Nov 11, 2025
1 min read
Want to read more?
Subscribe to howtodrawcomicsacademy.com to keep reading this exclusive post.
top of page
IN THIS ARTICLE
1
Introduction
WRITTEN BY
Clayton Barton
Founder · Instructor · Mentor
A professional comic book artist and educator, Clayton has helped thousands of artists around the world improve their skills and bring their ideas to life through comics.
“Talent is merely the motivation to master that which you’re most passionate about.”
— CLAYTON BARTON
SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING
CROPPING COMIC PANELS FOR IMMERSIVE
SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING
Clayton Barton
Nov 11, 2025 · 1 min read
In this lesson I'm going to show you how to crop the shots for your comic book sequences - so that you can make them even more immersive! I'll share with you my favorite tricks for framing your scenes, as well as when to use them for maximum impact. Most comic artists just starting out don't even realize this mechanism for visual storytelling exists - but you're about to discover what a powerful addition it can be to your toolbox of techniques.
SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING
Page Layouts
What you'll discover in this lesson is that the choices you make for your page layouts comes down to one thing - telling your story. Throughout the demonstration I'll show you a number of panel layout styles, how to determine the best for the story you want to create - then walk you through the decision making process for actually laying out a page that hooks the reader in and holds their attention.
By Clayton Barton · Oct 15, 2025
SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING
Sequential Congruence
There's nothing worse than when you're reading a comic, and there's action and explosions erupting all over the place - buildings are crashing down, the sky is falling - chaos is unfolding!... But the characters are stone cold. It's as if... they're not quite registering what's going on around them. They look like total NPC's! - completely checked out of your story.
This is known as breaking sequential congruence... characters don't quite react appropriately to the goings-on around them.
By Clayton Barton · Oct 14, 2025
SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING
Comic Keyframing
In this lesson, the art of sequencing your story into panels. You'll learn what to show in them, how to present it, and the best way to capture the emotional tone of every moment.
By Clayton Barton · Jul 13, 2025
JOIN THE ACADEMY NEWSLETTER
Art ideas. Insider insight. Straight to your inbox.
Get new articles, tutorials, class updates and creative inspiration delivered to your inbox.
✓ New articles and step-by-step tutorials
✓ Live class and studio session updates
✓ Tips, process and creative inspiration
✓ No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
bottom of page