ILLUSTRATION AND VISUAL NARRATIVE 3 / Final Project: Comic cover and Animated One Page intro
2/07/ 2024
Time frame Week 11 - Week14
Huang Jiaqi/0371553
Bachelor of Creative Media Design / Final Project: Comic cover and Animated One Page intro
Table of Content
1. Module Information
2. Lectures
3. Final Project: Comic cover and Animated One Page intro
4. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
Lectures
Week 11:
1. Central theme
This is the main idea or basic meaning. Usually, this is the storyteller's personal opinion on the topic. A story may have both primary and secondary themes.
Main theme: an idea that is intertwined and repeated throughout the narrative.
Secondary topic: An idea that looks more subtle does not have to be repeated.
2. Conflict
The conflict drives the story. It creates tension and establishes suspense. The conflict attracted the audience.
3. Role
A story usually includes many characters, each of which has a different role or purpose.
Central character: the protagonist of the story
Protagonist: The protagonist of the story, he or she usually has a clear goal to accomplish or overcome.
Anti-warners: Anti-warriors oppose the protagonist and stand between them and their ultimate goal.
3.3-Behavioral structure
Settings: Introduce the world where the protagonist exists.
Rising tension: a series of obstacles that the protagonist must overcome
Conflict: the most tense point.
Resolution: Conflict resolution.
Week 12:
Mr. Hafiz wants us to decompose the selected story by using the two-act structure. We need to highlight the parts we want to visualize (introduction, rising action, orgasm...). Mr. Hafiz introduced the characteristics of sequential art, an art form of conveying stories.
Here are some common transitions:
Moments and moments
Action to action
Theme to theme
Scene to scene
From one aspect to another
Figure 1.1 Different types of transitions
Practical
3. Final Project: Comic cover and Animated One Page intro
Idea developmentFor the final project, we need to choose a story from Edgar Ellan Poe's short stories or poems. We need to create:Comic cover page
Idea developmentIntroduction to the animation page (paradness, secondary action or animation background)Edgar Poe's Black Cat is a classic horror novel full of psychological fear and supernatural elements. Understanding and designing the animation of this work can be achieved through the following aspects:
Atmosphere and scene designDark tones: The atmosphere of the whole story should be dark and depressing. The scene design should adopt dark tones and low light to highlight the horror of the story.Old house: The scene design of the old house can highlight its dilapidated and gloomy characteristics. The basement especially needs to be designed as a narrow, dark and oppressive space to increase tension.Detail elements: cracks on the wall, stains on the floor, spider web and other details can further enhance the atmosphere of terror.
Character design
Protagonist: The image of the protagonist should gradually become distorted and crazy with the development of the story. At first, it could be designed to be more ordinary, but with the erosion of alcohol and guilt, his appearance and expression became more ferocious and out of control.
Wife: The wife should be designed to be gentle and kind, in sharp contrast to the madness of the protagonist. Her image should give people a sense of innocence and sympathy, and increase tragedy.Black Cat: Black Cat is a key character in the story, and its design should be full of mystery. The eyes of black cats can be designed to be extremely bright and insightful, giving people a supernatural feeling.Actions and expressionsAction design: The protagonist's movements in anger and despair should be full of strength and impact, especially in critical killing scenes. The action design should highlight his madness and out of control.Expression details: The change of the protagonist's expression is an intuitive reflection of the psychological state. From the initial regret to the final madness, every subtle expression change should be carefully portrayed.
Sound effects and soundtrack
Sound effects: Sharp sound effects, such as the creaking of the door, the sound of footsteps, the sound of an axe cutting into the body, etc., can enhance the horrible atmosphere. The call of the cat should be specially designed to be creepy.Soundtread: The soundtrack should be based on a low and tense tone, which gradually increases with the development of the plot. At critical moments, sudden high sound effects can be used to increase the thriller effect.
Example of scene design
In the climax clip, the protagonist angrily raised the axe to kill the cat. After being stopped by his wife, he inserted the axe into her mind. The animation design of this paragraph can be achieved through the following steps:
Slow motion: The axe was raised high, and the camera slowly approached the protagonist's angry face, showing the madness in his eyes.
Rapid change: Sudden movement change, the wife's hand blocked the axe, and then the protagonist angrily pulled back his arm and inserted the axe into her head.
Blood splash: The bright red blood splashes, and the picture switches to the moment when the wife falls to the ground silently, giving people a strong visual impact.
Through this meticulous design, animation can vividly show the horror atmosphere and psychological depth of Black Cat.
