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Comics Artists: Q

Online Art Board Supplies

Comic art for the major companies such as Marvel or DC is drawn on special art board that includes 'blue line' indicators so the artists draw to the correct size proprotional to the final US comic book art size. Artists contracted to the companies are provided with this board, although I am not sure if this is still supplied gratis, as it was in Paul Neary's day as Editorial Director at Marvel UK, or if they have to pay for it.

Page measurements apparently vary slightly from company to company, so using ordinary Bristol board and a ruler may be a better option for the aspiring artist than seeking down this specialised board.

2000AD is now published pro to US comic book size.

BlueLine
There is a type of Bristol board called BlueLine which features these the official comic page measurments printed on it. It's solicited through Previews and, therefore, most comic shops should be able to order it. Some artists don't like it.

Bristol Board
• Most art supply shops in Belfast sell Bristol board in A3 20 sheet blocks.

Art Supplies

• Blink Twice
28/10/05: The Blink Twice Art Product range sells everything a professional comic artist/aspiring new comer needs to do the job! (Well maybe not everything, but the Blink Twice boys are bigger than me).
The initial range includes: the Blink Twice Comic Book Board is £10 for a pack of 12 sheets; the Blink Twice Sketch Books are £3 and come in either Pink or Blue; the Blink Twice Layup Book is £5
All products can be ordered directly through the site at: www.kennel17.co.uk/
malcolm/orderform.htm

• Great Art Supplies: www.greatart.co.uk
Gerstaecker UK Limited / Great Art, Normandy House, 1 Nether Street, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1EA
Telephone Order line 0845 601 5772 (Local call rate)
Described as Europe's largest and brightest catalogue for art materials, this company says "Whatever your angle - whether you're an art student, leisure painter, art teacher or professional artist - we're sure that you'll find that we are full of all the supplies you need." They publish a variety of catalogues for each country -- one artist I know orders material from their French rather than UK edition.

• London Graphics Company: www.londongraphics.co.uk
16-18 Shelton Street, Covent Garden London WC2H 9JL
Tel: 020 7759 4500 Fax: 020 7759 4585
London Graphic Centre was established in 1973 as a specialist graphic materials supplier to the London Design and Advertising market. The last 30 years have seen dramatic changes in working methods. We have maintained our unrivalled reputation for outstanding service by adapting to industry changes and expanding into new products and markets.

Dip Pens

• Hans Presto: hans.presto.tripod.com
This Swedish (with English translation) site apparently stocks and sells just about every dip pen ever made. It also has sections on Lettering, Comics and Handwriting. (thanks to artist Kev Hopgood for this one)

Comics Artists Q


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Joshua Quagmire (Cutey Bunny)
Official: www.cuteybunny.com
Featuring the artwork/stories of Joshua Quagmire. Offers a variety of freebies including calendars for your computer (Mac and PC)

Joe Quesada
Official: www.joequesada.com
Joe Quesada should need no introduction -- he's currently Marvel Comics Editor in Chief (as of 2008) and generally creditted as being part of a team that's given the company the much needed kick up the rear, resulting in higher sales and better comics. This official site details his career and includes samples, a discussion board and more. You'll need Flash to view it though.

Frank Quitely
Official: www.hopestreetstudios.com/frank_quitely.html
Frank Quitely is the professional pseudonym of Scottish comic book artist Vincent Deighan. The name is a spoonerism of the phrase 'quite frankly'. He was born in Glasgow, where he still lives. His credits include Judge Dredd: The Megazine, The New X-Men, All Star Superman and more.

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