HOW DO THEY DO IT? is a feature on Comic Artists Direct that explores the nuts and bolts of the creative process. Check out the below articles!
James Lyle demonstrates his working methods from start to finish on an illustrated logo project.
Gary draws, inks, colors and lays out a cover illustration for On the Shore magazine here.
James Lyle talks about brainstorming for ideas here.
Check out Gary's article here for ways to keep your writing ideas fresh and different.
Gary's step by step article on lettering for comics is here.
GARY'S BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON.COM! View and order them here!
James Lyle's illustrations are featured in a new collection of Saint Germaine - Tales of an Immortal from Transfuzion. And his "Adam Among the Gods" (above) is now for sale online at Aazurn.com! See what else James is up to here!
"Oz" artist Bill Bryan's "Seductions" (above) is now for sale online at Aazurn.com! See what else Bill is up to here!
SUSPENDED ANIMATION, Michael Vance's Syndicated Weekly Column, features commentary and reviews from the net's best comic book columnists! See it here!
JUST LOOKING FOR ARTISTS' COMMISSIONS like those from Scott Rosema (above)? Jump to them all by clicking here!
Interested in what it takes to be an illustrator or writer? Curious about how the comic book and related industries work? Comic Artists Direct features a growing library of informative articles to enlighten and entertain.
FORUM - Are you a newbee looking for a writer or artist to collaborate on a project? Want to discuss comic books and pop culture? Leave a message on our forum!
FOUR COLOR COMMENTARY, with Suspended Animation reviewer Mark Allen. Click here!
Jealousy's a monster in the one-shot, psychological thriller The Envy, from Erica (Chronographer) Heflin, in June's Previews, Diamond's comic book pre-order catalog, under Aazurn Publishing.
Young Danielle's world is forever shattered by David's beautiful and exotic new girlfriend. When men fall for her charms and Danielle's BFF becomes ill, she begins to wonder if there is something evil -- even monstrous -- going on.
"We love done-in-one stories and The Envy is part of our new Indie Comics Magazine Presents line of one-shot comic books," said Aazurn Publishing Publisher/Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "Erica is all over indie comics today and we're lucky to have her and The Envy."
Erica J. Helfin is writer, editor and publisher at Felinix Publications, a source for independent comics. Webcomics "Of the Grave" and "Robomastyx" and a growing collection of minicomics can be seen online at ReadWebComics.com.
Heflin's "Flesh of White" will soon be available through Inverse Press, and new series "Chronographer" has found its home at Grayhaven Comics.
Last year, Heflin's "Mother and Son" and "Of Wolf and Woman" were picked up by Grayhaven Comics. "The Black Hand" is available digitally through Alterna Comics and can be found at Comixology.
Erica's comic book education began with her work in a comic store. "Before I knew what was happening, I was reading every book on the shelf. In the '90s. Every book," said Heflin. "That’s when I passed the point of no return, and became a lifelong comic book fan."
A video preview of The Envy, online at IndieComicsMagazine.com, offers a peak at newcomer Rom Friere's sexy -- and disturbing -- art. The Envy is offered for pre-order in June's Previews.
Comments on our site or questions on ordering can be referred to Gary at gary -at- comicartistsdirect -dot- com. We hope you enjoy your visit and will be back soon to our ever-growing site! The individual artists' sites have their own postage requirements. If you are buying from more than one artist, postage indicated at each site must be added together to figure the total postage for your order. All artwork copyright © by its respective artists and publishers.
JOIN COMIC ARTISTS DIRECT or find out about appearing in INDIE COMICS MAGAZINE - Email Gary with questions to find out more at gary -at- comicartistsdirect -dot- com.
What do the pros look for when judging the acceptability of your artwork? Tips from Scott.
From Gilgamesh to online downloads, our legacy is more than spandex.
Comic Artists Direct asked accomplished small press creators to tell us about producing, printing, publishing and distributing small press comics in today's changing market. The results are contributions from Peter Kuper, Jaime, Steve Lafler and Steve "Noppie" Noppenberger and more, here!
It doesn't matter how killer your comic, fans have to know you exist. This primer by Gary offers some ideas.
Chances are your question is answered here.
It's easy to wander around in a daze at big conventions. A little preplanning can make your visit even better.
There's more than one way to be a success in the comic book industry. These stories from pros are inspirational.
The processes printers went through to color comics before computers will amaze and impress you.
Putting those comic book letters in those little word balloons may be more complicated than you think.
How does a writer break away from the everyday?
Wouldn't it be cool to take a high school comic book production class? A Minnesotta teacher is setting one up and asked for Gary's advice. So, as long as he asked - Gary's article is here.
A comic book success story.
A walkon roll turns into a legend.
I find myself satisfied with the results.
Summer 2004
What a heart-wrenching project.
from a Marketing Perspective
Have you checked out old comic strip reprints?
An ongoing project.
An ongoing project.
Framing your original art (May and June 2000).
Literacy in comics (July/August 2000).
Turn kids on to comics!
A Response to 9/11
March 2000.