Screentones

Screentone is a technique in applying textures to a drawing. Screentones are made in many different variety of textures some are simply only gradation textures and some are fancy and complex textures. Screentones in manga are use for background, clothing texture, hair, shading, etc. In Japan people mostly use ready made screentones where they are simply only cut and paste to a manga. These ready made screentones are easy to use especially if you have its cutter and burnisher since its only a matter of cutting and pasting to your drawing. Ready made screentones are usually sold in packs (e.g basic pack, shonen pack, gradation pack, etc) and are sold in a pretty high price. In some places, you can actually buy screentones in individual sheets.

If you want to save money there is an alternative way to get screentones, which is by making them by yourself. There are two methods in making your own screentone which are made drawn or digitally.

 By making your own screentone, you have the freedom to set your own desired mood and effect of the tone. This may take some time and patience but it is may safe you some money from buying ready made screentones.

 If you prefer trying to make screentones by computer you might make good quality screentones but digital screentones are more suitable for digital comic since not all printers are capable to print screentones because they are too complicated to print, but if you have a printer with a high print rate you might be able to publish your own screentone.