Digital Graphic Narrative

Development

Lili Brewin

Shape Task

EvaluationAlthough the images of the animals are simple and do not contain much detail it is clear to what animal they are. I like the images because they contain simple rounded shapes and it makes the animals look friendlier so this technique would be effective for a children's book, as they would prefer to read a book with animals that appear cute and with little detail. I also like how the eye on the rabbit came out, because eyes are usually the hardest feature to get right but by copying the same circle used for the white bottom layer for the pupil but reducing the size and by adding a white glare to the top makes the eye appear real but still keeping it simple to fit in with the rest of the animal.

If I were to re-do the technique used to create the animals I would improve some of the detail on the fur on the animals, by adding a texture or by adding smaller sections of colour to the body of the animals to show that the animal’s fur contains different shades, this would make the animals seem more realistic. I would also improve the shape of the tree that the panda is hugging because the shape of the leaves at the top doesn’t fit in with the other trees in the background which are a lot more simpler and rounded.

Rotoscope

EvaluationWhat I like about the images that I created is that although they contain very little detail on the facial features such as the mouth and nose it is still clear to where these feature are on the face. These images contain a lot more detail than the animals that I created with the line tool for the mouths and hair. The detail on the faces is clearer with the rotoscope images because I used a lasso tool which meant I could get more definition with the face and shadows unlike with creating the animals we used simple curved shapes and morphed them to the basic shape of the animal.

If I were to redo the rotoscope images I would spend more time on getting the shape of the lips and eyes on the faces because these two aspects of the image stand out to the viewer and if they are slightly off then they will ruin the final look of the person. With the lips I would try to spend time experimenting with different ways to show them such as filling in the lips with a block of colour, or adding different shades of one colour to show the shadows and light on the lips. With the eyes I would experiment with different ways of creating the shapes to make them look as real as possible, for example I would layer the different shapes on top of each other and make them very smooth by using the circle tools. To contrast with the smooth and simple circle shapes I would also attempt to see if the eyes would appear more realistic if they were made with more complex shapes, following the picture exactly and layering different shapes on top of each other to create the final image. As well as some of the facial features looking unrealistic, if I were to create the images again I would add more shading and variation of colour to the hair, which will hopefully help the picture stand out and look real.

Text Based

Evaluation

With the text based images I really liked how the final product looked, as it is very professional and is similar to professional text based images that are well-known brands such as the Marvel logo.

If I were to re-create the text based image again I would try to use different pictures to put for each letter in text, so that each letter has a different style to it, I could maybe experiment with putting certain superheroes into each letter that make up the Marvel heroes. I could also spend some more time on creating shapes that can be used to cut out of the letters.

Comic Book

Comic Book

Comic Book

Comic Book

EvaluationWith the images that I created I liked the simplicity of them with the colours but the detail that was added on a separate level helped to show the facial features and shading on the character, which helped to make it seem like a real image and not a flat picture. Each image that was created was different to the last because we could adjust the edge simplicity, edge fidelity and number of levels of the background layer, so the image could appear more abstract and

harder to tell that it is a person until we added the second layer.

If I were to create this style of image again I would change the levels on the first layer to make the background layer of the image appear more abstract and it wouldn’t be clear what the layer would be without the second shadow layer. I would also try this style with different types of pictures, such as action pictures that would include a screenshot from a film/TV programme and scenery pictures which I could use for my final book that I will be creating.

Photography : Confused

Photography : Happy

Photography : Confused

Photography : Excited

EvaluationWith the images that I took I like the different angles that the photographs were taken, as some show the side view of a facial expression while some have a face on view. By having variety of angles for the photographs it allows me to see how a person would look if I were to use them for my children’s book as I would have an idea how I would create similar angles within my story. By using photographs it would mean that I would be able to get the exact picture I am looking for for my final story without having to search for images online.

If I were to redo these images I would get more face on photographs of people, with a white background so I can focus on their facial expressions so when it comes to rotoscoping them I won’t get distracted by what’s in the background and trying to figure out to do the shading and shadows on the side of the face, which I would need to do if I used a side on view of somebody.

Illustration

EvaluationWith the images I created I liked the fact that they are simple yet children would be able to recognise what they are meant to be. Because of the simple shapes, little detail and little colour used to create the illustrations I believe the story would appeal more to children because they wouldn’t get distracted by too much detail.

If I were to re-create the illustrations I would probably spend more time on the initial drawing of them, so that the cat’s face is symmetrical and the dice shape is roughly in the shape of a cube. Once the shapes and proportions of the illustrations would have been drawn better then I would also spend more time on getting the colouring of the objects/animals so that the colours don’t go over the lines. As well as the shading would be even across the shape/object so the direction of the shading doesn’t change, as this leaves visible marks on the paper.

