Journal 9

Proposal & Critique this Friday!

So I just found out that one of my favorite comic series is being cancelled due to budget costs! o_o

Recently, the company has been making cuts in their current and planned to come series. It didn't really bother me until the one I followed was effected. It was such a promising series and quite popular but this is not the only thing the company has to deal with. Considering our current economy, I should be used to hearing people are getting laid off, but it never struck me as a student, protected by the four walls called school until I got an internship and co-workers around me are here one week and gone the next! What a frightening time to go out into the world with dismal chances in making a living!

As upsetting as that is, its not the only thing I want to share. The comic industry is having a hard time since printed media is not a major product anymore. Not just comics, but also newspapers, magazines, and even books! All because our generation is heading into the digital era. But what is so great about going digital? Is it because its possible now?

To me, digital media is only good for convenience, like when your traveling or if the object is large. In the end, I still want to hold and read from a physical book, then I don't have to worry about bad eyesight from staring at a screen. Also things take long to load and you have to follow page by page. Sometimes, I can't wrap my head around 3-D graphics because we are not used to them on a physical plane. I know these sound like silly little quibbles, but that's how I see printed vs digital.

I'm still trying to figure out how I want to go about my thesis proposal. I know I want to showcase comics but I need to incorporate something based off my concentration which is graphic design. For now, I see having a installation of color panels with comic images and making a related book(s). The installation is for the purpose of reading into the imagery without text. The book(s) are for understanding the topic through literary means. I want the color panels to be raised off the wall, either framed or as sheets on canvas. As for the book(s), I'm not sure how much information I can pull legally and how much will be my own? And if this is too boring, should their be an element that stimulates the senses? Like an audio piece or make a series of flip-books? I don't want to digitize the book/images because you lose the importance of print media and physicality of holding that book in your hands.

As for the topic, I want to approach this massive monster as a beginner's guide to comics. Its not just for kids or the Sunday newspaper, its enjoyed by all ages and brings together brilliant artwork and storytelling. (this sounds so geeky) But its true! Comic companies get professional writers from all over, such as television, screen/play, and even novelists. And instead of just simple text to tell you the story, there is great art that brings the characters and scenes to life! Its like watching a film minus the audio and movement.