Visual Design Principles


Figure 16 


In graphic storytelling, negative space is unused area in a frame that is not included or used for the main illustration or focus of the image.

Negative space is important because it can help draw the reader’s eye to the positive space (the illustration).

In Figure 15, the negative space is all the white space next to the man. The lines of the man’s figure and the black of his speech bubble are highlighted by the white of the negative space.

Any confusion in following a drawing or comic might be the result of insufficient white space.       

Figure 17 

Contrast often is used in graphic storytelling to give the reader deeper ideas about meaning, to show changes in character, changes in mood, or differences that occur in events or setting, or to highlight differences in ideals, ideas or opinions of characters. 

In Figure 17, the contrast of colour and actions highlights the idea of a hero versus a coward.

Figure 18





Shot angles apply also to graphic storytelling because illustrators use the same techniques to achieve similar effects (close-ups, long range, mid-range, etc.).
Figure 19
Comics use colours, shading, contrast, patterns, repeated symbols or shapes, or vibrant colours that contrast with the remainder of the page.

Notice how the background shading changes in the last frame when the 'transformation' is complete.