Baron without hat

Since the last drawing of the Baron I had been thinking about removing his hat and wig. However the wig did seem appropriate for his stature within the time period he was alive. When looking back at some of the research into the Baron I found an image of a statue which is meant to be the Baron. This statue shows the Baron wearing a wig, therefore I decided to draw the Baron with a wig only, which I feel has definitely improved his whole character. He now seems to give the impression of someone with status or a man of importance. Compared to previous sketches he looks rather more dignified and cultured, the medium and colours used may have also contributed to this distinction. The hat and wig used previously gave an impression of a man more like a Pirate than a Baron. Now when I look at this image I feel I have managed to capture the person whom I have been trying to find, now I have his character I can try him in more modern styles such as the ones found during my research. The styles which appeal to me the most are that of NAWLZ, incredipede and Palekh painting. The combination of all three styles could give something very different but I will just need to see what the outcome is and where it leads. The image below was created using Inktense pencils as my original thought was to give it a painted effect. This changed as the drawing progressed and I decided to levee it as a sketch only. Using three colours seemed to give me enough contrast to create depth in this image, leaving many areas of the image untouched as this was to highlight the areas of light. Working from an image proved far easier than working from imagination as you have something to reference especially when capturing light and tones. Capturing the Baron's age and sense of an accomplished man have been the key elements I have been trying to capture in all sketches. This sketch seems to have captured these fundamental attributes and now lets me move forward with this project.

Iterations of thumbnails

Below are some of the iterations of thumbnails for scenes used to create interactive comic. When drawing these thumbnails I quickly realised that trying to carry the story through to the Baron falling from the Moon was probably too much. This project is to create a sample only for the client which shows the style and format. This means that I would be far better concentrating on a few scenes and delivering a higher quality than trying to create a more with a lack in quality. The first eleven scenes have some iterations shown with one small change when the Baron is out with the bees. He also spends the day with some of the Sultan's wife's just to reaffirm his prowess and reputation. Again whether these scenes will be created will need to be seen as my intentions are to begin at the start and see where I get to with the last screen shot explaining this was only a taster. The final sheet also details some ideas I had about the possible re-use of assets throughout scenes as this method would help speed up production when use appropriately and effectively.

Cloud trial

Below are some examples of a couple of clouds I have drawn mainly to look at styles and run a quick animation test. The first image was inspired by incredipede and is very stylistic, this would mean creating similar entire works using this style. Although I have used much bolder colours and this could possibly work with art in a similar style to NAWLZ. This is something I feel I should at least try as both could be slightly adapted to suit one another. Merging both may give me an interesting effect which could look very modern. This image was created by using black and coloured Sharpies.

The clouds below are inspired by palekh painting. I found that creating this style was really enjoyable as I used Inktense pencils and black felt pens. My choice of colours was due to me imagining a night scene and thought the greens and reds would give great contrast. However looking at the image now I feel that they look more like trees than clouds. This was not the most important issue to me right now anyway, this image was to allow me to try a certain style and try out a quick animation test.

Below is the image I used in the animation, I used it prior to putting the black outline on the drawing. The image below has outlines done in Photoshop which are small dots to try and add more texture to the clouds, due to the size of the image a lot of the details are lost. This is something I must consider for my final images as there is no use creating things that won't be seen.

Below is a short animation of the clouds moving. This was done primarily to test that I could do what I had imagined. The clouds shown all move to fast and are positioned and scaled roughly, this was just to let me see how this style may look and how it may animate. If I were using these types of images then I would need to study how clouds move and where they may be in perspective to each other, i.e. distances, speeds etc.

