Illustration and Visual Narratives - Task 4

NAME: SOFIA CHEW
I.D: 0377902
COURSE: Illustration and Visual Narratives / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
GROUP: 4

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Content

    1. Instruction

    

    2. Task 4 

        2.1 Inspiration

        2.2 Sketch

        2.3 Design Process

        2.4 Finalization

   

    3.Reflection

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1. Instruction

Document 1.1 Module Information Booklet of Illustration and Visual Narratives

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2. Task 4 - Webcomic "The Monkey Paw"

For this assignment, we are required to create a comic cover interpreting 'The Monkey’s Paw" with an illustrated masthead designed in Illustrator and surreal textures or imagery manipulated in Photoshop, inspired by "Sandman" covers or surreal Adobe Illustrator artwork. Optional subtle animations can enhance a haunting atmosphere. Additionally, craft a one-page animated webcomic in portrait orientation, featuring at least three animated panels (in GIF format) assembled in Google Slides. Focus on seamless panel-to-panel transitions to maintain suspense and continuity for phone or tablet display.

2.1 Inspiration

2.2 Sketch

 Fig 2.2.1 Selected Text

Fig 2.2.2 Sketch

2.3 Design Process

2.3.1 Webcomic Cover

For the cover design, I chose to go for the first draft. I started with the background color, which was black and red. For the black, I used gradient effect to make the subject pop up more. I also added the noise > grain effect on both of the colors.

I added to of the main subject, which was Mr white's house and also the monkey's paw in. I used the image trace tool in order to further adjust them. For the house, I simplified and smoothen it strokes. I continued with adding noise > grain and also outer glow effect to emphasize it as the main subject. Same goes for the monkey's paw.

I later added dried branches to create eerie atmosphere and also layering for the overall composition.

For the typography, I wanted it to be melt towards the monkey paw. So, I distorted it using envelop distort > make with mesh. This typography is also used to blend both of the background color together. Therefore, I choose to put gradient effect to blend both of the color together. I also added noise > grain effect for it and also shadow effect to make the words pop off.

as for the other typography, I downloaded a font "Talon" from adobe library. I felt that the font fit the overall theme which is why I picked it. The "paws" word, I ended up with green color because I wanted to create a big contrast. And for the author's name, I picked a normal font - "Beowolf" to keep it simple. All of the text has been added the outer glow effect to create depth.

2.3.2 Webcomic

Panel One

The soldier holding the monkey’s paw between his forefinger and thumb, dangling it over the fire.

Panel Two

The soldier throwing the paw into the fire. The paw is mid-air, with motion lines to show the throw. 

Panel Three 

White with a desperate expression

Panel Four

White lunging forward, his hand reaching into the flames to snatch the paw.

 Panel Five

White clutching the paw, his hand slightly singed and smoke rising. 

Panel Six

The soldier is in the background, his expression grim as he says, “Better let it burn.”

2.3.2 Animation of Webcomic

Panel 1

Panel 2

Panel 3

Panel 4

Panel 5

Panel 6

2.4 Finalization

Fig 2.4.1 Webcomic "The Monkey Paw" cover

Fig 2.4.2 Webcomic "The Monkey Paw" Static

Fig 2.4.3 Webcomic "The Monkey Paw" Static ( Redo)

Fig 2.4.3 Animated Webcomic "The Monkey Paw" ( Redo)

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3. Reflection

I think this is a very challenging task as we were required to create an animated webcomic and also a cover for it. But the process was also very fun as I explored a lot while completing this task. At first I was quite dejected as my first outcome was rejected by Mr. Hafiz as it did not match with the criteria. I believe I learned a lesson through a hard way. Now, I clearly understand that every task that was propose are mainly to train our Adobe Illustrator technical skills, not our drawing skills. I'm also quite shock that I was actually able to finish my work in time as I believe I only left three more days before the deadline reached. I only remember I squeezed every last of my creativity juice to sketch out a whole new comic panel. I wanted to shorten my time, therefore I chose to sketch and color everything through Adobe Illustrator. Thankfully, the sketch work out and I was able to wrap up everything with the animation.

The entire process involved blending Illustrator and Photoshop techniques to create textured visuals, dynamic typography, and expressive panels. Animations like flickering flames added depth without overshadowing the narrative. A key challenge was balancing static illustrations and subtle animations for seamless transitions. I believe this project sharpened my skills in digital illustration, animation, and narrative design.