Inspiration from sequential art
July 2nd, 2007
Mark Podlaseck lent me his copy of Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics, as a way to inspire me on different notation techniques for my work (and it’s just a great book in general). I’ve skimmed a bit of it and already can’t put it down. There are some interesting things I can take away from it in regards to my own work, particularly about how comics handle the sequence of time. How can we use 2D space to successfully simulate moments and time slots when we’re trying to explain a story (or in my case, a service engagement)? Also interesting and somewhat relevant to my upcoming thesis: how can emotions and senses be represented in a single image?
Another book to add to my Amazon.com wishlist.
Wait, didn’t I just write a post telling myself I need to learn how to focus?
*EDIT: a friend had just reminded me that Scott McCloud came to speak at CMU last year. And, as I told him, they really need to educate the first years with some sort of reading list before they get to CMU. That way those of us new to the field are at least somewhat in the know before we get to school. hmm.
[tags] comics, design, MarkPodlaseck
July 3rd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
So are you reading a book about comics, or are you also reading comics?
Cause if you’re just doing the former…..
July 3rd, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Well the book is about comics, but it is written in the form of a comic… so… ;)
July 4th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Not knowing what you’re doing is the fun of being a first year. ;)
July 4th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
But there’s a difference between not know what you’re doing, and missing opportunities!
July 7th, 2007 at 1:50 am
Just because they’re awesome, I suggest these comics to you:
Sandman, Neil Gaiman
Maus I and II, Art Spiegelman (that’s the standard, of course)
Hellboy, Mike Mignola
V for Vendetta, Alan Moore (who is super crazy)
The Watchmen, Alan Moore
The Scott Pilgrim series, Bryan Lee O’Malley (Canadian)
I only just started reading comics, and haven’t read that much yet. Plus I definitely don’t have any of that superhero background Joel does…..
And now I need to reread most of those!
July 7th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Hehe Joel has a superhero background? Sweet. What kinds of superpowers does he have?
I’ve never actually read any comics – thanks for the suggestions, I will put those on my very, very long to-read list.
July 7th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Good thing about comics/graphic novels — a lot faster to read than a regular book!