The book is structured into three "Acts" that take the reader from foundational concepts to advanced scene design:
– Focuses on environmental details and "familiar grounds". Set the action! Creating Backgrounds for Compel...
– Explores advanced scene construction and storytelling. Major topics include: The book is structured into three "Acts" that
: Some readers noted that the perspective section is surprisingly brief compared to other topics. Additionally, while it covers animation and games, there is a heavier emphasis on comic and 2D traditional art rather than high-end 3D game environment rendering. Who Is It For? Additionally, while it covers animation and games, there
This book is best suited for who already have a handle on character design but struggle to ground those characters in a believable world. It is a valuable "missing piece" for visual storytellers looking to master staging and composition.
: Techniques for making environments reflect their inhabitants (e.g., a messy character should live in a messy home).
by Elvin A. Hernandez is a highly-regarded instructional guide that positions the environment as a "silent character" in visual narratives. Book Overview