Illustration and Visual Narrative: Digital Triptych (Transitions)

Week 10 (29/11/2023) - Week 11 (6/12/2023)

ALTAIFI, LEEN MAAN A (0367698)

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media, Taylor's University

Illustration and Visual Narrative

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Assignment 2: Digital Triptych (Week 10-11)

The objective of this assignment is to apply Scott McCloud's theory on transitions to create a digital triptych, comprising three panels: one before, one during (climactic turning point), and one after a significant event. Each panel will represent a different transition type from McCloud's theory.

This assignment is a continuation of the editorial illustration assignment; using that previous illustration as a climatic turning point, we have to draw 2 more illustrations before and after the climax, and there must be a flow and consistency between the panels. 

Fig. 1.0: Triptych Mood Board

Fig. 2.23: Digitization Process 1

Fig. 2.22: Triptych Panel Sketches

I drew out the original sketch on procreate, then I fully fleshed out the illustrations on adobe illustrator using the same methods we have been using throughout all our assignments; pen tool, path divider, gradients, grain textures...etc. 

Fig. 2.25: Digitization Process 3

Fig. 2.24: Digitization Process 2

Final Triptych Illustrations:

Fig. 2.26: Scene 1 (Before Climatic Point)

Fig. 2.27: Scene 3 (After Climatic Point)

I chose the transition type scene-to-scene because I felt I needed to add more context on what happened during the climatic turning point, and to further illustrate the events of the urban legend, the Red Room. Also, the sequential nature of it is like of a graphic novel, which I personally gravitate towards. 

Scene 1: 

In scene 1, before the climatic event, we are faced with the protagonist's back as she stares at her monitor. As she is covering most of the screen, we are exposed to only the edges of it. She has encountered the infamous pop-up curse "Do you like the red room?", unknowing the devastating ending she will face. For those who know about the curse, they will recognize the pop-up just at a glance. The words "Do you...room?" are visible, but "...like the red..." are covered by the protagonist, allowing room for suspense for those who do not know about the curse. 

The light source coming from the screen since it is the main focal point in this panel, along with the looming shadows around the edges signifying the impending doom that is yet to occur. 

Scene 2: 

In scene 2, the climatic turning event occurs when the protagonist closes the pop-up tab. The room is a visually stunning yet a stark, dimly lit, Art Deco-styled room with deep red walls, eerie lighting, and feels claustrophobic and foreboding. After closing pop-up tab, the protagonist experiences the immediate consequences of their actions. The curse's power becomes evident, and before they know it, the protagonist lies dead on their bed room floor with blood all over the walls. The strong contrasts between light and shadow is used to amplify the sense of fear and revelation. The red glow from the curse source is the primary source of light, casting eerie reflections and shadows.

Scene 3: 

In scene 3, after the climatic event, the protagonist's family member walks in her room only to find her deceased body lying on the floor. As it is a common theme in the panels, only silhouettes are shown. However, the exception here are the eyes of the family member, as a key but subtle indication to his emotional expression: shock. The composition of this panel is to dramatize the reveal of the corpse to the family member; having the source of light coming from the outside through the door, creating the silhouette and its shadow, and having the legs of the corpse at the bottom of the panel. 

Fig. 2.28: Final Digital Triptych

Fig. 2.28: Final Digital Triptych with Description