Irgendwo im Nirgendwo

For my latest University assignment I have been creating a short graphic novel. 

It is based on a poem I wrote 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.

Skotadi

A small commission for Mademoiselle which I finished in january.

She asked me to paint her OC Skotadi.

Observations

 

Sketchbook pages from last week. I try to scan and upload them more frequently this year. :)

The Complexities and Possibilities of Visual Storytelling in Graphic Novels

A theoretical post for a change. 

I spent most of december writing my dissertation and actually quite enjoyed the process because it deals with an issue that has been bugging me for a while. 

I decided to share it on my blog and hope some people might find it an interesting introduction to the subject matter.

Simply click on the image below to access the full pdf.

Many thanks to Michelle and Kira for their excellent proof reading! :)

Investigative Study

The Complexities and Possibilities of Visual Storytelling in Graphic Novels

Anja Uhren

BA (Hons) Illustration

Abstract

The graphic novel has increasingly become subject of critical and academical debate and is finally starting to be recognised as a literary genre in its own right. There are however still lingering misconceptions regarding its form and content. This paper aims to demonstrate the complexities and possibilities of visual storytelling and how these can be exploited to their fullest effect in graphic novels.

2015 Calendar - 'encounters'

I decided to make some calendars and (Christmas) cards. Anyone interested? :)

I believe a year is very much defined by the people you meet.

Every month of this calendar witnesses a new encounter of various characters. Some will be the beginning of a lifelong friendship while others will be over in a glimpse - it's up to you to decide. 

The original drawings are also up for sale.

If you're interested but don't want to sign up on Etsy or don't have a credit card simply e-mail me.  anja.uhren@gmx.de

ACEO commission

 These are a couple of ACEOs commissioned by Daniela.
Her OCs Avilia and Liam.

 

'We're all mad here'

An Alice in Wonderland themed commission I had a lot of fun with earlier this month. :)
If you like it you can buy it as an A4 limited edition or A3 Poster print in my Etsy shop.

Here's some work in progress, I used acrylics on gesso primed board.

Die Waldgeister

 It’s that time of the year again. :)

I’ve been gathering leaves to my heart’s content and stumbled across some little forest people.
The composer Paul Wendlandt wrote a little piece of music for them.
Have a listen, it’s so peaceful and perfectly captures their character. :)