(08-15-2010) issue#001

All artwork, images, and graphics courtesy of Chet Spiewak (Author/Artist)

Computer Generated 3D Artwork and Graphic Novels

In the last decade computer-generated graphics have taken on a greater and greater role in the storytelling process. With it's ability to render realistic textures, believable lighting and perspective, 3D computer-generated graphics were the ideal tool to illustrate the Vinny the Bug Man Graphic Novel Adventure.

3D Graphics a tool...
Computer-Generated Images(CGI) are created using a computer via a 3D software program. The artist uses the software to build, model and texture virtual worlds and characters. The 3D software program is only a tool used to illustrate and render artwork much the same as a pencil, pen, or paintbrush is used. It is important to keep that in mind when storytelling. A good storyline, combined with great characters and imaginative worlds create captivating adventures not the 3D computer software.

The 3D design/creation process for graphic novels is similar to traditional techniques used to create comic book artwork. The differences- your median is the computer and mouse instead of pen, pencil and posterboard. Here are some samples of CGI pages from the Vinny the Bug man Adventure..

 

The steps in creating graphics novels whether drawn or rendered by computer are about the same... After a the storyline and scripting has been finalize--- an artist sketches a storyboard detailing the scenes and story. Traditional comic book artists take these finalize storyboard sketches and illustrate with pen and ink the comic panels. The 3D artist uses them as a visual guide. This visual guide acts as road map when setting up the 3D virtual world and provides direction in laying out characters, scenes and lighting.

The storyboard was used as reference to help layout scene on the computer. When working in the 3D virtual world... a visual guide is used as a reference. Here the artist/author(Chet Spiewak) changed the perspective view to increase suspense and drama in the rendered pictures--- creating more drama and suspense.....

3D Textures

One of the benefits of using 3D computer-generated graphics is the ability to create realistic textures on the characters, props and their worlds. In the Vinny the Bug Man- series-- the realistic textures paired with the stylized cartoon characters make for an belivable adventure set in the insect world.

(INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC) Close-up Textures...

Graphic Novels can be illustrated with a variety of techniques, and using 3D computer-generated graphics to tell your story is no exception.