5.3 Tracing Understanding

Tracing Key Visual Components

Some groups of these images have either few large frames or multiple small frames. Choose one of these options to prepare your chosen image(s) for this assignment.

• Trace by hand the outline of the frames to form main components inside the frames. This does not have to be a skillful, accurate reproduction! Include all key elements (characters, significant expressions, important shading, composition, frames, gutters, lighting, key setting features, or text). Photocopying the page in black and white from the graphic novel before tracing it may be better than tracing directly from the novel. See an example below.

• Photocopy, cut out, and arrange images physically on the page.

• Scan the image and type digital notations, using Adobe Acrobat if possible. (This is not in violation of copyright; it is under 20% of book content and is for the purpose of learning.)

Whatever choice of representation, leave space around the frame(s) on the page for your legible notes and observations.

Demonstraton of Tracing

			Essex County © Jeff Lemire (www.topshelfcomix.com). Excerpt used with permission.