Write six visual beats

Write six visual beats — guided practice

Turn a short idea into actions that pictures can carry.

Use this original fixture; stick figures and simple objects are sufficient. Title: A Small Surprise. Panel 1: Nia sees an envelope on a table; it says START. Panel 2: close-up of an arrow card pointing toward a bookshelf. Panel 3: Nia reaches toward a star-marked book on that shelf. Panel 4: close-up of a card inside the book: YOU DID IT! Panel 5: Nia writes a fresh card: YOUR TURN. Panel 6: Nia puts a new envelope on the table and smiles. No other character is needed.

1. 1. Separate action from words

   Copy the six-panel script into comic-script.txt. Under each panel write one action verb: notices, reads, reaches, discovers, writes, leaves.

   You should see: All six panels have different visible actions.

   A sequence needs changes, not six restatements of the same moment.

2. 2. Choose the framing

   Mark panels 1, 3, 5, 6 as medium views showing Nia and an object. Mark panels 2 and 4 as close-ups of information. Draw a circle for Nia and rectangles for table, book and cards.

   You should see: Two close-ups emphasize the clue and reward.

   Framing can make a small object readable without more dialogue.

3. 3. Limit the lettering

   Keep the exact in-story words START; YOU DID IT!; YOUR TURN. Use an arrow drawing in panel 2. Reserve a blank area for each written message in your thumbnails.

   You should see: The story uses six in-story words across three messages.

   Planning space for text prevents it from covering the action.

4. 4. Check the sequence

   Read the panels silently in order. Add the star mark both to the target book in panel 3 and the book edge in panel 4. Note that the envelope in 6 restarts the game.

   You should see: The clue, discovery and handoff connect visually.

   Repeated visual identifiers help the reader track an object.