For the final project, we need to choose a story from Edgar Ellan Poe's short stories or poems. We need to create:In Edgar Allan Poe's work, I chose the climax of his murder in Black Cat. One day, she accompanied me to do some housework and walked into the basement of the old house. Our poverty forced us to live in it. The cat followed me down the steep stairs, almost looking down my head and driving me crazy. I raised an axe and forgot the childish fear that my hand had been stuck there in anger. I aimed at the beast. Of course, if it fell as I wanted, it would be fatal immediately. But the blow was stopped by my wife's hand. I was irritated by her interference and furious. I pulled my arm back from her hand and put the axe into her head. She fell to the ground and died without a moan.
Idea development
Introduction to the animation page (paradness, secondary action or animation background)
Edgar Poe's Black Cat is a classic horror novel full of psychological fear and supernatural elements. Understanding and designing the animation of this work can be achieved through the following aspects:
Atmosphere and scene design
Dark tones: The atmosphere of the whole story should be dark and depressing. The scene design should adopt dark tones and low light to highlight the horror of the story.
Old house: The scene design of the old house can highlight its dilapidated and gloomy characteristics. The basement especially needs to be designed as a narrow, dark and oppressive space to increase tension.
Detail elements: cracks on the wall, stains on the floor, spider web and other details can further enhance the atmosphere of terror.
Character design
Protagonist: The image of the protagonist should gradually become distorted and crazy with the development of the story. At first, it could be designed to be more ordinary, but with the erosion of alcohol and guilt, his appearance and expression became more ferocious and out of control.
Wife: The wife should be designed to be gentle and kind, in sharp contrast to the madness of the protagonist. Her image should give people a sense of innocence and sympathy, and increase tragedy.
Black Cat: Black Cat is a key character in the story, and its design should be full of mystery. The eyes of black cats can be designed to be extremely bright and insightful, giving people a supernatural feeling.
Actions and expressions
Action design: The protagonist's movements in anger and despair should be full of strength and impact, especially in critical killing scenes. The action design should highlight his madness and out of control.
Expression details: The change of the protagonist's expression is an intuitive reflection of the psychological state. From the initial regret to the final madness, every subtle expression change should be carefully portrayed.
Sound effects and soundtrack
Sound effects: Sharp sound effects, such as the creaking of the door, the sound of footsteps, the sound of an axe cutting into the body, etc., can enhance the horrible atmosphere. The call of the cat should be specially designed to be creepy.
Soundtread: The soundtrack should be based on a low and tense tone, which gradually increases with the development of the plot. At critical moments, sudden high sound effects can be used to increase the thriller effect.
Example of scene design
In the climax clip, the protagonist angrily raised the axe to kill the cat. After being stopped by his wife, he inserted the axe into her mind. The animation design of this paragraph can be achieved through the following steps:
Slow motion: The axe was raised high, and the camera slowly approached the protagonist's angry face, showing the madness in his eyes.
Rapid change: Sudden movement change, the wife's hand blocked the axe, and then the protagonist angrily pulled back his arm and inserted the axe into her head.
Blood splash: The bright red blood splashes, and the picture switches to the moment when the wife falls to the ground silently, giving people a strong visual impact.
Through this meticulous design, animation can vividly show the horror atmosphere and psychological depth of Black Cat.
For the final project, we need to choose a story from Edgar Ellan Poe's short stories or poems. We need to create:
In Edgar Allan Poe's work, I chose the climax of his murder in Black Cat. One day, she accompanied me to do some housework and walked into the basement of the old house. Our poverty forced us to live in it. The cat followed me down the steep stairs, almost looking down my head and driving me crazy. I raised an axe and forgot the childish fear that my hand had been stuck there in anger. I aimed at the beast. Of course, if it fell as I wanted, it would be fatal immediately. But the blow was stopped by my wife's hand. I was irritated by her interference and furious. I pulled my arm back from her hand and put the axe into her head. She fell to the ground and died without a moan.