Baron drawing

After creating my initial sketch of the Baron I felt it would be a good idea to try and draw the same character from a different angle. This again would serve a dual purpose of me developing his character but would also act as a drawing exercise. This drawing was done using pastel blocks and pencils which give a very different finish when compared to my first sketch. Pastels give a much fuller piece of work just by the nature of the material, this is probably most evident in the Baron's face and his hat. On first impression the character below looks to be the same person I had drawn previous although this version does look slightly younger. This is largely due to the colours blending more as the mark making is more subtle within this image. Due to the angle the Baron's age can only be established from the area around the eye, the loose skin below the cheek bones has not turned out as I hoped it would. The cheek bone is still too prominent and should have had less of a shadow as he is meant to be an older gentlemen. There is a significant tonal range especially within the wig which highlights the darkest and lightest areas although there is room for improvement on the hat. The face has good tones although I think that the range could be stretched and some areas that are lighter might be slightly in the wrong areas. These types of issues can be addressed by further studies of life drawing and improving my observational skills. The lighting and shading values are where I need to concentrate my efforts on the most as this is probably my weakest point. Although each area is shaded and there are definite areas of light the face, hat and wig seem slightly separate from one another rather than one coherent piece of work. This can only be solved by further works and studying how different materials react to the same light, although this has turned out well just drawing from my imagination only. The most difficult part of this drawing was the wig, it may seem like it has the least detail but this proved harder than the rest. When I created the initial pencil outline I tried to draw rows of curled hair, nothing in any detail just rough sizes of rectangles. Trying to get these blocks to look as though they were going round on a curve to follow the shape of the head was difficult to achieve. Once the pencil outline was completed the only area that concerned me was the wig as it just did not look right. However I proceeded with the pastel and once I came to the wig it became obvious that I should not try to be to precise. Allowing for rough, quick marks seemed to create a far better impression of what the wig may look like. In the end I was pleased how it turned out but it got me thinking that apart from straight on it kind of limits the Baron's character when drawing from other views. These first sketches were only to build a person in my mind and now I will develop others without hats and wigs to see what emerges and allows me to progress with the art style and characters for this project.

Initial sketch of baron

Shown below are my first initial sketches of how the Baron may look as I try to build his character in my mind. This process is very useful for several reasons as firstly it feels good to actually get something down on paper that begins developing his character. This exersice also allows me to evaluate my drawing techniques regarding tone and shade. The initial sketch was created using ink and a sharpened bamboo stick, I purposely used only one stick to see if I could get a variety of lines from using the same tool. Using this technique usually leads to each line starting thick and thinning out as you draw across the page as the stick does not hold much ink as there is no reservoir like a pen. Due to this I had to think more carefully about which direction lines should go and where to begin each line. This also meant that I was unable to create a more delicate image as would have been possible with a fine nib pen. However the benefit of using the bamboo was that it felt much freer than a pen and somehow more natural. This also lead me to be a bit more expressive and not so encased by technical aspects. I feel that the ink drawing does represent the character I was trying to portrait as my first thoughts or images were of the Baron being an older man, hence the reason he has so many tales to tell. The sagging skin under his eyes and cheekbones are testament to his age, the large bushy eyebrows also add to his demeanour. Trying to capture the essence of a man who has experienced life and endevoured countless adventures is the biggest challenge, one which has begun well with this sketch. Working with ink usually gives a lack of tonal range but using the bamboo allowed for deep thick lines and then also some delicate lines when there was little ink left on the stick. Some areas I have managed to create tone by using deliberate lines in a set direction, usually the thicker lines. However the thinner lines are not so deliberate and in some places are rather more loose to try and create texture and shading. Shading areas using this drawing technique was mostly thinking about shadows. The darkest areas are that of the Baron's hat, under his hat, nose and chin with shadows also being cast by his wig. His cheekbones and chin were deliberately left with very little mark making to highlight the areas of light on his face. Generally this has been an improvement on my exercise a number of weeks ago but there is still room for vast improvements in my mark making which will come with practise. The second stage was to introduce colour to try and further enhance tone and shade. To do this I used coloursoft pencils which immediately brought the Baron more to life. Rather than trying to blend colours into one another I wanted to try and continue with mark making. The technique seems to have added to determining the age of the Baron. The additional lines on his cheeks add to the looseness of his skin defining him as an older man although his nice brightly coloured eyes hint at the abundance of life within him. Using different shades of colour allowed for a greater contrast in tonal range and adds to the overall shading as lighter areas are far more prominent. The weakest area of this drawing on both is the wig, the detail level does not match the rest of the drawing, this is a lesson I shall take forward and try to develop.

