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public:nnels:comics:cbd_writingtips [2018/10/21 11:48]
sabina.iseli-otto ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation
public:nnels:comics:cbd_writingtips [2021/04/06 13:25] (current)
rachel.osolen [Character Description]
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 <note>This type of writing is done best with a team of at least two people.  One writes a few pages, the other edits and writes a few more, and so on. This can help with basic grammar and structure, as well as with description fatigue. Don’t worry too much about getting it right the first time, and build a good relationship with your writing partner and editor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  Fresh eyes can really help with this type of writing.  It may take more than one draft to get it right, and it gets easier with time.</note> <note>This type of writing is done best with a team of at least two people.  One writes a few pages, the other edits and writes a few more, and so on. This can help with basic grammar and structure, as well as with description fatigue. Don’t worry too much about getting it right the first time, and build a good relationship with your writing partner and editor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  Fresh eyes can really help with this type of writing.  It may take more than one draft to get it right, and it gets easier with time.</note>
 +
 +<note tip>The following outline template can be useful for setting up your panel descriptions:
 +
 +  * Panel (Square Panel, Wide Panel, Vertical Panel, etc.)
 +  * View/Angle/Point-of-View of panel (Note: you often just have to say the view, i.e. wide view, mid-view, close up, etc.)
 +  * How are the characters visible in the frame? (from the waist up, in full figure, etc.)
 +  * Description of scene
 +  * Sound/Words
 +  * Description of action
 +  * Last details (i.e. does the image bleed behind the other panels, are there any last details you think add to the narration that you did not already note…) 
 +</note>
 +
  
 ===== General Tips ===== ===== General Tips =====
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     * Where is the location of the panel.  Is it outdoors, inside, on a mountain top, in an office? Also, where are the characters located, are there any objects close to them.     * Where is the location of the panel.  Is it outdoors, inside, on a mountain top, in an office? Also, where are the characters located, are there any objects close to them.
     * When is it? Daytime, night time? Has time passed between each panel?     * When is it? Daytime, night time? Has time passed between each panel?
-    *For more information see [[public:nnels:cbd_writingtips#scene_object_description|Scene/Object Description]], below+    *For more information see [[public:nnels:comics:cbd_writingtips#scene_object_description|Scene/Object Description]], below
   * Only describe the details of a scene or character if it is a new scene or if something important to the story has changed within the scene or to the character’s appearance.   * Only describe the details of a scene or character if it is a new scene or if something important to the story has changed within the scene or to the character’s appearance.
     * i.e. The character is watching a house burn down to ash. The scene has changed and that change is important to the story, so describe it.     * i.e. The character is watching a house burn down to ash. The scene has changed and that change is important to the story, so describe it.
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   * Pay attention to the pace of the comic. This can help you with how much description you need, or don’t need.   * Pay attention to the pace of the comic. This can help you with how much description you need, or don’t need.
     * i.e. Sometimes you will find a series of panels where the pace of the narration is very quick, it is okay to be more sparse in your description of these panels. Other times you will find that the pace is slow, and therefore more description is helpful.     * i.e. Sometimes you will find a series of panels where the pace of the narration is very quick, it is okay to be more sparse in your description of these panels. Other times you will find that the pace is slow, and therefore more description is helpful.
-<note>There is more than one way to figure this one.  One obvious way is the story itself.  As you read the story do you feel a sense of urgency at a certain part?  Or a sense of stillness?  Another clue is the size of the panel itself.  For more information please see [[public:nnels:cbd_terminologytechniquescomics#meta-terminology|Meta-Terminology: Panels]]</note>+<note>There is more than one way to figure this one.  One obvious way is the story itself.  As you read the story do you feel a sense of urgency at a certain part?  Or a sense of stillness?  Another clue is the size of the panel itself.  For more information please see [[public:nnels:comics:cbd_terminologytechniquescomics#meta-terminology|Meta-Terminology: Panels]]</note>
   * Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Sometimes it is acceptable to break traditional grammar rules for brevity and clarity. However, it is important to be consistent in this practice.   * Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Sometimes it is acceptable to break traditional grammar rules for brevity and clarity. However, it is important to be consistent in this practice.
   * This type of writing develops with practice.  Remember:   * This type of writing develops with practice.  Remember:
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 <note>The physique of a character is very important in comics to convey who they are: strong, weak, funny, a hero, a villain, etc.</note> <note>The physique of a character is very important in comics to convey who they are: strong, weak, funny, a hero, a villain, etc.</note>
-  * When describing characters include skin colour with white people as well as POC. Please avoid comparing skin colour to a food or beverage.  The following is a list of suggestions. +  *In order to be objective, we suggest using the following terminology to describe skin tone
-    *Terms for describing skin colour+     Light Skin Tone 
-      brown +     Medium-Light Skin Tone 
-      dark brown +     Medium Skin Tone 
-      fair complexion +     Medium-Dark Skin Tone 
-      light brown +     Dark Skin Tone 
-      light tan +     This is the same system that is used to label emojis with different skin tones. You can also use terms such as Black, White, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc. but only if it can be determined in the surrounding text.
-      olive +
-      * pale pink +
-      * ruddy complexion +
-      * tan +
-      * white+
   * You only have describe a character once, and just the key physical descriptions.    * You only have describe a character once, and just the key physical descriptions. 
   * If something changes with the character then describe the change.   * If something changes with the character then describe the change.
-    * The character has a cut on their face, they cut their hair, they changed their clothes, etc.+     * The character has a cut on their face, they cut their hair, they changed their clothes, etc.
   * Use pronouns only when it is clear to whom or what the pronoun refers.   * Use pronouns only when it is clear to whom or what the pronoun refers.
 +     * You can identify the subject as male or female, man or woman, only if it can be clearly identified. Try to describe the physical characteristics and avoid using the terms “masculine” or “feminine” since it is more interpretive than descriptive. There is a delicate balance to strike between inclusive language and robust description; do your best, and ask for opinions from others if you need to.
 +  * Avoid describing age by prescribing a number or the decade because someone could appear young but is in their fifties. Instead, use terms such as:
 +     * baby
 +     * toddler
 +     * teen
 +     * adult
 +     * middle aged
 +     * young
 +     * old, etc.
 <note>When you first come across a major character, check them out in a few other panels before giving the description. Depending on the angle, the character might look a little bit different, and it is important to not have conflicting descriptions.</note> <note>When you first come across a major character, check them out in a few other panels before giving the description. Depending on the angle, the character might look a little bit different, and it is important to not have conflicting descriptions.</note>
 ===== Action/Emotion Description ===== ===== Action/Emotion Description =====
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   * Remember to be consistent and keep with the tone of the comic.   * Remember to be consistent and keep with the tone of the comic.
     * e.g. “The zombie lurches forward.” vs “The zombie strolls forward.”     * e.g. “The zombie lurches forward.” vs “The zombie strolls forward.”
-  * For information on how to describe the directionality of a Character’s movement please see [[public:nnels:cbd_scenecomp#left_and_right|Scene Composition: Left and Right]].+  * For information on how to describe the directionality of a Character’s movement please see [[public:nnels:comics:cbd_scenecomp#left_and_right|Scene Composition: Left and Right]].
 **Emotion** **Emotion**
   * When it comes to describing emotion be concise and objective. Do not put your interpretation of what you think they are feeling.   * When it comes to describing emotion be concise and objective. Do not put your interpretation of what you think they are feeling.
public/nnels/comics/cbd_writingtips.1540147684.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/10/21 11:48 by sabina.iseli-otto