I want to talk about HOW to make science comics. To do so I'm going to start by going through the Ten Simple Rules for Drawing Scientific Comics - a paper that myself, @MCeeP, and @y_bromberg wrote this year journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/a…
Let's start! 1/n
Let's start! 1/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule* 1: You don't have to be. good at art. Well, what we meant is that you don't have to be traditionally good at drawing to convey the concepts you want to convey [*these are not rules - but suggestions that we thought were helpful] 2/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 2: Comics should be simple. Most of the time the point of science comics/cartoons is that they can take complicated ideas and distill them down to an approachable - this is often the HARD part- don't create a Vennster! 3/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 3: Make it right, not perfect. Especially for infographics or educational comics make sure that you've got the facts right. But often these representations invite interpretation so don't have to be perfect to work well 4/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 4: Characters can improve engagement. Giving objects, animals, or concepts emotion and motivation and allow ing them to interact in interesting ways is really engaging - it can allow you to tell stories 5/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 5: Don’t punch down. Comics and cartoons have power - and as an artist you have power. So think about the implications of what you're creating/posting and don't take cheap shots. But there's more... 6/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 5 (cont.): in using humor think about your privilege and how your joke could feel to others who aren't in your position. This is something I'm still navigating- but think about it and try to do good- and don't be afraid to back down/apologize when necessary. 7/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 6: Tell a story. This is the heart of science communication in many forms. A story has a beginning, conflict, and resolution. Even simple comics can accomplish this. And it makes people want to listen to what you have to say 8/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 7: Draw on what you know and find your own voice. For science explainers and infographics start with what you know. It's easier and it's something you're already passionate about. Find a trusted friend to bounce ideas off of. No, not like that. 9/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 8: Use your imagination. Making analogies is a good way to do this- "Analogies allow the reader to make a connection between something that they can relate to and abstract concepts that may be complex and hard to grasp" 10/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 9: Sketch and draft. Getting the layout on a comic or cartoon right is very important and I usually do one or more sketches to see if I can translate what's in my head to the page. Sometimes my 'brilliant' ideas turn out to be clunkers 11/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg Rule 10: Practice, practice, practice and have fun. If you like doing it then put in the time and have fun with it. This can be difficult (especially if you've got a different job or jobs. that sucks up your time and energy) 12/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg And it's JUST THAT EASY! This article has gotten some actual use. I know it showed up guiding a talk at the recent #GraphicMedicine18 conference 13/n
@MCeeP @y_bromberg And @jayeperview has used it as part of a really exciting program she's a part of working with high school students - where in one part she has them draw their own science comic! 14/n
