That's a brilliant story open would you mind if I use it in my own story writing? I realise I'm probably taking this too seriously considering this comment is a year old but I just wanted to ask your permission...
I'm writing on a very complex and detailed story/world right now, and I was going crazy over the beginning cause there is so much info that needs to be told.. and today I browse youtube and this pops up, it's a sign. I think I will do the flashback thing, that's very fitting actually. kind of like two stories told parallel to each other. I can't thank you enough right now
The flashback technique can work well but can be slippery slope as it require a good deal of attention, from both writer AND reader, so if your story is somewhat "meh", the reader might go "I don't know where this guy's going... and I don't really care".
Wow mark I absolutely love your videos. Im a 911 dispatcher in a small town where not a lot goes on so you can bet Ill be going through your playlist tonight! I have a degree from the art institute but its been two years or more since I even picked up a pencil or tablet... I had some big life changes like divorce etc, but the point is... getting back into drawing is so daunting. I have these novels I have been working on for years (at least two pretty good stories) and I want to make them into comics. Your videos are really really inspiring me and making me think about things I hadnt before. Thank you so much for being you. Its people like you and Trent Kaniuga and Robert Marzullo that make me hate my art degree and the 50 THOUSAND dollars I still owe in loans. When I was 18 I wish I had known what I know now and I never would have gone to art college in 2003. There is so much knowledge to be shared for free and I am so thankful to you for your videos and sharing your advice and, frankly, your mistakes. Thank you and I am looking into buying some of your books when I get paid!!!
"The day that nothing happened", a story about things happening everyday. Stress, relationships, expectations...And then one day, nothing. This, is the story of a moment of calm, and contemplation; a new way of thinking about what makes every days everyday and this moment of nothingness so special. All of us need breaks sometimes, but it takes alot for the modern man to allow himself to do something as simple as looking at the sky... setting ideas: A) Power blackout (no internet nor modern ways to pass time) B) Lost midway on a trip (preferably in middle of nowhere, or forced break while waiting for the trip to resume) C) That time of the year (before own or an event anniversary you have to attend but not to organize) D) Rainy/snowy day (last minute planning of the day cancel, a blank canvas to paint the day on yet no inspiration) recommanded format: A) One-shot (because of the nature of the setting limited to one day) B) episodic (those "special days" can happen once in a while, and be stand alone stories) Define "day that nothing happens = story about things happening": A) When lost in the moment, it is more likely to notice what usually never catch the eye. Like that one spider roomate you have. B) Things may not happen to you, but they still happen to others. Observation of what you overlook, and meditation. Have a good day, and stay inspired. ^^ -A stranger from the internets
It could work. So I have an idea, you keep hinting at the "possibility" of something BIG happening but by the end nothing happened, or have it just be someone daydreaming about something. Just a suggestion, ignore if you want. Do want ever you want and have fun :)
@@totallycrazystudios1801 Or maybe something big for others is happening, but for you it's just your usual routine. Think of it like that artist who painted a single picture for 100h in the course of a few months, totally bored of looking at the same thing over and over again each day... And yet, when they post it online it's a masterpiece that slaps the random viewer in the face in a single instant since they just see the end tesult. The gap in expectations and relationship to the image, which is superb (bonus point if theme of freedom as the subject) for one and reminding the other of all these days/weeks/months isolated from the outside world to keep up with the deadline, may be an interesting subject to explore Because big works like this...Nothing else is "happening" when you're totally focused on them, they they become a routine, you're past the creative phase and have to render methodically everything. Nothing is happening anymore as imagination and passion goes. All the next days, are days when nothin but auto-pilot mode are happening, till you realise how much time have passed like you'd got out of a trance.
Jasiu Yeah. It’s a real testament to how far a piece can come when you take your time and refine the elements. The final picture was quite lovely, but the early sketch looked freakin’ awful. 😛
I don't know if I'll be of any help, but I too have had issues with writing the middle of my stories. A few teachers I've spoken too have helped me out a lot. The way I "flesh out" the middle of my writings is quite simple. You decide how your book/story is supposedly going to end and begin, and think logically in a linear fashion. Think of the beginning and what the minimal requirements are for your story to reach the ending. Once you have that figured out you begin to add, let's call them events. You add events that slowly build your story to it's climax. You want these events to be logical and follow the story, but now you know what is required to get to the ending, hence making it easier for your imagination to build these events for you. You simply fill the middle of your story with these "Events" making sure they progress the story obviously, but it also helps with making the process fun. I love coming up with challenges for my protagonist(s) to overcome, and they tend to grow from them. Also, take your time planning the story. Give it a few months, don't rush it. It's best to have a decent premise to build a sturdy plot from. If you don't have a plot in mind you'll never make a coherent story, it'll be jumbled up and difficult to progress the story in an understandable way. And most importantly Enjoy doing it! Sorry for the insanely long reply, hope I was able to help in any way ~ Auren
Auren JL this is very helpful! Im currently writing a script/summary of a comic i wanna make. So far I know the ending and how it starts but the middle eluded me. I know there’s going to be little scenarios that occurs each in-story day that slowly makes the characters learn more about each other.
