The 8 Step Comic Writing Process

Order DRAWINGS 5 here: shop.mrjakeparker.com/
Here's how I wrote my Skull Chaser comic from start to finish.
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Writing is Hard
3:25 - Idea Capture
4:29 - Finding the Conflict
7:22 - The First Draft
8:19 - Work on the Rough Parts
9:38 - Nail Down the Beats
11:09 Write the Scriptment
12:06 - Review with the Story Trust
13:23 - Revise and Polish
14:55 - Outro
Support my Patreon!
/ jakeparker
My previous video about WRITING short comics:
• How To Write Short Comics
Video sponsored by SVSLearn.com where becoming a great illustrator starts. Subscribe and get quality online illustration courses here:
svslearn.com
3 Point Perspective Podcast: www.svslearn.com/3pointperspe...
My list of art tools and materials that I use: mrjakeparker.com/tools
My art books!
shop.mrjakeparker.com/collect...
Website: mrjakeparker.com
Twitter: / mrjakeparker
Instagram: / jakeparker
Music by Epidemic Sound

[@scriptyshake]

Two things from this video that I wanna point out that were extremily valuable advice to me: 1) Scriptment: The idea of having something between a script and a more traditional 'novel' writing is so helpful for comics. I always felt like scripts weren't descriptive enough and with novel writing you could get too caught up with the writing style and character's inner thoughts. With the scriptment you both get a decent amount of description while still getting to the point and you get a good amount of dialogue as well. 2) The story trust: It's so so important to know who to share your story with. Here's something I experienced with one of my stories: In high school I had made this story and had shared it with my other artist friends. They were obsessed with this story to the point where they made their own OCs in my story and made short comics and animatics. It was incredible how well recieved that story was and I could tell it definitely had potential. A few years later when I start college I obviously start talking about that same story to my new group of friends. Except this time they completely destroy every single aspect of the story. At first I didn't understand why they critisized it so much when it had had such success with my other friend group. Now a year later, I know these friends better and I understand they're simply not people I should share my stories with, not because they'e bad friends but simply because they consume art in a different way than I do. They're not artists and they consume content like fast food, to 'turn their brains off', while I make my stories as pieces of art that make you reflect and that have a deeper meaning. I understand now that no story will ever please everyone and that I need to share my stories with people who are capable of giving critiques for the type of stories I'm making.

[@jasonepstein8746]

7:53 the “no wait” so relatable as you begin to figure out more details in the story. The more excited those phrases get the more you know it’s goood

[@nerissacrawford8017]

The way you write your story is how I write mine. Another sign I am on the right track.

[@robertdowneypeenis6139]

Self suck fest

[@jasonepstein8746]

5:54 “this just doesn’t look like you’re doing anything “ Yes!! This stage is very hard… I’d argue it’s the hardest. I’ve spent weeks thinking about my story just walking around. Sometimes it takes asking the right what if question

[@scriptyshake]

Ikr!! Sometimes it feels like I'm not doing anything or not going anywhere because I'm not actively drawing my comic but this is such an important step!! Something else that feels like you're doing nothing but that is actually really important is consuming source material as inspiration for your story! Often when I felt stuck on a particular part of my story, instead of trying to force something out of my brain, I intead go look for similar stories to read/watch to get inspired and often an idea pops in my head! Same thing with going for a walk, often your best ideas come when you're not directly working on it.

[@geraldjuvejr.6171]

LOVED the trailer analogy. That's always how I've seen drawings in my head the best 'scene' in a movie using it's best frame. Describes the gist of the scene in one shot.

[@edelgrane9375]

I think that the last ending you came up with is the strongest because it shows Skull being flawed just like his opponent.

[@nmlss]

This is such an interesting video!! I always love seeing how authors work and try to learn something from them so I can add it to my own workflow and make it more efficient. I remember checking an expanded edition of Neil Gaiman's 'Black Orchid' on a bookstore and the extras included some words by Neil himself, talking about how he planned his stories. One thing that I found really useful and still use is making a list from 1 to whatever how many pages your comic has and on each number, write what happens in that page in very few words. Like: "Page 1, Skull Chaser is playing poker; Page 2, he's gonna win; Page 3, someone tricks him…" It helps you seeing it all together at a simple glance and from there you can develop the story, know if you'll need to add or delete pages, etc. etc.

