So…I’ve got some kinda big news. I’ve finally settled on a workflow for inking and have a better idea of how long it’ll take me to do a given page. The steps now go rough -> bluelines -> print -> ink with pens in traditional “analog” style -> scan -> clean up scan -> import into Manga Studio -> integrate with panel borders -> add tones and dialogue -> export to Photoshop and size for the Web -> upload -> post.

Believe it or not, this is actually the fast method. If I can save up the money to get a Cintiq (come to papa!) then this workflow will probably change. In the meantime, it stays. I’m happier with the inked lineart now than I have been for any pages before, and I think I can safely schedule each week’s update in a realistic amount of time. This means regular updates and less stress for me (and I get to have a life again - w00t) and it also means that I can go back to toning the pages if MS will cooperate.

It also means a real possibility of increasing the update schedule to two or even three pages a week - the time savings is that great - but that’s going to have to wait until I get this new workflow down pat and get on a regular routine of no late updates for at least a month or three. So we’ll see…but I’m optimistic.

At the very least, you’ll get final inked versions of the preceding few pages and I’ll be able to catch up so we’re on schedule again. I’m also going to see if I can work out my MS toning problems and add tones to the last several pages soon. I’m already partway finished with inking pages seven and eight, so they’ll probably be updated with new, final art in the next week-ish. Also, next week’s update is already started, so if I’m very very lucky I’ll have it up early and it’ll go live the morning of the 10th.

In other news, my twenties are slipping away from me…next Friday, the 12th, is my last birthday before I turn 30. For those of you who can’t or won’t do math, that means I’ll be twenty-nine in a bit over a week.

Later, all! -wes