A penciller is a pencil artist who assists in the creation of visual art forms such as comic books, manga, and graphic novels. Pencillers illustrate the action described in a writer’s script and design the individual page layouts. Pencillers are skilled drawers with a collaborative mindset and the ability to adapt to various styles. For these artists, consistency and the ability to meet deadlines are also essential.
Creating a comic book, manga, or graphic novel is typically a collaborative and often simultaneous effort. The production begins with a script written a writer that includes scene and layout instructions. Following that, a penciller creates preliminary drawings in pencil based on the script’s action and layout instructions. A letterer may add the words, an inker will draw the final art over the penciller’s work, and a colorist will scan the inker’s work and use computer software to add color. At each stage of the process, editors and the cartoon artist, if there is one, are involved.
Pencillers play a critical role in bringing the writer’s script to life on screen; they can make or break a project. A typical script will divide the action into panels and describe the scenes for the penciller to illustrate in order to control the story’s pacing. The penciller depicts these scenes and arranges the panels in such a way that the reader is drawn in without jeopardizing plot or character development. Some writers will only convey the basic plot, allowing the penciller more creative freedom.
Although a basic page can be divided into six panels or three rows of two panels each, the reader will become bored with a static page design. As a result, pencillers will change the page layout and design based on what’s going on in the story at the time. When setting the scene, emphasizing the action, or increasing or decreasing the pacing, panel size and shape can vary. Characters may occasionally break through a panel’s borders, especially if the penciller wishes to draw the reader’s attention to another panel.
These artists give any text’s illustrations a basic structure. They are in charge of anatomy, perspectives, and viewpoints. Rather than churning out rough sketches, the penciller solves perspective and anatomy issues while still leaving enough room for the text planning word balloons. These narration boxes or balloons must be placed in such a way that the reader reads the comic in the most logical order. Otherwise, the reader may become confused if the artistic style and character design are inconsistent.
Pencillers are known for their ability to draw anatomy and architecture. The key to perfecting these skills and developing a personal style of art is consistent practice. They must be able to visualize a scene in their heads and translate it to paper, as well as develop an eye for interesting panel layout. Additional important skills include being adaptable and willing to work as part of a team. Finding and keeping a job is also contingent on one’s ability to stick to a schedule, meet deadlines, and produce consistent results.
Drawing utensils, sketch books, and adequate workspace are all essential penciling supplies. Reference materials can also be beneficial, particularly if the penciller is required to draw a specific landmark or setting. Some pencillers use drawing tablets, which allow them to use computer software to draw. Pencil artists can use a website to promote themselves and connect with fans.
Many pencillers are self-employed, but you can start practicing penciling without a job or a script. Scripts can be found on the web or in printed collections. Choosing a script for an unfamiliar comic book or graphic novel, penciling the action, arranging the panels, and then comparing the practice effort to the published product is a productive practice method.