Originally I packed this Stray Flight full of word bubbles. This was obviously a mistake. One of the elements I was really trying to go for was the all-encompassing aspect of the desert, and the pervading nature of the sand, sand everywhere. This was cluttered up by too much dialogue and interior monologue coming from our wanderer there.
Also, on a whim, I changed the order of panels on this page. I drew them at first with the close-up reaction shot as panel three but right before I colored it I switched it down to the last panel, realizing it would make for a better composition. I guess we have it so easy now with digital means.
This is such a quandary. While I appreciate the ease with which things are accomplished when using a computer, it also can lead to a lack of accountability. This is why I'm such a fan of traditional media. I was trained as an oil painter after all. I can't tell you how many times I stood in front of an easel wishing I could press 'command-z.' BUT, the struggle to get something right, directly from your own hand, is irreplaceable, and it shows in your work as well. This is not to say beautiful digital work isn't made. There are plenty of effects that just can't really be replicated any other way. But I think it's akin to the use of CGI in film. This is something that by and large many, many people complain about as looking fake (depending on the skill level of the effects magicians, budget, etc). It's simply just overused. I have a great love for 80's films, not just for the nostalgia but often because the application of practical effects had reached a great point at that time before often being supplanted by CGI. Stand Winston! Look at that guy's ability. Pumpkinhead dammit! Have you seen it? A great costume. If Pumpkinhead had been CGI he wouldn't be nearly so memorable, or menacing. Anyway, because of all this I find myself leaning closer and closer to working in traditional media when I begin making my next graphic novel (perhaps ink, watercolor). It's ironic, but I just find that the immediacy of working with my hands so much more refreshing, and funnily enough, quicker.
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