I worked about 15-20 minutes past my timer today since I was almost done with page 3 and wanted to finish. It defeats the purpose of sticking to some sort of time management, but I have most of the day off today and I figured finishing would be a good thing.

My hand did start to hurt, and I think I figured out why: pen pressure. I was never taught, like many inkers, how to use a dip pen. I’ve read up on some techniques and how others go about inking with a dip pen, but so far as I know, there is no technical manual for using a dip pen that will teach the inker how to ergonomically use the tool. For some reason, I feel like I should be putting pressure on the pen in order to get the ink out, and that’s not necessarily the case. I did notice that when I relax my hand and put no pressure, however, little to no ink comes out. But, by using my fingertips to put pressure on the pen, as opposed to the whole of my fingers and, thus, my hand, it works out a little more comfortably. I will have to remember that.

The pages came out alright. I think they’re a little over-rendered, something I have to work on, but for the most part they’re acceptable. When I get the time, either today or later this weekend, I will scan, clean, and post them (and in the case of page 3, composite it).

Do I hate them? No. Do I like them? mmm… a little. I’m not 100% happy with them, but I’ve got to move on to the next few pages and, whether I switch styles, methods, length of time, etc., I’ve got to get better andfaster.

One hour a day is simply not enough time to devote to comics. But, until I become fully self-employed and my schedule opens up, an hour is better than none.

I have no idea how I will able to tackle the larger projects I have on my table, though…