little jo blog

To color or not to color...

1/3/2014

I am desperate for input and feedback. Paris Ballad, the 350 page graphic novel I am working on (and have already completed over 90 pages in a greyscale pencil style, I have been considering re-doing by inking and adding red and blue overlays as well. I'd love feedback as to what people prefer. I dread re-doing all 90 pages and the greyscale would be cheaper to print, however the colour might be more interesting visually. Please help me decide. If you don't think it makes that much of a difference, I'd like to know that, too! In the color version I have made some editing changes so far as well, so they aren't identical...but still, you get the idea.

Greyscale version (click to view larger)

Color version (click to view larger)

8 Comments

Paul Bonanno link

1/6/2014 02:16:49 am

I like them both. If you decide to do print you will probably be better off with just b&w. It's cheaper and people are used to black and white comics but not so much on limited color. Maybe do the limited color for the web and b&w for print.
Good luck.

Bethany Jewell link

1/7/2014 12:05:32 am

They both have great strengths. At first read my eyes are drawn to the pop of color, yet there's something much softer in the greyscale that seems to match with the mood and perhaps even the time period being created in the storyline. In my own preference I would say keep the greyscale. Easier for you and maybe brings a more feminine touch to your protagonist. Great Work!

1/7/2014 06:58:10 am

Thanks so much for the comments and advice. While the color is popular, many like the greyscale and I got some great advice to continue as I have done and not be the terrible perfectionist I am and actually get it completed. Time to get this baby finished!

James link

1/9/2014 04:12:19 am

I fully agree with the person who stated b&w for print and the limited color spectrum for viewing on the web. As we all know, print costs are dramatically cheaper with b&w/greyscale. Keep up the fantastic work!

Natasha Adams link

1/10/2014 12:41:30 pm

TBH I like both, I think doing a combo of both could be interesting. I prefer the grey scale of your backgrounds and buildings and I love your blue shadows on organic things, the sunrise and light definitely look better in colour and so do the hearts. I'd go do a mix and highlight key objects in the panel with colour. If you keep the coloured version be careful to avoid letting important things blend into the background unless that's the atmosphere and mood youre trying to create.

Mark

1/27/2014 03:16:01 am

I really like the greyscale more. How you rendered it and the lack of text creates a very interesting atmosphere for the Graphic Novel. Though the colored one pops out more, I still feel that the greyscale has a stronger narrative.

Dawn link

1/31/2014 04:52:22 am

The greyscale feels lighter and more textured, but the color allows you to emphasize certain scenes and create some really nice contrast. I also find the combination of light blue, light red and vibrant red to set the atmosphere. It depends on which way you want to go with this. The texture you've created is gorgeous, so I would hate for you to lose that with the color.

Mike link

2/2/2014 12:20:47 am

I would say stay with the grayscale. But my opinion is biased because I create grayscale comics myself. I feel in your case it does seem to set the mood. I think the color will distract the eye. The first thing my eye did was go to the color soooo.....unless that's what you're going for in the design (which I didn't get that vibe) then I say no to the color.

To color or not to color...

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