Development

Digital Graphic Narrative –
Development
George Boatfield

Shape Task 1
• I liked the simplicity of the image, as
well as how it holds no texture and is
completely made up of how light
interacts with it.
• The large shadow cast by the ground
is something that I would improve in
future, matching it better with the
positioning of the house. Also, while I
like the simplicity of the image,
adding window frames, doors and
any other key features of a building
may make the image more
interesting.

Shape Task 2
• The angular design of the tiger is very striking,
as is the perspective. The tones of colour used
slightly blend these edges together, reducing
the severity of it and adding some shading.
• While the perspective is interesting, I would
alter the torso of the tiger. I feel as though this
style lends itself well to unrealistic proportions
and angles, so the torso would look better if it
were much narrower. This would add even more
emphasis to the front legs, and remove the hind
legs from view. As they would be small
compared to the rest of the image, they do not
look particularly good compared when formed
with large, angular strokes.

Shape Task 3
• This is the image that I feel really shows the progression
of my skills, as it involves simplifying something very
intricate but still retaining the same overall shape and
structure. Something I particularly like is the emphasis of
the large black eye wrapped around a bright, vibrant
yellow.
• Although I really like some of the colouring within the
piece, I find some of the gradients used to be quite
basic. If I were to alter the project, adding more colours
to the gradient effect would be where I would start.
After that, adding a blur to the shadow behind the wing
and emphasising some feathers on the bird would be
other things I would improve upon. I feel as though
those changes would break up the flatness of the design
and add subtle detail.

Evaluation
What did you like about your image?
The enhanced green of the background immediately gives it a vibrancy that was lacking in the original image.
Following on from that, I was pleased with how well the hair transitioned into the slightly more blocky style
without losing all its detail. Furthermore, the dark patches of skin add effective and subtle shading to the
images, removing the flat aesthetic that it may have previously held.
What would you improve if you did it again?
Although I was pleased with the appearance of the hair overall, I do think that the gradient effect applied to
the ponytail does look a little out of place. Therefore, I would consider and experiment with different
approaches for colouring the ponytail. Continuing with concerns regarding colour, I think that I should have
taken more liberties when it came to deciding the colour of the clothing. While I originally altered the colour of
the top and slightly increased the blue tone of the trousers, I think it blends too much with the colours of the
skin and hair (particularly the t-shirt). Therefore I may opt to continue the vibrancy of the green screen and test
various bright colours as new alternatives for the clothing colours.

Evaluation
Using clipping masks for the first time ended up being fairly effective in
the final line of text. Matching the outline colour of the text with one
of the symbols in the clipping mask also made for a pleasing effect.
For the first three examples of text, I don’t think that the font looks
particularly good. While this may be due to spacing, leading and
tracking, I think that another aspect is that the font chosen seems to
be made up of ‘square’ lettering with rounded corners; this is perhaps
too jarring of a choice as letters may not fit together well.

Evaluation
Learning from the last task, I opted for a different font to use in the image,
and spaced it appropriately for its purpose (to use for a clipping mask). Also,
using the warp tool created an interesting effect for the text that worked well
with the overlay of the Earth – a 3D look. As well as this, the image as a whole
is a visualisation of a quote from ‘Murphy’ by Samuel Beckett – “The sun
shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new”. I think that, although it
comes with some ambiguity that would not be an issue if the quote was just
written out, it is an artistic way of conveying it.
Add more text onto the sun, perhaps the “no alternative” part of the quote in
order to make the message clearer.

Evaluation
As a solution to the ambiguity of the previous image, I decided to create a more
straightforward version with a more sophisticated look. To do this, I used a dark blue
font placed inside a dark red rectangle – these two contrasting colours compliment
each other well. Furthermore, I experimented with the capitalisation of other
elements of text. In this example, all but the last line of text is in lower case and fairly
spaced out. To increase the impact of the final line, text is capitalised and bunched
much closer together through character tracking.
While the spaced out nature of most of the text does provide an interesting contrast
to the final line, it does look a little too extreme in places, particularly on the second
to last line. I could either adjust this through altering the settings in the spacing tools,
or place more text on the line with the issue.

Evaluation
This image shows my first attempt at using the colour select tool in
order to create a comic book style effect when paired with the cut-out
filter. While I initially saw the large empty parts of the image to be a
negative and attempted to keep more detail in these regions, in
retrospect, I think that the image works well with this. It emphasises
the character’s hopeless expression.
I think that increasing the saturation of the leaves would further
emphasise the character’s expression, contrasting a bright green with
the pale shade of his face.

