How to draw comic strips

Settings. Every story has to fit somewhere. Even if it's just a plain white background, this is still a setting. This is the setting for your character based on your story and is an integral part of your story.

Characters. You need to cast the actors for your story. Your characters make the comic strip come alive, they have dialogue, they are objects the reader can relate to. Develop your characters over time, which is especially important for longer comics.

Conflict. Every story needs conflict to drive it. That's the basis of the story, that's why your character does what he does. This conflict can be as simple as checking email, or as complex as saving the universe.

Theme. The theme of your comic is what drives your creation day by day. Your topic will also dictate your readership. If you were writing a comedy comic strip, what exactly was the nature of the jokes? If you were writing a love story, what would be the lessons of love that should be learned?

Style. That's the style of your comic strip. Are you writing a comedy? Is your story more like a play? Maybe you're doing political cartoons. Your possibilities are endless. Combine comedy with drama, make it dark, or lighthearted. You could also write a romance or a gripping political thriller.

Your style will be revealed through dialogue, narrative text, and visuals.