Draw a Splash Page
Create a colorful comic-style splash page by sketching a bold central scene, adding action lines, lettering, and color to tell a short story.
Step-by-step guide to Draw a Splash Page
How To Create a Splash Page - The Fastest and The Easiest Way
Step 1
Write one short exciting sentence at the top of your paper that tells the moment you will draw.
Step 2
Draw a tiny thumbnail sketch in the corner to plan where the big action will sit on the page.
Step 3
Lightly sketch the bold central scene in pencil so it fills most of the page.
Step 4
Add one or two supporting characters or objects around the main figure to help tell the story.
Step 5
Draw action lines and motion marks around the main action to show speed and energy.
Step 6
Pencil in a big comic-style title or sound effect word near the action to make it dramatic.
Step 7
Carefully trace all main outlines and lettering with your black marker or fine-liner.
Step 8
Wait a moment for the ink to dry and then erase the pencil lines with your eraser.
Step 9
Color the main characters and foreground first using bright contrasting colors.
Step 10
Fill the background with simpler colors so the central action stands out.
Step 11
Add shadows with a darker shade and highlights with your white gel pen or light colored pencil for depth.
Step 12
Write your name and a one-line caption about the scene in the corner of the page.
Step 13
Share your finished splash page on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
I can't find a white gel pen, fine-liner, or the DIY.org site — what can I substitute?
Use a sharpened black colored pencil or ballpoint pen to trace the main outlines and lettering in step 6, use a white colored pencil, white crayon, or a tiny dot of correction fluid for highlights in step 11, and take a clear photo to share with family or on another kid-safe site instead of DIY.org (step 12).
My marker smeared and my pencils didn't erase well after inking—how do I fix that?
Follow step 7 exactly by waiting longer for the ink to dry before gently erasing with a soft eraser, and if the marker bleeds, test your pen on scrap paper and trace more lightly or use a fine-tipped pen for delicate lettering (step 6 and 7).
How can I adapt this splash page activity for different ages?
For younger kids simplify by doing a big bold central scene with crayons and a thick marker and skip the thumbnail and detailed shadows (steps 2, 3, 11), while older kids can plan tightly with thumbnails, add multiple supporting characters, detailed action lines, layered shadows with a darker shade, and crisp white-gel highlights (steps 2, 4, 5, 11).
How can we make the splash page more special or turn it into a longer project?
Extend the activity by creating a series of splash pages of different moments using the same thumbnail-to-ink workflow and then bind or scan and digitally color them to make a mini-comic to share on DIY.org (steps 2, 3, 6, 12).
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Facts about comic book art and illustration
✍️ Before computers, comic book lettering was hand-done on vellum by specialist letterers.
💥 A 'splash page' is a full-page comic illustration used to start a story with dramatic impact.
🗯️ Comic sound words like 'WHAM!' and 'ZOOM!' are called onomatopoeia and make actions POP off the page.
🎨 Roy Lichtenstein famously turned comic panels into fine art using Ben-Day dots and bold outlines.
🖍️ Using high-contrast inks and bright primary colors helps a splash page read fast, even from across the room.
How do I draw a comic-style splash page that tells a short story?
What materials do I need to create a colorful splash page with lettering and action lines?
What ages is drawing a splash page suitable for and how can I adapt it?
What are the benefits of making splash pages and are there safe variations or ideas?
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