Step 4: Inking
Well, now it's time to put down the final linework. I recommend that this "inking"
process be done on the computer and not on paper, since errors will be easier to
correct and noise will not be a factor if it is done this way.
The Basics:
The style-specific tutorials below assume a general knowledge about the tools
palette. I have prepared a page that covers the basics, including the Tools window,
the Options window, the Brush window, and the Color Picker.
There are a number of ways that the inking can be done:
- The Pen Tool Method
If you only have a mouse, it's probably best that you stick to using computer-assisted
lines with a tool called the Pen Tool. It's also good for long, flowing
lines that would be hard to draw correctly with a freehand tool.
- The Freehand Method
If you have a drawing tablet or a very precise mouse, or some other input device that
you're very comfortable with, you can try to draw some or all of the lines freehand.
- The Pressure-Sensitive Method
Some drawing tablets have the ability to tell how hard the user is pressing with the
stylus, which can be channeled into line thickness.