The most queries that I receive from cartoon-enthusiasts, related to cartooning, are about the process of cartooning and the software used.

I always ask these cartoon-enthusiasts to focus on the basics, like drawing with a pencil on paper. That’s where your drawing skills are strengthened.

No software draws for you. Only your comfort level and skill-levels in sketching will help you.

Many people ask me about the process of cartooning. While different cartoonists adopt different methods to create a cartoon, I follow the simple method using three steps.

Penciling, Inking and coloring. Of course, I’m not talking about the most important part of cartooning, idea & visualisation! That process deserves a huge tutorial book!

Earlier I used to draw on paper using pencil, pen, brush.

But now I directly draw on Wacom Cintiq, which saves lots of my time and gives me more flexible options.

Here’s my method of creating a cartoon.

I begin with planning the layout & character placements. Then I start pencil-sketching(in photoshop) the scene roughly.

Once the pencil sketch is ready, I start inking the drawing. Using different brushes for different areas depending on the depth. You get loads of options in chosing a brush. But this can also be a burden unless you know what you’re planning to do.

After I’m happy with the final inked cartoon, I start coloring the cartoon. There’s no strict rule about the choice of colors. I follow my own instinct. Many times, the quality of coloring in my cartoons depends on the deadline! When I have lots of time, I prefer to spend time in drawing/coloring details.

Now I add the dialogue for the cartoon. And the final cartoon is ready!

This cartoon was done for Sify.com