Thoughts on the new comic style format?
Added 2024-03-07 21:52:23 +0000 UTCHeya everyone!
So the last two months, as you've all seen, I've been tinkering around with adding more comic elements into my works, such as dialog bubbles and the occasional between-pinup comic page. And so far, people seem to like them! It's been really fun, and I have a lot more ideas and improvements I'd like to try as I continue to develop into this new direction.
Why I'm doing it!
I've always wanted to draw expressive characters, and over the years, I've put a lot of effort into working exclusively on the visual appeal of my characters. Through the constraint of just "silent" pinups, I've tried to push my ability to express the personality of these characters through just expression, outfits, background scenery, and body language. I'm grateful to have seen such a positive reception to that end, but I felt I could do better. I felt that, if I pushed beyond just the visuals, and into actual dialog and story, maybe that would help add just a bit more personality to what I draw. And, ultimately, that's what I want. I want to have some "meaning" behind my art. Even if that "meaning" measures only to the depth of a pleasant daydream. Something that lingers in the hearts of those who enjoy my work, even if just for a moment.
What do you think?
Now, these last couple of months have proven successful in terms of gaining more attention, which is very exciting and encouraging! But I don't want to make assumptions about why people join or continue to support, so I wanted to open the floor up to you all, and see what you had to say about this new direction.
What do you think of this new method of bolstering my pinups with comic elements? Does anything in particular stand out to you that drew you in? Or is it just the themes and visual design that interested you, regardless of the dialog and (micro) story?
Don't be afraid to drop your 2 cents, please. I will be taking any praise, criticism, and requests through the filter of my own personal goal, which is to make art that is cute and sexy, stirring/touching, and in some way, meaningful. I want to make loveable characters that are a joy to see come to life. Eye candy, sure, but also, something more lingering.
I'm putting my heart and soul into learning to improve on this! I've lost track of the amount of times I've literally laughed out loud at seeing my silly ideas come to life, as I create them in this new way. π
Thank you!
Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it! You guys area the reason I can do this. It's just such a profoundly moving truth to experience, and I want to be a good custodian of the support you give me. Ok, that's it for now, I'll see you in the comments! And in the meantime, it's back to work for me!
~Ray
Comments
It's fun! Thank you :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 22:04:57 +0000 UTCThank you! I am so glad to hear that. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 22:04:45 +0000 UTCGlad to hear it!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 22:04:28 +0000 UTCMe too haha Thanks!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 22:04:23 +0000 UTCThank you! I agree, it works out pretty well!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 22:04:10 +0000 UTCI like when the comics tell a short story.
TY 2022
2024-03-08 21:35:45 +0000 UTCI actually love it, it has so much more depth in comic form
Denny D
2024-03-08 19:04:59 +0000 UTCI've really liked it. :3
NGW
2024-03-08 14:28:12 +0000 UTCLove it! I'm always up for a comic story, especially one with a lighthearted tone.
Calybos
2024-03-08 14:10:00 +0000 UTCThe comics are a nice way to show how one pin-up image leads to the next.
The Mu
2024-03-08 12:32:56 +0000 UTCYes, and I appreciate that! :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 06:40:31 +0000 UTCI've been fairly vocal about this new direction, so I don't really have much to add here. So. . . It's good, Dude!
Griffin Hawk
2024-03-08 06:39:37 +0000 UTCThank you for your support, and for the kind comment! It's so helpful to understand your reaction to my work in such detail, so thank you for sharing. I wish you luck in your own artistic journey, as well. π
RoninDude
2024-03-08 06:33:43 +0000 UTCYou are so sweet to be so engaging with your audience. Ray, I am Riley, and I just joined in your Patreon because of this new style of image you are producing. For years I have watched you illustrate your characters into playful, expressive, and comprehensive examples of cute and sexy, all of which I so much appreciate, but now, when I saw this, I thought, βshe is so cute. This looks so good. I want to see what this. I want to learn to emulate this rapidly.β So much thanks and praise to you for being a generator of visual ideas and constantly offering your contribution to excellence increasing through your art. I am thankful for you I appreciate you. You inspire me. Thank you.
Riley Workman
2024-03-08 06:26:16 +0000 UTCThanks! I appreciate hearing that. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 05:10:51 +0000 UTCThank you!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 05:09:14 +0000 UTCIβm a big fan of putting fun and sexy together in my comics, so I heartily approve of this style. It looks fabulous, and Iβve been thoroughly enjoying it.
Robert Moore
2024-03-08 05:03:57 +0000 UTCI'm enjoying the new story arcs. Always loved your art style. Definitely looking forward to more!