I'm very glad I could be helpful! And if you have any questions feel free to ask me anything. I'm, by no means a great writer, but I may be able to help, who knows? I hope you're having a blast writing your script/summary. And once again, I'm happy I could help in any way! ~ Auren
I think writer of Ratatouille purposely made exposition knowing that concept of rat that cooks is, by itself, interesting enough to capture attention so he can get away with explaining it rather than making one hour long intro.
What a lovely portrayal of Moana, and what incredible advice on storytelling. Thank you Mark, for all you do to encourage the creative growth of your viewers.
The original Spyro game starts with a tv interview, the villain just so happens to be watching, one of the other dragons says something that he probably shouldn’t have and the adventure starts after that.... also take a look at “The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning” for a great beginning of a story
I actually have the opposite problem of a lot of people here, I'm *way* over-analytical and I'm pretty sure this has deadened my creativity and ability to daydream.
"When unaware what can be done, you're overhelmed by uncertainty. When you know what can be done, it is indecision that set you back." -Someone, probably
I was working on a big fantasy world. Had several stories in it in mind, but lately I'm in a bit of a slump. Going to organize my notes (got way too much of those) until I get out of my slump. Also thinking about writing a novel in a completely different genre. Start something fresh you know. I've also been drawing a lot lately, something I used to only do occasionally, but then get bored, because it looked horrible. But recently I started producing drawings that looked kind of decent and since then I've been enjoying drawing a lot. Sometimes I draw several drawings a day.
If you want a suggestion, my idea is to use it as a break and don't force yourself to be creative ALL THE TIME. It's more enjoyable it seems and has less boundaries.
If you have multiple ideas for stories set in the same world, you could write about them as an anthology. If you don't know an anthology is a collection of stories, often focusing on different characters, but following a shared theme or setting.
Very insightful and useful tips, Mark. Thanks! Your examples of different movies and your books, illustrated your points perfectly. I learned a lot! Besides that, I realized that I really would like to order your Miki Falls books, as that opening scene is a really interest-grabber and I do so love your illustrations.
Hi :) I just want to say thank you and good job ! For making these videos. I've been watching for tutorial for 5 years now, there are times that I just want to give up on drawing, watching your drawing timelapse with the music you made with garage band back then, really motivate me to continue. Now that I'm a university student studying art, I want to say Thank you =D and I hope that you will continue making these videos.
I just want to say Thank you for starting a channel Mark. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks you are a great teacher. You keep everything fun. You remind me of my art teacher going through grade school. He like you knew how to keep a students attention. You also have the ability to speak with inflection! Keep up the great work Mark!!!
You cant imagine how amazingly helpful this is, from someone who i'm not only admiring, but who also has experience on storytelling as well as the knowledge behind it. Especialy since i am writting a book myself right now. For exmaple, This is my first book that i am writing, and i am currently stuck at the beginning. My problem is, I dont know how i should begin with my story. I have to introduce the readers to so much information both character and world wise, so they understand what is going on. But how should i approach them? Should i use a scene where i am showing the ordinary life-style of my main character, In which something different happened on that day? Grab a scene that is right in the action, with all the deep storytelling? Maybe even use an exposition to tell the viewers, whats going on? Or just making multiple, little scenes where the information comes together bit by bit, piece by piece? To top things off, maybe just combine all things? You clearly showed alot of options that someone can take on. For both the actual world and the character. Through exposition, scenes, through a beginning before the actual beginning, or even just chopping off some of the infos itself. Still, it helped me alot. I am really grateful, that you showed us possible ways, tipps and explained, how they work. I am really looking forward to even more of your storytelling tips, besides those which you already made. Really thankful for this.
My favorite beginning of something is the Concerning Hobbits scene from The Fellowship of The Ring. Funnily enough, it's both an exposition AND a scene of sorts.
