Mailbag: Illustration board and templates

Q.: I am currently developing my first webcomic but I am unsure about the paper size I need to purchase for a four panel strip. I would like to alternate between a four panel and three panel strip. Also I was wondering if you hand draw every panel that you do or did you create a template for your panels?

A.: There are as many ways to do this as there are artists. But let's talk about a few options.

First of all, there's no such thing as a standard size for comic strips any more -- unless you have a credible shot of getting printed in newspapers. That being said, I think the aspect ratio of the standard newspaper comic strip is awfully pleasing and darned flexible, so I've stuck with it. Plus, it makes things simple when newspapers do want to run my strips...