Layout Wisdom?

[Tim Mallos]

There are books on scriptwriting, character design, penciling, inking, coloring, and lettering.

But what about layout? I'm reading a lot of different comics to get a sense.

We discussed layout and pacing in Scott's class (now way back in 2002 for me, but he's back at MCAD in August)

Commercial interlude: I HIGHLY recommend the experience of Scott's Class. If you go, stay on campus, it was like $80 for a studio appt for a week. http://mcadart.com/mcart/index.cgi?task ... tt+McCloud
My brief account of my experience is behind the 'MCAD Journal" link at www.fifthdigit.com/comics

Anyway, back to my question:
Anyone know of any online or book resources that focus on layout in any substantial way?

Thanks!
Tim

[William G]

Didn't Eisner make a nice big book about that sort of thing?

[Tim Mallos]

Yeah, his "Comics and Sequential Art" does a good job, now that you mention it.

I guess I was wondering if any more resources by the new crop of artists have come out..in the recent crop of "how to comics" things that have hit the market....

Tim

[William G]

Well, for the web, I'm gonna have to point towards Scott's stuff.

For print, I'm going to have to mention that, until nature takes it's course, we'll be stuck with "How To Draw The Marvel Method"

But I'm a cynic. I cynic out.

[kaos_de_moria]

There are books on scriptwriting, character design, penciling, inking, coloring, and lettering.

But what about layout? I'm reading a lot of different comics to get a sense.

i'm asking this question for a friend of mine who is an egyptian comic artist. here it is difficult to get books and if you order them, you have to pay them. so you wouldn't order anything, if you can't be sure it is very good. he studied fine arts, so he really has the basics of drawing and painting as such, when it comes to single frames, but he might be interested in some good books on comic related subjects. which books and online resources do you recommend? please add the publisher and or ISBN nuber if possible (internet address in case of online resources...)

thanks
kaos

[Bed_Head]

I picked up a book called Panel Discussions at my comic shop (Comic Town, Columbus) and found it very interesting! Each chapter is devoted to an artist and their style. The section with Mike Mignola discussing his color pallete and it's funtion in his compositions was amazing! This book will have what you are looking for.

Look for Tony Caputo's Visual Storytelling as well. Not as comic-specific since it deal with cross platform storytelling (comics, movies, video games) but it is informative and well worth the read.

Believe it or not, DC put out a really decent book. I actually learned quite a bit from that whole series.

Good luck!

-Dave

[Tim Mallos]

This guy does a decent job of describing layout technique and tips, although the frames-based layout is a bit annoying:
http://www.scottmcdaniel.net/

Tim