Hamm Tips Volume 3: is this $3 stack worth it for Comics & Graphic Novels?
Quick answer
| Best for | Cartoonists and comic artists who want a dense, $3 reference of practical tips on learning, drawing, inking, shading, and composition. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a step-by-step course, video tutorials, or a blank template pack for building your own system. |
| Price | $3 |
| Format | 65-page PDF (4.21 MB) |
| One-line take | A curated archive of Jesse Alan Hamm’s 2016–2017 Twitter tips, organized by subject for quick reference. |
What you’re actually buying
Most art advice online is scattered across fleeting tweets, Instagram captions, and forum threads that vanish into the digital ether. If you’ve ever tried to save a specific tip about value shading or composition but lost it three days later, the problem isn’t your memory—it’s the format. Hamm Tips Volume 3 solves this by taking the ephemeral nature of social media and turning it into a permanent, searchable PDF. For $3, you aren’t buying a new skill tree; you’re buying a library of micro-lessons that you can keep on your desktop or tablet.
The content inside is specific to the 2016–2017 period of Jesse Alan Hamm’s teaching, covering five distinct pillars: learning and study, drawing, inking, shading and value, and composition. This isn’t a generic “how to draw” guide. It’s a collection of previously uncollected insights that didn’t appear in his earlier volumes. You get 65 pages of direct, no-nonsense advice that reads like a mentor tapping your shoulder. The file is lightweight at 4.21 MB, meaning it loads instantly on any device, making it perfect for a quick check before you start inking a panel or blocking out a page. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
What makes this volume stand out is the curated specificity. You aren’t wading through 500 pages of filler. Instead, you get a focused set of tips that address the exact friction points artists face when moving from sketch to final art. Whether you’re stuck on how to handle value shifts or need a reminder on how to structure a learning routine, the PDF collection acts as a second brain for your artistic process. It’s the kind of resource you open once a week, not once a month, because the advice is bite-sized and actionable.
Why it’s on our radar
This product is interesting because it bridges the gap between “I saw a cool tip” and “I actually have that tip available when I need it.” In a market saturated with $50 video courses and $20 template packs, a $3 archive of high-signal text is a refreshing counter-program. It respects the reader’s time and budget while still delivering substantial value. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
The fact that this is Volume 3 implies a consistent output from the seller. Jesse Alan Hamm has been sharing these tips since 2013, and this volume represents a specific, organized chunk of that history. For artists who follow his work or appreciate his style, this is a low-risk way to expand their reference material. The subject-based organization (Learning, Drawing, Inking, Shading, Composition) means you can jump straight to the section that’s blocking your current project, rather than reading linearly. It’s a practical tool for the working artist, not just a decorative PDF. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider how you consume art advice. If you prefer long-form video breakdowns or interactive exercises, this PDF might feel too text-heavy. However, if you learn by reading and applying, the concise format is a major plus. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
- Check your existing library: If you already own Volumes 1.1, 1.2, or 2, this volume contains previously uncollected tips from 2016–2017, so there shouldn’t be significant overlap. If you’re new to the series, this is a solid entry point. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
- Review the subject breakdown: Ensure the five topics (Learning, Drawing, Inking, Shading, Composition) align with your current goals. If you’re primarily a writer or colorist, you might find less utility here than a line artist or inker would. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
- Format preference: The 65-page length is substantial enough to be useful but short enough to read in an afternoon. The 4.21 MB size ensures it won’t clutter your storage, making it an easy “always on hand” resource. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
Mid-check
If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to sharpen your fundamentals, See current options to grab the PDF before you start your next session.
FAQ
Is this a video course? No, Hamm Tips Volume 3 is a 65-page PDF containing text-based tips. There are no video files or interactive elements. It’s designed for quick reading and reference.
Does it overlap with previous volumes? The listing specifies that these are “previously uncollected” tips from 2016–2017 that did not appear in Volumes 1.1, 1.2, or 2. While the topics (drawing, inking, etc.) are universal, the specific advice in this volume is distinct from the earlier releases. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
What subjects are covered in Volume 3? This volume focuses on five key areas: Learning and Study, Drawing, Inking, Shading and Value, and Composition. These are foundational topics that apply to both beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their process. (Hamm Tips Volume 3)
How long does it take to read? At 65 pages, you can likely read through the entire PDF collection in one sitting if you’re skimming, or use it as a reference over several weeks. The tips are short and punchy, designed for easy digestion.
Bottom line
For $3, Hamm Tips Volume 3 is a no-brainer if you want a permanent, organized reference for the fundamentals of cartooning. It’s not a replacement for practice or mentorship, but it’s a sharp, low-cost tool that keeps critical advice at your fingertips. If you’re tired of losing good tips in the scroll, this is the fix.