Warren Werner
2024-03-08 05:00:09 +0000 UTCThanks for the comment! I'll try to make sure I don't repeat too much art, unless it makes sense to do so. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 04:52:59 +0000 UTCI am glad you enjoy that extra detail :D
RoninDude
2024-03-08 04:51:02 +0000 UTCI think if you add dialogs you will be adding something, not losing something! It can be enjoyed then by story/act or visual and through your ability for expression can maybe do quick scene change without repeating a scene with little changes, just a thought.
Shady Manox
2024-03-08 04:37:03 +0000 UTCI'm very glad you're leaning a little more into the nsfw. The pinups are great but a little extra spice makes everything nice
Anony Mous
2024-03-08 04:21:07 +0000 UTCThank you for saying so! I appreciate the encouragement. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 03:38:42 +0000 UTCOh I am absolutely loving this new trend, more narrative depth is always something I delight in experiencing
AmorIncorporated
2024-03-08 03:34:16 +0000 UTCI appreciate the support all this time! I want to add to what I do here, not take anything away, so no worries about losing the full page pinups. Right now I'm trying to do comic pages as a supportive element to the pinups, and providing the pinup pages with and without dialog bubbles, for those who just want the art. Thanks for the comment, and the feedback!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 03:20:14 +0000 UTCI'll be honest, I've been here for the pin-up art, and I've been following it (and screaming its praises to anyone that'll listen) for years. So I am - for the moment, anyway - still more 'attached' to those. That said, I've never seen anything you've done that wasn't exceptional - so if this is something you're wanting to give a go, far be it from me to say otherwise. Looking forward to seeing what comes next. =)
Mr Hench
2024-03-08 03:13:52 +0000 UTCI am glad!
RoninDude
2024-03-08 02:35:21 +0000 UTCI like it.
Richard Hardslab
2024-03-08 02:31:12 +0000 UTCThank you for the encouragement! π
RoninDude
2024-03-08 02:11:50 +0000 UTCI've been enjoying it, it's a great way to mix things up (and I happen to love adding stories & dialogue to my own commissions myself -- so perhaps there's a bit of bias slipping in there). If you're having fun with it, here's looking forward to more!
Aidenke
2024-03-08 02:09:18 +0000 UTCThanks for the feedback! I'll keep drawing sexy characters, so no worries there. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-08 02:01:05 +0000 UTCRight, so I'll enter in. First of all, never not been happy with anything you've shared. Even the more horror themed stuff, which really is not my bag, has been great. Now, the comics, both the simpler styled ones, and the more detailed pictures, with dialogue , have been fun. Absolutely would love to see more of them. That said, I am primarily here because of your pinup art, and character design, so as long as I am not losing those elements, I am happy
Tim Bend
2024-03-08 01:58:28 +0000 UTCThank you! π
RoninDude
2024-03-08 01:44:44 +0000 UTCWonderful! Never looked forward to your work more! I want to go to summer camp! Hahaha
Relum Gatori
2024-03-08 00:58:50 +0000 UTCGlad to hear it! And I will keep that in mind. :D
RoninDude
2024-03-08 00:55:54 +0000 UTCI'm enjoying it! Not much else to say. I would love to see some cute girl on cute girl stories in the future!
Shawn K. Younkin
2024-03-08 00:52:22 +0000 UTCThank you, I appreciate the comment! I'm thrilled to keep making these, even more so when I learn people are enjoying them too. π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 23:57:20 +0000 UTCThank you! I'm glad to hear that. :D
RoninDude
2024-03-07 23:55:47 +0000 UTCSorry I haven't commented much lately but I am really loving the comics and it's great to hear how much fun you've been having with it as well!
AbysmalDream
2024-03-07 23:53:53 +0000 UTCF π
Obsidian
2024-03-07 23:50:16 +0000 UTCI think the comic style is great for adding depth to the pinup moments rather than just a monthly feast for the eyes. Looking forward to more!
Andrew Wilson
2024-03-07 23:48:09 +0000 UTCThank you! I certainly will. :)
RoninDude
2024-03-07 23:32:34 +0000 UTCHaha thank you! RIP the poor and sudden recipient of that dislodged button! XD
RoninDude
2024-03-07 23:32:22 +0000 UTCI greatly enjoyed it, and hope you will do more!
Anon44
2024-03-07 23:30:16 +0000 UTCLoving it! We get the same awesome art and now some funny moments like Makayla murdering someone with a button XD I am a fan :D Only problem is that now I want a cute one with Ruthie :p
Obsidian
2024-03-07 23:28:53 +0000 UTCThank you! I definitely plan to keep going. It's great to hear that people are enjoying the things I enjoy making. π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 23:25:46 +0000 UTCI personally like it. You should be allowed to enjoy what you're doing, even if it's just for you. If it makes you happy and increases your passion in your creative pursuits then it'll show in the final product and it will only make it better. So go for it, man! Have some fun with it!
