Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 3

Aina Ahmed Aleem / 0355701

Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Instructions
2. Process - Task 3
4. Feedback
5. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROCESS

I began by developing a short story and selecting the teddy bear as the main character for this exercise. With the narrative established, I then planned the three panels and created initial sketches to map out the composition and visual flow.

I created the panels in Adobe Illustrator and found the process relatively straightforward, as I was able to reuse the character line art developed in Task 1. To enhance the visual interest and achieve a more comic-style aesthetic, I applied a halftone texture to the panels, adding depth and character to the overall composition.

DOCUMENTATION

TECHNIQUES APPLIED

In this task, I applied several Illustrator techniques learned in the IVN module to create a cohesive three-panel comic.

1. Shape Building & Pathfinder Tools
I used basic geometric shapes and the Pathfinder tool to construct clean character forms and environmental elements, ensuring each panel maintained visual consistency.

2. Pen Tool & Vector Paths
The Pen tool was used to create custom lines, curves, and details in both characters and background elements, allowing expressive gestures and dynamic poses within the panels.

3. Layer Management & Grouping
Elements were organized in layers per panel and per character, enabling easy editing, experimentation, and adjustments to composition and pacing.

4. Composition & Panel Layout
I planned panel composition carefully, considering visual flow and narrative pacing. Key elements were positioned to guide the viewer’s eye naturally from one panel to the next, enhancing readability and storytelling.

FINAL ARTWORK

In the first panel, the teddy bear is shown standing in front of the microwave, waiting as its food heats up. As the sequence progresses, the second panel conveys growing impatience through subtle visual cues, such as the teddy beginning to sweat. In the final panel, the microwave beeps, signalling the end of the wait and giving the character a clear sense of relief.

REFLECTION

This project allowed me to explore visual storytelling within a very constrained format. By working with only three panels, I had to carefully consider composition, pacing, and clarity to communicate a concise narrative effectively.

Through the process, I strengthened my ability to use shape, and line to convey character expression, action, and emotion in a minimal space. Organizing elements in layers and experimenting with panel layouts taught me how to balance readability with creative expression.

Overall, this assignment improved my understanding of sequential storytelling, panel composition, and the importance of deliberate design choices when conveying a narrative visually. It also enhanced my confidence in using Illustrator tools to create cohesive and expressive comic sequences.