Action Quote by Declan Shalvey
“That's the type of thing you need to keep in mind when drawing comics. The storytelling. Consider the action and the space available to you, that's what will make it a great comics page. Once you've figured that out, you can always find/make the reference to support your storytelling decisions. So by all means, study film, but as with any reference, the results are better when they inform the craft and not dictate it.”
About This Quote
Source Panel Discussion on Comic Storytelling, 2019
Effective comic pages blend storytelling, composition, and reference without copying.
In simple terms: Balance story, layout, and inspiration.
Key Takeaway
Use references to enhance, not dictate, your art.
Themes
storytelling
visual composition
creative process
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
guidance
creative
When to use this quote
- comic page design
- film study
- reference gathering
- artistic freedom
Key Concepts
narrative pacing
spatial design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you adapt references uniquely?
- When should you deviate from a reference?
A Different Perspective
Relying too heavily on references may stifle originality.
![“You get to play with shadow, mood, and tone. And this [Batman All-Stars] is such a moody story.” quote by Declan Shalvey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/479/declan-shalvey-35438_all-stars_you-get-to-play-with-shadow-mood-and-ton_3111193.jpg)
