As I learned what type of tools were required for the production of my webcomic, I also spent time schooling myself on the webcomic/cartooning medium itself. Here are some tips I discovered along the way that will help you better prepare for transitioning into this brave new world.

1.Give yourself time to research the medium

I spent about five months hunting and gathering relevant information through various resources. During this time, I explored numerous established webcomics, graphic novels, cartoons, artists, and forum discussions to further my knowledge. There was a lot of Googling, copy/pasting, as well as photocopying of information which I keep in hard copy within a big blue binder. It was an overwhelming but fun phase for me. Lots of exploration, learning, and excitement. I would advise people to take the time to really explore the pros and cons of producing a web comic but have a blast with it!

2.Engage in self teaching

Be prepared to be self reliant in seeking answers to solutions. My self teaching involved learning about aspects such as appropriate tools, blogging software, SEO concepts, web comic business models, character design, composition, and inking techniques. Insight was often gleaned from numerous articles, comments, and forum discussions I extracted from long drawn outGooglesearches.

3. Use the Net

With the Internet, knowledge is at your fingertips. Obscure and specific information can be accessed very quickly with search engines such as Google. Google is my best friend because with it, I am able to access an unlimited amount of ideas and imagery that can positively influence what I produce.

4. Use the library

The public library is a very cost effective way of exposing yourself to printed works of great artists. The library has really allowed me to explore artists I would never have normally thought of consuming because of financial restrictions or personal biases. One such example would be my discovery of "Frank" by Jim Woodring. I initially passed it off based on the character design of Frank which I do not find particularly appealing and also due to it’s odd visual language. But because I could just borrow it without any sort of financial commitment. Now I have come to really appreciate the strange narratives and the alternative ways of thinking/seeing Jim Woodring has to offer.

5. Invest in Books

If you can spare the money, invest in books that you feel can further your web comic. By that, i mean if you feel a book has aspects of writing, artwork, or concepts that can really serve as a jump off for you as an artist, then buy it so you have that reference to vibe with.

6. Consume cartoons, graphic novels, comic books

Read, read, read as much as you can. I absorbed whatever I could get my hands on. Nerd out in the biggest fashion here because it is enjoyable and educational.Visit your local comic book store regularly to check out new stuff or classic works. Max out your borrowing limit at the library.

7. Attain samples of interesting work and critique them

I photocopied artwork from books I borrowed from the library to keep as reference material in my sketchbook and binder. As I compiled work from different artists, I would record my own critiques on each sample. Just short brief blurbs on what worked and what I felt could be improved on. I would maintain an awareness of what I liked or disliked in terms of writing, sequencing, pacing, and artwork. By doing this I was actually studying the underpinnings of what makes the work valuable. After a while, I could see reoccurring patterns of what I liked and disliked. With this knowledge, I could modify my work accordingly to produce something I could be happy with.

-- Submitted by Jeffrey Cheng