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 is considered childish. However, designers can add great emotional depth to their designs when using detailed illustrations for powerful storytelling. Illustration can be used to recapture history vividly and add a level of emotional connection that words cannot, even for mature viewers.
Design Solution
Over the course of a two-semester study, I researched graphic memoirs and comic culture, examining how typography, sequencing, and visual emotion are used to preserve and reflect lived experience. This research led me to develop a design philosophy I call the “conjoined approach.” It involves blending expressive colors, illustrations, and typography with structured, minimalist layouts, allowing creative elements to stand out while maintaining a polished, 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!
4
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
