How To Use Graphics, Narrative, Character & Storytelling | Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

📖 Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud ⏩ https://amzn.to/2SwF9p9 Without doubt, one of the most influential books I have read on creating and presenting ideas. I was recommended this by a senior concept developer at LEGO while at Denmark Office. It has truly opened my mind to things I had taken for granted (and added layers of depth to them), while building gradually to some sophisticated techniques (which arguably one takes a lifetime to master - or possibly never does - the journal is continual). McCloud takes you through the history of why we use visuals over oral or textural means of communicating, and explore deeply why one picture can paint a thousand different internal images in an individual's mind. How does one ensure any of that is close to the intent of the artist/creator? Although a tour de force in presentation of what should arguably be worth a PhD, McCloud demystifies the techniques and tricks deployed by legendary and modern artists - and remarkably - makes them accessible to total non-artists like myself. I have found huge practical value in applying McCloud's methods and thoughts to creating new play experiences at LEGO, and in my continued work beyond this. Indeed, even having become a recent father, I have a deeper appreciation for why Winnie the Pooh is a masterpiece, or why the map in Tolkien's books is a vital tool in extracting dialogue from a charter. This book is valuable to anyone working in either visual arts, or trying to help people visualise things which are complex or don't yet exist (I work as a Technologist). The second book is also enlightening reading, but I am yet to meet anyone not blown away by this first volume. I cannot rate it highly enough. 📖 Making Comics by Scott McCloud ⏩ https://amzn.to/375b59y