I've already started down the road on creating a comic with a horribly disfigured notebook full of messy drafts.

I have Paintshop Pro 9. I once created a comic strip with it and it was a pain in the arse (though it came out pretty good. hehe!). I'm also finacally strapped and can't afford other programs. Is there anyone here who can give me some pointers on PSP9?

And perhap, ideas on some other ways to create a comic? I love to paint with acrylic and it'd be intresting to create a comic entirely off painting. Has anyone ever done that?

I probaly have some other question, but its all I can think of for now. ^_^

Well, I use Paint Shop Pro 8, which probably isn't all THAT different. Is there anything in particular you wanted help/advice/whatever on? I'd launch into a big, detailed tutorial, but I don't want to cover something you already know about or don't care about or something :D

Although I have been thinking about writing a Paint Shop Pro tutorial...

I've been told that PSP programs tend to be very similar, it just has diffrent layout with some extras. I'm new to creating comics on computer, but I know how to work with most of PSP 9. MOST... I just discovered the sweet miracle of using pen tools in PSP. Yess! :P Yeah, when I first got PSP9, the massive instructional book freaked me out so I tossed it out of the window and set on learning it by trial and errors.

What I'm looking for is shortcuts that will help me cut down the amount of time spent on one page. Keep in mind... I dont have a tablet. I do know how to work with layering, image effect and most of the tools I've found. I've worked a little bit with vector graphics. I know PSP has it, but I'm somewhat clueless on using it on PSP.

I also have some issues with using fonts. I can't quite figure out how to alter the word or phrase so it doesnt spell out in straight line.

Tutorials would be awesome. :)

Memmy
Yeah, when I first got PSP9, the massive instructional book freaked me out so I tossed it out of the window and set on learning it by trial and errors.

Haha, that's what I did when I first got PSP8, too. xD And really, that method tends to work just fine.

Memmy
What I'm looking for is shortcuts that will help me cut down the amount of time spent on one page. Keep in mind... I dont have a tablet. I do know how to work with layering, image effect and most of the tools I've found.

Hmm... I don't have a tablet, either. I just scan stuff in and color/shade/add text/whatever with my mouse. I'm not sure about shortcuts, though. The best coloring tends to come from layers + the paint brush tool, which can take a while. It can help to just use a big brush and not worry about extra color where you don't want it - it's easier and quicker to do a bit of clean-up and coloring-over than to be really careful and stay inside the lines, at least in my experience. If you want to go the black & white or (simple) screentoning route, I'd say it's a whole lot easier and faster to just do it all on one layer, unless you're adding in more complicated special effects or something. Seriously, in most cases, layers are a life-saver, and you can do some really great things with them.

Are you drawing directly into PSP9 or are you scanning and then coloring/toning/etc? Because if you're drawing directly into PSP9, I'd definitely suggest saving up for a tablet or scanner. I drew with just my mouse for a while several years ago, and in my opinion it's just so much easier and more comfortable to use a pencil and paper (or a tablet, if that's your thing).

If you're scanning and then coloring/toning/etc, then I'd say you're fine as you are. A mouse is just fine for coloring, really (that's what I use :D).

Memmy
I've worked a little bit with vector graphics. I know PSP has it, but I'm somewhat clueless on using it on PSP.

I don't know much about vectors of any kind in any program, really... Sorry. One of the topics I still know nothing about xD.

Memmy
I also have some issues with using fonts. I can't quite figure out how to alter the word or phrase so it doesnt spell out in straight line.

I don't use curved text that often, so I only have a vague idea about this, but a quick google search brought up this tutorial that's pretty good. Basically, you make the shape you want the text to curve/wrap around, then click the text tool and then when the cursor has a little A with a curvy line under it, click it and add the text you want. Then to get rid of the shape, there should be a plus sign next to the current layer... Click it, and then click the eye next to "New Shape".

Sorry I couldn't be of more help... The stuff you need help with is stuff I'm not as familiar with xD.

I also use PSP (i think 8) if you have any specific questions I'll answer them to the best of my ability. I rarely use the paintbrush even though I have a tablet. I actually usually work with vectors. I used vectors from PSP to make the picture in my profile, and I'm self taught (trial and error) I ordered it online so I never actually got the instruction book, just the download.

Like I said I'm not big on creating a tutorial, but if you have specific questions, fire away.

I've used PSP ever since PSP 6. I've since used PSP7 and now I have PSP9, which I like (I didn't care for 8 very much but I only saw it when it was in Beta).

I use it for gamma correction, shadow and hue corrections and occasional special effects, which it is perfect for. I also do not use a tablet. I've been encouraged to but I just got a laptop so a tablet's out of the question for a few years, I'd say. ;)

Then again, I'm still using the Mustek 8.5" x 14" scanner I bought in 1996 (well, it works!)... :nervous:

I am no expert on PSP but I'll participate in discussion about it.

To answer the painting thingy... Don't try to paint without lots of practice. Make sure to sketch out your comic first, because painting without anything to base it on is a no-no. I doubt painting over it would work, as it would get all smudgy and stuff. Personally, I make sprite comics because it's a neat alternative to drawing, and I'm uncomfortable around scanners. But, yeah. I'm not a pro, but that's what I can think of.