Page Layout

In comics, page structure IS story structure.

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Splash | 3-Panel | 12×12 Grid

Page Layout = How we arrange panels & other elements in groups & pages…

RULE#1: Keep It Super-Simple!

Start with the simplest possible page layouts — You can build the most powerful, challenging projects out of the most basic building blocks.

Start with 1-4 panels per page. Draw & write a little larger than you think is necessary.

Test your pages out on readers. Ask them to read your pages aloud, as you listen carefully.

Notice where they read clearly…
= They’re caught up in the story!

Notice where they stumble or falter…
= They’re distracted by the reading!

Experiment with layouts “borrowed” from your favorite artists.

SAMPLE LAYOUTS:

The Splash Page

= Full-page single-panel immersive impact!

Works great as:

Front cover
Poster design
Opening page
Climactic page
Scene/setting change

3-Panel Pages

= Dynamic multi-step juxtaposition!

Start w/ the “BIG+SMALLSMALL” approach… Or, flip it on its head to get: “SMALLSMALL+BIG ENDING.”

“SETTING+ACTION+RESULT”

BIG top panel = Focus on the story’s SETTING.
SMALL 2nd panel = Focus on an ACTION performed by a character.
SMALL 3rd panel = Show the RESULT of that action.

“DETAIL+DETAIL=COMBO”:

Flipping the S+A+R layout on its head, we get an approach common in manga:

PANEL 1: Show a detail.
PANEL 2: Show a different (seemingly unrelated) detail.
PANEL 3: Reveal how those details relate (or what connects them).

How many different 3-4 panel layouts can you design?

Be sure to test them out on as many readers as possible… Which layouts are the most readable?

ALSO SEE:

12×12 Layout Grid

“One weird trick” I use to make every page of my graphic novels!

Demos for patrons:

Planning a New Page: Primary Sources on the Grid

Tracing fractions frees us up to focus on creative storytelling…

MORE PAGE LAYOUTS & NOTES >>

This work is PATRON-POWERED!