Step Three : Thumbnails

With the script complete, I can start thinking about the art. Before any drawing happens the layout and design for a page has to be planned out. This process is called “Thumbnailing,” so called because the actual sketch of a page can be no larger than a thumbnail. I work small and fast sketching various possible layouts.

This phase isn't about drawing, it's about storytelling. The object is to find the layout that will communicate the story best. Everything from establishing the setting, deciding upon camera placement (long, medium shots and close ups), figuring out lighting and controlling pacing are dealt with here in the thumbnail stage.

When thumbnailing I mark the script with a series of long and short dashes. Long horizontal dashes mark the start of a new page, The short dashes indicate a new panel.