[Mike V]

Hey, newbie introduction here. I am a comics fan (naturally) and also learning to letter comics as well. I'm here looking to expand my reading pool with some classics, as well as maybe trying my hand at re-lettering a few.

Awesome site you have here, thanks for letting me be a part of it

[josemas]

Hi,

Welcome aboard.  I'm pretty new here myself and have been very much enjoying going through all the great titles available.

Just out of curiosity are they still using an Ames lettering guide for lettering comics or is it all done with computers now-a-days?

[boox909]

Hi,

Welcome aboard.  I'm pretty new here myself and have been very much enjoying going through all the great titles available.

Just out of curiosity are they still using an Ames lettering guide for lettering comics or is it all done with computers now-a-days?

Ames Lettering Guide -- bringing back memories! Some folks still hand letter, but I see these computer done jobs also ... just depends on the person. For myself, no one can replace John Workman's classic skill.

B.

[josemas]

I was lucky enough to have been taught lettering by Johnny Costanza--about three decades ago!  I've not kept up the skill though. 
It's a real specialty which many comic readers don't really appreciate- -although most pros certainly do!

Joe M

[boox909]

I was lucky enough to have been taught lettering by Johnny Costanza--about three decades ago!  I've not kept up the skill though. 
It's a real specialty which many comic readers don't really appreciate- -although most pros certainly do!

Joe M

You studied under Costanza? He certainly is one of the best! You keep it up I might have to dig out the books and start naming all of my favorite letterers...like Ben Oda!

[Mike V]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

As for lettering, I've only lettered digitally (I'm useless outside of a computer).

[boox909]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

As for lettering, I've only lettered digitally (I'm useless outside of a computer).

Hi Mike!

I tried to learn the craft, but my handwriting is so bad that I gave up on it! 

Enjoy the downloads!

B.

[narfstar]

I think those that have seen Charlton's A Machine lettering can appreciate lettering. Some bad Charlton coloring made me appreciate colorists. I think of lettering and color like the music in a movie. It is sometimes best when you do not notice it when it is there but sure would if it was not. It enhances the rest.

[josemas]

I've talked to comic artists in the past about lettering where we have used your same comparison of lettering in comics to music in movies and we all came to the same conclusion that you did. 
99% of the time the lettering should just blend in and enhance the overall effect without drawing attention to itself.

Regarding color many of the older artists usually made sure that their art would hold up by itself because they often had no control over who colored it, who did the separations, or how well it was printed (think of all those off registration comics you read as a kid).
Now-a-days with computers involved in so much of the coloring process it's a whole new story.

Joe M

[narfstar]

I agree on coloring. I have seen new books where the coloring is an integral part of the arts impact more than just enhancing it. Think of Alex Ross.