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Comics 101
Art tips and techniques, reviews and interviews from my studio. Archived here and at World Famous Comics.

Comics 101 Archives

Comics 101 for 08/28/2003
THE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF STORYTELLING - Part 3

5) Good Use of Perspective
Again, this rule is best applied also when used subtly. Dramatic perspective that is well done heightens the drama in a scene and often goes unnoticed and should be secondary to the characters and story.

For this cover illustration, I use the most dramatic viewpoint, three point perspective, to enhance the action of the character jumping from the plane. The reader's viewpoint is from under the main character as the buildings help propel the figure towards the foreground.

Example F

In this splash page, which opens up the story, I use three point perspective here as well to move the viewer's focus towards the main character in the foreground and heighten the mood of claustrophobia by forcing the perspective. The buildings in the background here feel like they are closing in the main character enhancing the mood of solitude, loneliness, and impending doom that I wanted to portray in the story.

Example G

6) Good Use of Dramatic Lighting and Mood
This enhances the emotional and visual impact to a scene and/or it's characters. The proper use of dramatic light and shade on a character or in a scene can help you  achieve the mood of your story that you wish to convey. It can also be used to amplify  the personality, demeanor, and nature of a character. A villain might appear more mysterious if he/she was shrouded in deep shadow, or a hero whose brow  casts a shadow over his/her eyes might seem to be in deep thought or reflect sadness. A scene set outside in a brightly lit meadow might reflect peace and calm. But take that same scene with dim light from a full moon and cast shadows from spindly branches and a rickety ,silhouetted, wooden fence and the same meadow can become quite eerie.

The use of heavy blacks and the graphic shapes in this panel enhance the mood of sadness surrounding  the main figure hunched over the bed, head in his hand.

Example H

In this circular panel (disguised as a scope for a laser rifle from a would -be assassin) the use of heavy darks across the face of the unmasked TIE fighter pilot creates a sense of mystery and almost sinister presence for the character. The use of dark shadows in the background creating positive/negative imagery allows for background information without detracting or overpowering the foreground figure.

Example I

I'll see you next week when we discuss the last important storytelling element for this feature. Happy Thanksgiving!

-Joe

<< 08/21/2003 | 08/28/2003 | 09/04/2003 >>

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Archives >>

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