Art & Story 140 – The Big Memoir

This week we’re happy to have special guest panelist Raina Telgemeier aboard to discuss making a memoir comic, using her new book Smile as our basis for meditation on the topic.

We approach the discussion under the following realms of concern:

Sincerity

• How important is it to you to put yourself back in the mindset of the time in which you are writing about? If it is important, how do you achieve that?

Writing Process

• Writing at the thumbs, or start with notes/script? How is this different than fiction?
• Paneling. Was the traditional layouts of the pages a deliberate choice? Would a non-traditional panel layout be inappropriate for this kind of story?

Construction/Art

• Brush inks. How does this change your process of rendering non-organic elements?
• First person POV in some shots. How does this change our relationship with the main character?
• Color vs. Black and White. How did this decision change the way the book was marketed?

And for those interested in getting a free hardcover copy of Smile, you can enter to win it by posting a link to Raina’s Website on Twitter or Facebook between now and midnight EDT, July 14! Just email the link to your post to artandstory-AT-gmail-DOT-com to enter. The winner will be randomly selected to receive a hardcover edition absolutely free!

The Art & Story Theme is written and performed by Mike Gilmore & Mike Johnston of The Northwoods Improvisors.

Audio hosting for Art & Story is provided by Ka-Blam Digital Printing

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