Using today’s Midjourney prompt we are going to create some really interesting ink wash images for comic books.
Ink Wash in Art
Way back in April I shared with you some beautiful oriental-style ink wash images (sumi-e). I love the style, and with Midjourney, I can generate some beautiful wall art images.
Ink wash is a very flexible technique, and can be used for all sorts of image styles, so I decided to turn it to comic book images.
Ink wash, also known as "watercolor wash" or "grey wash," is a technique used in comic book art to add shading, depth, and tonal variations to the illustrations. It involves diluting ink with water to create various shades of grey, which are then applied to the artwork using a brush or other tools. This method allows comic book artists to achieve a more painterly and textured look while maintaining the bold lines characteristic of comic book art.
Here are some key points about ink wash in comic books:
1. Shading and Depth: Ink wash is commonly used to add shading and depth to the artwork. By applying washes of diluted ink, artists can create gradients of grey, which gives the illusion of light and shadow. This technique is particularly effective for adding dimension to characters, objects, and backgrounds.
2. Tonal Variations: Ink wash allows artists to introduce a wide range of tones, from light grey to deep black. By controlling the concentration of ink and water, they can create different levels of contrast and mood in the illustrations.
3. Textured Effects: Ink wash can also be used to create textured effects in comic book art. By using various brush techniques, splattering, or other methods, artists can add interesting textures to backgrounds or specific elements within the artwork.
4. Atmosphere and Mood: The use of ink wash can significantly influence the overall atmosphere and mood of a comic book scene. It can evoke a sense of mystery, drama, or a dreamlike quality, depending on how it's applied.
5. Combination with Line Art: In comic book art, ink wash is often used in conjunction with traditional inked line art. The bold lines provide clarity and definition to the characters and objects, while the ink wash adds depth and tonal variations to enhance the visual impact.
6. Traditional and Digital Techniques: Ink wash can be applied using traditional methods, where artists manually dilute ink and apply it with brushes. Alternatively, some comic book artists use digital tools and software to simulate ink wash effects, providing more flexibility and control over the process.
7. Time-Intensive Process: Ink wash can be a time-consuming technique (but not with Midjourney!), especially if artists are working on a large number of panels or pages. Achieving the desired tonal variations and textures requires careful planning and execution.
Ink wash is a versatile technique that adds a unique artistic dimension to comic book art. It has been used by various comic book artists over the years, contributing to the diversity of styles and aesthetics found in the medium.
Example Images
Here is what we are going to create.
Midjourney Prompt
So here is the prompt I used:
Base Prompt
[SUBJECT] in the style of detailed ink wash comic book art, post-apocalyptic backdrops
/settings: Version 5.2 and Stylize Med.
So for the example images…
red stilletos
yellow boots
two women
woman
green old man
zombies
What Next?
As always, make the prompt your own and try a little tweak or two. My favorite from this batch - dogs in a city street, alien invasion