This Graphic Novel was completed in October 2020 as a project for the school's Design Jam. My role in my team is leader / coordinator / scriptwriter / designer. I designed the whole story for this project and write all the chapters. All the writing parts were completed by me.
This Design Jam's narrative universe was in the aftermath of the 1990s San Francisco earthquake, a gap that completely separated the poor and rich neighborhoods. The theme of the event was "Bridging The Gap." When I saw this theme, I started to think, can we believe in other ways besides the monetary "Bridging The Gap"? In other words, is there anything other than money between the poor and the rich that allows them to be connected?
Front Page
This great illustration is created by one of our team illustrator - Ves.
These two main characters are holding hands escaping from "The Gap".
Introduction & Overview
Font Design / Illustrator - Jianjun Liu (Leo). He is the term 8 illustration student in ArtCenter College of Design.
Introduction Writer - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
I wrote the introduction part, describing the background of this graphic novel.
I am using a bystander's perspective in describing what is happening because I will use a very emotional expression later in the article. I think this will create some contrast and allow the reader to feel the intense emotions more intensely.
Character Design - by Jianjun Liu (Leo).
According to the plot I created, there are two main characters in this novel - Connor and Rodgers. Connor's character is a young entrepreneur who lives in a wealthy neighborhood. Rodgers is a poor painter who lives in a poor area but has a talent for painting. Our story is based on the connection of these two characters.
In the collision of these two characters, the reader will feel the process of "Bridging the gap" as they meet, encounter things and change their mindset.
Chapter 1
Scriptwriter - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
Illustrator - Jianjun Liu (Leo)
This paper mainly uses Connor's point of view to complete the description of the story. In the first chapter, Connor's background is first introduced, and Connor's point of view is used to show the reader Rodgers' character.
The meeting of the two characters is very unfriendly. At this point, they have zero connection. They also have prejudices against other people's class, and from Connor's point of view, he is very discriminatory against Rodgers' poor class
Chapter 2
Scriptwriter - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
Illustrator - Qihuan Jiang (A second term game designer in ArtCenter College of Design)
In the second chapter, I wanted the two characters to empathize physically/physically. Both characters are without umbrellas and are in the same place, hiding from the rain. They see each other, and it's natural to think that what the other wants might also be a cup of hot cocoa and a warm blanket.
At this point, two characters developed some empathy.
Chapter 3
Scriptwriter - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
Illustrator - Qihuan Jiang
In this chapter, from Connor's point of view, the two characters are connected on a spiritual level. Connor likes to paint, and Rodgers is a very talented painter. Connor slowly starts to get rid of class prejudice and sees Rodgers in a different light. They have the same hobbies and dreams.
Chapter 4
Scriptwriter - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
Illustrator - Qihuan Jiang
This chapter is the climax of the whole story.
Connor sees the courageous and kind side of Rodgers. He realizes that the poor and the rich are not essentially different. They both love the world. They see others in danger when they will be willing to rescue. For Rodgers, Connor saved his life.
Chapter 5
Scriptwriter - Xueyun Zhang (Me)
Illustrator - Qihuan Jiang
As the resolution of the whole story, chapter 5 brings the great end for the reader. Also, chapter 5 is also the beginning of a new story - where Connor and Rodgers' story begins.
Connor and Rodgers both lost their loved ones in the earthquake, and the two men's longing for their loved ones eventually tied them together.
With such a powerful connection and empathy, the two wholly abandoned/forgotten their identity and wealth differences. The two eventually become partners. The whole story is concluded by Rodgers, who has not said a single word in the article, inviting Connor to go for a drink.
Chapter 5 is also my favorite chapter.
My Teammates
As a Scriptwriter, I really enjoy writing. Creating characters and stories is something I am very good at. I think I have a good sense of the world, and that ability allows me to see things from a different perspective. I think I always have a lot of new IDEAS, and at the same time, when creating this article, I am very much focused on what is inherent in being human — for example, the ability to empathize. I will also pay more attention to character development to try to make my future works better.
Thanks for your time.
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