Sijun Forums :: View topic - Comic Page layout attempt...can you help it?

billyjay · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2000 2:52 am

I just wanted to sketch out a comic pahe layout and then scan it and try to make it look decent. This actually took me a few hours.

Keep in mind I did use a laptop roller mouse, and let me tell you I spent probably an hour just fixings and redoing stuff with that thing. I cannot wait to get a Wacom.

I would love feedback as far as layout of the page, problems? Anything. Let me know. Feedback makes me happy.

Chapel · member Member # Joined: 18 Mar 2000 Posts: 1930

Well, there isn't much to critique as far as layout. I mean you only have 3 panels. However, my advice is if you are trying to write a comic. Write it first and just think about the writing. Once it is done then you think about the layout and pencils. If you do them at the same time then they both will suffer. As far as this single page there isn't enough contrast. Your main panel needs to stand out from the others. Right now the one that pops out is the upper left and that really isn't where you want your focus. You have the right idea as far as using different angles, but you may want to make them more dynamic. When you get into more panels you want to make sure the pacing is kept proper by using the various angles. I'd show you examples, but I'm at work.

SPike.CoM · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2000 10:27 am

I ditto with Chapel. Plus next time you gonna text, use a more readable text and not such bold one �coz ppl get a hard time trying to read it. Plus if you really want it to be read, don't make the same mistake as in the third panel... Use colors on the text that are different in contrast to the background. I had literally sit this close -> <- to the screen to see what it said.

Good luck.

SPike.CoM · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2000 10:29 am

Forgot to mention that it is very nifty.

billyjay · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2000 3:09 pm

Thanks for the reply you two.

Chapel, I think I see what you are saying, you think making the brightest spot on the page that face in panel 1 a bad idea? Should I have changed the color, if yes, to what?

I would love to see your work you refered to, to show me what you mean, I'd appreciate it greatly.

And about the story, I "AM" working on a comic book, with a story, blah blah, but this is not it. I just wanted to try this out. I totally agree with you about the story first, etc. I'd love to hear more ideas from you about creating comic books, the method, and process, and steps included to create one. Anything else from ya would be much appreciated!

Spike- thanks for the reply. I totally agree now that I see it. Panel 2 is nearly impossible to read. Geez, shoulda noticed that. I should pay more attention to that. Thanks for the comments.

For anyone else if you have any tips for the way to go about coloring a page, and creating a focus point and panel contrast ext. please give me any ideas or tips you have. Thanks a lot guys.

Chapel · member Member # Joined: 18 Mar 2000 Posts: 1930

Ok, I threw these together pretty quick. Don't judge the art on these just the idea. The first is a more standard layout and the second is little more dynamic. I don't know anything about your story or the character, so I just kinda went on what you had on your page. This is just a more better way to present the story. You really don't want to use odd shaped panels unless they have some effect on the whole composition.

billyjay · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2000 6:38 am

Chapel awesome and thanks for the help. I have a few more questions.

Do think odd panels and scenes shouldn't be used unless the serve a point towards the story?

Your panels look a lot more like a comic book, and do you think it is nessasary to approach it how you displayed? How much freedom do you have when creating an effective layout? You can't totally just make crazy things and odd panels unless there is a reason.

Do you think cutting to the point with more straight foward panels is better than unique dynamic panels that may look better, but may be distracting?

I got more questions somewhere. HA. Well any response would be appreciated. Thanks again Chapel.

By the way my website has been updated: http://tbns.net/billyjay/test2.html

Check it out!
Thanks
BJ

billyjay · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2000 8:59 am

Awesome! Chapel that rules dude, thanks a lot.

It helps to see what you are talking about. I've never been a huge fan of comic foreshortening cuz it can look silly. But, it can also look really cool, but too big of a risk.

I think this was great help and hopefully I can use this to help me in future pages I will complete.

Thanks again Chapel!
BJ