Illustration and Visual Narrative - [ Digital triptych ]

Edita Chew En Thung / 0357357
Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Assignment Digital Triptych - Exploring Scott McCloud's Transitions

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Table of Contents

LECTURES

PROCESS

REFLECTION

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LECTURES

Module Information Booklet (MIB)

INSTRUCTIONS

The assignment requires applying Scott McCloud's theory on transitions in "Understanding Comics" to create a digital triptych with three panels representing different transition types: before, during (climactic turning point), and after a significant event in a narrative.

The task involves choosing transition types (moment-to-moment, action-to-action, subject-to-subject, scene-to-scene, aspect-to-aspect) for each panel and illustrating specific moments or elements in the narrative that align with these transitions. The goal is to craft a coherent narrative flow across the three panels while showcasing the chosen transitions' significance in the storytelling process. The final submission should be a visually cohesive digital artwork that effectively demonstrates the understanding and application of McCloud's theory on transitions.

Research

Scott McCloud's transitions refer to the techniques employed in comics and graphic novels to guide readers from one panel to another. These transitions play a crucial role in shaping the narrative flow and facilitating the comprehension of sequential imagery. McCloud categorises transitions into six types: moment-to-moment, action-to-action, subject-to-subject, scene-to-scene, aspect-to-aspect, and non-sequitur. Each type offers a different experience to the reader, influencing the pacing, emotional impact, and the reader's engagement with the story. Understanding McCloud's transitions provides us with a framework to analyze and interpret the visual language used in comics and graphic novels.

The Importance of Transitions in Design

Transitions are of paramount importance in design as they determine the coherence and smoothness of a user's interaction with a product or interface. They guide users through different states, screens, or actions, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience. Designing effective transitions enhances user engagement, reduces cognitive load, and facilitates mental mapping of the system. By understanding the principles behind transitions in design, we can create interfaces that communicate hierarchy, establish context, and provide feedback to users. A well-executed transition can make the difference between a frustrating or delightful user experience, ultimately influencing the success of a design.

PROCESS

SKETCHES:

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

(SUBJECT to SUBJECT) / (SCENE to SCENE) 

1. Moment-to-Moment Transition: This transition occurs when the sequential panels depict a minimal passage of time, showing small actions or subtle changes. It's like a slow-motion effect in storytelling, where each panel represents a brief moment succeeding the previous one. For instance, a character blinking or a door slowly opening across panels.

2. 
   

3. Action-to-Action Transition: This transition involves a change in the physical action or movement from one panel to the next. It shows a progression of events in a sequence, often highlighting a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, a character lifting a cup in one panel and then taking a sip in the following panel.

4. 
   

5. Subject-to-Subject Transition: This transition shifts the focus from one subject or character to another within the sequential narrative. It moves the story forward by changing the perspective or point of view. For instance, a series of panels showing different characters' reactions during a conversation.

6. 
   

7. Scene-to-Scene Transition: This transition changes the setting, time, or location between sequential panels. It moves the story to a different place or moment, creating a noticeable shift in the narrative. For example, transitioning from a character's house to a park in consecutive panels.

8. 
   

9. Aspect-to-Aspect Transition: This transition focuses on different aspects or elements within the same setting or scene. It doesn't necessarily progress the narrative in a linear way but rather explores various facets within a specific moment or place. For instance, showing different details of a room in separate panels without advancing the story's timeline.

These transitions help storytellers and artists shape the pacing, rhythm, and flow of a sequential narrative, allowing them to convey complex stories and emotions effectively in comic art or visual storytelling.

BEFORE, conveys the scene where the girl came out of the tunnel that she had wandered off the train tracks.

AFTER, indicates the departure of the girl with the unknown person into the mountains, where darkness engulfs her and no return.

ARRANGEMENT (initial sketch)

Before --> During --> After

Date created: 06/12/2023

After feedbacks from lecturer, I changed the directions of the panels to, left to right.

FINAL

Date created: 07/12/2023

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through the creation of a digital triptych, my artistic endeavor aimed to encapsulate the haunting essence and enigmatic narrative of the urban legend surrounding Kisaragi Station. In this series of three panels, I sought to unravel the chilling tale, utilizing visual elements and storytelling techniques to immerse viewers into the mysterious ambiance of the legend. Each panel serves as a narrative pivot: the initial panel embodies the eerie tranquility of the station before the foreboding incident, subtly hinting at the impending sense of foreboding. The central panel, the climactic turning point, captures the pivotal moment, shrouded in an unsettling atmosphere, inviting viewers to witness the fateful event. Finally, the concluding panel delves into the aftermath, resonating with an eerie aftermath, where echoes of the legend linger, leaving an enigmatic impression upon the audience. By orchestrating a visual journey through this triptych, I aimed to evoke curiosity, suspense, and a sense of lingering unease, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the haunting lore of Kisaragi Station.

REFLECTION 

As a design student, delving into assignments often involves an intricate blend of manual and digital skills, fostering an environment where creativity takes time. In the pursuit of communicating design concepts effectively, I found myself navigating a labyrinth of trial and error, where each setback was a stepping stone towards refining my ideas.

The assignment's essence was to harness creative thinking methodologies, exploring a myriad of conceptual ideas. At the onset, I embarked on a journey of ideation, diving deep into brainstorming sessions that were both exhilarating and challenging. My mind was a canvas, brimming with a multitude of possibilities waiting to be translated into tangible designs.

Using both manual and digital tools, I try apply my creative thinking, sketching and illustrating various design concepts. The manual process was an immersive experience, allowing me to indulge in the tactile nature of design, feeling the textures of paper under my fingertips as I brought my ideas to life.

However, as I transitioned into the digital realm, I encountered a myriad of challenges. Navigating intricate software demanded a steep learning curve, testing my patience and perseverance. There were moments of frustration as I grappled with complex commands and functionalities, often feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless possibilities offered by these tools.

Amidst these challenges, my creative spirit persevered. I sourced information through technological channels, scouring the internet for inspiration, references, and tutorials. The vast expanse of information at my fingertips served as both a boon and a challenge, requiring me to sift through an ocean of data to pinpoint relevant and impactful resources.

The true essence of this assignment lay not just in the final output but in the iterative process of exploration and refinement. Each trial and error instance became a lesson in resilience and adaptability. It was about honing the ability to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, refining my ideas through continuous experimentation.

Through persistent efforts and a resilient mindset, I overcame hurdles, gradually molding my design concepts into refined solutions. The final reflection was a testament to the evolution of my ideas, showcasing manual and digital skills, nurtured by creativity and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. Receiving feedbacks from the lecturer gave me the room for improvement.

In conclusion, the design student's journey in this assignment was a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The experience was a testament to the transformative power of trial and error, shaping raw ideas into polished design solutions through a blend of manual and digital work.