Would love some advice: I have been writing a story since High School (now 25). It was a side project that I have been creating and have evolved multiple times. I am writing beginning to end and I can't wait to finish it. The problem I have is now that I work long hours each day, I find it difficult to get back into my writing; I find myself wanting to do other things instead of writing. I think I have a fear of finishing projects. This has happened to me before, usually start something and just when I am about to finish, I stop. I heard from somewhere that once you lose interest in your story, then it must not have been a good story to begin with, but I cannot agree with that. I want someone to read my story, even if its only 1 person. I need to force myself back into this without burning me down in the process. I tried just jumping back into writing (reverse cold-turkey) and it felt like homework. I even started drawing some of my characters which helped for a bit, but then it was just a small high. The story is always on my mind, and I carry a notebook with me everywhere for adding ideas or sketches. Not sure what the best approach is to get back my love of writing.
Nin10 you gotta embrace your inner Nike and just do it. If the goal of finishing it is a goal you want to get to it may be hard work but that's ok. If you already know the story and its a matter of construction then it may just have to be a grind.
I recommend to analyse plays from the 16th century. I particularly know about french (Molière, Flaubert, Victor Hugo) and german plays (Goethe, Schiller) in that time but it's really useful for your own story telling. (Shakespear did it too in the plays I've read and analyzed) The beginning in these plays was a very important and well thought concept. It introduces the characters, their personalities and the setting.
the story prelude is a great way to start a story if your main character leads a dual life. my favorite movies that this is done are the indiana jones series. the advantage of this is to also capture the audience with an interesting opening.
Thank you so much for this video! I struggle with beginnings so much. I've had to rewrite my beginnings several times and I'm still not satisfied with them.
I like stories in media res with flashbacks, leaving a lot of details to be hinted at by dialogue or environment, letting the world unfold in the reader's mind organically.
After watching so much of your videos, I must thank you so much for sharing. It's being very helpful to me and has helped me discover another artist to follow. I just bought Brody's Ghost on Amazon, and once I can, I'll make sure to try and get some of your more recent and earlier work :D
A way to (possibly) make an interesting exposition; make it like a lesson at school. If you need teach the reader something above your world's history actually make it a lesson that your character is learning if possible. If the character is too old for school but you still want you use it maybe make it like a flashback or if your character has kids maybe make it your character's kid is learning through maybe a small POV change.
Great stuff Mark! I'm learning tons just by watching you. No excuses and honest critiques of your own work is great. I'm glad I stumbled across your channel!
Great tips! Gave me inspiration! My favorite tip I have found so far is that it's okay (and extremely normal) that the first draft sucks. Takes the pressure off to know that first time around you don't have to think about grammar and all that if you don't want to, there are plenty of time for that in the re-editing several times. I think this might lift writer's block quite a bit - let it suck! Get down the general idea and leave the rest for later. :)
for those of you who still doesn't quite get exposition...think of the movie Deadpool and how he does that quite often. It also kind of entwines with breaking the fourth wall.
The story starter that I did in my comic is I made a one chapter character, and had the main character act as a teacher for this character so everything he learned, the reader also learned.
I know a very good example for the beginning before the beginning from My Little Pony Season 7 (Spoiler to anyone who hasn't seen The Perfect Pear yet). In the beginning of the episode we see the little filly Apple Bloom going around in the market and she meets an old man named Grand Pear selling pear jam who according to a customer used to live in Ponyville a long time ago. He seems very nice and gives Apple Bloom a jar for free. As it is later found out through various flashbacks by various people that tell Apple Bloom and her siblings Applejack and Big MacIntosh the story, Grand Pear is actually their grandfather and the father of their mother. Their parents have long before been confirmed to be dead by the creators of the show and only at rare moments that subject had even slightly been touches on, so finding out their actual story after seven years of the show was a surprising and unexpected thing. The episode tells how their father Bright Mac's family and their mother Pear Butter "Buttercup"'s family are in a feud but the two fall in love à la Romeo and Juliette. Eventually the much younger and stronger Grand Pear decides for their family to move and Pear Butter is forced to say her secret love goodbye. But Bright Mac organises a secret wedding and proposes. As they're about to get married, both their parents find out about them and pull them apart. Grand Pear says, Buttercup has to stay with her family but she replies "They're my family now too." "Are you choosing them over us?" "Are you making me choose?" Grand Pear pauses. Then he says strictly: "Yes, I am!" She chooses her new husband's family and Grand Pear leaves. When afterwards Apple Bloom and her siblings confront the now old and weak Grand Pear at the market he is so full of regret and his voice trembles as he apologizes for leaving back then. It is such a powerful moment that I seriously tear up a bit every time I see it. In my opinion that is a great use of the beginning before the beginning.
Just as a general question/statement that I'm curious about, do guys have a hard time making girls look feminine just like girls have trouble making guys look masculine? I'm not saying that all guys can't make girls look feminine or that all girls can't make guys look masculine, it's just something that I've wondered about because I myself struggle with making guys look masculine.
