I've been seeing a lot of portfolios in the past few weeks and one of the things that really stands out to me is the lack of prominent pupils in story boards.
Strong, definite and clear eye direction is extremely important when it comes to boards. It allow us to see the thinking behind the character. All too often I see boards with huge eye circumference and tiny pupils, and it's really hard to see into that character's thoughts. I understand that there are different character designs out there but, story boards should be "read from across the room" even in this digital age. We look at the eyes first- and that allows us to see into that characters soul, his/her internal struggle. If I can impart anything to anyone who is putting together a portfolio or working on story boards at all...
Darken those pupils! Make them read!
18 comments:
Amen brothah! Nice pupils!
wOw! I am a pupil of your pupil's ...
they grab you and don't let go.
As well I particularly love your Paradise Cove sketches.
Very good advice and great drawings too. Thanks!
nice drawings, interesting advice, thanks for sharing.
Good point!
It's funny how the simplest things to get across are often so difficult. Placing those eyes and really having them look exactly where they should be looking for maximum impact...it can be easy to fall off there. When it's just right, it does so much for the scene. Thanks for the reminder. : )
Hooray for more storyboard tips! Good advice, thank you.
Good thoughts. It is often the simplest of things that get the point across the best. Thanks.
Great stuff Dave, another nugget of wisdom, cheers!
interesting observation I will keep that in mind if I try and do some boards.
Great character expression! So animated!
hey dave,
a lot of inspiring and insightful posts. you don't know how much you have helped me out. thanks for sharing your wisdom!
rusty
do u do X-Men Evolutiona art?
Excellent blog.
The draw-overs of the Peet and Moore drawings are invaluable. Thanks for taking the time to do that.
I really enjoyed looking at your and the work of your students.
Hey, YOU!
'Bout time for an UPDATE!!!!
And well, well well--Morse! Throw ME a bone, won't you, old man? A comment, anything! What the hell is going on up there? How's Barry? Lou? Don? Anyone?
You should come have lunch with me and Dave P. and boy, I'll tell you some stories.
Sheesh!
great thoughts. Love the blog. This stuff is inspiring. My pupils can't quite focus right now, but they will in the morning.
most true ! make those pupils read !
after i read your post i went back to the board im doing and did a " pupil pass " so to speak and teh thing was vastly improved.
great stuff also !
dany
Well put. In the push for story deadlines my drawings often get rushed. That small dot makes all the difference. Thanks for the reminder.
I find that when I'm thumbnailing the layouts for a graphic novel, the little shorthand scribbles of characters and their faces 'feel' better than the final artwork.
There's something to be said for artwork that HAS to be done quickly with no time to labour or micro-stress about it.
But yes, gotta have those pupils focussed JUST right.
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