[@StudioHannah]

That is an excellent way to do the outline

[@george-qz9un]

Yes!! I've always been the type of learner who learns best after seeing someone do it once. This video helped me get a better sense of how I can possibly do this, but not be restricted to it.

[@VirtualSG]

Very nice. You did a great job evolving it from a meaningless anecdote to a genuine sequence that gets me curious about who Skull is and what lies ahead for him.

[@colbfx]

Cool to see how the story evolved. I find editing to be the most complicated and laborious part of the process. You want it to be perfect! A dangerously elusive goal.

[@the3dworkspace729]

300000000m/s ...........EPIC

[@stever6606]

And learning the difference between perfect and good enough. It will never be perfect.

[@mineiro01]

Oh man, this is great. Please make more comics! I love your style and sense of humor

[@estebancm6954]

Yesss! Jake Parker is back!!

[@cayetanokoala]

Man I have been following you for many years and STILL, you are dispensing great info and knowledge. I have a list of six art business I keep on a chalkboard in my studio to remind me of how I should be aiming my art business and art practice. Your name is consistently on this changing list. Jake you are an artist I admire and you are consistently inspiring me. Thanks so much dude.

[@george-qz9un]

Wow thanks Jake! Been stuck with storywriting so hard lately and this came just in time.

[@GigiMurakami]

Sameeee

[@MOONSUN4Life]

It's been a while, Jake! For a moment there, I thought YT was recommending an old video again... Good tips and an interesting writing process, thank you for sharing!

[@theforgottenordergraphicno8052]

Short stories are quite tricky to get right and this was really interesting and informative, thank you! I would love to figure out how to apply this to a long format style comic.

[@eviatarwarshavsky2441]

thank you jake! just wanted to tell you that thanks to one of your videos i made my first short comic, and since than i made 3 more short comics, and now im starting to work on my first short animated film! thank you so much for your videos, thanks to you, i do the things that i do.

[@willexcel]

I need more Jake Parker in my life. MORE videos, please!

[@Timooee]

I’ve been waiting for a new Video! I’ve been wanting to create a comic for a while now but I’m scared of commitment lol.

[@o2bsam]

That was a cool story. When I read it I gave a fist pump at the end when the card drop from skulls glove. Glad you’re back Jake!

[@StudioHannah]

Jaaaaaake, you're back on KZbin! Eyyyy! I've been in the children's book class on SVS, so I've seen your face there, but I missed getting KZbin notifications with your content. It's always good stuff.

[@jakeparker44]

Ahhh, thanks Hannah!

[@rainastor4789]

Welcome, welcome, welcome! Been praying for you! So good to see you back.

[@AngelinaMascol]

Wow! This was so well explained! I really do feel inspired to do my comic now. And I understand better now how to actually follow the process of making the story, that story beat part really helped. Thank you so much Jake Parker! P.s.When I get discovered I'm making sure I name you. Love your drawings too btw.

[@robertdowneypeenis6139]

Self suck fest.

[@justabout6979]

What's the name of your comic?

[@BenMellingerArt]

been loving these videos on comics. they are such a passion of mine and it's so nice to learn from one of the best!

[@pixelpatron]

That shirt is fire Jake! "Stay on target!"

[@NotLatasha]

Just wanted to say I’m late to the party but so so so thankful for this video. I was having a little bit of imposter syndrome it’s nice to hear other people lay it all out in their heads “looks like your doing nothing” and i longhand my notes too without corrections. Just happy to feel on the right track

[@ColinJWiens]

Great writing on the vid itself too! The concrete steps were useful, and hearing your thought process made them memorable. It goes to show how spending extra time on the script makes a world of difference in your comic and your vid! I also recommend that people think about their plotline in the washroom, shower, falling asleep, or exercising (in your case). It sounds goofy but it gives an extra level of creativity that can't be explained.

[@averin.4932]

Thank you Jake! I’ve been struggling with writing my first graphic novel and this video helps so much! I love how you break everything down and simplify all the problem solving that goes into writing and illustration. Love your work and I’m glad you’re back on KZbin!

[@JennyTemplar]

Thank you Jake for Inktober 🖤✒🖋🖊🖌 it's really gave me creativity again.

[@cass_attack]

This was soooooo helpful! Just signed up with SVS after getting my BFA in illustration, but I want to get more into comics/storytelling and I am stoked to learn more in depth with you all!