Reference
1. Junji Ito (Junji Ito)
Junji Ito is a famous Japanese horror cartoonist. His works are full of psychological horror and supernatural elements. His detailed lines and dark tones are very suitable for the story of Black Cat, which is full of depression and horror.
fig 1,1 reference Junji Ito
1. Junji Ito (Junji Ito)
Junji Ito is a famous Japanese horror cartoonist. His works are full of psychological horror and supernatural elements. His detailed lines and dark tones are very suitable for the story of Black Cat, which is full of depression and horror.
fig 1,1 reference Junji Ito
2. Sui Ishida (Ishida)
Ishida Cui's work Tokyo Ghoul is famous for its dark and tense painting style. He is good at expressing the inner conflict of characters through delicate expressions and action design, which is very suitable for your style.
fig 1,2 reference ItoSui Ishida (Ishida)
3. Naoki Urasawa (Naoki Urasawa)
Naoki Urasawa's works, such as Monster and 20th Century Youth, are full of psychological suspense and tension. His storyboard skills and characterization can well express complex psychological states and storylines.
fig 1,3 reference Naoki Urasawa4. CLAMP
CLAMP is a team of four female cartoonists, known for its delicate painting style and complex emotional description. Although their works such as "X" and "Magic Card Girl Sakura" are changeable in style, they are full of exquisite details and strong visual impact.
.fig 1,4 reference CLAMP5. Yoshihiro Togashi
Fu Jianyibo's works "Hunter × Hunter" and "Youyou Baishu" are famous for their unique painting style and profound plot. He is good at expressing the emotions and psychology of the characters through exaggerated movements and rich expressions, which is similar to the style of your work.
.fig 1,5 reference Yoshihiro TogashiReference design ideas
Atmosphere creation: You can learn from the shadow and light use of Junji Ito to enhance the horror effect of the picture.
Character details: Refer to Ishida Hidei and Urasawa Naoki, through delicate expressions and action design to show the character's inner conflict and horror.
Picture layout: Learn CLAMP's detailed storyboard and scene design to make each frame full of visual impact.
Action tension: Learn from the exaggerated action design of Fu Jianyibo to increase the tension and dynamic effect of the story.
2. Sui Ishida (Ishida)
Ishida Cui's work Tokyo Ghoul is famous for its dark and tense painting style. He is good at expressing the inner conflict of characters through delicate expressions and action design, which is very suitable for your style.
fig 1,2 reference ItoSui Ishida (Ishida)
3. Naoki Urasawa (Naoki Urasawa)
Naoki Urasawa's works, such as Monster and 20th Century Youth, are full of psychological suspense and tension. His storyboard skills and characterization can well express complex psychological states and storylines.
fig 1,3 reference Naoki Urasawa
4. CLAMP
CLAMP is a team of four female cartoonists, known for its delicate painting style and complex emotional description. Although their works such as "X" and "Magic Card Girl Sakura" are changeable in style, they are full of exquisite details and strong visual impact.
.fig 1,4 reference CLAMP
5. Yoshihiro Togashi
Fu Jianyibo's works "Hunter × Hunter" and "Youyou Baishu" are famous for their unique painting style and profound plot. He is good at expressing the emotions and psychology of the characters through exaggerated movements and rich expressions, which is similar to the style of your work.
.fig 1,5 reference Yoshihiro Togashi
Reference design ideas
Atmosphere creation: You can learn from the shadow and light use of Junji Ito to enhance the horror effect of the picture.
Character details: Refer to Ishida Hidei and Urasawa Naoki, through delicate expressions and action design to show the character's inner conflict and horror.
Picture layout: Learn CLAMP's detailed storyboard and scene design to make each frame full of visual impact.
Action tension: Learn from the exaggerated action design of Fu Jianyibo to increase the tension and dynamic effect of the story.
Sketch and digitalization process
Introduction to the animation page
fig 2,1Sketting and digitalization process
Picture one
Analysis:
In the picture, a man and a woman are walking down the stairs in the basement. The background light is dim, creating a gloomy and horrible atmosphere.
The black cat appeared at the top of the stairs, showing that it followed its owner's movements.
The hero's expression is serious, holding tools that may be used for housework in his hand, reflecting the upcoming conflict.
fig 2,2 Sketting and digitalization process
Picture two
Analysis:
The hero and his wife have walked to the bottom of the stairs, and the black cat jumps above the stairs, increasing the dynamic feeling of the picture.
The red light on the stairs heralds the impending violent and bloody events.
The red shadow on the stairs that may represent blood stains implies the inevitability of tragedy.
fig 2,3 Sketting and digitalization process
Picture three
Analysis:
The picture focuses on the hero's angry expression and his hand holding the axe, showing his inner anger and out of control.
This close-up highlights the tension of the impending violence.
The hero's eyes and clenched fists highlight his determination and anger.
fig 2,4 Sketting and digitalization process
Picture 4
Analysis:
In the picture, the hero is about to wave an axe to attack the black cat, and his expression is full of anger and madness.
The black cat stood in the corner and became the target of imminent violence.
