IB English A. Language & Literature Visual & Comic Devices

Balance

Equal distribution of visual weight in a design.

Contrast/Juxtaposition

The arrangement of opposite elements to create visual interest.

Colour Palette

The range of colours used in a visual composition.

Salience (focal points)

The focal point of an image that draws attention.

Framing

Using elements within the composition to frame the main subject.

Leading Lines

Lines that guide the viewer's eye through the composition.

Negative space

Empty spaces around and between the subjects of an image.

Foreground

The element(s) of the photo closest to the audience.

Background

The furthest element(s) away from the audience.

Perspectives

The illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional

image.

Proportion

The relationship between elements in terms of size and scale.

Rule of Thirds

A compositional rule dividing the image into nine equal parts.

Scale

The relative size of elements in a design.

Symmetry

Balance achieved by arranging elements on either side of a

central axis.

Texture

The visual or tactile quality of a surface or material.

Proxemics

The amount of personal space and the degree of separation that between individuals.

Body language

Facial expressions, gestures, stance or position(s), can convey the attitude, feelings or personality of the individual(s) shown.

Gaze

Refers to where the figure in the image is looking.

Lighting

Lighting choices can create/establish the mood:

- Shadows may suggest concealment of fear and despair

- Light: hope and inspiration

- Colours can be symbolic

Composition

It describes where the subjects in an image are placed:

Depth

The 3-dimensional aspect of an image. It can create a sense of scale or proportion, and can be used to illustrate the proximity between objects.

Omissions

Aspects deliberately left out of the image.

Panel

An individual frame, or single drawing, in the multiple-panel sequence of a comic strip/book.

Splash

A comic book page that is mostly or entirely taken up by a single image or panel.

Voice-over/Narration

In which the narrators/characters speak directly to the readers.

Speech/Thought Bubbles

The objects that are used to contain the dialogue that the characters in the comic speak/think.

Emanata

It refers to the visual symbols (teardrops, sweat drops, question marks, motion lines, etc.) that artists draw besides characters' faces to portray emotion.

Gutter

The space between 2 panels within a comic strip/book.

Irony

A situation/statement where there is a contrast between reality and expectations

Caricature

A device used in writing & visual arts that exaggerates someone's distinguishing personality pr physical features.

Analogy

A comparison that aims to explain a thing/idea by likening it to something else.

Symbolism

In which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more abstract.

E.g: Birds symbolising freedom.

Bias

When the writer/artist has a specific opinion or a preference for one thing over another.

Tone

The attitude that a character/narrator/author takes towards a given subject.

Graphic weight

The contrast in an icon/panel:

- Degree or intensity of colour and its effect : A term that describes the way some images draw the eye more than others;

- Creating a definite focus using colour and shading in various ways including:

The use of light and dark shades; dark-toned images or high-contrast images draw the eye more than light or low-contrast images do

- A pattern or repeated series of marks

- Colours that are more brilliant or deeper than others on the page

Pictorial space

The illusion of 3-dimensional space

- overlapping characters

- atmospheric perspective

Orthogonals

Similar to leading lines

- guides the audience to the focal point of the piece

- done to create emphasis

Curvilinear

Soft, curved lines

- to place emphasis on intimacy, gentleness, etc.

Rectilinear

Straight, angled lines

- to place emphasis on solidity

Contour lines

Lines which define a form or an edge

Chiaroscuro

Total contrast between light and dark to model 3-dimensional forms

Texture

The visual and tactile quality of a surface

- used to demonstrate veracity (truthfulness/accuracy)