[@amos6235]

Great to see you on here again! My kids (4,7,&9) keep stealing Sketches 5 from me and they were completely fascinated by the behind-the-scenes look at how you made the Skull Chaser comic. Thanks!

[@duranimusprime5989]

thank you for sharing your process with us! I struggle with that process from just writing up a story- to converting it to panels... That part from word to visuals really gets me.

[@kristianbusby1895]

Super helpful advice Jake, the lesson I learned here was that it’s better to have something down on paper, even if it’s just a silly idea. That way you have something to work with. I always love your videos, thanks!

[@Ms_Fate]

Was soo much waiting for this one . Jake parker back on the yt trail 👍❤️

[@kylekoz3856]

So happy you're back!

[@atharvvvjain]

It's not just you. The inciting incident often gets many artist stuck. (For my first comic, it was actually the thing that kept me sprawling)

[@rexwatkins8088]

Awesome, Jake! Thanks for the video, and hope there’s more to come soon!

[@EricYoungArt]

This is a fantastic return to KZbin, I can't wait to see more! You've a real inspiration, thanks for taking time to create this kind of content

[@ScharonArt]

Really happy to see you're making youtube vids again!

[@bones23jones]

Welcome back Jake! Good to get another art lesson from you.

[@codeninja100]

You dont know how long ive been waiting for this! Glad to see you’re back!

[@KiX-K4T13]

I have been actually working on a graphic novel for a while now! I like to see the greats give their take on how they do it. Thanks, Jake! ✌

[@aakaashjayanth9344]

Seeing your video, after a long time, makes me excited to know what I'm gonna learn in this video,love you jake

[@KrispyKiKi]

Finally! Ive been dying for a new video from you! Awesome video!

[@ComedyJakob]

Welcome back, Jake! Great video. Your tips on getting started with comics were a big inspiration to me.

[@liftabrush3519]

I was so excited after you made the announcement of the new video on your Instagram.A great video btw

[@GigiMurakami]

Oh yes! I’ve been waiting for a new video! Welcome back!

[@AlexTHoffman]

Perfect timing on this video! I went back to your last videos on writing short comics and finished my first short story comic and I want to make more. These videos are all very helpful!

[@murrayrodriguez878]

I've never seen page thumbnail sketches before! Thank you for sharing that's such a great idea!

[@RandySiplon]

What a great return! I need that book now.

[@MarkozArte]

Dude welcome back, i was wondering where you go. Great video. Cant wait to buy the book!!!

[@dhaesart]

Great video! I've always wanted to get into writing a short comic but I never knew where to start. Your process is so easy to follow.

[@ashrelasna8560]

The quality is incredible!

[@craftygeekent4620]

Welcome back! Missed your videos Jake!

[@willkellydraws]

Great to see a new JP YT video! Love learning about the writing process.

[@ZomGKiwi]

That's this is exactly what I needed. I been mulling around my first comic story but didnt know how to start

[@richtoonsTV]

Great to see this! I've been wanting to illustrate my first comic book story!

[@joshuabarger472]

so immensely helpful! i am in the early brainstorming process of my first comic at the moment, and I am trying to avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis. this video points you on the right direction but doesn't linger too long on one aspect, which is good because it allows the viewer to fill in the blanks with their own methods. Thanks Jake!

[@PritamMondal-vs8ky]

I'm just starting my mini comic and I think this video gonna help alot !

[@shawnescott]

Great video!! This really helps with process. I made my first comic last winter and it was an amazing experience. I even printed a bunch!

[@k3e]

You is my inspiration sir for making my art stuff. Thank you sir .

[@sumitpawaskar1207]

Man video quality is dope. Als this was the most engaging video as video flows so much better. I like all your videos. But this video flows better than the rest. Thanks for come back. Wating for too long for this 😊

[@PegiBruno]

this is so important to talk about and something i personally needed

[@calimongoose8433]

Thank you doesn’t cover the gratitude I feel after watching u r vid’. Thanx!

[@dezzy4873]

Welcome back Mr.Parker!

[@theartofjayden1761]

Oh YES! I have been waiting for this for so long!

[@creative_fey]

Thank you for this wonderful content. It will definitely help in my pursuit of comic making.

