Hamm Tips Volume 6: is this $4 stack worth it for Comics & Graphic Novels?
You know that specific itch where you’re staring at a blank page, wondering why your character’s hands look like sausages or why your panel pacing feels off? It’s the gap between “I can draw” and “I know how to draw this specific thing.” That is exactly where Hamm Tips Volume 6 steps in. Jesse Alan Hamm has spent over a decade curating the kind of micro-lessons that usually get buried in Twitter threads or forgotten YouTube comments. This isn’t a dry textbook; it’s a 102-page field guide that compiles the best of his instructional tweets into a single, navigable PDF. If you are a cartoonist, comic artist, or illustrator who wants to stop guessing and start applying proven fixes to anatomy, faces, and workflow, this $4 volume is a dense, high-value resource that respects your time.
Quick answer
| Best for | Cartoonists and comic artists who want a quick, illustrated reference for anatomy, faces, and art business advice. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a step-by-step tutorial on a specific software (like Clip Studio Paint) or a traditional art school curriculum. |
| Price | $4 |
| Format | 102-page illustrated PDF (8.21 MB) |
| One-line take | A concise, $4 compendium of pro-level cartooning wisdom that turns scattered social media tips into a usable manual. |
What you’re actually buying
At first glance, a collection of tweets might sound like a low-effort product. But when you open Hamm Tips Volume 6, the format is surprisingly robust. You are getting 102 pages of illustrated tips, which means every piece of advice is paired with a visual example. This is critical for cartooning; you can’t really understand “how to draw a face” from text alone. You need to see the line work, the shading, and the final result.
The content is organized into seven distinct pillars that cover the full lifecycle of creating comics. You get deep dives into Anatomy and Faces, which are the two areas where most artists struggle the most. But Hamm doesn’t stop at the technical. He includes sections on Art Theory and Tools, helping you understand why certain compositions work and how to choose the right digital or traditional setup. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
Perhaps the most valuable part of this volume is the “Life” and “Business of Art” sections. These chapters address the unglamorous but essential parts of being a creator: self-care, finding inspiration, and navigating the practical side of selling your work. It’s rare to find a technical drawing guide that also talks about burnout and marketing. In this $4 pack, you get a holistic view of the craft. The file is only 8.21 MB, so it loads instantly on any device, making it perfect for quick reference on a tablet while you work.
Why it’s on our radar
This volume stands out because it represents a decade of curated wisdom rather than a single, potentially flawed, opinion. Jesse Hamm has been sharing these tips since 2013, and this collection represents the “past two years” of that ongoing dialogue. That means the advice is current, relevant, and has been stress-tested by a community of nearly 18,000 followers. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
The specificity of the listing is also a major plus. It’s not a vague “drawing course.” It is explicitly labeled as Volume 6, part of a series that has already proven its format. The fact that this is one of the longest volumes in the series (over 100 pages) suggests a high density of content. For the price of a single coffee, you are getting a reference library that covers everything from the mechanics of a fist to the ethics of the art business. It’s a low-risk, high-reward addition to any artist’s digital toolkit. You can check the current listing details to see exactly how the chapters are broken down.
What actually matters
Before you buy, keep these three things in mind to ensure this fits your current workflow: (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
- It’s a reference, not a tutorial. The format is “tips and advice.” This means you won’t find a 10-hour video walkthrough. Instead, you’ll find concise, actionable nuggets. If you are a beginner who needs to learn how to set up a canvas from scratch, this might feel too advanced. If you are an intermediate artist who needs a quick fix for a tricky pose, it’s perfect. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
- Check the previous volumes. Since this is Volume 6, there are five others in the series. If you are new to Hamm’s work, you might want to see if the earlier volumes cover the basics you’re missing. However, each volume is designed to stand on its own as a thematic collection. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
- The “Business” section is unique. Many drawing books ignore the business side. If you are freelancing or trying to sell comics, the chapters on The Business of Art and The Life could be just as valuable as the anatomy tips. Make sure you read those sections; they often contain the most practical advice for sustainability. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
You can review the full table of contents and sample pages to see if the tone matches your learning style.
Mid-check
If you’re on the fence about whether this 102-page PDF is the right next step for your skills, it’s worth a quick look at the specific chapters included. The mix of technical drawing and career advice is a rare combination in this price bracket. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
FAQ
Is this a video course or a PDF? This is a digital PDF file. It contains 102 pages of illustrated text and images. There are no video components, but the illustrations are detailed enough to serve as visual guides for the tips. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
Can I use this on an iPad or tablet? Yes. The file size is only 8.21 MB, which is very lightweight. It will load quickly on most PDF readers, including Apple Books, GoodReader, or Adobe Acrobat on a tablet. This makes it easy to keep open on one screen while you draw on the other. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
Do I need to have bought Volumes 1-5 to understand this? No. While it is part of a series, each volume is a standalone collection of tips. You can jump straight into Volume 6 and find value in the anatomy, face, and business sections without having read the previous volumes. However, if you are a complete beginner, the earlier volumes might cover more foundational basics. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
What specific topics are covered in the “Life” section? The “Life” section covers self-care, inspiration, and practical matters related to being an artist. It addresses the mental and logistical challenges of a creative career, offering advice on how to stay motivated and manage the ups and downs of the profession. (Hamm Tips Volume 6)
Bottom line
If you are a cartoonist who feels like you’re hitting a plateau, Hamm Tips Volume 6 is a smart, low-cost investment. It’s not a magic bullet that will make you a master overnight, but it is a dense, well-organized collection of expert advice that can help you fix specific problems in your work. For $4, you get 102 pages of illustrated wisdom that covers both the technical and the professional sides of art. It’s a quick download, an easy read, and a useful reference that you’ll likely come back to when you’re stuck on a panel or wondering how to price your next commission.