One might not be an expert in comic strips if they haven't familiarized themselves with different styles and genres of comics, or if they haven't received proper feedback and critique to improve their work. Not having a passion for the medium or not being up-to-date with the latest trends could also be reasons.
First, you need to have a clear idea or story in mind. Then, sketch out the basic layout and characters. It's important to keep it simple at the start.
The main restrictions could be related to copyright and plagiarism. You can't copy someone else's work without permission. Also, some content like violence or inappropriate themes might be limited depending on the target audience.
Some important rubrics for making comic strips are coming up with an engaging plot, creating distinct and appealing characters, and using appropriate visual cues and expressions. Also, maintaining a consistent art style and ensuring good pacing throughout the story are crucial.
One common dilemma is coming up with fresh and unique storylines. It can be hard to think of something that hasn't been done before.
Canva is really handy for making comic strips. It has pre-made layouts and graphics that can save you a lot of time. But it depends on your specific needs and skills. If you need advanced features, you might need to look elsewhere, but for basic and fun comic strips, it's a solid choice.
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are commonly used. They offer powerful tools for drawing and editing.
Some essential tools for comic strips are a graphics tablet for digital drawing, software like Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint, and a scanner if you work on paper. Also, a ruler for straight lines and a lightbox for tracing can be handy.
One common trap is poor storyboarding. If the sequence of events isn't clear, it can confuse the readers.
Toondoo can be quite useful. It offers a variety of tools and templates to make the comic strip creation process easier and more fun.
I think Procreate is a great option. It offers a lot of tools and features for creating detailed and colorful comic strips.