Tracing:
* Tracing for Panels: Some artists might trace a rough sketch to create cleaner lines for their panels. This can help with accuracy and consistency, especially if they're drawing complex backgrounds or characters.
* Tracing for Consistency: Tracing can be useful for maintaining a consistent look across multiple panels, especially if there are recurring elements or characters.
Drawing from Scratch:
* Sketches and Refinement: Most artists will start with rough sketches to plan out their panels, characters, and backgrounds. They then refine these sketches through multiple layers of drawing, often using pencils, pens, or digital tools.
* Style and Personal Touch: Drawing from scratch allows artists to express their unique style and artistic touch. It also allows for more freedom in creating dynamic poses and expressions.
A Combination of Approaches:
* Hybrid Techniques: Many artists use a combination of tracing and freehand drawing. For example, they might trace a background from a reference photo but then draw characters freehand.
Important Note:
* Ethical Considerations: Tracing copyrighted material (e.g., photographs, other artists' work) without permission is unethical and can be illegal. Comic strip artists often use their own reference photos or create original drawings for backgrounds and other elements.
In conclusion:
While tracing can be a helpful tool for comic strip artists, it's not the sole approach. Many use a combination of sketching, refining, and drawing from scratch to create their unique artwork. Ultimately, the artist chooses the techniques that best suit their style and workflow.