21-Draw-Illustrators-Guidebook-vol-2-ebook-(2021)

THIRDS
Divide images in thirds and place key elements on
dividing lines for a more interesting composition.
I tend to focus on composition at this
stage. Who and where my characters
are, how they interact as a group, and
how they are arranged to make a strong
composition. I want to make sure there is
a clear focal point, so I lead the viewers’
eyes to important details (such as the
characters). I want major elements in my
image positioned to create a balanced and
interesting illustration. It can help at this
stage to divide an image into thirds then
place important design elements on the
dividing lines (see examples above). This is
visually more interesting than having all the
elements placed symmetrically.
I play around with the exact moment
unfolding, too, exploring the kids meeting
a ghost for the first time on a stairwell, to
running away, or to looking in a doorway
at a shadowy shape. I don’t want to rule
anything out in this freestyle idea dump
stage! Some of my composition ideas come
from directly drawing over the top of my
reference images.
SKETCH
I also explore various canvas ratios—some
are portrait or landscape, long and thin,
others are a bit more squat. I don’t want
to limit myself at this stage. I am drawn,
however, to a landscape image because it
will fit the video production portion of this
course better.
I indicate my setting using rough shapes
and loose perspective lines to give a basic
understanding of perspective and angle of
the point of view. I am aiming for something
dynamic, full of energy, and with good character
positioning to sell the story moment.
REFERENCE
128 21DRAW