Darcy Hollows I think for me it’s usually because I’m used to drawing female faces and haven’t really studied up on male anatomy. I’m sure it also has to do with the fact that I have a feminine face and I see more girls than guys, but for me I would say it’s mostly from lack of practice :)
"Exposition" isn't just spoken omniscient narration. It can also be dialog where characters will "conveniently," albeit possibly kind of artificially sounding (and in that is the risk), sum up what you need to know. Or in self-talk, which kinds of blends with the omniscient narrator somewhat, being perhaps the second most crude dump of information. "Arrested development" had great narration, that's something whose condemnation as something formulaic in a way is itself formulaic.
It is so interesting I stumbled upon this video! I been watching 4 new anime pilots today and each other had a different start to the story and I was thinking to myself why I didn't like a certain pilot episode and enjoyed others. I thought mostly pacing had a lot to do with it and where in the story they first drop the viewer. I think a little exposition is fine. Just some shows/movies overdo it. Especially, anime.
42nd comment! you rock mark thanks for all the Awesome years! if you see this I hope I can meet you one day and show you my art, you are my inspiration when drawing :)
Mark..... it's like you're reading my mind and watching me from afar. I'm trying to create a one-shot for a competition, but I just didn't know how to start it out and the deadline is drawing near.All hail the Crilley!!!!!!
Hey Mark! Fab vid in ur next story telling tips video u should talk about the relationship between the two main characters. Disney it's self have stated that the hart of the story is the relationship between the two main characters how they interact with each other. Is one super possative and the other really negative? Is one female and the other male? Do they hate, like or love each other? Etc ... ps ur drawing of Moana is SUPERB! 😃
That depends on the story for me. For some, I let them flow. For others, I have at the ending thought out in my head. Yeah, it's nice doing it a mix of both ways.
This is my first ever UA-cam comment and I want to use it to tell you how much I love your videos and art style :) Could you do a draw my life video? I just thought it'd be interesting and we'd get to know more about why you went to Japan to teach and what inspired you to become an artist etc. BTW, Brody's Ghost is my favourite comic series!
He's a very well practiced professional. He's probably been drawing for at least half as long as you've been alive, if not longer. Of course he's going to be awesome! But, with dedication, if it's something you want to improve at, you certainly can improve yourself. I would recommend taking a drawing class once you get to college, it definitely can help you smooth out all the problems in your compositions that make you scratch your head wondering what went wrong. :D Have a good day!
Oh yeah, while writting prose fiction I've found myself seeing where the story goes as I write and going back to add a bit of foreshadowing and a more tactful direction towards the end or future events. Though sometimes I get a clear Idea of the end in sight at the beginning but do change things up and go back on second and at times even third drafts.
![BAD GUYS: 12 Tips to Help You [Chibi Joker]](/img/n.gif)
I'm proud of myself. My first sentence:
"It's easier to pull the trigger if you look away."
That's a brilliant story open would you mind if I use it in my own story writing? I realise I'm probably taking this too seriously considering this comment is a year old but I just wanted to ask your permission...
@@mrhufflepuff6443 what's your story about maybe I can help you with your story opener
Maybe it can be a spy show/noir or Wild West showdown
@@mrhufflepuff6443 not cool
Assassin's Guilt love that!! very attention grabbing and i love your profile pic so much ❤️💙
Thank you so much, Mark
I've watched your videos since I was a teenager and you've always been a fantastic teacher
i bet now he feels old xD
I'm watching his videos from when I'm a kid now I'm a teenager
I'm going to post my drawing videos from 24 Oct plz subscribe
Same here :)
Actual Kit same!
I'm writing on a very complex and detailed story/world right now, and I was going crazy over the beginning cause there is so much info that needs to be told.. and today I browse youtube and this pops up, it's a sign. I think I will do the flashback thing, that's very fitting actually. kind of like two stories told parallel to each other. I can't thank you enough right now
How's that story going? 🙏
The flashback technique can work well but can be slippery slope as it require a good deal of attention, from both writer AND reader, so if your story is somewhat "meh", the reader might go "I don't know where this guy's going... and I don't really care".
I wish you were my art teacher ;-;
haha same.
Edsel Aguilar i wish too ....😔
If you watch him, he is! :D
Me too, then again I wish *anyone* would be my art teacher besides the one I have right now...
