Digital versus Traditional Isn't a Debate, It's a Preference

There seems to be a debate over traditional artwork versus digital artwork. Before I continue I should say this, I really don't consider myself an "Artiste" per say, but rather an artisan or craftsman. Art is all inclusive and I believe anyone can be an artist. Art is about personal vision and creativity. So in a sense I all of us are artists in our own way. When it comes to illustrating, comic making, story telling etc. I consider that a craft, a somewhat mad craft, but a craft.

Brian Bolland

Like all crafts, a craftsman has to has his tools, that what this blog post is about.

David Petersen

Speaking from my stand point alone, digital versus traditional isn't even a debate, it is simply a matter of preference. There are many high profile artists in comics that have made a seamless transition to digital, such as Brian Bolland who did Alan Moore's "Killing Joke". At first I was skeptical about using the new digital inking programs out there, but Bolland ended that skepticism. Even Tod McFarline of "Spawn" has gone digital. But, there are just as many still doing it traditionally, such as DC's Jim Lee and David Petersen of "Mouse Guard". I am not referring to digital coloring, only inking and penciling. I will talk about coloring later.

As far as I what feel personally, I am good with because I am not on a crusade to save traditional nor am I on a mission to convert others to digital. I am a hybrid, in a sense. I wouldn't have a following if it weren't for the internet or for digital. The internet is an artist's boon, especially for unknowns or garage artists like myself.

I say I am hybrid because when it comes to drawing and inking, my preference is, and hasn't changed and most likely won't, traditional. It's a matter of style I suppose. If I was someone who used bolder lines, less line work and less crosshatching, then I would probably go digital but then I wouldn't have an original. Though artists make a lot of money from their prints, the originals, well, they are one of a kind and more sought after by collectors. This isn't going to change.

But really for me it is a matter of control. I love the tactile feel of a pen against paper, the tension of knowing that if I make a mistake, well, the correction part is going to take effort. I should tell you that I seldom if ever use white out. I have in one case and pretty much regretted it. But ink is more correctable than people think. All you need is a stead hand and a exacto knife. Gently removing a layer of paper, so thinly, you get to feel like a surgeon removing a tumor. There are also electric erasers, but I prefer a knife. Also this is where digital comes in. Digital can correct most any mistakes you do on traditional drawing and inking.

Also since I use anything from a .003 to .005 pen when rendering and build up tone after tone with lines, well, that would take a good chunk of memory from any inking program currently. Plus it wouldn't be as fun...if I am not having fun...well...

Ezekiel Crowe Traditional Ink

Now coloring, I am digital all the way. Less mess, correct on the fly, change hues, saturation etc. But let me explain why...because I am not nearly skilled in painting as I am in inking. I don't have the confidence in color as I do in black and white and I kind of actually prefer black and white inks...always have. Color is it's own science. In fact when I see a traditionally painted piece, I am pretty much in awe at the skill required. This isn't to say great digital paintings don't require the same amount of skill, color is color, you have to master it, but seeing an original painting is always an experience for me personally.

The same goes for lettering. Todd Klein is a legend in the industry. You can pick up almost any Vertigo title and see his name. Even when digital lettering was hitting the industry, Klein for the most part still hand lettered a lot of the "Sandman" issues by Neil Gaiman. He has also taken his lettering and turned them into fonts that he uses. Klein is not out of work and still very much in demand and his digital fonts are copywritten. That inspired me to take some of my own lettering and turn it into a font that I use in INK and will more than likely do more. If I hand lettered INK, I would go insane.

Todd Klein

Example of Todd Klein's work

In the end, traditional art does not need saving, it's not gone, it hasn't died and it isn't a dinosaur. It's simply a matter of choice. Digital should not only be a welcome addition, it should also be an additional tool or if one chooses the primary tool. I find that people that want to convert others to either side is usually like an alcoholic who is afraid of drinking alone because he fears he might be an alcoholic. Instead, just marry it, and like any relationship, it takes two, sometimes takes compromise and in the end it is all about what works best for you. Just do it!

Font I created for Ink