Secret Locations in Cape Cod and Islands
Conjoined Approach
Conjoined Approach
Topic
Thesis Study
on Graphic Novels
Audience
Design Scholars
Category
Illustration
Softwares Used
InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand Sketching
Problem
Illustration in graphic design has somewhat of a reputation for being used as fluff, or for being childish. However, designers could add great emotional depth to design when using detailed illustration for powerful storytelling. It can be used to recapture history vividly, and add a level of emotional connection even for mature viewers.
Design Solution
I explored touchpoints between traditional illustration practices and design software to create a short graphic memoir that showcased my experiments. My research focused on graphic memoirs and comic culture in their ability to test the limits of typography, sequence, and visual emotion to preserve and reflect upon life experience.
In concluding the study, I found a design approach that would define my practice. To blend formality with creativity, I create expressive colors, illustrations, and/or typefaces, then lay them out in a structured, minimalist, and aligned composition. This approach allows the expressive elements to make an impact while coming across with a professional tone.
1
Thesis Proposition
Graphic novels use art and design as a tool for preservation, cultural reflection, and vividly capturing the past. Through visual storytelling, the medium documents memories and ideas, making them immortal. With typography, illustration, and emotion, designers allow others the opportunity to immersively relive history.
Hand-drawn Illustrations
Starting with my roots, I sketched a couple scenes of a graphic novel by hand, using black
ink pens. These visual experiments focused on communication through body language and
facial expressions, with the goal of establishing a unique illustration style.
Vector Illustrations
To bring my illustrations into the digital realm, I traced and vectorized some of the drawings above using Adobe Illustrator, allowing them to stay sharp and vibrant on larger scales.
Hey...
Meet me
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2
Page Structure and Content Flow
This booklet, Visual Strategies for Graphic Novels, documents studies on eye movement across image sequences and developing a clear
page structure.
3
"Comic" Culture and Traditional Practice
Looking back on graphic novel history, the medium has evolved from roughly-sketched newspaper comic strips to beautifully illustrated novels. This booklet and poster, Panels POP! use a design style that reflects comic history, with funky colors and bubble letters.
Icon Bank for Panels POP!
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Graphic Memoir
My graphic novel strayed from comic culture's eclectic past and introduced elegance and refinement to the medium. With serif
typefaces and a limited color palette, the maturity of the design
style pays respect to the emotional themes in the novel.
5
Public Exhibition
The first chapter of my graphic novel, Wake Up and Smell the Roses,
debuted at my design school's annual exhibition NEXT. The installation
featured a seating area for visitors to sit and read.
Public Exhibition
