EP20 - COMIC BOOK WRITER - Phil Chapman

Creator of the independent comic series System Error. How to start creating a comic. Why does the System Error robot have such a big head? Creating a recognisable silhouette is essential for character design. Phil started drawing with biro, then pen, dip brush pens, and then creating digitally. Note: Phil has very clean hands, no ink! Digital is faster, cleaner and easier to adjust. Phil uses Procreate for black line work and Photoshop for colour. Phil LOVES Procreate and recommends investing the £13 to get it. System Error is about a robot called ITTO and why things went wrong in the world. He is a tour guide robot. He has to find people in need to fulfil his primary function. Like showing them pizza restaurants. But where are the people? How do you know when your comic is good enough to publish? Being published is a validation of quality. Why did Phil have to colour in his first comic to get it published? Why do British audiences like black and white comics? Phil’s German teachers husband was Barry Kitson, legendary artists for Judge Dredd, DC Comics and more - then he met him 30 years later at Comic Con. The comic community is very supportive towards each other. Phil went from starting comics, to published, to Comic Con in six years! The need for constant professional development, and side hustles and exploration for growth. Phil is an art teacher and needs to know about digital art to teach them best. In 2024 Phil has been concentrating on techniques for working faster and meeting his standard. How do you know when something is ‘done’? Putting cultural references in comics, like Talking Heads lyrics and scenes from Chelmsford. How does Phil find his audience for indie comics? Via social media. Growing an audience through regular posting and mostly meeting real people in real life. Real world interactions are extremely valuable for audience growth. Keeping a secret identity when you’re a teacher. Cosplay at Comic Con and hunting Tofu from Resident Evil 2. Making ITTO action figures with a genius 3D printer guy. Phil’s ex-students have gone on to photography careers and had art shown in the National Gallery - he’s a good teacher! “The creative industries are the fabric of everything that is around you” - Phil Campbell, very good teacher! Putting the spark of creativity into students’ minds. Judge Dredd WAS partially created in Colchester by Pat Mills - big up Essex. And big up Dave Trenow who taught Nick art. Tips for starting comics.
System Error Comic
Blue Fox Comics
System Error on Instagram
Are You Creative? recorded by Jaiden 'the ragga enforcer' at City Sound
Edited by Nick Hearne
Artwork by Alpaca An

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Thanks to NGDA, City Sound and Essex County Council for their support
Recorded in Chelmsford, Essex, UK