[@caroodraws]

Thanks for the video Jake!! Super helpful breakdown :D A few years ago I was reading "Pixar's 22 rules for storytelling" and I kind of got hung up on #12... "Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th - get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself." Good advice on paper, but It made me think that whatever idea I had starting out wasn't good enough and I needed to work my idea over and over again until it was "perfect." and super original. The result is that I never got anything written or finished because I was too preoccupied with remaking my idea before it even fully existed! I now think this "rule" refers to rehashing events within the story and editing those concepts once they're on paper, and not the concept of the story itself. I can definitely still see the value in rejecting the first, obvious ideas that come to mind and trying something new! However, as a beginner, maybe it's better to just go with the idea that comes to you first and learn from the mistakes you make along the way? Do you think this idea of "rejection" is a legit way to approach stories at all?

[@jakeparker44]

I think you figured it out. Pixar also has investors and a release schedule and 1000s of people counting on a paycheck living in one of the most expensive areas on earth, so at the end of the day they have to just go with an idea and release the film. Finished, not perfect. The artist Tom Sachs has 10 rules for film making and rule number 1 is: FINISH THE FILM I think that’s the first rule of any creative endeavor. so if a rule gets in the way of finishing your project, you break it.

[@caroodraws]

@@jakeparker44 This is a great thing to keep in mind... Thank you for the insight!

[@kenny_numbers]

Great video and tips! I love your artwork and characters.

[@theothercomicguy]

Very clear and helpful, thank you!

[@VanRev7]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.

[@thomasfahey3207]

Quality insights. Thanks Jake!

[@aroset]

If you haven't come across it yet I strongly recommend getting a copy of Story Genius. It's a book which breaks down the fundamentals in story telling and can be used across all story telling mediums.

[@sebastienberger1112]

Very cool idea !

[@Gorartsy]

I’m writing a manga and I know comics and manga aren’t the same but the skills you need for both are really similar so I try get advice from everybody.

[@ajeeb7618]

I needed this, u made it. Thanks Jake!

[@brendanfrancis4156]

This was solid I def appreciated the insight into getting your own story going

[@MikePouch]

This video was extremely helpful!!

[@mihancic]

This was great, love your videos!

[@drballsballsballs]

Oh my god YOURE THE MISSILE MOUSE GUY I thought I recognized some of the character designs dude Missile Mouse was AWESOME it made me want to start drawing comics your art is so energetic and as a kid they were some of my favorite books fr

[@thedigitalnoodle4021]

Amazing, perfect timing

[@StoryGameArtist]

Don't send an artist to do a writer's job... unless they've watched this video. Even then, it's better they don't have to know how the sausage is made. Start staring at the beginning and end of the universe, soon it's all you'll see. You could get lost and no one wants that. I just got back from there. Took me four years to dig myself out, and another year to find home. Though I did designed 100 somethings whilst I was in there. Anyways, I've got things to write. Nice to see you back Mr Parker.

[@wolfhound665]

Welcome back!

[@eriksalholm]

Great video Jake! Writing is hard, so combining this process with Jake’s MVP approach (check his channel for that amazing video) would be a great way to develop your writing skills alongside your visual storytelling skills - and understanding all the roles in the project that Jake talks about - in a relatively low-stakes (pun intended) way; think 1 page stories or even strips.

[@wrestlingcommunity]

About to watch this. Thanks

[@triagoo526272]

I missed you JP T.T Keep making videos pls. Mutch love from Brasil

[@uco.7303]

masterful video. i wish you could make more videos honestly. cheers

[@meteorite541]

omg i was waiting for this to happen for so long 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥now that you are back

[@artbyshea7585]

Its about timeeeee we got a video 😁

[@krishIyer23]

Jake Parker's back!!!

[@holijay5502]

Cool showing the process.

[@waloehunlimited]

thanks for sharing comic writing process

[@jasonadams4833]

SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you!

[@jeremyrandall8282]

Inspired. Thanks.

[@babel116]

I know this video is older, but this really helped clarify a few things I didn’t know I was wrestling with! Thanks!

[@abi1049]

Sheeesh waiting for almost a year man.... Glad u post a video

[@bandofonefilms]

That was fascinating Jake. Note to self: Must Try Harder!

[@Vin01743]

I totally need this,Thank you

[@aritrabose1026]

Yes MR.Jake is back

[@parkercreations445]

Fantastic mate 👌

[@shau3612]

The man has returned!!