Evaluation
Initially, the image did not transfer particularly well to the comic book style, primarily
due to problems with using the colour select tool. Therefore, I attempted creating two
separate selections and combining and refining the best parts of each. The resulting
image seems to have turned out quite successfully, with plenty of definition applied to
areas that need it (such as with the face), and block (or no) blacks applied to areas
that don’t.
The background of the image does not seem to have gone through the process
particularly well, so making that uniform would be my first job. I would compare what
the background would be like with either of the two shades currently present, and
then decide which would be best match with the colours of the character.

Evaluation
I decided to opt for a minimal application of the colour select tool in this image as it
had been my main issue when working through the other two comic book tasks.
Therefore, while still applying a cut-out filter to the image, it was only the turret in the
foreground that received any form of detail enhancement. As it was already the main
focus of the image along with the dark cave behind it, drawing more detail out of the
simplified image ended up being a very natural fit for the scene.
While effective at fulfilling its purpose of drawing attention to the turret, the
rotoscoping I applied to the piping as a means of adding further detail to what the
colour select tool had already provided was not particularly refined. Increased
blending with the snow as well as more realistic (or perhaps plain black) colouring of
the piping may be more appropriate.

Evaluation
Given that each shot within the storyboard is made up of both a cut-out from a
photograph and at least one other placeholder image, I was pleased with the level of
consistency between each shot. Adjusting the colour balance of each photograph
ended up proving very useful in reaching this effect as it ensured that the lighting of
the two scenes would not clash.
While the vignettes used on page three and four show the beginning of the use of
techniques in the vein of comic books, I unfortunately do not apply too many on the
storyboard. However, the most important thing I would now apply is some sort of
symbol against the door to emphasise the sound coming from behind it. This would
certainly add a more interesting dynamic to the image and help the viewer better
understand the thoughts of the character. Furthermore, a similar visualisation of
sound effects would be to add z’s coming from the direction of the bed.

Evaluation
The sketch above shows a scene from what may become the story I choose for my
book – I like how it begins to form a foundation for the scene and begins to specify the
look of both the environments and the characters. Indeed, going from this, it seems
very likely that the style for my book would be a cartoon aesthetic with a more
realistic form (or at least that is certainly a promising option).
Filling in more of the scene would definitely help to build it up; at the moment, a lot of
it is just empty space that seems to lead off into nowhere. If this does become one of
the scenes for my book, it would certainly help to have greater definition of the
boundaries of the scene as well as a clearer picture of what may actually be in it!

Annotations: Most of these images represent entertainment products that are simply things that inspire me. However, several hold particular
relevance when it comes to adapting a story to entertain both children and adults. For example… (to be cont.)

Annotations: ‘ABC 3D’ is currently my favourite font, with some of the more classic typewriter fonts such as ‘Linowrite’ and ‘Kingthings Typewriter’
bringing an appealing yet playful level of sophistication with them. Although ‘Scooby Doo’ is not suitable for the main bodies of text within the story
due to it’s capitalized character set, it may be suitable for making an appealing front cover title.

Annotations: Top row of images show inspiration of the ‘Shadow’ figure design – dark, not fully defined, red eyes, wolf-like perhaps? Middle row shows images that have helped
me to consider the right design direction for the main character as well as the food it will be carrying – they may be kept as being a dog figure or instead be a small child holding a
dog toy. As for locations, their look is inspired by the third row of images. I want to incorporate both elements of realistic environment structure, but simplify the colour palate (as
with the market scene) in a way that is similar to the art style of The Simpsons. The water scene is an example of the ripple effect I would like to implement into the bridge scene.

Proposal
Dimensions
10 pages, 21cm by 22cm
Story Overview
An adaptation of one of Aesop’s fables: The Dog and the Shadow – “It happened that a Dog had got a piece of
meat and was carrying it home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he had to cross a plank
lying across a running brook. As he crossed, he looked down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water
beneath. Thinking it was another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also. So he
made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he opened his mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into
the water and was never seen more. Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.” Characters
and vocabulary will be adapted in order to provide a more accessible book for young children.
Export Format
JPEG
Advantages: Universally supported, small file sizes.
Disadvantages: Lossy format – subject to a loss of quality caused by compression and recompression.

