AnimatedGirl reviews

This is the step-by-step guide to creating a graphic novel. I’m currently using this guide to help create my own graphic novel. Remember to have fun with it and enjoy the adventure.

Step 1: Start with the idea- before anything else try to define:

* The premise: What’s the story about?

* Tone/ Genre: Is it crime fiction, romance, fantasy

* Main Characters: Who’s driving the story and what do they want?

* Setting: Real city? Fictional city? A Blend?

Step 2: Create a Story Outline- This is like the skeleton of your graphic novel

* High-level summary- Write 1-2 paragraphs on the entire story from

Beginning to end.

* Act Structure (3-4 acts)- Break the story down into

* Act 1: Setup and inciting incident

* Act 2: Rising conflict and Complications

* Act 3: Climax and Resolution

( Optional Act 4 for multi-pov crime or mystery stories)

* Chapter Break Down

* Graphic Novels usually have 6-12 chapters

* Each chapter should have:

* A Goal

* A Conflict

* A Turn/ Twist

* A visual “set piece” moment

3. Develop Your Character- it would help to create a character bible at this time

* Protagonist ( goal, flaws, etc)

* Antagonist ( motives, secrets)

* Supporting cast ( roles, designs, voices)

Also might want to sketch out:

* Relationships

* Backstories

* Key visuals ( silhouettes, mood, color palette)

4. Writing the Script- A graphic novel script looks completely different from a

Screenplay script. This is what a comic script may look like:

* Page Numbers- each page is described individually

* Panels_ each page has 3-7 panels ( more in crime or thriller genre).

* Dialogue and Captions- short, tight, and easily readable text.

* Artist notes- write camera angles, lighting, tone and reference to

Mood.

An example from my graphic novel:

* Panel 1: Hendrix walks through Woodhaven’s industrial district at

Night, neon lights reflecting of the pubbles.

* Caption: “ This city hides sins in plain sight”

* Panel 2: Close-up her eyes narrow. A shadow moves behind her.

5. Visual Development – this is the time to start planning

Art Style:

* Realistic?

* Semi-realistic?

* Stylized Noir?

* Graphic, high-constrast thriller style

Character Designs: Front and side reviews, props, outfits, color palette

Environment Design:

* Key locations for example:

* Homes

* Streets

* Police precinct

* Safe Houses

* Asylum

* Landmarks

* Bars

Reference boards: Use Pinterest, photos, screenshots and film stills

6. Thumbnails (rough page sketches)

Now this is where your graphic novel takes shape:

* Thumbnails:

* Panel layouts

* Camera angles

* Action flow

* Composition

• * Pacing

These are real quick sketches. Ai this point the revision will happen.

Pencils (clean line art)- This is the step where you can redraw every page

Clearly

* Solid anatomy

* Strong perspective

* Clearly readable action

Inking- This is where you add:

* Final like weight

* Shadows

* Textures

* Stylized elements like noir shadows, crime scenes, smoke,

Neon glow.

Coloring:

* The coloring will help enhance:

* Mood

* Genre

* Emotional beats

* For crime and psychological thrillers will use:

* Color Palette

* Selective bright colors

* Strong contrast

* Atmospheric lighting

Lettering- A professional graphic novel will use:

* Speech ballon’s with flow

* Thought bubbles or caption boxes

* Sound Effects

* Font Hierarchy

* Correct Spacing and Margins

Editing- must review the script for editing:

* Visual clarity

* Dialogue trimming

* Continuity errors

* Panel flow issues

* Page turners (reveals?)

* Consistent character design

Prepare for print or digital:

* Print:

* CMYK color format

* Bleed and trim lines

* High DPI (300)

* PDF/X Stands

* Digital:

* RGB

* Vertical scrolling version

* Optimize for webtoon/kindle/comixology

Publishing Options:

* Pitch to publishers

* Self- Publish

* Publish digitally

Marketing:

* Behind the scenes art

* Character introductions

* Mood boards

* Progress reels

* Community building on Instagram/Facebook

* Advanced reader copies