It took me an embarrassingly long time to understand the importance of storytelling. I may have been in my 30s before I got a handle on it.
Storytelling is hard to define; start with what it’s not.
In comics, storytelling isn’t just a matter of combining nice words with pretty pictures. Many people can create wonderful words and pictures but have no idea how to tell a story. On the other hand, a great storyteller can make you laugh or cry using simple dialog and stick figures.
Which isn’t to say that craft doesn’t matter. A cartoonist skilled at writing and drawing has more tools in their toolbox: broader options, better techniques, a larger library of inspirations. All things being equal, I’d still encourage artists to master their disciplines. But it’s a mistake to overlook stories just because they appear simple or crude.
I’m pretty sure that stories are how humans understand the universe. Narratives, metaphors, analogies, histories, myths, songs. Even a physics equation tells a story about a worldview in which science describes how reality works.
Every decision I make when creating a comic centers on storytelling. I use composition, design, rhythm, character, color, and the other tools in my toolbox to guide your attention and emotions through the story I’m trying to tell. If I do it right, you’ll never notice.
Whenever I review a young cartoonist’s work, I’m not primarily judging how well they write or draw. I want to see if they can tell a story.
* * *
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! I am sharing these little "250 Words On" essays via Substack, which will email a new one to your In Box every Tuesday morning. Just follow this link and enter your email address. It's free, and I promise to never use your address for evil purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment