#flatting

[bob-artist]

I wanted to share my comic flatting process for Into the Smoke!

In comics, being able to automate anything repetitive and non-creative is a huge help. I'm able to flat my pages in 20-40 minutes this way.

I use Peltmade's independent Photoshop plugins, Multifill and Flatten Pro (which I know I've mentioned here before - they're just so good). I recorded them as an action along with creating layers and layer groups for all my colors, then I play the action on each of my pages.

All of my file and layer setups are done through automatic actions, which can either be done on a single file or multiple files at once:

The ghosts are on a separate layer so I can change the transparency and add the glow effect around them (both things I also have saved as an action). And yes, I went into autopilot and accidentally colored this ghost with living color, haha.

The video was done as a test, hence the different palette. Here's the actual colors on the left (without the flashback tint and frame, but with Moose's pet ghost cameo!), and the flats on the right.

Oh, and while you're here, read Into the Smoke! It's about a gay medium who binds himself to an evil ghost!

[intothesmoke]

MultiFill/Flatten Pro gave Blaze "Jem hair," and I don't hate it. 😆

I mean, it's certainly better than the time it gave me this Pogo monstrosity:

It also has some compelling ideas on priestly attire.....

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about: Flatting is filling in flat colors under line art, and it's an important part of making comics. Depending on the artist, they might then go in and paint/shade over the flats for lighting effects and color cohesion. And Multifill/Flatten Pro is a Photoshop plugin that speeds up flatting by filling every enclosed area with a random color, with each color perfectly meeting the neighboring colors at the center of each line (a.k.a. trapping). I've been using it for years, for both comics and freelance, and highly recommend it.

Anyway, I was originally planning to hire a flatter for Into the Smoke, but after top surgery, I wanted a few days of easy, low-effort work before jumping back into full-time heavy stuff, so I flatted the first 7 episodes. \o/

(For the record, I did take nearly a full week of complete vacation, but the boredom really started getting to me at the end, haha. Plus I wanted to catch up on podcasts, and I needed something to do with my hands while listening. XD)

I still need to ink episodes 10-12, and half of episode 9. And of course I still need to paint and shade everything. But flatting's been super quick!

Anyway, here's a few sample flats!

Check out that perfect trapping. I frickin love this plugin.

[mix31h3artz16]

Mixadel? You ok?

[fundamentalcherrytree]

I just want to go flatting so bad...

It's hard to find a flat though when you're autistic and unemployed.

The flat I wanted to get might be available in 3-6 months though... hopefully...

[deerheadlights]

Almost time to color my favorite page I've ever drawn probably

Check out the rest of my Ancient Sumer comic here

[relatablemarine]

Have you ever had a perfect flatmate? This red and white beauty is Randall's Pistol Shrimp. This crustacean, like all pistol shrimps has one large frontal claw that is used to create an extremely loud snapping noise and acoustic pressure that is capable of stunning and even killing small fish. The shrimp's one weakness is predator avoidance, they have incredibly poor eyesight. However the shrimp has a novel solution to this problem: renting! Their strong claws also find a use in tunneling and this shrimp will invite a goby to share their burrow. The shrimp keeps the burrow clean and maintained, as well as covering the opening during the night. In return the goby acts as a 'seeing eye dog'. When the shrimp leaves the safety of the burrow the goby will rest their tail against the shrimp's antennae, when the sharp eyes of the goby spot a potential predator they will move their tail in such a way to alert the shrimp. The two friends will then rush back to the tunnel and to safety.

[paulaguedes]

DCU HOLIDAY SPECIAL (2008) #01, art by Kevin Maguire. Page 01. Flat colors by me.

[kavaleyre]

• The Hanged Man •

“Compared to what Falin went through? This is nothing.”

[comicbookflats]

poison ivy: flats

[astriiformes]

Thinking again about the time my aliens class was discussing conspiracy theories and the professor asked us to call some out and I, thinking simultaneously of both flat earthers and the "moon landing was faked" people, confidently shouted out "FLAT MOON!" and sent the class into hysterics

[kdglowup]

Just moved!!

I now live with my partner in our very own little flat. I’m happy- and I am ready to start working on my goals. I need to make some grocery lists, maybe start a diary of food and exercise- get back to the routine of weighing myself and working out.

I’m thinking of making vlogs to keep myself accountable. Just as a bit of fun, something for me to do for creative purposes.

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Porsche bb-Auto Targa Hybrid, 2024 (1986), by Galpin Auto Sports. A restomod based on a 1986 911 Targa wide body built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of German tuning house bb-Auto. The car references the German tuners Rainbow 911 Turbo Targa of 1976 but has been updated with a 4.0-litre flat-6 engine by Ed Pink Racing, paired with a Vonnen hybrid system, delivering a combined 550hp. There is also updated suspension and brakes. Galpin plan to make a limited number of their restomod replicas, each can be customized to the owner’s specifications.

[such-a-daydreamer]

And then they explode

[rennybu]

something unknown but very powerful came over me. retro spirk kyaa❣️❣️❣️

[browsenbuycomic]

Behind the scenes video - 02

Hey everyone, here’s our second sneak peak video showing the production process behind Browse n’ Buy!

This week shows the flatting stage. An overlooked and in some cases unheard of process of laying down flat colours to allow the colourist to easily select and fill, in stage three.

Follow us on Youtube for more behind the scenes content: