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How to Make the Setting the Main Character?

Have you ever imagined a comic where the true protagonist is not a caped hero, but an entire city? A world where buildings, streets, and architecture come to life, guiding the narrative and captivating the reader? In this fascinating article, we’ll immerse you in the art of turning the setting into the authentic main character of your stories.

We’ll discover the secrets of great drawing masters who have managed to create unique universes, where every corner tells a story and every building hides a mystery. Get ready for a journey through imaginary cities, reinvented architectural styles, and innovative narrative techniques that will transform your way of conceiving settings in comics and illustration.

Are you ready to bring your own worlds to life and make your readers lose themselves in them? Join us on this creative adventure and discover how you can elevate your settings to the level of unforgettable protagonists. Let’s begin!

Masters of Setting: Revolutionizing the Role of Environment in Graphic Narrative

When we create our comics, we usually imagine them based on characters who will guide the story. In most comics, the one who leads the game is a character that the reader encounters issue after issue, adventure after adventure.

However, there is another way of thinking about a plot, one that has been masterfully explored by visionary artists like Francois Schuiten and Benoit Peeters in their project “Obscure Cities”. This series of fantastic comics, started in 1983 and continuing to be produced to this day, revolutionizes graphic narrative by making the story revolve around different settings of an imaginary continent, located in a parallel world.

Image of Obscure Cities

Schuiten and Peeters’ approach not only challenges traditional comic conventions but also opens up a world of possibilities for artists looking to innovate in their visual narrative. Want to take your settings to the next level? Discover how here. Next, we’ll explore some of the strategies these masters used to create fabulous settings that become the true protagonists of their stories.

The City as Protagonist: Transforming Space into Narrator

For Schuiten and Peeters, the setting is not a secondary element, but the central axis around which the entire narrative is organized. In “Obscure Cities”, each city becomes the unit that gives coherence and meaning to the story. Although these settings are entirely fictional, they are conceived with such detail and depth that they could exist in a parallel universe to ours.

Think, for example, of Batman’s Gotham City. Although it doesn’t exist in reality, its somber aesthetic and imposing architecture are fundamental to narrating the Dark Knight’s adventures. Similarly, Schuiten and Peeters create cities that not only serve as a backdrop but determine the tone, atmosphere, and even the rhythm of the narrative.

In one of their stories, everything is circular and enveloping, from the architecture to the way events unfold. In another, square shapes predominate, which is reflected in a more structured and mathematical plot. This coherence between the setting design and the narrative is crucial to create an immersive and convincing world.

To achieve this effect in your own creations, consider how each architectural element can influence the story. How would a city of vertiginous skyscrapers affect the psychology of your characters? What kind of society would develop in an underground metropolis? By thinking of your setting as an active character, you can open up new narrative possibilities and create a richer and more fascinating world for your readers.

The Perfect Synergy: Intertwining Environment and Plot

Image of environment and plot

One of the most fascinating aspects of Schuiten and Peeters’ work is how they achieve a perfect symbiosis between the environment and the plot. For these artists, the creation process doesn’t begin with the search for spectacular or aesthetically impressive settings, but with choosing the environment that best suits the development of the narrative they want to tell.

This approach teaches us that the setting should be much more than a pretty background; it should be an active element that contributes to the meaning and emotional impact of the story. Click here to explore advanced setting design techniques that enhance your visual narrative.

When thinking about your next project, consider how each element of the setting can reinforce the themes and tone of your story. A city of vertiginous skyscrapers for a story about unbridled ambition? A maze of narrow alleys for a plot of mystery and conspiracy? The possibilities are endless when you learn to see the setting as another character in your story.

Imagine, for example, a story set in a city where buildings constantly change shape. How would this affect the lives of the inhabitants? What kind of conflicts or adventures could arise in such an unstable environment? By deeply integrating the setting with the plot, you can create unique and captivating narratives that will keep your readers glued to the pages.

Spatial Coherence: Key to a Credible Universe

Once you’ve chosen the type of universe you’ll develop, the next crucial step is to nourish it with details that give it the greatest possible credibility. Schuiten and Peeters emphasize the importance of creating a coherent space, where characters can move and react with the same naturalness as they would in a real city.

To achieve this coherence, it’s essential to pay attention to every detail of the world you’re creating. From architecture to means of transportation, to the clothing of inhabitants and everyday objects, everything must be part of a logical and well-thought-out ecosystem.

Some tips to ensure the coherence of your setting:

  • Develop a system of internal rules for your world and stick to them.
  • Create a “style book” for your universe, where you document aspects such as the color palette, predominant architectural styles, available technology, etc.
  • Think about the history and evolution of your setting. How has it come to be as it is?
  • Consider how the environment affects the daily life of its inhabitants and reflect this in your designs.

Want to perfect the art of creating coherent worlds? Enter here for more resources.

Spatial coherence not only makes your world more believable, but it also provides a solid foundation for developing more complex and satisfying stories. When your setting makes internal sense, readers can fully immerse themselves in it, accepting even the most fantastic elements as a natural part of that universe.

Altering Reality: How to Create Unique Settings

One of the most effective techniques for creating impactful settings is to take elements from reality and alter them in unexpected ways. Schuiten and Peeters imagine “what if” scenarios in the evolution of architecture and technology, creating worlds that are both familiar and surprisingly different.

Image of altered setting

For example, imagine a world where the Eiffel Tower wasn’t a unique construction, but the model for an entire generation of buildings. What would a city full of variations of this iconic structure look like? This type of mental exercise can lead you to create truly unique and memorable settings.

Some ideas for altering reality in your settings:

  • Choose a point of historical divergence and explore how architecture and technology would have evolved.
  • Combine architectural styles from different eras in unexpected ways.
  • Introduce fantastic or futuristic elements into familiar environments.
  • Play with the proportions and physics of your world to create impossible but visually striking landscapes.

Discover more about how to create unique and captivating settings here.

By creatively altering reality, you can generate a sense of wonder and discovery in your readers. Imagine a city where buildings grow like plants, or a world where gravity works differently in different neighborhoods. These alterations not only create visually striking settings, but they can also serve as powerful metaphors or generate intriguing narrative situations.

Radicalizing Historical Trends: A Journey to the Past to Create the Future

Researching historical currents can be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creating coherent and fascinating spaces. Schuiten and Peeters, for example, immersed themselves in futuristic projects conceived in the past, especially around 1900, to imagine their cities of the future.

This approach not only provides a solid foundation for creating settings, but also adds a layer of depth and authenticity to your fictional world. By radicalizing historical trends, you can create universes that feel both familiar and completely new.

Steps to radicalize historical trends in your settings:

  1. Research architectural and technological movements of the past.
  2. Identify key elements or ideas that were never fully realized.
  3. Imagine how these elements might have evolved if they had been taken to the extreme.
  4. Incorporate these radicalized ideas into your setting design, ensuring they integrate coherently with the rest of your world.

This method will not only help you create unique settings, but can also add a fascinating layer of social or historical commentary to your work. Ready to dive into creating worlds based on historical trends? Explore more here.

For example, you could imagine a world where Art Nouveau never went out of style, taking its organic and fluid forms to unimaginable extremes in modern architecture. Or perhaps you could explore what a society would be like if the futuristic ideas of the 1950s about automated cities had been fully realized. These explorations not only create visually striking settings, but can also serve as subtle commentaries on our own expectations and fears about the future.

Encompassing Styles: Creating Complete Visual Universes

For a setting to truly become the protagonist of your story, it must have a total and enveloping presence. Schuiten and Peeters were inspired by encompassing art movements like Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which sought to involve all levels of reality in their aesthetic.

These styles were not limited to architecture, but extended to all aspects of daily life: from urban furniture to the smallest and most personal objects. By adopting this approach in your settings, you can create a coherent and completely immersive visual universe.

Aspects to consider when developing an encompassing style:

  • Architecture: From the most imposing buildings to the smallest details of facades and ornaments.
  • Urban furniture: Streetlights, benches, signage, etc.
  • Transportation: Vehicles, stations, infrastructure.
  • Interiors: Furniture, decoration, appliances.
  • Fashion and accessories: Clothing, jewelry, personal objects.
  • Graphics and typography: Posters, advertisements, signage.

Remember that what’s important is not historical fidelity, but creating an architectural and visual environment that supports and enriches your narrative in every corner. Want to learn more about creating encompassing styles? Discover it here.

By creating an encompassing style, you’re designing more than a setting; you’re bringing an entire world to life. Imagine, for example, a city where everything, from skyscrapers to spoons, follows a fractal-based design. How would this affect the psychology of its inhabitants? What kind of society would evolve in such a geometrically perfect environment? These considerations not only enrich your setting, but can also generate fascinating ideas for your narrative.

Power Settings: When Architecture Tells a Story

Image of power setting

Encompassing styles are not just an aesthetic tool; they can also be a powerful vehicle for conveying ideas about power, authority, and social control. Schuiten and Peeters were inspired by the “power styles” used by authoritarian regimes, where the monumentality of architecture and the omnipresence of style sought to psychologically crush citizens.

By incorporating these elements into your settings, you can create environments that are not only visually striking, but also communicate complex ideas about society, power, and resistance. This adds an additional layer of depth to your narrative, turning the setting into a silent but powerful commentary on the themes of your story.

Considerations when creating power settings:

  • Scale: Use exaggerated proportions to create a sense of insignificance in the characters.
  • Symmetry and repetition: Create visual patterns that suggest order and control.
  • Open vs. closed spaces: Play with the feeling of exposure or confinement.
  • Symbolism: Incorporate visual elements that represent ideologies or power systems.
  • Contrast: Show the disparity between power structures and spaces inhabited by ordinary citizens.

These power settings not only create an impressive backdrop, but also generate intriguing questions that can drive your narrative: How do characters react to this oppressive environment? What elements can disturb this seemingly unbreakable authority? Is it possible to fight against a setting that seems to predetermine the fate of its inhabitants?

Intrigued by the idea of creating settings that tell stories of power? Delve deeper into the topic here.

Imagine, for example, a city where government buildings are so tall that their domes are lost in the clouds, while citizens’ homes are low and uniform structures. This visual contrast could serve as a powerful metaphor for inequality and social control. Or think of a metropolis where all buildings are connected by elevated bridges, creating a network of constant surveillance. These settings are not only visually striking, but can also generate complex and provocative narratives.

Conclusion: The Art of Bringing Your Settings to Life

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the secrets of great masters like Schuiten and Peeters for turning the setting into the true protagonist of a story. From conceiving cities as narrative units to creating encompassing styles and using architecture as social commentary, we’ve discovered a world of creative possibilities.

Always remember the importance of relating the environment to the plot, researching historical currents, and radicalizing trends to create unique and memorable settings. The key is to look beyond the superficial and understand how each element of the setting can contribute to the narrative and the message you want to convey.

By applying these techniques and concepts in your own work, you’ll be able to elevate your settings from simple backgrounds to authentic characters that captivate your readers’ imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take your ideas to the extreme; often, it’s at the limits of the imaginable where the most innovative and fascinating concepts are born.

Final Words: Your Journey Towards Extraordinary Settings

The secrets and strategies we’ve explored are just the beginning of your journey towards creating extraordinary settings. We invite you to immerse yourself in the comics of Schuiten and Peeters, as well as those of other masters of the genre, to see how these principles come to life in practice.

But most importantly, start imagining and creating your own universes. Every line you draw, every detail you add, is an opportunity to tell a unique and captivating story. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to mix styles, or to challenge conventions. Your unique vision is what will make your settings truly memorable.

Ready to take your setting design skills to the next level? Discover additional resources here.

Remember, the true power of a setting lies in its ability to transport the reader to a completely new and fascinating world. With practice, dedication, and a pinch of creative audacity, you too can create settings that not only complement your stories but become their true protagonists.

Now it’s your turn! Take this knowledge, let your imagination run wild, and start bringing to life worlds that captivate, inspire, and amaze your readers. The canvas is blank, and the possibilities are endless. What extraordinary universe will you create today?

Join us

How to Make the Setting the Main Character?

Have you ever imagined a comic where the true protagonist is not a caped hero, but an entire city? A world where buildings, streets, and architecture come to life, guiding the narrative and captivating the reader? In this fascinating article, we’ll immerse you in the art of turning the setting into the authentic main character of your stories.

We’ll discover the secrets of great drawing masters who have managed to create unique universes, where every corner tells a story and every building hides a mystery. Get ready for a journey through imaginary cities, reinvented architectural styles, and innovative narrative techniques that will transform your way of conceiving settings in comics and illustration.

Are you ready to bring your own worlds to life and make your readers lose themselves in them? Join us on this creative adventure and discover how you can elevate your settings to the level of unforgettable protagonists. Let’s begin!

Masters of Setting: Revolutionizing the Role of Environment in Graphic Narrative

When we create our comics, we usually imagine them based on characters who will guide the story. In most comics, the one who leads the game is a character that the reader encounters issue after issue, adventure after adventure.

However, there is another way of thinking about a plot, one that has been masterfully explored by visionary artists like Francois Schuiten and Benoit Peeters in their project “Obscure Cities”. This series of fantastic comics, started in 1983 and continuing to be produced to this day, revolutionizes graphic narrative by making the story revolve around different settings of an imaginary continent, located in a parallel world.

Image of Obscure Cities

Schuiten and Peeters’ approach not only challenges traditional comic conventions but also opens up a world of possibilities for artists looking to innovate in their visual narrative. Want to take your settings to the next level? Discover how here. Next, we’ll explore some of the strategies these masters used to create fabulous settings that become the true protagonists of their stories.

The City as Protagonist: Transforming Space into Narrator

For Schuiten and Peeters, the setting is not a secondary element, but the central axis around which the entire narrative is organized. In “Obscure Cities”, each city becomes the unit that gives coherence and meaning to the story. Although these settings are entirely fictional, they are conceived with such detail and depth that they could exist in a parallel universe to ours.

Think, for example, of Batman’s Gotham City. Although it doesn’t exist in reality, its somber aesthetic and imposing architecture are fundamental to narrating the Dark Knight’s adventures. Similarly, Schuiten and Peeters create cities that not only serve as a backdrop but determine the tone, atmosphere, and even the rhythm of the narrative.

In one of their stories, everything is circular and enveloping, from the architecture to the way events unfold. In another, square shapes predominate, which is reflected in a more structured and mathematical plot. This coherence between the setting design and the narrative is crucial to create an immersive and convincing world.

To achieve this effect in your own creations, consider how each architectural element can influence the story. How would a city of vertiginous skyscrapers affect the psychology of your characters? What kind of society would develop in an underground metropolis? By thinking of your setting as an active character, you can open up new narrative possibilities and create a richer and more fascinating world for your readers.

The Perfect Synergy: Intertwining Environment and Plot

Image of environment and plot

One of the most fascinating aspects of Schuiten and Peeters’ work is how they achieve a perfect symbiosis between the environment and the plot. For these artists, the creation process doesn’t begin with the search for spectacular or aesthetically impressive settings, but with choosing the environment that best suits the development of the narrative they want to tell.

This approach teaches us that the setting should be much more than a pretty background; it should be an active element that contributes to the meaning and emotional impact of the story. Click here to explore advanced setting design techniques that enhance your visual narrative.

When thinking about your next project, consider how each element of the setting can reinforce the themes and tone of your story. A city of vertiginous skyscrapers for a story about unbridled ambition? A maze of narrow alleys for a plot of mystery and conspiracy? The possibilities are endless when you learn to see the setting as another character in your story.

Imagine, for example, a story set in a city where buildings constantly change shape. How would this affect the lives of the inhabitants? What kind of conflicts or adventures could arise in such an unstable environment? By deeply integrating the setting with the plot, you can create unique and captivating narratives that will keep your readers glued to the pages.

Spatial Coherence: Key to a Credible Universe

Once you’ve chosen the type of universe you’ll develop, the next crucial step is to nourish it with details that give it the greatest possible credibility. Schuiten and Peeters emphasize the importance of creating a coherent space, where characters can move and react with the same naturalness as they would in a real city.

To achieve this coherence, it’s essential to pay attention to every detail of the world you’re creating. From architecture to means of transportation, to the clothing of inhabitants and everyday objects, everything must be part of a logical and well-thought-out ecosystem.

Some tips to ensure the coherence of your setting:

  • Develop a system of internal rules for your world and stick to them.
  • Create a “style book” for your universe, where you document aspects such as the color palette, predominant architectural styles, available technology, etc.
  • Think about the history and evolution of your setting. How has it come to be as it is?
  • Consider how the environment affects the daily life of its inhabitants and reflect this in your designs.

Want to perfect the art of creating coherent worlds? Enter here for more resources.

Spatial coherence not only makes your world more believable, but it also provides a solid foundation for developing more complex and satisfying stories. When your setting makes internal sense, readers can fully immerse themselves in it, accepting even the most fantastic elements as a natural part of that universe.

Altering Reality: How to Create Unique Settings

One of the most effective techniques for creating impactful settings is to take elements from reality and alter them in unexpected ways. Schuiten and Peeters imagine “what if” scenarios in the evolution of architecture and technology, creating worlds that are both familiar and surprisingly different.

Image of altered setting

For example, imagine a world where the Eiffel Tower wasn’t a unique construction, but the model for an entire generation of buildings. What would a city full of variations of this iconic structure look like? This type of mental exercise can lead you to create truly unique and memorable settings.

Some ideas for altering reality in your settings:

  • Choose a point of historical divergence and explore how architecture and technology would have evolved.
  • Combine architectural styles from different eras in unexpected ways.
  • Introduce fantastic or futuristic elements into familiar environments.
  • Play with the proportions and physics of your world to create impossible but visually striking landscapes.

Discover more about how to create unique and captivating settings here.

By creatively altering reality, you can generate a sense of wonder and discovery in your readers. Imagine a city where buildings grow like plants, or a world where gravity works differently in different neighborhoods. These alterations not only create visually striking settings, but they can also serve as powerful metaphors or generate intriguing narrative situations.

Radicalizing Historical Trends: A Journey to the Past to Create the Future

Researching historical currents can be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creating coherent and fascinating spaces. Schuiten and Peeters, for example, immersed themselves in futuristic projects conceived in the past, especially around 1900, to imagine their cities of the future.

This approach not only provides a solid foundation for creating settings, but also adds a layer of depth and authenticity to your fictional world. By radicalizing historical trends, you can create universes that feel both familiar and completely new.

Steps to radicalize historical trends in your settings:

  1. Research architectural and technological movements of the past.
  2. Identify key elements or ideas that were never fully realized.
  3. Imagine how these elements might have evolved if they had been taken to the extreme.
  4. Incorporate these radicalized ideas into your setting design, ensuring they integrate coherently with the rest of your world.

This method will not only help you create unique settings, but can also add a fascinating layer of social or historical commentary to your work. Ready to dive into creating worlds based on historical trends? Explore more here.

For example, you could imagine a world where Art Nouveau never went out of style, taking its organic and fluid forms to unimaginable extremes in modern architecture. Or perhaps you could explore what a society would be like if the futuristic ideas of the 1950s about automated cities had been fully realized. These explorations not only create visually striking settings, but can also serve as subtle commentaries on our own expectations and fears about the future.

Encompassing Styles: Creating Complete Visual Universes

For a setting to truly become the protagonist of your story, it must have a total and enveloping presence. Schuiten and Peeters were inspired by encompassing art movements like Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which sought to involve all levels of reality in their aesthetic.

These styles were not limited to architecture, but extended to all aspects of daily life: from urban furniture to the smallest and most personal objects. By adopting this approach in your settings, you can create a coherent and completely immersive visual universe.

Aspects to consider when developing an encompassing style:

  • Architecture: From the most imposing buildings to the smallest details of facades and ornaments.
  • Urban furniture: Streetlights, benches, signage, etc.
  • Transportation: Vehicles, stations, infrastructure.
  • Interiors: Furniture, decoration, appliances.
  • Fashion and accessories: Clothing, jewelry, personal objects.
  • Graphics and typography: Posters, advertisements, signage.

Remember that what’s important is not historical fidelity, but creating an architectural and visual environment that supports and enriches your narrative in every corner. Want to learn more about creating encompassing styles? Discover it here.

By creating an encompassing style, you’re designing more than a setting; you’re bringing an entire world to life. Imagine, for example, a city where everything, from skyscrapers to spoons, follows a fractal-based design. How would this affect the psychology of its inhabitants? What kind of society would evolve in such a geometrically perfect environment? These considerations not only enrich your setting, but can also generate fascinating ideas for your narrative.

Power Settings: When Architecture Tells a Story

Image of power setting

Encompassing styles are not just an aesthetic tool; they can also be a powerful vehicle for conveying ideas about power, authority, and social control. Schuiten and Peeters were inspired by the “power styles” used by authoritarian regimes, where the monumentality of architecture and the omnipresence of style sought to psychologically crush citizens.

By incorporating these elements into your settings, you can create environments that are not only visually striking, but also communicate complex ideas about society, power, and resistance. This adds an additional layer of depth to your narrative, turning the setting into a silent but powerful commentary on the themes of your story.

Considerations when creating power settings:

  • Scale: Use exaggerated proportions to create a sense of insignificance in the characters.
  • Symmetry and repetition: Create visual patterns that suggest order and control.
  • Open vs. closed spaces: Play with the feeling of exposure or confinement.
  • Symbolism: Incorporate visual elements that represent ideologies or power systems.
  • Contrast: Show the disparity between power structures and spaces inhabited by ordinary citizens.

These power settings not only create an impressive backdrop, but also generate intriguing questions that can drive your narrative: How do characters react to this oppressive environment? What elements can disturb this seemingly unbreakable authority? Is it possible to fight against a setting that seems to predetermine the fate of its inhabitants?

Intrigued by the idea of creating settings that tell stories of power? Delve deeper into the topic here.

Imagine, for example, a city where government buildings are so tall that their domes are lost in the clouds, while citizens’ homes are low and uniform structures. This visual contrast could serve as a powerful metaphor for inequality and social control. Or think of a metropolis where all buildings are connected by elevated bridges, creating a network of constant surveillance. These settings are not only visually striking, but can also generate complex and provocative narratives.

Conclusion: The Art of Bringing Your Settings to Life

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the secrets of great masters like Schuiten and Peeters for turning the setting into the true protagonist of a story. From conceiving cities as narrative units to creating encompassing styles and using architecture as social commentary, we’ve discovered a world of creative possibilities.

Always remember the importance of relating the environment to the plot, researching historical currents, and radicalizing trends to create unique and memorable settings. The key is to look beyond the superficial and understand how each element of the setting can contribute to the narrative and the message you want to convey.

By applying these techniques and concepts in your own work, you’ll be able to elevate your settings from simple backgrounds to authentic characters that captivate your readers’ imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take your ideas to the extreme; often, it’s at the limits of the imaginable where the most innovative and fascinating concepts are born.

Final Words: Your Journey Towards Extraordinary Settings

The secrets and strategies we’ve explored are just the beginning of your journey towards creating extraordinary settings. We invite you to immerse yourself in the comics of Schuiten and Peeters, as well as those of other masters of the genre, to see how these principles come to life in practice.

But most importantly, start imagining and creating your own universes. Every line you draw, every detail you add, is an opportunity to tell a unique and captivating story. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to mix styles, or to challenge conventions. Your unique vision is what will make your settings truly memorable.

Ready to take your setting design skills to the next level? Discover additional resources here.

Remember, the true power of a setting lies in its ability to transport the reader to a completely new and fascinating world. With practice, dedication, and a pinch of creative audacity, you too can create settings that not only complement your stories but become their true protagonists.

Now it’s your turn! Take this knowledge, let your imagination run wild, and start bringing to life worlds that captivate, inspire, and amaze your readers. The canvas is blank, and the possibilities are endless. What extraordinary universe will you create today?

Workbook