Loth
2024-03-07 23:23:16 +0000 UTCI will! π§‘
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:58:33 +0000 UTCThank you! π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:57:12 +0000 UTCThank you for the lovely comment! I feel very encouraged by this positive reception, especially since I am so excited for the work itself. π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:56:51 +0000 UTCDo what makes you happy and keeps your creativity alive.
rrward
2024-03-07 22:55:07 +0000 UTCItβs awesome!
Derksplosion
2024-03-07 22:51:33 +0000 UTCIt put a smile on my face reading through your thoughts on this and your experiences with making the comics. I have long been a fan of your artwork and have seen a lot of the changes, shifts, and adjustments that you have done and have enjoyed all of them. I think the comics are really fun and I like seeing this new content. I think the most important part about this is that you've been enjoying it as well. And that makes me happy as a fan. I certainly would love to see more of the comics especially if there's a longer story and for the fact that you enjoy it so much.
Lucavi Voltaire
2024-03-07 22:46:10 +0000 UTCAwesome! Thanks :D
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:26:41 +0000 UTCI love this new format, looking forward to more of this style :)
Michael A
2024-03-07 22:23:58 +0000 UTCGlad to hear it! I was hoping that was the case. π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:23:38 +0000 UTCDefinitely like the comic style it adds a lot and makes the sexy parts even better xD
James
2024-03-07 22:20:51 +0000 UTCI would love that! I have to admit that the more established one of my OCs becomes, the more I see my perfectionist side scrutinizing my ideas for them. But Sassy and Ruthie are definitely candidates for actual episodic comics. I have a few larger wallpaper slice-of-life scenes of them in the works, currently.
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:18:25 +0000 UTCThat's good to know! I appreciate it! I'll keep going in this direction if people like it, because I love it haha
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:12:03 +0000 UTCOf course! Hope we can see some of your other characters, like Sassy, get their own comics someday!
Lincoln Dutcher
2024-03-07 22:11:37 +0000 UTCI rejoined your patreon because of the new format, I enjoy it thoroughly.
Barrett Madison
2024-03-07 22:10:35 +0000 UTCThank you! That's very encouraging! π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:09:40 +0000 UTCThank you very much for the thoughtful comment! As an artist I find it easy to get caught up in placing rendering details and technical challenges over everything else, which leads me to obsess on things like color, linework, anatomy, style, etc. It's good to be reminded that art is about communicating ideas and sharing a vision. The rendering is just the tool to do that, and shouldn't be the point. I feel such a spark from doing this, even if it's a lot more work. I don't mind, since it feels like meaningful work that improves the results, and honestly it's hard to stop once I get going. I'll keep doing it and improving it as long as people keep wanting to see it!
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:09:20 +0000 UTCHonestly, I like the comics. They're really cute.
Kyman201
2024-03-07 22:04:50 +0000 UTCThat makes sense! In the past I would try and use background elements to add some context, but it makes sense that dialog and comic elements would help make the context even more clear. Thank you for the comment!
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:04:28 +0000 UTCLike I said with your second in-between comic strip, it brings the characters to life beyond having an expressive face. The characters are living in their world, taking in the atmosphere, and enjoying it beyond putting on a show for the viewer. Mikaela is having a dandy time setting things up for her campers and friends and shines like the little light she is. Through story, she has a thought process that engages people more by showing what she is about. I'll have as much of it as you will give. Always been a fan of stories and world crafting. You do very well with the world building, and the fact that the characters are a little more than eye candy helps that aspect. Keep up the great work. Continue to look forward to all the artwork you provide for us.
Tommi Winn
2024-03-07 22:03:36 +0000 UTCThat's encouraging! Thanks π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 22:02:15 +0000 UTCI like it. Adds context and makes it funny, sad or sexy situation.
Sergio flores
2024-03-07 22:00:23 +0000 UTCIt's fun! I dig the narratives and getting to know these characters a bit more.
Lincoln Dutcher
2024-03-07 21:59:46 +0000 UTCKeep up the awesome work!!
dremixed
2024-03-07 21:59:45 +0000 UTCI appreciate that! Thank you. π
RoninDude
2024-03-07 21:58:39 +0000 UTCLove the comic format as it adds some more personality to the beautiful ladies!
dremixed
2024-03-07 21:57:09 +0000 UTC
