Understanding Comics Chapter 5

In this chapter, Scott Mcloud as usual, breaks down the elements of a comic and presents each aspect individually. This time he talks about how different visuals can betray emotions.
This idea has been around for a very long time, and ive studied it repeatedly throughout the years. I think the point is very valid that through combinations of diferent lines, color and shapes, an artist can portray some kind of emotion. Not only that, but its a very very important design element in that it helps being that emotional connection between the viewer and the artwork which ultimately leads to the success of the design in getting whatever message it has across to the public.
If your product/design for a video cover can make the viewer feel happy then chances are they will buy the video. If your poster design on abuse against women can envoke a sad/angry and shocked emotion in the person passing by, then the message of that medium is likely to stay in the mind of that person.
Its these ideas of the relationship between visuals, emotion and application to design work that further increase our chance as designers in making our projects really stand out.



Above is a poster for a design exhibition that i organized last year. Behind the text is an array of shapes, lines and colors that are supposed to represent the chaos that goes into design and art.
The combination off all these shapes, colours, lines etc work well in envoking a sense of confusion, chaos and imagination within the viewer.

Understanding Comics Chp. 4

In this chapter Scott focuses on the topic of space and time within comics and explains to the reader how exactly comics demonstrate motion, sound and again how the visualisations can represent and project the sense of time passing.
Scott explains how using certain techniques such as spacing between frames, borderless images and also the style within the picture can all help to contribute time and movement. Not only this, but also through the use of text and frame size can add to this effect.

As a graphic designer, ive had to use the principles of time and motion many times to encorporate a sense of depth within a design. These types of principles are not only important within a comic strip, but also very much so when it comes to advertising and product design. Ultimately becuase they are able to capture the audiences imagination much more then a simple, flat and plan image. Like comics, to be able to do this is very important as it ensures that the viewers are entertained and will buy the comic, or the product again.



Here is a poster design i did last year when i encorporate alot of motion and time to give the poster a very eye catching effect.

Understanding Comics Chp 3

The idea that Scott McCloud presents in this chapter about closure is very interesting, and i feel that it not only applies to the comic but to all of life in general. I think its cool though how he has singled it out in terms of how readers fill in the gaps between panels inside of a comic, and thus the saying "less is more" truely comes to life. By allowing viewers to use their imaginations, stories become, in a sense, more realistic and interactive and ultimately more effective as a form of entertainment and story telling.

For me as a graphic designer, closure takes on the same meaning as those i have adopted in my previous training. There are times when designing when we use Gestalt principles such as closure in creating effective logos and graphics.



The above picture is a prime example of how a designer can incorporate closure into his/her folio creative techniques.