Deadline
Friday 6th November 2015
Audience
Three to six year-old children and parents/carers that may be reading it to them. The book is
aimed for both male and female children, and while the dog is referred to as male, it does not
really matter which gender is assigned to it. The book would primarily cater to western
markets and any ‘class’ of people.
Production Methods
Rotoscoping and shape warping seem like the best options for creating most of the imagery within the short
story. They allow for lots of flexibility when it comes to editing and also naturally fit the cartoon/block
colour of many children's books. Illustration will be best for creating the concept ideas for the illustrations
on each page. Furthermore, if content created in this way is particularly good, it is possible to scan it into
the computer and utilise it within the actual creation of images. Photography can be self-sourced and also
taken from content on the internet with the Creative Commons license. Most photographs will be used for
rotoscoping or as material for the colour select tool e.g. highlights.

What are the strengths of the proposal? What areas of the proposal need further work?
Very clear and detailed way to explain the story. I have never
heard of it before but now I have a vague idea of what its about
and can imagine in my head how it may look.
No information the dimensions section.
No information on the gender, class and location section of the
target audience.
What are the strengths of the idea generation? What areas of idea generation could have been further
developed?
Extremely detailed mind map, which covers everything that could
possibly be considered when creating the book. Everything was
well-thought out and planned to its highest possible standard.

The proposal overall provides detail into what is being produced.
Mixed in with the previous slides I can tell there’s a lot of thought
being put into every aspect of the book.
The target audience needs more information about each part of
the book and how that will work in favour of the target. The book
seems a bit too mature for children as young as 4, I would
recommend moving it to around 6-9 year olds.
developed?
So much detail! It took me 5 minutes just to get through it. You’ve
thought a lot about every detail that will go into characters and the
re-telling of the classic tale. Lots of description on fonts, a lot of
people have left that out.
Maybe have a go at your own character designs, just to give a
brief example of how you intend the art style to look. (only
something basic).

• Story laid out very clearly and is easy to understand
• Well chosen story that isn't too long so completion of it
shouldn’t become a problem
• No outline of how many pages are intended to be used in the
book
• Needs more detail when explaining the audience such as
gender, location, class etc.
developed?
• Amazing amount of detail and has considered a wide range of
options on how to adapt the story, will help a great amount
when it comes time to create the book
• Continuing to add and develop it to help even more
(Couldn’t think of anything here, well done! )

Feedback Summary
Sum up your feedback.
Story is clear and very easy to understand, and is not too long so the project will be completed on time. There has
been a lot of thought put into every aspect of the project. Very detailed mind map that covers every aspect of
planning and producing the book. Lots of description and examples of fonts, details regarding characters and how
to adapt the story for a different audience than what was originally intended. Not enough information was given
regarding page dimensions, the gender, class and location of the target audience. The book seems too mature for
children as young as 4, 6-9 year olds would be a more suitable age range. Attempt concept character designs.
Which parts of your feedback do you agree with and why?
I think that my mind map was very successful in covering all aspects of the project, while also considering multiple
options when it came to specific details. I agree also that it will come in useful once production of the project has
begun.
Which parts of your feedback do you disagree with and why?
I don’t think the ‘Initial Ideas’ stage of the development is the best point to attempt my own design of characters.
I think, as I was still considering many other elements of the book, such as overall plot, completing designs with
detailed information would not be the best approach.`

Original Script:
The Dog and the Shadow – “It happened that a Dog had got a piece of meat and
was carrying it home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he
had to cross a plank lying across a running brook. As he crossed, he looked
down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water beneath. Thinking it was
another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also.
So he made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he opened his mouth the
piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen more. Beware
lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.”
(http://www.worldoftales.com/fables/Aesop_fables/Aesop_Fables_1.html)

Altered Script/Story Plan – Draft 1:
Page 1: Dog walking through market
Page 2: Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind
a stall etc.)
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it
Page 4: Enters the woods, feels a strong gust of wind, shivers…
Page 5: Begins to cross a bridge going out of the woods
Page 6: Looks down into the water and sees a shadowy figure
Page 7: Startled, the dog drops the meat into the water and scrambles
on the bridge
Page 8: Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest
Page 9: Reaches home, sun beginning to set, walking slowly
Page 10: Begins to transform as it reaches the house
Page 11: A child can be seen entering the house holding a dog toy.