The red light and shadow in the background strengthen the atmosphere of tension and horror.
fig 2,5 Sketting and digitalization process
The 5 picture:
Description: One hand holds the other hand in the picture, and the text below says "No". Judging from the contrast of the strength of the arm and the tense atmosphere, it is obviously an action that tries to stop it.
Analysis: This picture depicts a critical moment when one character tries to stop the violence of the other. It is the scene of the wife trying to stop her husband from attacking the cat mentioned in the article.
fig 2,6 Sketting and digitalization process
The 6 picture:
Description: A female character was attacked by an axe, bleeding from the head, with a stunned and painful expression, with a fist-clenched hand and a raised axe in the foreground.
Analysis: This picture clearly shows the moment of violence, and the action of the attack and the reaction of the victim are very obvious. This scenario should be that after the husband got out of control, the wife's intervention caused her to be hit by an axe.
fig 2,7Sketting and digitalization process
The 7 picture:
Description: The woman lay on the ground, her clothes and floor were covered with blood, and she was obviously dead.
Analysis: This picture depicts the consequences of violence and shows the scene of the wife falling to the ground after being killed. The whole picture is full of tragedy, which strengthens the tragic atmosphere of the plot.
Production process
fig 2.8 Screenshot of the production process
fig 2.9 Screenshot of the production process
fig 2.10 Screenshot of the production process
fig 2.11 Screenshot of the production process
fig 2.12 Screenshot of the production process
fig 2.13 Screenshot of the production process
Parallax effect:
I use the serration effect to create the depth of the picture in After Effects. By layering the foreground, middle scene and background, and giving different movement speeds, the picture produces a three-dimensional sense when moving. For example, in the scene where the character walks down the stairs, the stairs, walls and distant background layers move at different speeds, enhancing the sense of space and immersion.
Secondary Action:
In addition to the main actions, I also added some minor actions to enrich the picture. For example, when the character waved the axe, I added the slight swing of the clothes and hair, as well as the wind effect produced during the waving of the axe. These secondary actions make the main actions of the characters more natural and vivid, and increase the realism of the animation.
Animated Background:
I added some animation elements to the background to make the whole picture more dynamic and interesting. For example, in the scene where the character goes down the stairs, the lights on the wall will flash, and the black cat in the distance will move. The animation background elements of these small details not only enrich the sense of hierarchy of the picture, but also attract the attention of the audience and make the whole animation more vivid.
Comic Cover Page
fig 2.14 Comic Cover Page
This work was completed through the collaboration of Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Illustrator software. First of all, I created all the characters and background illustrations in Illustrator to ensure that every detail reflects the character's expression and the atmosphere of the scene. Then, I imported these vector graphics into Photoshop for further editing and adjustment. In Photoshop, I added shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional sense of the picture, and adjusted the color to make the whole comic more unified and coordinated. Finally, I converted these static images into dynamic video in After Effects, and created a smooth animation effect through the setting of the timeline and key frame. This way of multi-software collaborative work not only improves my work efficiency, but also makes the final work more vivid and expressive.
The final comic
fig 2.15 The final comic GIF
fig 2.16 The final comic PDF
Google Drive Link：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IokI43NnTneFKaEm0q4apWDK-VG32O4F/view?usp=sharing
AE software version
fig 2.17 The final comic mov
fig 2.18 The final comic pdf
Google Drive Link：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xDnzvPa36W-m_hu2DmZY-O5k-2mNyDNI/view?usp=sharing
fig 2.19 The final comic PDF
I made full use of the functions of Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Illustrator to combine technology with art. Create fine vector illustrations in Illustrator, adjust details and correct colors in Photoshop, and finally make animations and add special effects in After Effects. Each step is closely coordinated, and finally presents a complete and visually impactful work.
Through this project, I not only improved my technical ability, but also deepened my understanding of animation design. I hope that through these design concepts, I can create more infectious and visually impactful animation works.
Reflection
In this project, by using software such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Illustrator, I not only achieved a complex and fascinating animation work, but also gained valuable experience and inspiration in technology and creation. The following is my reflection on the whole project:
Improvement at the technical level
First of all, this project has significantly improved my technical ability. I learned how to create detailed vectors in Illustrator and make detail adjustments and color corrections in Photoshop. This makes my work more unified and coordinated visually. In After Effects, I successfully added depth and hierarchy to the animation by using parallax effects, secondary actions and dynamic backgrounds. This not only makes the picture more three-dimensional and dynamic, but also makes the whole animation more vivid and expressive.
