This document provides tips for creating comics and graphic novels. It discusses the key elements needed, which include a great story, characters, and writing. It recommends using 3-4 panels per page on average, keeping dialogue short, and using captions and wordless panels to move the story along. The document also outlines what should be included in a comic proposal, such as an overview, target audiences, competition, plot summary, and sample pages. The overall message is that comics require strong storytelling elements as well as an understanding of visual storytelling techniques to effectively engage readers.

1. Creating comics
Getting Graphic
when
you can't draw

4. Many Illustrators
One writer
Many Illustrators
One writer

5. 1999: This is a kids book!!

7. 1999: This is NOT a kids book!!

8. 2009: This is a kids book!!

9. 2010: This is a kids book!!

10. Any Story
One Format

11. But How Do You Write One?

12. You Need:
1. Great story

13. You Need:
1. Great story
2. Great Characters

14. You Need:
1. Great story
2. Great Characters
3. Great Writing
I am your father!

15. You Also Need:

16. Read Left to Right
and down
(Western comics.)

17. The Gutter:
Where the REAL
action happens.

18. How I Write One!

26. Top Tips:
3 - 4 Panels per Page

27. Top Tips:
3 - 4 Panels per Page
or 8

28. Top Tips:
Think movie shots:
Wide shot
Medium shot
Close Up

29. Top Tips:
Space is King
(or Queen)
Keep dialogue short
1-2 sentences

30. Top Tips:
Use Captions for
transitions in time
and scenes

31. Top Tips:
Use wordless panels
to create suspense

32. Top Tips:
Use large panels for
key details like notes,
photos, etc.

33. Top Tips:
Give characters stuff
to do when explaining
stuff
c

34. Top Tips:
It can move story
along or just be funny

35. How Do You Sell One?

36. Make these folks happy:

37. Your Proposal in One Slide:
Overview - Describe concept for editor to sell it to marketing department
Primary Audience – Who is going to read it? Be specific!
Secondary Audience – Who else will buy it? Teachers, Parents?
Competition – What else is out there?
Look and Feel – How many pages? Style of art?
Plot Summary – Tell the key points of the story – don't get bogged down.
Character Sketches – Describe your main characters.
Sample Pages – First 3 chapters or whatever publisher is looking for.

38. Questions?
See this presentation again and share the handout at:
liamodonnell.com
All images in this presentation are property of the people who own them.
If you're one of them and you're mad, let me know!