I am still drawing pages, but felt the need to spend some time reconnecting to the script, to see how the screenplay texts work with the drawings. In October I researched and began “visual scripting.”

• Visual scripting is a technique used by some graphic novelists, in advance of drawing, to “layout” the cells (typically in grids) with the texts (typically dialogue, thought bubbles, narration, description, etc.) in book-format. This can be done using a program like InDesign which allows them to write the book and add image ideas, photos, or notes to guide their drawing process.

• I chose to work in reverse of those graphic novelists, using visual scripting to add text (dialogue, thoughts, narration, description, etc.) to all the images/pages I’ve already drawn. This was easy as I already had a screenplay to work from.
  • This reverse process enables me to work in both directions – to rewrite text or rework drawings as needed. I can now play with fonts, bubble shapes, and text-image integration while keeping both editable.
  • I find the images have more weight in the story telling through this approach.

• Each month I am learning new methods and shortcuts within InDesign thanks to generous practitioners on YouTube. RADIFY is now moving into a “book” file, a file that will eventually go to the printer/publisher.

It is very exciting to start seeing the book emerge!

The post Progress Update December 2022 appeared first on RADIFY by Emily Mode.

• In September I was fortunate to go on a residency in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA).  It was a truly restorative experience after a year and a half of intense social isolation and no vacation or overnight getaways.  I met many wonderful artists and writers there, and the studio space, conversations, nature and swimming opportunities gave me so much joy!
• Much of the fall was about drawing, drawing, drawing and I am loving my new large-scale drawing method. It’s really helped with the pace and the fluidity of the page layout.
• One necessary but draining activity was redrawing around 30 of the initial pages of the book.  They were made in a two-layer process that, once scanned at pro resolution, could not be salvaged without more work than it took to redraw them. The paper I used at the time was different, as well as the drawing technique – this meant the color, texture, and style weren’t up to par. (A time consuming process I was pleased to get out of the way in 2021)
• During October we stayed at a friend’s upstate cottage, which I used as an opportunity to draw as well as attend  “Dismantling Eugenics: Legacies/ Reckonings/ Futures a Convening,” an intersectional cross-disciplinary online conference that will help with tweaks and updates for RADIFY’s dialogue.
• I also began splicing together and photoshop retouching the new high-resolution scans of all artwork finished so far.

SPRING 2022 NEWS

• The months of January and February were a minimal RADIFY productivity period, because I went to assist my parents with medical, care, and home needs. We got a lot done, but I will be setting up more help for them over the coming months.  My brother and our partners have been sharing in the load – so big shout out to them!
• March brought me back to NYC where I am returning to my home studio production mode.

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A part of interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth!

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Here is just my first test scan, done to near perfect – – though it’s now super easy to adjust color, levels, white balance, white and black point, etc before scanning via VueScan:

The post Scanner Software Update – Finally! appeared first on RADIFY by Emily Mode.

But while a serious struggle and scare when my dad had a medical emergency in November, and terrible for keeping up with friends and my general communication skills… I have dug into my inner introvert and have been drawing constantly for the graphic novel.

Best Wishes to All, and I will try to post new images soon!

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While Cadence’s backstory get’s special attention in RADIFY, Alexandra plays a key role as narrator.  So, recently I have been talking with an organization, while reaching out to colleagues and friends, in my search for American Indian, Latina/x, lesbian/queer identified consultant/reader/writers to give feedback and polish Alexandra’s narration and backstory before completing this first book. (And in preparation for book two.)

I am also drawing, drawing, drawing the illustrations!  Fastest pace yet.   “Hallelujah!” for ice packs and compression sleeves.

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