Tracy Brady Cartoons

I know many in the webcomic world have said that good writing skills trumps the ability to draw well but the truth is, that’s just not true.

Webcomics are a visual art. Visual art is governed by the rule that what is seen must capture the viewer’s attention. Capturing the viewer’s attention is what will encourage them to want to know more about the piece and knowing more may include reading any text that may be present, thereby becoming readers. Seeing, therefore comes before reading in visual art, the priorities of visual art must be met foremost, and the foremost priority in seeing visual art is for it to be aesthetic. Ideally, aesthetic art is proportionate, dimensional, expressive and sometimes colourful.

Experienced webcomic artists will tell you that xkcd is the exception to the above statements, not the rule (The truth about xkcd is that it actually appeals to a niche audience, not the entire webcomic readership. Kudos to you Randall for being a sport about that last statement and for being a pioneer in the art of ultra-minimalist webcomics)

The fact is, the majority of popular webcomics share the distinction of being well drawn. I won’t give an extensive list here, but if you think of your favourite webcomics I am sure you spend some time enjoying their artistic renderings even as you read their dialogue and scripts. You aren’t the only one, webcomic readers like good art, and expect it.

So if you plan to start a webcomic, or have already done so, and your drawing skills are not the strongest then I recommend you take some time to practice your craft. Stock up on ‘how to draw’ books, watch YouTube ‘how-to’ videos, read this great letter from Ren and Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi and practice, practice, practice; because in webcomics, drawing well IS important.