Comic Page / Panel / Strip Layout and Composition Drawing Tutorial

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A. In this cartoon strip panel, there is a low skyline, allowing the center character to stand out better.

B. An example of a high skyline, with a light background behind the subject character.

C. The skyline in this picture takes away from the comic figure’s action.

D. When the skyline is placed lower, the skyline allows the comic figure’s action to be shown much more effectively.

E. This comic strip panel shows an example of incorrect composition. The straight lines of the comic character are confused with an over-crowded background.

F. With the above comic strip panel, there is a more pleasing effect created than in Example E. The background with a much simpler background and lines and angles that don’t conflict with each other.

In grouping comic figures or objects, some general form, such as a circle or a triangle (as illustrated in examples G and H) often will suggest itself as an invisible boundary or frame where the subjects are placed. The picture of the belated traveler (pictured below) who has missed his train has been drawn without any explanatory lines and is analyzed in the diagrams 1, 2, and 3 at the bottom of this page. Study them carefully and note how the rules that we have outlined here have been followed.

G. The principal parts of a picture grouped with a definite form – within a circle or oval.

H. The principal parts of a picture grouped with a definite form – within a triangle.

This a great example of a well put together comic strip composition. Look below to see why it is a great composition.

(1) Comic Strip Has Parallel Perspective

(2) The eye is attracted to 2 points of interest, as intended by the comic strip artist.

(3) A triangular form is suggested in the grouping of the composition.

Drawing for comic strips is truly a medium towards which a budding young cartoonist should energetically strive for. If you have a burning desire to create a feature comic strip, by all means, tackle it. The rewards, in many cases, are amazing!! Good luck!!

Here Are Even More Comics / Comic Strips Drawing Tutorials

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