Deepening of creativity and design concepts
In the process of creation, I always adhere to the narrative-driven design concept. The story is the soul of animation, and my main goal is to tell a fascinating story through visual elements and actions. I chose a suspense and thriller theme to gradually reveal the truth of the story through changes in the characters' expressions, actions and scenes, and guide the audience into the world of the story. In the process, I deeply understood the importance of visual narrative and learned how to enhance the appeal of the story through the creation of details and atmosphere.
Fine carving of animation details
I added a lot of secondary actions and dynamic background elements to the animation, such as the slight swing of clothes and hair when the character waved the axe, as well as the flashing lights on the wall and the moving black cat. Although these details seem insignificant, they greatly enrich the dynamics and hierarchy of the picture, making the main movements more natural and vivid. Through the processing of these details, I learned how to add realism and delicacy to the animation.
Expression of color and emotion
Color plays an important role in animation. I reflect the emotional turning point of the story through the change of color. For example, the use of warm tones can express the character's sense of security and hope, while cold tones and strong contrast can increase the atmosphere of tension and fear. Through the careful use of color, I have better conveyed the emotion and atmosphere of the story.
Comprehensive reflection
This project not only improves me in technology and creativity, but also gives me a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of animation design. At the technical level, I learned the collaborative work of a variety of software to improve work efficiency and the quality of the work; at the creative level, I successfully expressed the emotion and theme of the story through the use of narrative, details and color. These experiences will have a far-reaching impact on my future creation.
Future direction of improvement
Although I have made remarkable progress in this project, I also realize that I still have a lot to improve. For example, I can be more detailed and efficient in time management and project planning. In addition, I also need to further improve my animation production skills, especially in the processing of complex actions and difficult special effects.
Generally speaking, this project was a fulfilling and meaningful experience, which not only improved my technology and creativity, but also strengthened my confidence and determination in the field of animation design. In the future, I will continue to work hard to improve my professional ability and create more infectious and visually impactful works.
In this project, by using software such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Illustrator, I not only achieved a complex and fascinating animation work, but also gained valuable experience and inspiration in technology and creation. The following is my reflection on the whole project:
Improvement at the technical level
First of all, this project has significantly improved my technical ability. I learned how to create detailed vectors in Illustrator and make detail adjustments and color corrections in Photoshop. This makes my work more unified and coordinated visually. In After Effects, I successfully added depth and hierarchy to the animation by using parallax effects, secondary actions and dynamic backgrounds. This not only makes the picture more three-dimensional and dynamic, but also makes the whole animation more vivid and expressive.
Deepening of creativity and design concepts
In the process of creation, I always adhere to the narrative-driven design concept. The story is the soul of animation, and my main goal is to tell a fascinating story through visual elements and actions. I chose a suspense and thriller theme to gradually reveal the truth of the story through changes in the characters' expressions, actions and scenes, and guide the audience into the world of the story. In the process, I deeply understood the importance of visual narrative and learned how to enhance the appeal of the story through the creation of details and atmosphere.
Fine carving of animation details
I added a lot of secondary actions and dynamic background elements to the animation, such as the slight swing of clothes and hair when the character waved the axe, as well as the flashing lights on the wall and the moving black cat. Although these details seem insignificant, they greatly enrich the dynamics and hierarchy of the picture, making the main movements more natural and vivid. Through the processing of these details, I learned how to add realism and delicacy to the animation.
Expression of color and emotion
Color plays an important role in animation. I reflect the emotional turning point of the story through the change of color. For example, the use of warm tones can express the character's sense of security and hope, while cold tones and strong contrast can increase the atmosphere of tension and fear. Through the careful use of color, I have better conveyed the emotion and atmosphere of the story.
Comprehensive reflection
This project not only improves me in technology and creativity, but also gives me a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of animation design. At the technical level, I learned the collaborative work of a variety of software to improve work efficiency and the quality of the work; at the creative level, I successfully expressed the emotion and theme of the story through the use of narrative, details and color. These experiences will have a far-reaching impact on my future creation.
Future direction of improvement
Although I have made remarkable progress in this project, I also realize that I still have a lot to improve. For example, I can be more detailed and efficient in time management and project planning. In addition, I also need to further improve my animation production skills, especially in the processing of complex actions and difficult special effects.
Generally speaking, this project was a fulfilling and meaningful experience, which not only improved my technology and creativity, but also strengthened my confidence and determination in the field of animation design. In the future, I will continue to work hard to improve my professional ability and create more infectious and visually impactful works.
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