In most comic books, a letterer is in charge of drawing the text. The letterer’s job is to make the text flow smoothly so that readers can follow the storyline more easily. Letterers must not only have excellent grammar skills, but they must also be creative. Indeed, cartoon letterers frequently find themselves in the position of graphic designer. Letterers create logos, titles, word balloons, sound effects, and other related features in addition to the dialogue in the book.
While some comic books are still lettered by hand, most are now lettered with a graphics program. Many cartoonists now use a computer font that is designed to look like their own handwriting. The letterer collaborates closely with the rest of the comic book team. The writer, penciler, inker, and colorist are all part of this team. The writer begins by writing the comic’s script, which includes developing the plot and setting, creating characters, and putting specific story elements together. It is then handed over to the penciler or illustrator.
Using preliminary sketches, the illustrator converts the writer’s script into pencil drawings. These sketches include panels depicting various scenes that provide additional information about the characters. The inker is then in charge of inking the drawings, while the colorist is in charge of coloring the comic. The colorist, like the letterer, may choose to add colors by hand. Today’s colorists, on the other hand, mostly use computer programs to add color.
When the comic is finished, it is handed over to the letterer, who adds speech bubbles, captions, and sound effects. The lettering process is usually started by copying the type outline from a proof and creating a pattern. The letters are then drawn in greater detail, with special attention paid to the appropriate use of font, letter size, and word layout. Because lettering is so important to the comic’s overall look and feel, the letterer must understand how words are used and convey meaning. Many letterers, for example, create words that resemble the sound of the character or effect.
There are similar professionals in the lettering industry, in addition to comic book or cartoon letterers. The show card letterer, for example, is in charge of engraving or etching metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silkscreen etchers are all examples of this job title. Letterers are another term for sign painters. Their primary goal is to create a variety of signs using hand painting and lettering.