Accordian Book

Exhibition: Scraps

Artist: Geneva Haley

Overview

A graphic novel is a form of storytelling using sequential illustrations.  Geneva Hailey explores new ideas and possibilities of what a graphic novel can be by following just one simple rule when creating her illustrations; all you need is a very basic narrative and the possibilities are endless.  Participants will create their own illustrated narrative in an accordion style book.  This project emphasizes the idea that illustrations create narrative even without the use of any accompanying text. 

Objectives

• Explore sequential narrative through imagery

• Create a handmade book using 2-dimensional drawing materials

• Use creative critical thinking skills in developing a narrative and planning composition.

Materials

Blank paper for brainstorming and planning

Watercolour or Bristol paper 11 x 14

Pencil

Eraser

Black Artist Pen

Colouring materials of your choice; pencil crayons, watercolours, etc.

Tape

Ruler

Instructions:

Step One

Take your sheet of watercolour paper and cut in half lengthwise so that you have two pieces measuring 5.5 x 14 inches.  Join the two pieces together by taping the backside so that you have one piece measuring 5.5 x 28 inches.   Using a pencil and ruler measure and mark every 4.7 inches along the length of the paper to divide the paper evenly.  Mark the top and bottom of the paper so you can make even folds.  Following the marking guides, accordion fold the paper into 6 sections.  

Step Two

Take a blank piece of paper and begin brainstorming ideas for a simple story line.

Select one and expand on your idea by generating a rough outline. Think about how your story will begin, what happens in the middle and how will it end?  A reminder that you are only using illustrations to create your narrative, there will be no accompanying text.

Step Three

Create a storyboard on the back of your brainstorming paper.  A storyboard is a sequence of sketches that artists use to visually organize how a story will unfold from beginning to end.  Divide the paper in to 6 sections, corresponding with the number of sections/pages in your accordion book. You may make brief notes under each section that describes each scene.  Start roughly sketching the composition of each section.  

Step Four

Using a pencil and following your storyboard as a guide, begin drawing your narrative in your accordion book.  

Step Five

Once your pencil sketches are complete, use an artist/ink pen to outline them and add any other details.  Erase your pencil lines.  

Step Six

Add colour to your illustrations using colouring materials of your choice. 

Step Seven

Title your narrative and create a title page on the cover of your accordion book.