: Techniques for making environments reflect their inhabitants (e.g., a messy character should live in a messy home).
: 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?
by Elvin A. Hernandez is a highly-regarded instructional guide that positions the environment as a "silent character" in visual narratives. Book Overview Set the action! Creating Backgrounds for Compel...
The book is structured into three "Acts" that take the reader from foundational concepts to advanced scene design:
: A special comic book sequence created for the book guides readers through do's and don'ts of background design. Critical Reception Who Is It For
: How to use specific props and art styles to enhance the narrative.
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. Book Overview The book is structured into three
– Covers gaining perspective and laying out action.