There will always be people who argue on one side or the other over whether it is better to go traditional or digital when you’re making comics. I would say that argument misses the point. The reality of the matter is you can choose either approach when you make your comics. If you have the right fundamental skills and knowledge in place, you can make it in comics. If you’re still working on the skills, don’t worry. I’m gonna tell you what you can work on and how to refine your skills later in the book.
As it stands now, it doesn’t matter whether you create your comics by hand or with a computer. It’s the process afterwards that makes publishing any type of book in the modern market impossible without computer equipment.
Computers and mobile devices are necessary for things like formatting files, creating manuscripts, turning those manuscripts into a finished professional layout for print or converting them into digital book formats. It just can’t be done without them, so instead of arguing about whether computers are ruining the art of comics or comics in general, let’s talk about the necessities of them and where we need them, regardless of how we feel about digital art creation.
Another age-old grudge that’s likely to never be resolved. Let me fill you in on my background. When I was a young man breaking into comics neither I nor my family could’ve afforded a Mac system. Thankfully we had access to the software I needed and budget for a Windows system. Through time and effort I learned how to do anything you could want to do on a Mac on a PC. If you can do something on a Mac, you can do it on a Windows system. It might be a slightly different approach, with some different commands, but what’s more important is the software you are using to make your work, as opposed to the actual operating system.
For years I was a Windows guy. I would explain to people that “I can create anything on my Windows PC that they can on a Mac,” and that has always been true. The difference between the two really comes down to quality and ease-of-use. I was a solid proponent for the Windows and PC format for at least two decades. Today, I am a Mac advocate. What caused this change?
It’s really simple. If you can afford it, Macs in general are more reliable. They are less susceptible to things like viruses, as you can’t accidentally get a virus on your Mac the way you do on a Windows system. It’s just a difference in the operating systems. Nothing can be installed unless you personally make the decision to install it onto your system when working with the Mac. Also Macs do come with a higher value because they are just a better made unit; they’re solid built with sturdy, high-quality parts and casing and last much longer. You get a lot more use and life out of a Mac system than you do a Windows system and that’s why they come with a higher price tag. A PC system can start as low as $250 and for a fully featured system go up to $1600 or more. A Mac system generally starts at $1100 and goes up from there. There’s nothing wrong if a Mac isn’t in your price range. There’s no sense in feeling sad about not being able to afford it. If you can get a Windows system in your price range, which is likely because PCs are just so much more affordable, then I really recommend that anyone who wants to take this seriously and is on a budget to start with a Windows system. You can perfect your skills on a Windows PC and refine. In a few years, if you keep at it and you stay dedicated to your craft, you’ll be making enough money to be able to afford the Mac system of your dreams…or a really super tricked out Windows system. Just keep in mind that a Windows system will be outdated faster than a Mac system.
That’s the difference. Windows is less stable, it’s more prone to viruses and things like crashing, but it’s a lot cheaper. Mac is much more stable, reliable and longer-lasting, but very expensive. I don’t believe in judging someone based on their system and a real artist creates art with whatever they have available. Meaning, if you’re talented, you’ll always create better work with a Windows system than someone who doesn’t take their career seriously and spends the time and money on a Mac. I’m not part of either cult. I’m just making sure you’re aware that anyone who wants to judge you based on your computer system is probably not worth hanging out with. Either computer system is a tool. Use it to make your creative work and express yourself.
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