Comic strips are not a new art form. One could argue that precursors of comic strips appeared on the walls of Pompeii and in Rome. However, one of the first comic strips in print form appeared in the Sunday paper. It was called "The Yellow Kid" and it was created by Richard Felton Outcault. Other comic strips followed, including Little Orphan Annie, Popeye and more, some of which made the transition into film and Broadway. You can make your own comic strip character drawing from the rich history of comic strips, or create your own format based on your own imagination.
Instructions
1. Research examples of comic strips. There is a wide range from the earlier strips which included Dick Tracy and Mutt and Jeff. You can also go back further to the political drawings of Hogarth, whose art depicted life in 18th century England, or even further back to the drawings of Pompeii and Rome. Explore other genres as well, such as manga.
2. Work on technique for drawing comic strips. Sites like Arts and Letters or books like "Muscles in Motion: Figure Drawing for the Comic Book Artist " can be very helpful in teaching you the technique for making your own comic strip character (see References).
3. Draw ideas for your comic strip character with pencil and paper. Work on many designs until you decide on one you like. Flesh out that character, adding detail and adding depth. You can keep your comic book character as a drawing, or add color by painting it.
