Illustration & Visual Narrative / Task 4 - Webcomic

Week 10 - Week 15 [ 25/11/2024 - 05/01/2025 ]

Ye YingYing / 0364398

Illustration & Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Task 4 - Webcomic 

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All Works Here - Google Drive

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Working Progress

2. Reflection

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WORKING PROGRESS

- Research & Idea -

Chosen Part - Part 3

But her husband was on his hands and knees groping wildly on the floor in search of the paw. If only he could find it before the thing outside got in. A perfect fusillade of knocks reverberated through the house, and he heard the scraping of a chair as his wife put it down in the passage against the door. He heard the creaking of the bolt as it came slowly back, and at the same moment, he found the monkey's paw, and frantically breathed his third and last wish.

The knocking ceased suddenly, although the echoes of it were still in the house. He heard the chair drawn back, and the door opened. A cold wind rushed up the staircase, and a long loud wail of disappointment and misery from his wife gave him the courage to run down to her side, and then to the gate beyond. The streetlamp flickering opposite shone on a quiet and deserted road.

Why I chose this part :

I chose this part because it is full of tension and fear, making it the most exciting moment in the story. The old man’s struggle to find the talisman in the dark and his fear of what might happen if the wish comes true creates a strong sense of suspense.
This part shows the conflict between the couple’s hopes and the terrible consequences of using the paw. The detailed description of his emotions and actions makes the scene very intense and engaging.

- Idea Development -

Inspiration Images

Sketch

Rationale :

My comic focuses on the most intense part of the story, where the old man searches for the monkey’s paw, and makes his last wish. It shows the fear, desperation, and emotional struggle of the characters. Through close-up shots and a dramatic shift to the empty street in the final panel, the comic highlights the suspense and leaves the outcome open to interpretation, reflecting the eerie and thought-provoking essence of the original story.

My cover design features a large monkey face in the background, symbolizing fate and danger. The person running in the foreground represents the character trying to escape the consequences. The monkey paw reaching out toward the person emphasizes its control over them, hinting at the dangerous power the paw holds. Overall, the cover visually represents the tension and the dark, eerie atmosphere of the story.

Panel Transitions

Panel 2 to Panel 3

I apply the Action-to-Action transition, which helps to capture the key moment of finding and grabbing paw in a sequence, creating excitement and energy. And also keeps readers "in the moment" by highlighting continuous movement or reactions.

Panel 4 to Panel 5

I apply the Scene-to-Scene transition from making a wish to the road view, this kind of sudden shift can surprise or shock readers, heightening dramatic tension. And also encourages readers to infer what happened between scenes, making them active participants in the narrative.

Colour Palette: Red, Black, White
In this comic, I used black, white, and red as the primary colors. Black and white create a cold, oppressive atmosphere, while the monkey’s paw is highlighted in red. This simple yet striking design has its advantages.

The black-and-white tones convey a sense of despair and isolation, reflecting the characters' emotions. The red paw stands out as the focal point, symbolizing danger, curses, and tragedy. For instance, in panels 3 and 4, the dark setting contrasts sharply with the red paw, heightening the tension and unease.
This color scheme is both minimalist and impactful, drawing readers’ attention immediately while reinforcing the story’s theme—the terrifying consequences of unchecked desire.

- Design Progress -

Comic Cover

1. Trace the paw and human [Pen tool]
2. [Brush tool] for the monkey's fur and face
3. [Layering] for creating shadow
4. [Brush tool] for the blood effect on the texts
5. Add [Gradient] to the paw
6. [Brush tool] for the monkey's fur on the paw
7. Add [Texture] and [Effect] on [Photoshop]

Panel 1

1. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
2. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast

Panel 2

1. Edit the reference image in [Photoshop] into B&W
2. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
3. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast

Panel 3

1. [Copy] the floor from panel 2
2. Edit the reference image in [Photoshop] into red
3. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
4. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast
5. [Brush tool] for the monkey's fur on the paw

1. Edit the reference image in [Photoshop] into B&W
2. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
3. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast

Panel 4

1. Edit the reference image in [Photoshop] into B&W
2. [Copy] the floor from panel 1
3. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
4. [Brush tool] for adjusting the clothe
5. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast
6. [Layering] for creating shadow

Panel 5

1. Edit the reference image in [Photoshop] into B&W
2. [Copy] the floor from panel 1
3. Divide the Object Below by [Path tool]
4. Delete unwanted part
5. Trace the by the shadow [Pen tool]
6. [Adjust Colour] follow the contrast

- Preview -

- Animation Progress -

1. Prepare each frame in AI. first
2. Import the file into PS [Layer by Layer]
3. [Adjust] the timeline

FINAL WORK

Comic Cover

One-page Comic

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REFLECTION

Working on the webcomic assignment has been a valuable learning experience that allowed me to grow both creatively and technically. Throughout this project, I had the opportunity to explore different tools and improve my skills in various aspects of design and animation. I explored and refined my skills in Photoshop and After Effects, particularly in creating animations for the comic panels. The challenge of animating at least three panels pushed me to be more patient and detail-oriented, as I had to carefully plan each movement to maintain a smooth flow between transitions. This focus on detail also improved my understanding of pacing and visual storytelling.

However, not everything went as planned. Based on Mr. Hafiz's feedback, I realized that my cover design missed the mark conceptually. I chose to depict a monkey’s face, which was not mentioned in the original story, instead of focusing on the monkey’s paw—a key element that carries the narrative's central theme. Unfortunately, because of my slow progress in earlier stages, I couldn't find the time to revise the cover to better align with the story. This was a valuable lesson in time management and the importance of prioritizing feedback during the creative process.

Overall, this assignment expanded my technical capabilities, improved my storytelling skills, and taught me the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. While there are areas I wish I could have executed better, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and the skills I’ve developed through this project.