10. A Matter of Time
"Are you telling me that you built a time machine...out of a DeLorean?" -Marty McFly
Howdy Brave Being,
Welcome back, dear ones. Another month has gone by which leads me right into the title of this post: A Matter of Time. I have very little of it lately and so wish I had a time machine. I’ve been overcommitting myself with work, and also trying to enjoy the sun while it’s here in the ofttimes dreary Pacific Northwest. It’s strange. I used to love the rain and the grey but after living away for six years on the East Coast, coming back is a bit rough. I think it’s time for a SAD light for my seasonal affective disorder. Quickly googles “best SAD lights” … oh wait, must finish the newsletter. So for time’s sake, I’ll jump right into the latest.
What I’m working on
I submitted a script to Mad Cave Studios Talent Search with 8 minutes to spare before the deadline. I said I was going to do it so I did. I was particularly motivated for two reasons: 1) I LOVED the prompt and the book that it was based on: WOLVENHEART. It’s gothic horror meets time travel, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Doctor Who. I could not NOT submit a story since those are two of my most favorite series. 2) Last year’s winners were all dudes (or at least male presenting), but I’d like to see a woman, non-binary, and/or gender-nonconforming person in the mix this year because diversity is important gosh darn it.
I’m also taking Scott Snyder’s Comic Writing 101 class because I thought why not learn something new from the acclaimed creator. In the first class, he spoke about one of his comics, BATMAN: THE COURT OF OWLS, and it’s enlightening to hear him reverse-engineer his creative process. I’m not sure you can still sign up but here’s his original post about it.
This month, I’m taking it easy or as easy as I can. Working full time, plus editing comics, pitching, coordinating interviews, and just general living life has sapped my energy stores. So I’m not sure how many newsletters I’ll be doing this month. In the realm of good news, me and my husband are in the throes of buying a house! It’s been a 9-month process of waiting but I know it’s worth it, which means I’ll be moving soon. I also need to take time for myself because I’m experiencing burnout and all I really want to do is cook and bake again. Maybe I’ll share some recipes and “What I’m working on” will become “What I’m cooking”. We’ll see…
Announcements are on the horizon. I’m getting pumped for something that’s coming up around mid-September—something I can’t talk about yet, but as soon as I can, you’ll be the first to know, so I will be checking in.
Tips & Tricks of the Trade
Today's topic: Lettering! In honor of yesterday's annual #LettererAppreciationDay. Now, I don't know a ton compared to letterers so if you want more detailed tips and tricks, seek them out. In fact, don't waste any time and order The Essential Guide to Comic Book Lettering by letterer and Blambot.com creator Nate Piekos. It will be the #1 lettering tome to take home.
While I don’t know a ton about lettering since I’m not a letterer, I do know some things about how to work with these unsung heroes and give them what they need so they can do their jobs easier. Making comics is, after all, a team sport.
Tips
Update your script post-art. After the artist finishes the line art and/or colors, update your script accordingly since the comic can change from script to art.
Compile all requests into one document. This one is flexible—first ask your letter if it would be appreciated. All requests include those asked in email and within the script. Share it with the letterer so it's easy for them to have all requests in one convenient location. I learned this tip from Taylor Esposito.
Limit your editing rounds to one proofreading pass. This one may sound extreme but if you're changing whole text and multiple thought bubbles throughout the comic, then the script wasn't ready for the letterer.
Tip #3 also ties back to #1. Before handing your script to the letterer after the art is completed, do a dialogue pass to see if you think it'll all work in the panels that are now formed, and proofread everything. An editor can also help with this in-between phase.
Avoid all caps, don't use tabs, and save in the proper format. These tips come from the owner of AndWorld Design and Eisner, Harvey, and Ringo-nominated letterer Deron Bennett, specifically his video "Setting Up Scripts for Lettering". Worth the watch!
Ask what your letterer needs from you. This tip is from the video above when Deron says, "Check with your letterer to see if there's something that they prefer." I think it serves as a reminder that you're working on a team and being a good collaborator/communicator is key to success.
See more lettering tips from prolific letterer and PanelxPanel editor Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou in newsletter #5 below and don’t forget, his magazine’s 50th issue just came out this week.
Things I’m Digging
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest newsletter from Bram Stoker Award finalist and comics writer Rich Douek (SEA OF SORROWS): Who the Hell are You? Personal Branding 101 for Comic Creators.
There are a lot of wicked awesome comics and anthologies on Kickstarter right now:
Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Anthology: A 44-page comic book anthology ranging from romance to high fantasy about the bisexual experience.
Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales: North America: 100+ pages of comics Inspired by the folktales of Indigenous Nations!
The Baboon: Skull of a King: A 32-page comic extravaganza set in the pulp action world of the Baboon
Not comics related, but I’ve recently followed @areyouhappyofficial on Instagram. They’re filmmakers who are creating a documentary by asking people if they’re happy, and the answers that they get are just absolutely lovely and insightful. I highly recommend it.
Merry Musings
It’s a bit tough to be merry lately (despite the happy-go-lucky voice I have and hope to convey in this newsletter). I could list out all the terrible things happening in the world very easily but you know it all already. In an effort to avoid being a downer, but also not engage in toxic positivity, I’ll leave y’all with my hope for you: I hope that y’all are taking care of yourselves.
If not, take time for yourself, go on a drive, take a stroll through nature, take a bath, light a candle, get away from your screens, read a book—whatever it is that you like to do for yourself, do it. You’re the only one who can say, “Hey, you’re doing too much, slow down,” and then there’s that old adage, when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to help others in need. Now I must go eat my own advice. Nom nom.
Thanks for reading!
Mercy buckets,
Brittany