--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: With comics, you've got to develop some…" description: "\"With comics, you've got to develop some kind of shorthand. You can't make every drawing look like a detailed etching. The average reader actually doesn..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc9/robert-crumb-10597_actually_with-comics-you-ve-got-to-develop-some-k_1919716.jpg" --- # With comics, you've got to develop some kind of shorthand… ![“With comics, you've got to develop some kind of shorthand. You can't make every drawing look like a detailed etching. The average reader actually doesn't want all that detail; it interferes with the flow of the reading process.” quote by Robert Crumb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc9/robert-crumb-10597_actually_with-comics-you-ve-got-to-develop-some-k_1919716.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc9/robert-crumb-10597_actually_with-comics-you-ve-got-to-develop-some-k_1919716.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc9/robert-crumb-10597_actually_with-comics-you-ve-got-to-develop-some-k_1919716.jpg) > “With comics, you've got to develop some kind of shorthand. You can't make every drawing look like a detailed etching. The average reader actually doesn't want all that detail; it interferes with the flow of the reading process.” [Robert Crumb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-crumb/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Artists must use shorthand to keep readers engaged; excessive detail hinders narrative flow. **In simple terms:** Use simple art to maintain reading rhythm. Key Takeaway Prioritize clarity over detail in visual storytelling. Themes art communication efficiency Mood thoughtful practical Type instructional reflective When to use this quote - comic strips - graphic novels - storyboarding - illustrated manuals Key Concepts visual storytelling design principles Questions to Reflect On - When is detail essential? - How does simplicity affect comprehension? A Different Perspective Complex detail may be needed for certain artistic goals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Comic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comic/) [Comics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comics/) [Detail](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/detail/) [Etching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/etching/) [Flow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flow/) [Interferes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interferes/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Shorthand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shorthand/) ## Related quotes > [Actually, I don't really draw that well. It's just that I don't stop trying as quickly. I keep at it. I happen to have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/milt-kahl/actually-i-don-t-really-draw-that-well-it-s-just-that-i-don-t-stop/) Milt Kahl > [“I still have that drawing. Whenever I look at it, it makes me happy. 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