The Design Process

Ever wonder what the design process is for a comic book or graphic novel? Even if you don't read them, you may know someone who does (children, grandchildren, neighbor's kids...)

It starts off with a vague idea and a few characters in my head. Gradually, after some back-and-forth with myself, I settle on a basic outline -- nothing too detailed -- and set out to write the script. I dictate the first draft, then slog through the results to clean it up.

I use FadeIn, a software designed for script writers. While it doesn't write the script for me, it definitely makes it easier to put it into a format the artist can use. Here's a sample from Monsters on a Train, the first book in The Realm Seekers series:

Script of p1, panel 1 of Monsters on a Train

I then send the script and character concepts to Cynthia Kerich, my super talented artist and graphic designer. She uses a three step approach. First is the back-of-envelope sketch for the page to indicate the general layout. (I don't think she literally uses an envelope, but she could.)

Rough sketch of p1, Monsters on a Train

Once I approve -- and Cynthia's so good, I seldom have anything to add -- she then creates a digital outline of the page.

Digital outline of p1, Monsters on a Train

Initially, Cynthia and I made a lot of tweaks and changes at this stage. But now, she basically reads my mind, which means she can go to the next stage which is color and text!