Initial thumbnails

I have created some initial thumbnails for chapter VI, beginning with the Baron introducing the story and leading through until he falls from the moon. This is not the entire content of this chapter but is enough of a story for the interactive comic as the intention is only to show a sample for the client. The thumbnails will go through iterations in time but my next step shall be to try and quickly get down several versions of each before proceeding to sketching out scenes and seeing where I can use assets on more than one occasion. There may also be alterations to the story or sequence as I progress with the project.

Choice of Chapter VI

Chapter VI will be the inspiration for the interactive comic, this chapter is one of the original tales the Baron wrote about himself in the first edition and is one of the most interesting. I have to decide whether I will try to use the whole chapter or a part of, there is also the possibility of my adaption of the story although it is already a very tall tale. This chapter is shown below and details his days as a prisoner of war, becoming the sultan's bee keeper, fighting bears and climbing to the moon are just some of the Baron's adventures during this chapter.

Lemoney Snicket

http://youtu.be/JoBnHYKcCRU

The link above shows the end credits for Lemoney Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. There are many reasons I like this animation. The art style is amazing, the textures and use of lighting compliment the art and the most impressive part is how everything flows. The transitions between scenes are seamless and the story is always being told through the images on view. There are many aspects of this piece of work I can try and emulate or at least learn from and develop for my own purposes in creating the interactive comic.

More Visual Research

Below are some other images I have found useful in many ways

Chris Gall

This image struck me with simplicity using a very minimal palette. The use of directional lines draw your eye into the focal point of the main character Ai Wei Wei who seems to be looking in the distance. Then the characters below are looking in the same direction as though they are all seeing the same thing, this is a political image or message. The reason this image is interesting for my project is that this image could be used to easily lead to the next scene. As we wonder what they are looking at the natural transition would be to whatever was in their view. This image should come in from the right as this the direction they are looking. If this were part of an interactive comic then to show what is in front of them I would bring the image in from the right, I would only consider coming in from the left if there was something coming in from behind them.

Ronald Kurnianan

The reasons I have chosen this image are use of directional lines and negative space. Our eyes tend to lead towards darker lines/areas but this images uses this to draw into the lightest area of the image. Not only the shapes of the horses but also the patterns within the horses lead the eye towards the character at the bottom of the image. This is also helped with the angles of the grass/bushes at ground level which lead to the large almost white negative space. Having this so bright helps with contrast as if this were blue as the rest of the sky the character and intensity of this image may have been lost.

Liz Lomax

Although this is a 2D image the characters are actually 3D and are created using insulation foam, polymer clay and oil paint. This should remind me that it is good to think outside the box, just because I am planning to make a 2D interactive comic it does not have to be created in a two dimensional manner. The images can be created in any number of ways as long as they can be animated or allow for interactivity.

Visual Research

Below are a series of illustrations which I have chosen for a variety of reasons which shall be explained along with each image.

Lisel Ashlock

This image is not only a beautifully detailed illustration but also a piece of work that would suit motion graphics really well. This is due to the way in which the image is layered.
I have highlighted the main sections or layers that this drawing can be broken into although it may be broken down even further into small sections. This method of compiling an image is something I should take into consideration as this may enhance the animations or interactivity. Travelling through this scene is something I can imagine and could be done fairly easily by changing the scale of each layer as required. The ability to focus in on one area would also be possible, having one large scale background to encompass the full story would allow for a more seamless way of telling the story and add to the immersion of the reader.

