I wanted to create a graphic novel, CORE, set in a fictional Rio de Janeiro, but needed to develop a compelling story and visual style that would engage readers and convey tension effectively. The challenge was to bring the protagonists’ world and their experiences to life in a way that felt immersive and dynamic.
I began by establishing the story, characters, and setting. To visualize how the narrative would unfold, I produced a sample two-page sequence depicting the protagonists in a tense encounter behind a soccer field. To inform my approach, I drew inspiration from Italian comic artist Lorenzo De Felici, creator of Kroma, especially for page layouts and art direction. Adopting his style, which differed from my own, pushed me to experiment with shadow and light as I inked.
Step 1: Thumbnails
My first step was to create rough thumbnails, planning character interactions and the buildup of tension across pages. These sketches guided important decisions on pacing and layout, forming the foundation for subsequent stages.
Step 2: Revisions
In response to my professor’s feedback, I revised the pages and created several variants. This iterative process helped clarify my vision and refine the direction of the final sequence.
Step 3: Inking
Once I received approval, I progressed to inking, emphasizing flow, contrast, and tone while working in black and white. Relying solely on ink for shading challenged me to keep the narrative clear and visually engaging at every stage.
Step 4: Color
For the final stage, I applied color to each page, carefully selecting a palette that complemented the inking and heightened the narrative’s transition from low to high tension.
This project deepened my understanding of comic creation, from concept to execution. Studying diverse artists and testing new techniques not only refined my workflow but also enabled me to make deliberate decisions at every stage. The final pages effectively convey the intended tension and atmosphere, and I look forward to applying these insights to future projects!