How to Create Comic Pages in FireAlpaca

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a comic page in the free FireAlpaca program. FireAlpaca is a drawing application for Windows and Mac computers, created by PGN inc., the creators of the popular openCanvas software.

• Download FireAlpaca for free here. Alternatively, a paid version is avaiable on Steam.

We will go over:

• A basic introduction to the program and tools within in. It is best if you are already familiar with Image editing software.

• Setting up your template and workspace.

• Working on different layers for cells, sketching, inking, coloring, and dialogue.

FireAlpaca Interface Part 1

After opening the program, you will see a sidebar on the left and right, as well as a bar across the top with a variety of tools. Here we'll cover some useful tools in the left hand sidebar.

• A Brush Tool (shortcut "B")

• B Eraser Tool (shortcut "E")

• C Move Tool (shortcut "V")

• D Rectangle Fill (shortcut "N")

• E Bucket Fill (shortcut "G")

• F Select (shortcut "G")

• G Lasso (shortcut "G")

• H Type Tool (shortcut "G")

• I Eyedropper (shortcut "I" or "alt + click")

• J Pan Tool (shortcut "H")

• K Color Selection

• L Brush Size & Opacity Control

• M Brush Selection

FireAlpaca Interface Part 2

Now we'll take a look at the right hand sidebar.

• A Rotate Canvas

• B Magnify

• C Flip Canvas

• D Navigator

• E Layer Opacity

• F Layer Blending Mode

• G Protect Alpha; Changes will only be made to content already existing on this layer.

• H Clipping; This layer is clipped to the lowest non-clipped layer.

• I Lock Layer from being edited

• J Layer View and Select

• K Layer Tools - new layer, new group, copy layer, merge down, delete layer

Setting Up Your Workspace

When you create a new document in FireAlpaca you will be presented with a window allow you to choose from pre-made comic templates (or no template!). For this tutorial, we're going to choose the "Professional" template.

You'll also want to make sure anti-aliasing is active, and choose the level of brush stabilization/correction you desire. This is useful for preventing shaky lines. Experiment with it until you find your ideal setting.

Creating Panels

Laying out your panels is made very simple in FireAlpaca utilizing the comic template and grid snapping. First of all, grab your Pen brush and turn on the grid snapping!

• Remember to keep your most important information in the "Live Area" of the template! This includes dialogue and relevant imagery.

Sketching

• Lock the layer you just drew the panels on, and create a new one above it.

• Select the Pencil brush and a light color. Most comic artists use light blue, an homage to traditional comic art where a blue pencil is used for sketches.

• Sketch on this layer, or create a layer group to keep organized.

Inking

• Lock the layer you just sketched on, and reduce the opacity to about 50%.

• Select the Pen brush and a color near black.

• Create a new layer or layer group for inking, and consider turning up your Brush Correction for smooth lines. Make sure your tablet pressure sensitivity is on. Variances in line weight add to the aesthetic appeal of inked artwork.

Fin

From here, you can color your comic, or call it good, depending on what style you're going for. Coloring is a very individual process, so experiment with it!