The book is structured into three "Acts" that take the reader from foundational concepts to advanced scene design:
This book is best suited for who already have a handle on character design but struggle to ground those characters in a believable world. It is a valuable "missing piece" for visual storytellers looking to master staging and composition.
: How to use specific props and art styles to enhance the narrative. Set the action! Creating Backgrounds for Compel...
: A special comic book sequence created for the book guides readers through do's and don'ts of background design. Critical Reception
– Focuses on environmental details and "familiar grounds". The book is structured into three "Acts" that
Published by Routledge/Focal Press in 2012, this 240-page book focuses on moving backgrounds beyond mere afterthoughts. Hernandez, an MFA in sequential art and a faculty member at the Art Institute of Washington, uses a practical, "conversational lecture" style to teach how settings interact with characters to drive drama.
: Reviewers from Parka Blogs and Amazon praise the book for being "text-heavy" with well-explained examples. Experts like 2D Animation Director Brian Muelhaupt describe it as "insightful" and "cleverly written," highlighting its focus on undervalued staging techniques. : A special comic book sequence created for
by Elvin A. Hernandez is a highly-regarded instructional guide that positions the environment as a "silent character" in visual narratives. Book Overview