This document outlines Andrew Hepburn's design research proposal for a graphic novel exploring the Battle of Messines in World War I. The proposal focuses on three key areas of inquiry: 1) the user, market and distribution, 2) the processes, techniques and technology involved, and 3) analyzing the genre and aesthetics of graphic narratives. If approved, the research would inform the design and production of an exemplar graphic novel on this historical event, supported by organizations in Ireland. The project aims to contribute to and explore the field of graphic narrative design.

1. Design Research Proposal DES806
“Points of Enquiry”
Development Proposal 1
Prepared by Andrew Hepburn

2. Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806
1.0 RATIONALE: 3 WAYS OF LOOKING.................................................................................... 3
2.0 THE USER, MARKET AND DISTRIBUTION....................................................................... 4
3.0 PROCESS, TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY .................................................................. 5
4.0 GENRE & AESTHETICS........................................................................................................... 6
............................................................................................................................................................ 6
THE RESEARCH WILL FOCUS ON CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORICAL GRAPHIC
NARRATIVE ‘PRODUCTS’ AND CONSIDER THE AESTHETIC QUALITY AND
CULTURAL IMPACT OF THE GENRE. A BROAD OUTLINE OF STUDY WILL INVOLVE
ENQUIRY AND ANALYSIS OF ‘GRAPHIC NARRATIVE’ IN WESTERN CULTURES OF
NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE THE UK AND IRELAND.............................................................6
2 Rev. No.A

3. Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806
1.0 RATIONALE: 3 WAYS OF LOOKING
I have identified a clear need to develop a project in the field of high quality graphic novels
and comic book production. The Verbal Arts Centre in Derry, Northern Ireland have been
instrumental in establishing “2D” Ireland's foremost comics festival bringing some of the top
creative talent in the industry to the North West of Ireland. The Verbal Arts Centre have
invested in high end digital printing and publication equipment and are engaged in high quality
print publication for the local community and quality printing for local and international authors
with links to a range of industry partners involved in marketing and distribution.
I propose to design and produce a comic book / graphic novel that will serve as an exemplar
project exploring and capitalising on a rapidly expanding area in the publishing industry. The
proposal involves a specific project fully supported by all participating organisations; ‘Verbal
Arts’ (VA) and ‘The International School for Peace Studies (ISPS). The project will allow me
to explore the history and contemporary practice in the field of ‘Graphic Arts Publishing’.
The project will involve the Design and Production of a Graphic Novel telling the World War
One story of the “Battle of Messines.” with specific emphasis in explaining the cross
community participation in the battle.
The project will enable me to research, explore and contribute to the field of graphic narrative
illustration and design. The project research and analysis will focus on three key points of
enquiry:
1. The User, Market and Distribution
2. Process, Techniques and Technology
3. Genre and Aesthetics
3 Rev. No.A

4. Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806
2.0 THE USER, MARKET AND DISTRIBUTION
The publishing industry has changed radically in recent years. The Verbal Arts Centre’s
investment in digital publishing resources renders it one of the most current publishing
houses in Ireland and are in line with those needed for the modern publishing industry today.
Verbal Arts centre have invested over £100,000 in digital printing and publication equipment
and are engaged in high quality print publication for the local community and quality printing
for local and international authors with links to a range of industry partners involved in
marketing and distribution in the UK, Ireland and Internationally.
There is a clear need to encourage and develop the area of Visual Arts publication in the field
of high quality graphic novels and comic book production.
There will be continued assessment of the best methods of accessibility for markets of the
Graphic Comic. This will include targeting of specific cultural, tourism and educational
markets, including, for example, The Department of Education (DEL), Schools and colleges in
N. America, Australia and Europe ; and the identification of appropriate organisations that
may provide financial support such as the Imperial War Museum, Arts Council and Publishing
Companies.
The rationale for this project is based on the success of the
“Blood Upon the Rose: Easter Rising 1916” Graphic Novel by O’Brien Press.
This is the first graphic novel publication of relating to a significant time in Irish history. The
publication has been a financial success. Released in October 2009 it has sold out in many
branched of Easons.
A key aspect of the marketing strategy for this publication is the consideration of a series of
historical publications and possible interest by O’Briens Press in terms of their business
strategy. The success of “Blood upon the Roe” may encourage them to support further
projects such as “The Heroes of Messines” or indeed a graphic novel publication telling the
story of the Civil Rights Movement in Ireland and ultimately the history of “Bloody Sunday” in
Derry.
4 Rev. No.A

5. Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806
3.0 PROCESS, TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Design research will investigate current and traditional process and methodology in the
design and production of the graphic narrative form. The key areas of enquiry are listed
below:
1. Design Concepts / Storyboards /Narrative Development
2. Layout and Design
3. Finished Artwork
4. Digital Rendering
5. Digital Printing and Final Assembly
6. Print Production and Finishing
The research will provide a basis for analysis of cotemporary and historical design
methodology and provide an informed context in the application of design practice in the
proposed ‘project’.
5 Rev. No.A

6. Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806
4.0 GENRE & AESTHETICS
I intend to explore and generate research in the historical development and contemporary
graphic narrative genre. The following points will provide the key points of enquiry:
• Layout Design
• Character Design
• Visual Narrative Interpretation
• Production and Digital Colour Rendering
• Resources and skills in the area of Graphic Storytelling
• Design and Production Methods
• Cultural influence and impact
The research will focus on contemporary and historical graphic narrative ‘products’ and
consider the aesthetic quality and cultural impact of the genre. A broad outline of study will
involve enquiry and analysis of ‘Graphic Narrative’ in Western cultures of North America,
Europe the UK and Ireland.
6 Rev. No.A