Initial Ideas

Idea Generation

Mood board of inspiration

Mood board of chosen idea

Mood board of chosen idea

Mood board of chosen idea

ProposalDimensions

My children’s book will contain between 8-12 pages and the sizes of these pages would be 18.8 cm x 1.9 cm x 24 cm.

Story OverviewThe story that my book will be based roughly around is the fairytale of Puss in Boots. The book that I will be creating will be based around the introduction of the son of a poor miller who when he died gave one of his three sons his cat. Hearing the son asking how he is going to survive the cat asks for his boots, his hat and a cape. The son gives the cat what he asks for and the cat goes off into the forest and sets traps to catch food which he then took to the king. The king was very pleased with the gifts and requested that Puss in Boots collect his food for him and he shall pay the cat with gold as well as giving the cat and his owner a place to live. The cat agreed and the miller’s boy can live a long and healthy life due to the Puss in Boots.

Export FormatPDF, JPEGAdvantages: Capable of compressing larger files such as images that have been photoshopped, these files are fast and simple to create so it won’t be time consuming when saving multiple images and words for the book and JPEG’s do not take up a lot of storage space so the file type is small, making it easier to store and upload to other documents without the danger of the documents crashing.Disadvantages: JPEG images can lack resolution so the images may be affected if enlarged into a new document, if the book was to be uploaded to a website for online access for reading the PDF files are not always fully integrated into websites so it may be difficult to upload. One of the downsides to having JPEG’s would be that due to the smaller file sizes and the type of compression that is used, some data is discarded when compressed which won’t usually be noticed unless you start to edit the file.

Deadline15th May 2015

AudienceThe target audience for my children’s book would be children from the ages 5-7 as the book will contain quite a lot of words which will be all over the page and children who are older will have a better understanding about the layout of the book and they’ll be more fluent with reading words and sentences so will enjoy the comic book styled book more than younger children who have only just started reading. The book would be aimed at both genders but mainly targeting the male audience because of the comic book style which is usually targeted at males. Although the comic book style would also appeal to some females because of the use of the story and main character being Puss in Boots, which is a character that has already been incorporated into the well-known film trilogy of Shrek, which would also be targeted at a similar age range as my book, therefore the female audience may also be interested in reading this book. The book would be targeted at children who live in English speaking countries such as England and America due to the book being created with the story being in English or countries that have English as their primary language as it is a children’s book and so will help them to understand the language and read. The story can be read and enjoyed by children of any class as the fairy tale that it is based around is a well-known tale and the character has already been reinvented into the Shrek story, which most children are aware of so they may want to read the book and understand where this character came from.

Production MethodsThe methods I will be using to produce my pages will mainly consist of rotoscoping existing pictures of the objects and characters that I want to use as my basis which I can add on to and change aspects of the original shape to make the object/character how I want it to look. As well as rotoscoping existing images if needed I will also take my own photographs so that if I have a location that I would want to use in my book I can take the photograph myself so I can frame it how I want it to look when put into my book, once I have taken any photographs that I want to use for my book I will then use rotoscoping to fit the image in with the style of the other images that it will contain and give the book the overall image of looking like a comic book. As well as rotoscoping the images that I would have collected and taken for my book I will also add the comic book effect over the top of these images to add to the style of a comic book if needed.

What are the strengths of the proposal? What areas of the proposal need further work?

Long, detailed and well explained answers.

Good amount of knowledge displayed in terms of audience and file formatting etc.

None!

What are the strengths of the idea generation? What areas of idea generation could have been further developed?

Good utilization of a multitude of different ideas within the first slide to give a variety of options.

Again, well detailed answers with lots of explanation into why you like certain things or why certain things might be a good idea.

Lots of images used on the mood board, which has allowed you to paint a clear picture of what you want to achieve with your book.

None!Overall distinction standard work

What are the strengths of the proposal? What areas of the proposal need further work?

The proposal is very strong and really well thought out. You’ve explained at great length how all the proposal’s areas will affect your work and have given audience a great amount of thought.

I tried (really, really hard) but found nothing…

What are the strengths of the idea generation? What areas of idea generation could have been further developed?

Again you’ve given great amounts of insight into your work. Your mind map has given multiple production ideas. Your mood boards have gone into a great level of depth about the subject but you kept a wide range of ideas in the images (specifically the setting ideas).