Altered Script/Story Plan – Draft 2:
Page 1: Dog walking through market
Page 2: Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind
a stall etc.)
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it
Page 4: Enters the woods, feels a strong gust of wind, shivers…
Page 5: Begins to cross a bridge going out of the woods
Page 6: Looks down into the water and sees a shadowy figure
Page 7: Startled, the dog drops the meat into the water and scrambles
on the bridge
Page 8: Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest
Page 9-10: Three scenes across a double page spread, fading across:
Reaches home, sun beginning to set, walking slowly; Begins
to transform as it reaches the house; A child can be seen
entering the house holding a dog toy.

Script with text – Draft 1:
Page 1: Content - Dog walking through market. Text: A dog was on his way home from a visit to the
market.
Page 2: Content - Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind a stall etc.)Text - It
happened that a Dog had got a piece of meat
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it. Text - and was carrying it home in his
mouth to eat it in peace.
Page 4: Content - Enters the woods, feels a strong gust of wind, shivers…
Page 5: Content - Begins to cross a bridge going out of the woods. Text - Now on his way home he
had to cross a plank lying across a running brook.
Page 6: Content - Looks down into the water and sees a shadowy figure. Text – As he crossed, he
looked down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water beneath. Thinking it was
another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also.
Page 7: Content - Startled, the dog drops the meat into the water and scrambles on the bridge. Text -
So he made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he opened his mouth the piece of
meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen more.
Page 8: Content - Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest.
Page 9-10: Content - Three scenes across a double page spread, fading across: Reaches home, sun
beginning to set, walking slowly; Begins to transform as it reaches the house; A child can be
seen entering the house holding a dog toy. Text - Beware lest you lose the substance by
grasping at the shadow.

market.
Page 2: Content - Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind a stall etc.)Text - It
happened that a piece of meat was on the path ahead.
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it. Text – The dog decided to carry it home
in his mouth to eat it in peace.
Page 4: Content - Enters the woods, feels a strong gust of wind, shivers…
had to cross a bridge going across a murky river.
Page 6: Content - Looks down into the water and sees a shadowy figure. Text – As he crossed, he
looked down and saw a shadow reflected in the water beneath.
Thinking it was a beast wanting to steal his food, he trembled in fear. But as he opened his
mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen again.
Page 8: Content –Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest. Text - Scared that the beast may
come after him next, the dog ran.
seen entering the house holding a dog toy. Text – On his way home, the dog realised that
the beast was just his own shadow, and that he should not be scared of failure...

market.
Page 2: Content - Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind a stall etc.)Text –
He was happy to find a piece of meat on the path ahead.
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it. Text – The dog decided to carry it home
in his mouth so he could enjoy it in peace.
Page 4: Content - Enters the woods Text – But his journey was blocked by a dark forest
had to cross a bridge going across a running stream.
Page 6: Content - Looks down into the water and sees a reflection. Text – As he crossed, he
looked down and saw a shadow reflected in the water beneath.
Thinking it was another animal with food, the dog decided to have that as well! But as he
opened his mouth to bark, his food fell out!
Page 8: Content - Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest. Text - Scared that the beast may
come after him next, the dog ran.
seen entering the house holding a dog toy. Text – On his way home, the dog realised that he
should not risk losing what he already has by grasping at the shadow…

Final Script:
Page 1: Content - Dog walking through market. Text: A dog was on his way home from a visit to the market.
Page 2: Content - Finds a piece of meat (perhaps in a box, on the ground behind a stall etc.)Text – He was
happy to find a piece of meat on the path ahead!
Page 3: Grabs meat and begins walking back home with it. Text – The dog decided to carry it home so it
could be enjoyed in peace…
Page 4: Content - Enters the woods Text – …but his journey was blocked by a dark forest.
Page 5: Content - Begins to cross a bridge going out of the woods. Text – After reluctantly making his way
through the forest, he had to use a bridge crossing a running stream.
Page 6: Content - Looks down into the water and sees a reflection. Text – As he made his way across, the
dog looked down and saw a shadow reflected in the water beneath.
Thinking it was another animal with food, the dog decided to have that as well! But as he opened
his mouth to bark, his own food fell out!
Page 8: Content - Runs off down the bridge and out of the forest. Text - Scared that the beast may come
after him next, the dog ran.
seen entering the house holding a dog toy. Text – Nearly home now… On his way, the dog realised
that he should not risk losing what he already has by grasping at the shadow…

Development

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