Designing Comic Strips:
Step 3: Layout Sketch
Contents
Ok so now you have a script, and you have characters. The next step is the layout sketch.
A layout sketch is a way of figuring out the shape and position of each of your panels. The biggest challenges in layout are placing the panels out in a logical manner and finding appropriate places to insert text.
Keep in mind that people who speak English generally expect to read from left to right and from top to bottom. Make sure you lay out your panels in this format so that their order is clear to the viewer.
To make your comic more interesting you can experiment with different panel shapes and sizes.
You do not have to draw the characters from head to toe in every panel. You can vary your panel composition by showing them from the waist up, doing close up shots of their faces or just changing the angle of the face or body. This layout sketch done by the same girl who did the character sheet, is an excellent example.
If you need help doing this ask your teacher for advice. She has a few more handouts that may aid you if you need additional ideas.
Your layout sketch does not have to be neat or perfect. It is just meant to be a guideline to help you work out and visualize your ideas. Do not use the ruler to measure your panels just yet! Save all that detail work for Step 4: Final Piece.
Questions? Please e-mail Sarah Showalter: [email protected]