TimeSavers: is this $2 stack worth it for Comics & Graphic Novels?
TimeSavers: a $2 cheat sheet for comic artists racing against the clock
Deadlines in comics are unforgiving. You have a page count, a lettering window, and a colorist waiting for your flats. When you’re stuck on a panel or redrawing the same character for the fourth time, the problem isn’t usually talent—it’s process. You need a way to stop over-polishing and start shipping. (TimeSavers)
That’s the exact gap TimeSavers is built to fill. From Jesse Alan Hamm, this is a tiny, $2 PDF that distills ten specific methods for drawing faster. It’s not a 200-page masterclass or a software tutorial. It’s a 16-page reference sheet designed to sit open on your desk while you work, reminding you how to cut the fat out of your workflow. If you’re a solo creator or a small studio artist who feels like you’re spending more time managing your drawing process than actually drawing, this is a low-risk way to tighten your habits.
Quick answer
| Best for | Comic artists and illustrators who need to speed up their workflow without buying expensive software or courses. |
| Skip if | You are a complete beginner who hasn’t yet established a basic drawing routine, or if you are looking for a full art curriculum. |
| Price | $2 |
| Format | 16-page PDF (2.6 MB) |
| One-line take | A concise, actionable toolkit for saving time in comic production, priced like a coffee. |
What you’re actually buying
At $2, you aren’t buying a library of assets or a complex system. You are buying clarity. The core of TimeSavers is a set of ten distinct time-saving methods, presented in a way that is easy to memorize and apply immediately. The document is 16 pages long, which means it’s short enough to read in one sitting but substantial enough to contain real, usable advice.
The value here is in the specificity. Instead of vague platitudes like “draw more,” the guide focuses on the mechanical and mental habits that eat up your hours. Whether it’s how to approach line work, manage your color palette, or handle the transition from thumbnail to final art, these ten tips are designed to be the things you’d wish you’d known earlier in your career. It’s a practical, no-fluff resource that respects your time. (TimeSavers)
Because it’s a single PDF file weighing just 2.6 MB, it’s incredibly portable. You can keep it on your tablet, your phone, or open it in a browser tab while you work in Procreate or Clip Studio Paint. It’s the kind of resource you don’t read once and forget; it’s a reference you glance at when you feel yourself getting stuck in a loop. For the price of a single comic issue, you get a permanent upgrade to your personal workflow. (TimeSavers)
Why it’s on our radar
Most resources for comic artists fall into two camps: free YouTube videos that are hard to navigate, or expensive courses that require a significant time commitment. TimeSavers sits in a sweet spot between the two. It’s cheap enough that you can’t afford to be disappointed, but focused enough that it delivers immediate value.
The fact that it’s only 16 pages is a feature, not a bug. In a world of bloated PDFs and 50-hour video libraries, a document that respects your attention span is refreshing. It’s a tool for people who are already working and need to work better, not people who need to be taught what a pen is. It’s a niche product for a specific job: making your existing process more efficient. (TimeSavers)
What actually matters
Before you buy, it’s worth checking a few things to make sure this fits your current stage of development. (TimeSavers)
- Are you already drawing? This guide assumes you have a baseline workflow. If you’re still figuring out how to hold a pen or what software to use, this might feel premature. It’s for people who are already producing and want to speed up. (TimeSavers)
- Do you need a system or a nudge? This is a collection of tips, not a rigid step-by-step system. If you need a structured curriculum with exercises and assignments, look elsewhere. If you need a list of best practices to keep in your back pocket, this is perfect. (TimeSavers)
- Check the format. It’s a standard PDF. Make sure your device can handle it comfortably. Since it’s only 2.6 MB, it should load instantly on any modern tablet or phone. (TimeSavers)
- Price-to-value ratio. At $2, the barrier to entry is non-existent. If it doesn’t help, you’ve lost the cost of a coffee. If it helps you save even one hour on a project, it has paid for itself many times over. (TimeSavers)
Mid-check
If you’re feeling the pressure of a deadline and want a quick, actionable way to streamline your drawing process, this is a no-brainer. (TimeSavers)
FAQ
Is this a video course? No, TimeSavers is a 16-page PDF document. It’s text-based and designed to be read quickly or referenced while you work.
Who is Jesse Alan Hamm? Jesse Alan Hamm is the creator of this guide. While the guide stands on its own, it’s a good idea to check out their other work to see if their style and approach resonate with your own artistic voice. (TimeSavers)
Can I use this for client work? Absolutely. The tips are about efficiency and workflow, which are essential for any professional or freelance artist managing client deadlines. It’s a practical tool for any situation where time is money. (TimeSavers)
Is there a refund policy? Since it’s a digital product on Gumroad, you can check the specific refund policy on the product page. However, given the $2 price point, it’s a very low-risk purchase.
Bottom line
If you’re a comic artist who feels like you’re working hard but not fast enough, TimeSavers is a smart, low-cost investment. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a solid set of best practices that can help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters: finishing your work. For $2, it’s an easy yes if you’re ready to tighten up your process.