Based on recent stuff I remember, please correct anything I get wrong, rewrite anything you don't like, contribute as much as possible:
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Q: Is it better to sign up here with a nickname or something real?
A: Recent discussions on the subject have amounted to something along these lines: It looks better if you use something real, but it doesn't have to be a full name. This helps to show you're serious and care about your involvement in this community and the industry in general: You aren't just some leeching young punk out for a giggle. monkeybutter notwithstanding.
Q: Which monitor is currently best for print work?
A:
Laura wrote:If you're looking for an LCD monitor, there is a great messageboard/site that Jaysin pointed to earlier; it compares the different types and uses of monitors, and lists which ones are best for different purposes. There is a LOT of technical information, but it's organized in very clear subsections, and explains everything you need to know about resolution, dot pitch, contrast ratio, brightness, slice/dice/julienne, etc.
AnandTech Boards: the LCD Thread -- the second post covers recommendations, categorized into different uses (office work, gaming, multimedia, print media [that's us], and so on).
Hope that helps...
-- Laura
Q: Intuos, Cintiq, other?
A: It depends what your current level of income is and how much you can realistically invest. An Intuos is your best bet as tablets go, but anything by Wacom is better than anything from anyone else. If you're just starting out, Wacom's Bamboo tablets are a good option to learn on and will hold you over for a while. They can be found at most large electronics stores [Best Buy and the like should have something]. A Cintiq is a very nice luxury, but not strictly necessary if you're comfortable with tablets and already have a very nice monitor.
Q: What size tablet is ideal?
A: [I forget what the thread was called where this was discussed...] A 6x8 Intuos is typically enough, but smaller Bamboos are good for starters. Some here who've said they have 9x12 have limited the amount of working space on them to something much smaller [I think Hollingsworth said 4x5 or something?] as the large size requires broad arm movements that can tire you out. Your wrist is perfectly capable of fine movements, so you don't need to think the biggest is the best. The 12" Cintiq is good for sketching, but apparently has some slight problems with colour correctness [if I remember right]. The 21" Cintiq is preferable, though if you can manage to get your hands on the widescreen 20" model [which was discontinued as a critical part manufacturer went bankrupt] it will probably serve you well too. The 6x11 "widescreen" Intuos, according to Dave [if I'm remembering this right], fits in a 17" laptop bag and works for carry-on while traveling.
Q: Anything about Rob Liefeld.
A: He has his very own bustling community, which you can find on his website. We're sure he'd be more than happy to hear from you.
Q: Where can I get lineart to practice on?
A: Sean Ellery and Tony Moore have tons of pages for educational purposes only. Many artists, when contacted directly, are more than happy to provide their own work.
Q: What's a good way to set up my pages for print work, such as comics?
A: There's one example clearly explained in this sticky thread. It's not the only way to do it, but will get you started and is pretty well accepted by the big publishers.
Q: What's a "Gutterzombie"?
A:
Zombie Dave McCaig wrote:Well...me for one.
Anyone who finds themselves painting or coloring at 3:00 am on a Saturday night to make a deadline. Late at night under the eerie glow of the monitor, and hopped up on industrial coffee, you too, my friend, probably look like a zombie. Comic pages have gutters. So together, thru the magic of comic book level science, the gutterzombie is born.
As a gutterzombie, I hope you will post tons of stuff, and use the site to have some fun and unwind a bit.
Q: Is this community friendly to trolls?
A:
Zombie Dave McCaig wrote:I should warn you that in order to keep the fun alive on this site, trolls will be swiftly banned. Yeah, that's right. Folks who have lots to say but nothing to back it up, or just cause trouble, I'll ban. I've seen too many great forums tank because of only one or two rotten apples. So there won't be any of "them" here for long.
Keep it respectful, (relatively) tasteful, and if you have a crit for someone, back it up!
This way, we'll all have fun and enjoy!
Q: Can I post job openings for which I do not currently have the means to pay, and/or am willing to share profits from the work's distribution?
A:
The subtext on the 'Work for hire/stuff for sale' forum label wrote:**NO POSTING FOR FREE WORK!! INCL. BACK END DEALS**
Q: But it's got a guaranteed publication deal already lined up! They're just waiting for the pages to go to print!
A: Sorry, but the answer's still no. [This should really be answered with a quoted post from Dave explaining his reasons, I forget his exact wording...]
Q: I want to post my extensive catalog of super-low-priced electronics. Is this the right place?
A: No.
Q: What are some really good tutorials relating to the comic process?
A: [Links to the various tutorials written by GZ allumni and others.]. There are some good videos in the Process subforum in the Public Gallery.
Q: How much should I expect to make from doing "X" kind of work in the comics industry?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread. Keep in mind the current economic climate, however. Actual results may vary. Marvel, for example, has a salary freeze in effect and starting pays are lower than could have been expected three years ago.
Q: Mac or PC?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread.
Q: Desktop or Laptop?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread.
Q: Channels or Layers?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread.
Q: How fast should I aim to be colouring comic book pages?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread.
Q: What does it take to be a comic pro?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread.
Q: How can I break into the comics industry?
A: That's been most recently discussed in this thread. There have also been some great personal stories about this process posted in this thread.
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Have at it.
The order's just rough, as things popped into my head. Not nearly organized.
