Terry Moore: How to Letter Comics... By Hand!

Studio Sunday Feb 9, 2020 with Robyn and Terry Moore.
Today's Q&A:
1. Are single issues dead in comics? Why don't you just make graphic novels and skip the single issues?
2. What do you think of other artists drawing your characters?
LETTERING TIME! starts at 5:43
How to use a lettering guide and hand letter your comics-on the original art- for a classic professional look.
Send your questions or suggestions for future videos to: [e-mail].
Webshop: www.abstractstudiocomics.com
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www. TerryMooreArt
Terry Moore is the Eisner Award winning creator of the comic books series Strangers In Paradise, Echo, Rachel Rising, Motor Girl, Five Years and more. In addition to his self-published stories, Terry has worked for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image comics as both a writer and artist. Terry and his wife Robyn self-publish his comics under the imprint Abstract Studio.

[@lydiapowell569]

Love watching this! I miss watching my dad ink and letter for Marvel. He worked for Marvel in the 60's and 70's when I was little. I am showing this to my elementary art students so they learn what lettering is. Thanks.

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

Making my first comic at 49yrs old. This was perfect, thanks Mr. Moore. Going to buy the run of comics you're working on here soon as I can.

[@LilacDeunan]

Not gonna lie, I lost a few years of life when you pulled an exacto knife and scored the label over top of your comic page... Your precious art!

[@TerryMooreArt]

Oh I didn't even think about it I've been doing it for so long. I'm like a surgeon with that knife. Well, a drunk surgeon anyway.

[@robertgarza466]

I thought it looked like you were drawing snow while answering questions and you were! Moore snow is the best.

[@gunsmokeandghouls]

Great tips, especially the use of the removable labels. Starting my own graphic novel and wanted to hand letter it for similiar reasons you mentioned so this video was a big help.

[@sivoutroi9166]

very helpful, thank you!

[@Derekrife1]

In terms of the use of computers, I recently saw a very interesting use of printing and a lightbox. The artist basically creates their own font with software, and then types it out and prints it. In a solid chunk that can be placed into a balloon. Then because he wanted to keep the organic inconsistencies you'd find in classic comics, he'd place the printed artwork beneath the bristol on top of a light box, and would use that as a guide, because he thought the computer would be more precise and quick.

[@ChrisMcQuinlanart]

Thanks for the guide on lettering! I've been wanting to move away from digital and rediscover the joy of working traditionally, and lettering is one thing i've always been nervous of doing but i want to challenge myself this year, and this guide was packed with helpful tips! thank you :)

[@raydillon]

Your story about the Ames lettering guide and the manual cracked me up. I have have one since the 90s and tried several times to understand that thing. Eventually just started doing digital lettering instead. Now I'm really wanting to use it! I've been digital for so long, but I love the idea of having the physical, fully lettered art.

[@haunshaul7222]

I love this! I've been diving into Todd Klein's lettering blog for a while now, so it's great to see the tools he discusses in action. I just discovered your work a few months ago, but I've been having a great time with it!

[@philjudd3473]

I have been trying to use one of these for years and never came across anyone who uses them. Or very good tutorials on here on using them. But this is brilliant...thank you.

[@glennfleming]

I use mine all the time, Phil. The guide is simple to use, really. As for the actual hand lettering, well, it is certainly a challenge, but as an artist, I like challenges. I bought my Aimes back in 1981, when I started drawing (comics) professionally. As Terry says, at the end you have what I call the complete art (I also hand colour my work). Computer lettering is too rigid and perfect every time: and, every piece of art doesn't need to be a masterpiece! So everyone out there who is scared to death of this little piece of plastic: give yourselves a break! I also hear that it 'saves time'. Get a grip!! If you have to work late...work late!! You're an artist - we ALWAYS work late!!! Also, if you letter your own art, you will either: Save on paying a letterer OR pick up the lettering cheque! Bingo!

