5-6 week schedule. Digitally I was able to produce the same and work fewer hours. The speed I gained was offset by the less time I spent at the drawing table which was super helpful when you have young children and in having a more balanced life. This is also how I got my weekends back. So even working digitally, I had a very similar turnaround time. However, over the years (artists being artists) the time I gained was further offset by me choosing to color my work. So really all the speed I gained, I somehow used up in some form or another by taking on more tasks lol! As for numbers, yes you're absolutely right the loss of income on art sales suck, but I'm also very fortunate to have a high enough rate that the art sales weren't relied on. Without getting into specifics, my rates for each issue are well within the five-figure range, a lucky enough position which allows me to just focus on creating art and not worrying about the art sales. Which to be honest, was never a big concern of mine from the start of my career when I made significantly less money. I always just looked at it as a nice bonus. But if I currently made the same amount of money at the start of my career now, I'd definitely look into selling art as an additional source of income. Obviously, the numbers are hard ignore, but my editors and deadlines are even harder for me to ignore lol! Hope this adds additional context to this subject. Also keep in mind, this is from my perspective, so everyone's mileage will vary. Also I'm not the most industrious business guy, so maybe I should be selling more art and working traditionally. I just like making art and telling stories and fortunately the act of creating in general increases the value I bring to the project which then in turn increases my rates.

[@davenelson8592]

@@FrancisManapulArt Thanks so much for the reply! Yeah kind of exactly what I thought, I have a two year old at home and totally understand. The extra time with them is invaluable.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

@@davenelson8592 100000000000% my dad was a writer and worked in the entertainment industry in the Philippines and the majority of my memories of him is seeing the back of his head and hearing the typewriter.

[@James-ip7zk]

Great video, as usual. The annoying question: When is CLEAR printed? I cannot find any information about it :)

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks! I believe the revised plans for the print version will be around early summer 2023.

[@picci8]

Time to come back to Sydney and spend those Aussie dollars 😂😂. Great video. Have you tried a hybrid of digital layouts and traditional inks? It still takes time but allows for OG art sales. I’m thinking of only completing traditional inks on the most desirable pages and completing the others digitally… Cheers for the videos, keen on the next one 🙏

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Oh man, yeah I look forward to coming back again some day. Love it down there! Yeah I've done the digital pencils/ traditional inks, some of Trinity was done that way. I found that it didn't speed up the process that much. Between printing it out, lightboxing, scanning, cleaning etc... my current digital work flow sometimes I'll start inking, sometimes I'll start flatting the pencils (for covers) it's a much more holistic process and less stringent like the hybrid model. I'll probably still do traditional here and there, it all just depends on if i have more time, or it's the look i'm going for.

[@owenwilliams2207]

I absolutely love this. I’ve been a fan ever since I saw the new 52 Flash. I have no idea from the moment you started this channel why it hasn’t skyrocketed in growth - it’s absolutely one of the best art channels on KZbin. Free tips from a pro? I mean, come on. I’m into making comics myself, and I actually have a burning question about comic page measurements. I noticed on your digital pages that you didn’t have any bleed marks, trim marks, or “safe zone” marks (the place where panels typically go). I was wondering…do you just do it all by feel? No precise measuring needed, except I guess for the page dimensions itself? I’m very curious. I’m also wondering if you use any measurement lines when you draw on actual paper? Thanks so much!

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Thanks so much Owen! I appreciate your support! I think YT is a different beast from my other social media platforms, and because I take forever to edit these, I struggle with being consistent on here. As for your q's actually I do have margins, in photoshop you have the option to turn those off so you can draw without seeing them but they are still there. On an actual page, typically its 11x17 with a usage space of 10.5x 16.25 if I recall.

[@owenwilliams2207]

I appreciate this so much! That’s exactly what I needed to know. So for drawing on paper, do you yourself typically use 11x17?

[@johnhenry9770]

HI, Francis. I have a question. What's your opinion on AI art? Will it replace comic artist in the future?

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Hmm. Still formulating my thoughts on it. I don't want to fear it, but also can't help be see how it can edge in on a freelancers territory. I think the aspect of the art world I worry about the most are for editorial or magazine illustrators since the art is mostly just used to prop up an article. Luckily in the comic book industry the person behind the pen or the computer carries a lot more weight than the medium they use to draw in. So I guess we'll wait and see.

[@johnhenry9770]

@@FrancisManapulArt Thanks for your insight. As newbie comic artist trying to break in, I'm totally freaking. I feel like my dreams hasn't started yet and it's about to get crushed by art robots. btw, Long time fan here from the Philippines. Thanks for creating a youtube channel, Awesome content!!!.

[@justinhunt4767]

AI steals art from Artist lawsuits are in the work

[@justinhunt4767]

Dope Art

[@rpm2390]

The ending montage 😂😂😂

[@FrancisManapulArt]

that's my favourite part :)

[@danaoconnor9523]

selling original artwork??? What about NFT???

[@FrancisManapulArt]

yeah.. I thought about NFT but then when I realized how harmful it was environmentally, it didn't make sense to me anymore. If the whole reason for me working digitally is to save time and have more time with the family didn't make sense for me to do something that could take time away from them long after I'm gone.

[@littleripper312]

Please never sell the artwork from new 52 and detective. Your kids and grandkids will want that more than any amount of money. The only time I would say sell it is if it was to some entity that would be putting them on display in some way.

[@FrancisManapulArt]

Yeah, we'll see how it goes! I do sell my other stuff, but those two runs stay intact!