Page 3 Gutter, Icon, and Graphic Weight
Completion requirements
Gutter, Icon, and Graphic Weight
Gutter
Figure 6
A gutter is the space between panels (or frames). The gutter jumps from one scene to another, much as a film jumps from scene to scene. Viewers of a comic must infer the unseen information or changes occurring between frames to follow the story.
Gutters allow the cartoonist to select information to omit about the story. The viewer must partner with the graphic artist to imagine what is missing between the frames. Therefore, a gutter is also called the "magic space" because the reader's imagination and interpretive skills are put to work.
Figure 7
An
icon is an abstract image that represents a person, place or idea.
For example, cartoons are abstract. They usually exaggerate or distort certain features or qualities such as use a large nose or big feet to depict the subject. By focussing the viewer’s attention on a specific detail, cartoons amplify meaning.
Figure 7 suggests the caricature or subject is not only a liar (his long nose) but is at fault (his nose depicts a smoking gun).
Perhaps humans relate to abstractions because in their own imaginations, viewers do not see their own faces in clear detail. Therefore, the cartoon becomes an image of oneself, an image to which the viewer can easily relate.
For example, cartoons are abstract. They usually exaggerate or distort certain features or qualities such as use a large nose or big feet to depict the subject. By focussing the viewer’s attention on a specific detail, cartoons amplify meaning.
Figure 7 suggests the caricature or subject is not only a liar (his long nose) but is at fault (his nose depicts a smoking gun).
Perhaps humans relate to abstractions because in their own imaginations, viewers do not see their own faces in clear detail. Therefore, the cartoon becomes an image of oneself, an image to which the viewer can easily relate.
Figure 8 On the other hand, an object drawn in realistic or large detail, seems more objective and external to the viewer.
Graphic weight describes the way some images draw the eye more than others do to create a definite focus.
Graphic weight describes the way some images draw the eye more than others do to create a definite focus.