[@BeBa_897]

Can't stop watching this video 😳🥺

[@marinette6894]

I love your drawing tutorials...I never knew there was a gadget to help you with lettering but it makes perfect sense. As for the single comics verses trades, I was wondering the same thing but your answer was perfect. Why I love single issue comics is the excitement of seeing what the cover art and next issue was going to be about...or trying to survive the 6 weeks after a cliffhanger issue which was sweet torture sometimes...you don’t get to experience that with a trade. Now the only thing I wonder is that trades are such the norm now and have been for awhile and I am sure that makes the value of the single issues go down compared to the old days. But I buy both the single issues and the trade if I can. I think a big selling point would be to add different covers or extras in the single issues that are not in the trade and in the trade to add a new Cover artwork to increase sales of both. Just my two cents. Always love your work. And man, Zoe 😂

[@philjudd3473]

I have been trying to use one of these for years and never came across anyone who uses them. Or very good tutorials on here on using them. But this is brilliant...thank you.

[@teresapyeatt3698]

I can't wait to get my monthly installment of the Terry verse. Would you ever consider have a fellow artist on the weekly show.

[@TerryMooreArt]

I would but I don't know any in my town.

[@tonicmole5447]

There's a lot of confusion over Trades vs singles, and sadly it's to some degree coming out of the industry itself.

[@ionvash]

Hey Terry! Love the content of these videos but would it be possible to increase the volume on future videos?

[@williamdrum9899]

I have trouble drawing things small enough to fit into panels 😢

[@BeBa_897]

You're amazing

[@TerryMooreArt]

Thank you Habiba.

[@francopasquaaa]

hellow terry i loved your art, how too draw hadns ?

[@calebsawyer0719]

What kind of pens are you using to make the lettering for that one? It looks really incredible.

[@TerryMooreArt]

Micron pens.

[@calebsawyer0719]

@@TerryMooreArt Ah, micro pens. The tools used on how to make the lettering for comics so much clear. Very impressive.

[@breadpirateoverhere]

Doing the lettering is not something I really considered when I wanted to make my own stuff. It's an art form all its own and I don't think people give it the credit it deserves.

[@MassDriver]

How do you erase the original text and lines in pencil without dulling the ink from the pens?

[@josesosa3337]

Didn't watch the full video but does this device help in drawing speech bubbles?

[@TerryMooreArt]

unfortuntely no. I draw those freehand.

[@philjudd3473]

What type of tape are you using so it doesn't tear or stick to the paper or board? Excellent demonstration by the way...

[@TerryMooreArt]

It's white paper tape you get at the art supply store. It's made for using on art paper. It's like $8 a roll, but I only have to buy 2 or 3 a year.

[@philjudd3473]

@@TerryMooreArt Thanks Terry! Love your videos on this. Not many authentic professional letterers still doing it by hand like this. And little on here to look at...

[@AntOninPortequoi]

I'm really trying to find a tsquare like that to be attached to my board

[@TerryMooreArt]

They make one that actually attaches with screws and moves up and down, always level. Mine is just a metal tsquare from the art store. I got it because the plastic ones were never perfectly square and it showed when I got the art in the computer and if something isn't level it really shows.

[@philjudd3473]

Terry can I ask about the AMES? I am using it on a drafting table with the slide rule which is attached. But I am finding the AMES slides off as I am trying to rule across a page. Is your table at an angle that keeps it in place? Just trying to figure out how people stop it popping off the slide rule as it is moved across.

[@TerryMooreArt]

I use a metal t-square with no bevel. The Ames sits on it fully and stays there. I don't use the wooden ones anymore because they didn't seem to be perfectly square when I put the resulting work into Phostoshop to do layouts requiring perfect horizonatals and verticals.

[@NateSpinney]

bro a girls trip means she cheated. I am sorry Terry but your wife is a cheater

[@user-sl8gt3bu1r]

Just checked out your channel, 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