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Layout of a scene

Techniques to help communicate a scene

When laying out a scene, use these techniques to help communicate emotion, action, and narrative clearly. They can be applied to both simple and more detailed illustrations, helping to keep compositions focused, dynamic, and easy to read.

Building composition

Two women are shown inside speech bubbles with icons indicating conversation, and arrows pointing in a clockwise direction. Label 1 (Overlaps) marks a conversation icon overlapping with a speech-bubble. Label 2 (Negative space) marks the plain background area outside of the speech bubbles. Label 3 (Framing) marks a speech-bubble that frames one of the women.

  1. Overlaps: position objects on top of each other with slight overlaps to create a sense of depth and keep the image clear.

  2. Negative space: use blank or single-coloured areas to help keep the composition focused and balanced.

  3. Framing: use larger overarching shapes, such as a window or a doorway, or the shape of the chat bubble in this example to frame the central action and guide the viewer’s focus.

Adding detail

A mechanic and customer shake hands outside an MOT garage beside a van with a flat tyre. Label 1 (key action) marks the van with a flat tyre and the interaction between the two people. Label 2 (recognisable details) marks the MOT sign on the garage. Label 3 (supporting details) marks a car on a lift in the garage in the background.

  1. Prioritise the key action: ensure secondary details never obstruct the primary key action that you’re communicating, or disrupt the visual hierarchy of the composition.

  2. Recognisable details: ground the scene in a specific environment using details like an MOT sign, which signals this is a UK mechanic’s garage.

  3. Supporting elements: incorporate subtle background details, such as the car on the car lift, to add extra context and depth to the scene.

Movement

A person runs upward across a rising graph, briefcase in hand, representing career growth and progress. Label 1 (diagonal composition) marks the center of the illustration, highlighting it's diagonal arrangement. Label 2 (line of gravity) marks the direction and visible effect of gravity on the person in the illustration. Label 3 (dynamic details) marks the character's wavy tie, which highlights left-to-right motion.

  1. Utilise diagonal composition: create energy and momentum by tilting figures and elements along a diagonal axis rather than using static, upright postures.

  2. Define a “line of gravity”: it should reflect the emotion of your character and help add a sense of movement.

  3. Dynamic details: add secondary objects that match the flow of the composition.

Match the level of movement and expression to the emotion and meaning that the illustration is seeking to convey.