For my latest University assignment I have been creating a short graphic novel.
It is based on a poem I wrot
e more than 6 years ago. Naturally it has changed a lot during that time but it's something I've always wanted to illustrate in one way or another and I'm glad I finally got the chance to do so. It's become quite dear to me.
For
this project I wanted to explore the complex narrative potential of
graphic novels.
The combination of verbal and pictorial elements
gives way to multi-layered, paradox structures that can be employed
by the storyteller to deliver ambiguous and sophisticated narratives
that affect the reader on several levels.
Words and images have been interwoven to create a tension
out of which the narrative emerges. The aim was to challenge the reader to
make an effort and process verbal and visual information at once in
order to extract meaning. Thereby they will in a way write the story
themselves by using their own memories and experiences to which the
graphic novel serves as an emotionally charged stimulus.
English Preview
The text was originally written in German and even though I tried my
best to translate it as accurate as possible into the English language,
due to its rhythmic prose nature the original version is still far
superior. If you are capable of both languages I therefore highly
recommend to go with the German version because it expresses the
original intentions much more truthfully.
German Preview
Here is some work in progress from my sketchbook that shows the journey from the first sketches to the finished artwork.
Everything from the very first sketches
to the final artwork has been created in one A3 sketchbook which was
a very satisfying way of working and prevented me from polishing the
imagery too much. I really tried to loosen up a little and not to
worry about craftsmanship too much but rather focus on capturing the
essence of the poem. I am quite pleased with the result as it comes
very close to the vision I had in mind after carrying that poem
around in my head for such a long time.
I certainly want to work on more graphic novels from
now on. It's such a wonderful form of expression and there are still
so many stories I want to capture in this way.
Thank you for reading. If you are interested in purchasing a copy please follow this
link.