Growing up reading comics helped prime my naive artistic eye with a deep well of narrative, compositional storytelling. Every typical 22 page monthly comic holds at least 100 compositional solutions as the artist weaves together the script and visuals into a compelling whole. Compared to a cover artist, a comic artist solves 20 times as many solutions, and therefore tends to be overall more creative and experimental in their resolutions in order to keep their audience entertained.
For this reason, I love to turn to graphic novels and comics as a way to recharge the internal camera eye, and rethink what is possible. From shape design to narrative integrations, it is a thrill to flip through page after page of my favorite artists and see the world of ‘story’ through their eyes.
Below are a few of the artists who’s work is visually stunning, challenging and provides compositional lessons on every page. Check them out, buy a few books to read, and have fun as you ‘work’ towards making your art better!
The Collected
Sharaz-de
The Incal
Donato! These compositions are cool. I see the influence. Stay awesome man.