Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Bill Griffith's 10 Rules

1. Cartoon Characters have souls.

2. As Freud meant to say: "every cartoon character you create is you."



3. You're the auteur of your comic. You write, cast, light, film, direct and edit...you have final cut.

4. Each panel, strip, page and spread is a graphic unit. Compose them that way.

5. Comics are equal parts drawing and writing. With writing being a bit more equal.

6. Ambiguity is OK. Ask the reader to meet you halfway.


7. Don't just look at comics for inspiration. Stare at Hopper, Rembrandt, Magritte, Durer, Hiroshige and Marsh.

8. It isn't necessary to completely write out your strip or story in advance. Let the characters speak to you.

9. While you work, take breaks to stretch your neck and upper back.

10. Never listen to anyone else's advice on cartooning.



You can view Bill Griffith's work at: http://www.zippythepinhead.com/