I FOUND SOMETHING!!!!!!The picture on the mind map represent Pandora's box… As much as I love the reference… that’s a pandorica ;) But nah seriously good work well done

What are the strengths of the proposal? What areas of the proposal need further work?

Everything. You’re explained your proposal really well and showed that you put a lot of thought and detail into it.

Nothing.

What are the strengths of the idea generation? What areas of idea generation could have been further developed?

Everything, again. Your idea generations are brilliant that gives detailed information and pictures that provide a better insight into your story.

Nothing.

Feedback Summary

Sum up your feedback.

The feedback I received has commented on my long and detailed answers for the sections on my proposal with my own knowledge added to some sections such as the file formatting and audience. People commented on my detail I have included on not only my proposal but also my mood boards and idea generation slides saying that I have thought about my design thoroughly and have spent time on developing my reasons for my characters and setting for my book.Which parts of your feedback do you agree with and why?I agree with the comments saying that my proposal has been thought about in detail and that I have tried to explain my reasoning behind my look for my character and the setting that the story will be set in. I spent some time researching different interpretations of the main character for my book as I feel that this is the character that the children would be most interested in and if the character looks interesting in the illustrations then the children will be more likely to read the book, and this research into the character has been worth while as this is one of the main points that was picked up on in my feedback.Which parts of your feedback do you disagree with and why?

I disagree with the feedback that I received about my general mind map which explores some ideas that I could potentially create for my book, as from looking at other students work I have noticed some points which I could write about in more detail. Such as the font styles and giving reasons why having a legible font style is important to a children’s story book.

Simple Scripto A Miller dies and gives his eldest son his mill, his middle son his donkey and his

youngest son a cat.o The youngest son is abandoned by his two brothers and is left with just the cat.

Son: “How am I going to survive with two mouths to feed?” o Cat overhears the son, “My dear Master, do not fret. I will get your living for you.”o Cat “Only you must buy me a pair of boots and a cape. And give me your hat.” or

the cat hands the son a list of items that he requires instead of asking for them. o The youngest son hands over the boots, cape and hat.o Cat goes into the forest to catch some food.o Cat lays some traps to catch rabbits.o Cat lays some traps to catch birds.o Cat takes the food which he has caught to the King.o The King is pleased with the gifts and requests for the cat to collect the King’s

food from now on.o The cat agrees to the offer and gets paid in gold coins and a house to live in for

him and his owner, by the King.o The youngest son lives with the cat who gets paid by the King to collect his food.

The youngest son now has a home, food and money to live a healthy life.

First draft storyboards

Storyboards

Storyboards

Final draft storyboards

Final draft storyboards

Final draft storyboards

Final draft storyboards

Final draft storyboards

Original Script

There was once a miller who, when he died, had nothing to leave to his three sons but a mill, a donkey, and a cat. The mill he left to his eldest son, the donkey to the second, and to the youngest he left the cat. The youngest son was very unhappy. “Alas!” he said, “This cat is of no use to me and I am too, poor to feed her.” “Do not grieve, dear master,” said the cat. “You have only to give me a bag and get a pair of boots made for me, so that I may scamper through the dirt and brambles, and you shall find that you are not so badly off as you think.” Now this surprised the miller’s son very much, and he thought to himself, a cat that can speak is perhaps wonderful enough to do as she promises. So he brought her the bag and had the boots made for her. Puss put on the boots with a proud air, slung the bag over her shoulder, and went to the garden. There she gathered some lettuces and put them into the bag. Next she went across the field until she came to a rabbit hole. Then she lay down as if dead, leaving the top of her bag open. A plump rabbit soon peeped out of the hole and, smelling the lettuce, came nearer. It was too tempting. The rabbit’s head followed his nose into the bag. The cat quickly pulled the strings and the rabbit was dead. Proud of her prey, Puss marched with it to the palace and asked to see the king. She was brought before the throne and there, with a low bow, Puss said, “Sire, pray accept this rabbit as a gift from my lord the Marquis of Carrabas, who commanded me to present it to Your Majesty with the assurance of his respect.”