Cathie Bleck

Although I have drawn over this illustration the piece of work is stunning and actually contains many drawings which combine to make the full piece. The reason I have highlighted this work is as I spent time looking through the drawing I realised that my eyes were being led by the artist. Each area blends into the next but I definitely noticed the centre first and worked my way out. This reminded me of the golden ratio which is used by many artists to lead viewers around an image. Although not all of my images will stay still I must consider how I want the viewer to see each part and also how each image will lead onto the next especially in the transitions. Any images that are still will require great thought into the layout, where speech will occur and how this is shown.

David Despau

This drawing instantly reminded me of the earlier exercise on tone and shade. This image demonstrates excellent use of directional line to create tone, shade and give an overall impression of depth. When studied closely the line work becomes even more remarkable. Each line is straight as though the artist has created this using a ruler which is something I have tried in life drawing and requires a great deal of vision, patience and practice. I have highlighted a small area at the bottom of the image to show with lines going in just three directions how much depth can be created. This is done free hand as could the rest of the drawing, choosing to use straight lines shows just how skilled this talented artist really is.

Christina Drejenstam

The flowers in this image almost jump out, it is a very striking illustration. This is largely due to the almost fluorescent colour on the black background. The background is used to create the details within the flowers. Using this style of imagery could work really well for the interactive comic as having a black background may help with transitions. I can also imagine how to animate these flowers and can see how I could break them into layers that would then be manipulated. Considering using such bright colours as these would probably work for foreground assets, any background drawings would have to be toned down to add depth and create focus.

Palekh painting style

Some years ago I bought a book about Russian fairytales which I think is beautifully illustrated. There are many different stories within this book each with their own illustrations. The style used in this book may suit my project as I can imagine it working well using motion graphics or animation. Trials will need to be done to see if this would suit the story and character of Baron von Munchausen. Below are just a few examples of the illustrations and the style I may adopt.

Comic Research

I have been looking at how other interactive comics are formatted, how the stories are told and what styles might be used. This blog is about the ones I have found that I did not like for a variety of reasons of which I will go into.

Dead on Arrival

The author has decide to use photos rather than drawings, this is something that I don't think works particularly well. This is due to the images being so realistic with speech bubbles giving too much of a contrast in my opinion. However the bigger problems with this interactive comic is the lack of interactivity, most of the time you are just clicking the bottom right corner to flick to the next two pages which feels rather like reading a paper comic. The section with the most interactivity was a bit of a let down as there are several characters who may be the killer. Each of them are shown on screen and you can pick any of them, each shows a different side of the story but if you pick the girlfriend then her story tells you she is the killer and then goes straight to the final scenes. This could have been thought out better with the chance to hear all of the characters stories and still leave some suspense as to who done it! Overall lack of interactivity meant that I did not find myself immersed in this interactive comic.

The Mallway

This comic transitions through dropping in another strip below the one just read. Although similar to a paper comic layout it does not feel very subtle for an interactive comic. There are choices to make throughout the story which makes it feel very interactive although these choices also cause it's biggest issue. These choices are not free flowing, if you make the wrong choice you are forced to go back to your last set of choices and choose again until you pick the right answer. This detracts greatly from this comic, I don't believe that most reader would like being told what choice they have to make in order to follow the story. If offering the reader choices then the story should be able to branch out and lead down differing paths (which may all lead towards the same ending) to give the reader the feeling that they are in control of the story or character. This allows for far more immersion if the reader feels involved in deciding what actually happens within a story.

Dracula

Not much to say about Dracula as I don't think I even lasted 30 seconds on it, this was due to the interactivity comprising of moving the mouse right to see the next image scroll by. There may be other more interesting aspects of this comic but the fact that I lost interest so quickly shows that this is not a method I would use to engage an audience as I am probably not the first person to switch it off so soon after opening and I don't imagine I'll be the last.

Research time period of Baron

Before I consider drawing any initial sketches or ideas I felt that I should look into fashion, arts etc from the time period that Baron von Munchausen was alive. This does not mean that the character portrait in the final product will definitely be set in this period. The project allows for the freedom of adaptation which may occur with character as much as the tales, or I may keep to the original as much as possible. This will evolve when I carry out trial with styles, characters and the story itself.