Storytelling is a timeless art form that has captivated audiences for generations. In the world of illustration, the ability to tell a compelling story is an essential skill and one that is learned through years of practice and experimentation. This article will explore the different strategies for storytelling that can be learned through BA illustration, a programme that focuses on developing students’ technical and analytical skills. BA illustration is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that nurtures aspiring to enter the dynamic creative industry.
BA illustration teaches students to use various techniques and tools to convey their ideas and narratives through art, enabling them to communicate their vision more engagingly. The skills learned in BA illustration can be applied to a wide range of careers, from children’s book illustration to graphic novels, animation, advertising, and even video game design. As such, the ability to tell a story through illustration is a highly sought-after skill in the creative industry, highly influenced by digitalisation, making it an important skill for anyone looking to make a career in this field.
Strategies for storytelling that can be learned by undergoing a well-designed BA illustration are character design, use of color and tone, narrative structure, composition, and typography. Here’s how these strategies can make storytelling impactful:
Character design: Character design is a critical aspect of storytelling through illustration. Characters are the driving force behind any story, and their design can significantly impact how the audience perceives and connects with the narrative. A well-designed character can convey various emotions and personality traits, making them relatable to the audience and enhancing the story’s impact. BA illustration programmes teach students to create characters that are memorable and stand out from other characters, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Use of color and tone: Colors and tone are powerful storytelling tools that can convey emotions, set the mood, and communicate complex ideas. In BA illustration, students learn to use colors and tone to enhance their storytelling, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for their audience. Effectively using colors and tone can significantly impact the audience’s perception and emotional response to a story. BA illustration programmes teach students to use tones, such as light and shadow, to create depth and dimensionality in their illustrations. This helps to create a more immersive and realistic environment for the story.
Narrative structure: The narrative structure is a critical component of storytelling, as it provides the framework for the story’s events and helps to guide the audience’s understanding and emotional response. It organises the story, provides emotional impact, builds tension, and helps convey a message efficiently.
Composition: Composition is an important aspect of storytelling as it refers to how elements are arranged within an illustration or image. The placement of elements can affect the audience’s understanding of the story and the emotions it evokes. Good composition can create a balance within the image, allowing the audience to follow the story without being distracted or overwhelmed.
Typography: Typography is an essential aspect of storytelling that can enhance the overall visual impact of the illustration or image. It can establish tone and mood, adds value and interest, enhances brand identity, and efficiently communicates information.
Through BA illustration, one can learn different storytelling strategies such as character design, color and tone used, narrative structure, composition, and typography, enhancing the power of visual storytelling. If you have a creative bent of mind, pursuing a BA in illustration can help you learn different storytelling strategies. Apply for the programme now!