Original Script

“Tell your master,” said the king, “that I accept his gift and am much obliged.” A few days later, Puss again went to the field. Again she lay downas if dead with her sack open beside her. This time she captured two fine partridges. Again the cat went to the king and presented the partridges as she had done the rabbit. They, too, were accepted, and the king was so pleased that he ordered the cat to be taken to the kitchen and fed. In this manner, at least once a week, the cat continued to take presents of game to the king from the Marquis of Carrabas. One day, Puss heard that the king and his beautiful daughter were going to drive along the riverside. The daughter was said to be the most beautiful princess in the world. “My master,” said the cat to the miller’s son, “if you will do as I tell you, your fortune is made.” “What would you have me do?” asked the miller’s son. “Only this, dear master. Bathe in the river at a spot I shall show you and believe that you are not yourself but the Marquis of Carrabas.” The miller’s son was in a gloomy mood, and did not mind much what he did, so he answered, “Very well, Puss.” He went to the river and while he was bathing, the king and all his court passed by and were startled by the cry, “Help, help! My Lord the Marquis of Carrabas is drowning!” When the king put his head out of the carriage, he saw the cat who had brought him so many presents. He ordered his attendants to go to the assistance of the Marquis of Carrabas. While they were dragging the marquis out of the water, the cat ran to the king, made a low bow, and said, “Your Majesty, what shall my poor master do, for a thief has stolen his clothes?” Now the truth was that the cunning cat had hidden the clothes under a large stone.

Original Script

“That is most unfortunate,” said the king, and he gave orders to a servant to fetch a suit from the castle. When the miller’s son was dressed in the fine clothes he looked like a gentleman, and very handsome. The princess was taken with his appearance, and the Marquis of Carrabas had no sooner cast upon her two or three respectful glances than she fell in love with him. The king insisted that he get into the carriage and take a ride with them. The cat ran on ahead of the carriage and, reaching a meadow where mowers were cutting the grass, he said to them, “Unless you tell the king when he asks you that these meadows belong to the Marquis of Carrabas, you shall be chopped as fine as mincemeat.” When the king drove by and asked the mowers who owned the meadows they answered, trembling, “They belong to the Marquis of Carrabas, Your Majesty.” The king then turned to the miller’s son and said, “You indeed own fine meadows, my lord.” Meantime, Puss had run on farther and reached a cornfield in which there were reapers busy at work. “Now, if the king drives by,” said the cat to the reapers, “and inquires to whom these fields belong, you must say that they are the property of the Marquis of Carrabas. If you do not, you shall be chopped as fine as mincemeat.” So when the king drove by and asked whose fields these were, the frightened reapers answered, “They belong to the Marquis of Carrabas, Your Majesty. ”“What a rich man he must be and how handsome he looks!” said the king to himself as he looked at the miller’s son. “I do believe he would be a good husband for my daughter.” Now the fields really belonged to an ogre who lived in a castle a little farther on. When the cat reached the castle she knocked at the door, which was opened by the ogre himself. “Sir,” said Puss, “I am on a journey, and since I have often heard how wonderful you are, I have taken the liberty to call to see you.” “Come in,” said the ogre, who was always pleased to be thought wonderful. “I have heard,” continued Puss, “that you can change into any animal you like.” “I can,” said the ogre and he instantly changed into a lion. The cat got such a fright that she ran up the wall nearly to the ceiling. But the ogre at once became an ogre again, and the cat jumped down.

http://www.childrenstory.info/children-stories/fairy-tales/puss-in-boots/2/

Final Script

Once upon a time there was a miller who lived with his three sons. One day the miller became very ill and died, leaving behind his three sons. Before he died, he left the mill to his eldest son, the donkey to his middle son and to his youngest son he left the cat. To two eldest sons resolved to live together, but they would not let their youngest brother live with them, because he had only a cat. The upset boy walked off into the forest with the cat following close behind. He sat on a rock and started talking to the cat “How am I supposed to survive with two mouths to feed?” The cat overheard the boy talking and offered to help “My dear master, do not fret. I will get your living for you, only you must get me three items to help me with the task.” The cat then hands the son a list of three items which consisted of a hat, some boots and a cape. The son handed the cat a pair of boots, which he put on. Then the boy handed the cat a hat, which he put on his head and then the cape, which he put around his neck. With the items that were needed the cat made his way deeper into the woods to catch some food. The cat found a patch of lettuce, ripped a few leaves off and put them in his bag. He laid still on the floor with the bag open until three rabbits walked into the because of the smell of the lettuce. The cat then quickly closed the bag and the rabbits were dead. The cat then laid another trap with a handful of seeds until three birds swooped down into the bag. The cat then closed the bag quickly and the birds were dead. Once the cat had caught enough food, he then walked to the king’s castle. The king was pleased with the gifts that the cat had brought and asked for his name “Thank you for the gifts, may I ask your name?” To which the cat replied “Puss in Boots, your majesty.” The king replied with “Thank you Puss in Boots, will you catch my meals for me?” The cat accepted the king’s offer and was paid with gold coins for his gifts. Puss in Boots kept his promise to his master and they now live in a house given to them by the king with enough food and gold to last them a lifetime.

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