#WinningWednesday: How to Tell Stories Visually – Tips by Bridget

By Kathleen Burns , Sep 3 2014
greenhouse Bridget Underwood

Featured Image: bridgioto.com

“[Webcomics] made the process of creating, and learning to create comics more transparent and accessible, rather than only being able to see the finished, polished work of professionals. It gave me the kick I need to start my own first (terrible) webcomic early on in high school. As I kept on with comics, I became sure that was what I wanted to do with my life: tell stories visually.”

Bridget_UnderwoodBridget Underwood

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Bridget Underwood’s life has taken unexpected twists in the last few years including stumbling onto the path of becoming an animator and working as a game animator at Microsoft. Initially, she went to Savannah College of Art and Design for their art program, and ended up studying animation instead.

After graduation, she quickly scored the job at Microsoft and has since been involved in projects like Project Spark and the next major Halo game.

“It is a great experience, and has definitely taken me down some unexpected paths!” Bridget said.

“A lot of my energy outside of my animation work has gone towards illustration and design for personal projects, friends, and clients. I feel like I’m just starting to find my first stride with that side of my artistic life again, and I’m mostly excited to keep learning and growing!”

But her time with Microsoft has also enlightened her that her career goals have changed – and while she loves animation, she feels the itch to grow as a cartoonist and illustrator again.

How to Tell Stories Visually – Bridget’s Top Tips!

“Telling stories with interesting characters is a great way to create change in the world, or at least open a few doors in people’s minds. Whether I’m doing story art, animation, illustration, or comics, I always try to keep that in mind and work towards creating something as empathetic and interesting as possible.”

Bridget knew very little about games before entering the gaming industry and working with Microsoft, but that didn’t stop her! She knew she wanted to tell stories, and the animation platform excelled in that area. Her time in the industry has led her to meet some fantastic artists and people, and gave her an opportunity to grow her skills as a visual storyteller.

However, the experiences and tips Bridget gained was something she felt many artists could learn from and she wanted to pass on what young designers can do to become better artists.

1. Find inspiring examples

“My first love above all else was comics. I happened to grow up near a library that had a fantastic comic collection – everything from Golden Age classics to Tintin to manga to independent works like Craig Thompson’s Blankets.”

Bridget’s love of visual storytelling started with her love of comics. As long as designers remember what first sparked their desire to learn, you can stay focused on what truly matters to you. Stay true to your passion and work will stay fun and challenging.

Portrait_Deer_Mage_small2. Explore deep concepts

“[Hayao] Miyazaki’s films are some of the best, most inspiring examples of that I’ve ever seen – where the visual designs and animation are just incredible, and are all a part of exploring some really deep concepts through a wide range of characters.”

From growing up and deaths in the family to graduating school and falling in love, Studio Ghibli has explored various facets of human life in unique and new ways. Referencing experiences that connects an audience to the story will contribute to how well they emphasize with the characters. Messages are more powerful when the audiences can relate to the character’s experiences.

3. Get excited by visual possibilities

“Visually, I’ve been really inspired by a huge range of hand-drawn animation. The Gorillaz music videos were some of the first things that got me really excited about the visual possibilities of animation and design.”

Why limit yourself to specific techniques? Have fun with all types of visual design styles and see what speaks to you as an artist. What new ways can you tell a story, and does the story benefit with one style over the other? Think about character designs and concept art, and then consider the final result of a animated film. They are vastly different and communicate something unique to the style.

4. Tell meaningful stories

Entertainment can have a huge influence on culture, positive or negative, and I think that telling strong stories with interesting characters is a great way to create change in the world, or at least open a few doors in people’s minds.”

No matter if you’re animating or illustrating, your design will impact your viewers. Building an emotion, exploring a concept, or making a statement are ways you can grow as an artist. The saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is absolutely true.

5. Study human history and anthropology

“Human history is full of the most amazing stories, people, and cultures. History can be stranger and more amazing than fiction. It’s an incredible place to go to learn and gain inspiration. History and anthropology have never let me down in that regard.”

If you’re lacking inspiration history books bring a rich perspective to what you’re working on and can add an emotional aspect to your works.

People remember that the The Lion King drew it’s inspiration from the Shakespeare play Hamlet, but few know of the movie Grave of the Fireflies. This animated film reflected the real world events of World War II and how scary it was to live through, and how much it affected the lives of the average Japanese citizen.

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6. Have empathy

“What kind of positive change can we make in the world with this stuff? Right at the end of high school and before college, I became super fascinated by public transit and how much the transportation infrastructure of cities affects both people and the environment. I subsequently had a few crises about whether or not I should have gone into civil engineering instead of something as ‘frivolous’ as art.”

You can use your art to bring to light a problem or situation that society is missing, or add your own perspective to something going on in the news. Political cartoonists do this all the time, and help sway public opinion or reflect what everyday people feel.

7. If you can draw it, you can animate it

“I’m inspired by the kind of magical quality of the natural world. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and currently live in Seattle. The mountains and forests here make it feel like you’re living in Middle Earth, and are a grand spectacle.”

Nature is a source of inspiration for many artists and the unique designs found in nature can influence your own works. If you don’t have the technical skill, take the time to learn and play with it. Check out what other illustrators have done in the past or watch the latest animated film’s behind-the-scenes footage to find out how they did it.

8. Find a moral balance when approaching art

“[I] jump at the chance to be a part of a story I really believe in. I feel like that’s sort of the holy grail of any work done for others – being able to 100% feel like you’re helping make something that will communicate good stuff in a way that’s entertaining and emotionally compelling.”

Art plays an important role in bringing positive change through communicating ideas. Work on a piece that you believe in once in a while to make a difference to both yourself and the cause you’re supporting. You see professionals do this all the time! The stronger the stories you are able to tell, the more change you (hopefully) will make!

animystics_gardenskunk_04_FINAL_small9. Collaborate with other people

“My response to stress back in college was to shut myself away and work furiously on my own stuff, pushing as hard as I could to improve alone. The more I’ve been out in the world, the more I’ve discovered why it was a bad strategy.”

Without new experiences, you won’t grow as an artist. Life is full of connections with other people and collaboration projects shouldn’t be restricted to college courses. Working with your industry peers on projects can build relationships that can last a lifetime!

“Collaboration has been super rewarding and has opened my eyes to new ways of thought and new approaches to art.”

10. Stretch your abilities mentally and technically

“The best thing I see in any project is a chance to push myself. I have been involved in design work on commission earlier this year. It was sci-fi, which is definitely outside my usual wheelhouse, and it was a great challenge! I learned a lot and it forced me to stretch my abilities both mentally and technically.”

It’s easy as a young artist to panic about your skill level when you’re surrounded by talented and experienced professionals. I say be more like Bridget and jump into the unknown! She didn’t know much about the gaming industry, but she took the chance to apply and studied hard once she had the job. You don’t know how far you can push yourself until you try.

“Never stop, but don’t stress about how fast you’re moving. Even if you’re progressing slowly, making art is still a thing that feeds your soul, and as trite as it sounds, it’s the journey, not the destination.”

Thanks Bridget for that wonderful advice!

One animated film that I’ve personally connected to is Spirited Away because I hated moving just as much as the main character did. What comic or watched an animated film do you currently feel connected to? Tell us below in the comments or tweet us @Zilliondesigns!

All images with permission from: http://www.bridgioto.com/

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Kathleen is a New Jersey blogger with an interest in brand design and a passion for graphic design, illustration, and social media. She loves to deliver inspiration to others to give them the means to achieve their branding and design goals.

 

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