Ikr. I mean my art teacher wasn't bad
Wow mark I absolutely love your videos. Im a 911 dispatcher in a small town where not a lot goes on so you can bet Ill be going through your playlist tonight! I have a degree from the art institute but its been two years or more since I even picked up a pencil or tablet... I had some big life changes like divorce etc, but the point is... getting back into drawing is so daunting. I have these novels I have been working on for years (at least two pretty good stories) and I want to make them into comics. Your videos are really really inspiring me and making me think about things I hadnt before. Thank you so much for being you. Its people like you and Trent Kaniuga and Robert Marzullo that make me hate my art degree and the 50 THOUSAND dollars I still owe in loans. When I was 18 I wish I had known what I know now and I never would have gone to art college in 2003. There is so much knowledge to be shared for free and I am so thankful to you for your videos and sharing your advice and, frankly, your mistakes. Thank you and I am looking into buying some of your books when I get paid!!!
I like how the first pages of Miki Falls immediately fulfills the title in a very literal way :P
Does it involve miki falling?
New lifegoal:
Writing a story about the day that nothing happened
Great video though! ;D
"The day that nothing happened", a story about things happening everyday. Stress, relationships, expectations...And then one day, nothing. This, is the story of a moment of calm, and contemplation; a new way of thinking about what makes every days everyday and this moment of nothingness so special. All of us need breaks sometimes, but it takes alot for the modern man to allow himself to do something as simple as looking at the sky...
setting ideas:
A) Power blackout (no internet nor modern ways to pass time)
B) Lost midway on a trip (preferably in middle of nowhere, or forced break while waiting for the trip to resume)
C) That time of the year (before own or an event anniversary you have to attend but not to organize)
D) Rainy/snowy day (last minute planning of the day cancel, a blank canvas to paint the day on yet no inspiration)
recommanded format:
A) One-shot (because of the nature of the setting limited to one day)
B) episodic (those "special days" can happen once in a while, and be stand alone stories)
Define "day that nothing happens = story about things happening":
A) When lost in the moment, it is more likely to notice what usually never catch the eye. Like that one spider roomate you have.
B) Things may not happen to you, but they still happen to others. Observation of what you overlook, and meditation.
Have a good day, and stay inspired. ^^
-A stranger from the internets
Since something is always happening somewhere in the world, a day where nothing unusual happened would be the most unusual day of all.
It could work. So I have an idea, you keep hinting at the "possibility" of something BIG happening but by the end nothing happened, or have it just be someone daydreaming about something.
Just a suggestion, ignore if you want. Do want ever you want and have fun :)
@@renookami4651
Those are good
@@totallycrazystudios1801 Or maybe something big for others is happening, but for you it's just your usual routine. Think of it like that artist who painted a single picture for 100h in the course of a few months, totally bored of looking at the same thing over and over again each day...
And yet, when they post it online it's a masterpiece that slaps the random viewer in the face in a single instant since they just see the end tesult.
The gap in expectations and relationship to the image, which is superb (bonus point if theme of freedom as the subject) for one and reminding the other of all these days/weeks/months isolated from the outside world to keep up with the deadline, may be an interesting subject to explore
Because big works like this...Nothing else is "happening" when you're totally focused on them, they they become a routine, you're past the creative phase and have to render methodically everything. Nothing is happening anymore as imagination and passion goes. All the next days, are days when nothin but auto-pilot mode are happening, till you realise how much time have passed like you'd got out of a trance.
Always love these story telling vids.
if you are into super analytical talk about storytelling I highly recommend you to watch Brandon Sanderson writing class.
Saito Gaika oh cool, I’ll search him up. thanks
The early sketch of Moana looks kinda like original Playstation's Lara Croft
Jasiu Yeah. It’s a real testament to how far a piece can come when you take your time and refine the elements. The final picture was quite lovely, but the early sketch looked freakin’ awful. 😛
GenreChowderStudios : The starting sketch didn't look awful, just highly minimalist.
Jasiu can confirm
Kinda
I thought pocahontus
Story middles please that's the hardest part for me please
I don't know if I'll be of any help, but I too have had issues with writing the middle of my stories. A few teachers I've spoken too have helped me out a lot.
The way I "flesh out" the middle of my writings is quite simple. You decide how your book/story is supposedly going to end and begin, and think logically in a linear fashion. Think of the beginning and what the minimal requirements are for your story to reach the ending.
Once you have that figured out you begin to add, let's call them events. You add events that slowly build your story to it's climax. You want these events to be logical and follow the story, but now you know what is required to get to the ending, hence making it easier for your imagination to build these events for you.
You simply fill the middle of your story with these "Events" making sure they progress the story obviously, but it also helps with making the process fun. I love coming up with challenges for my protagonist(s) to overcome, and they tend to grow from them.
Also, take your time planning the story. Give it a few months, don't rush it. It's best to have a decent premise to build a sturdy plot from. If you don't have a plot in mind you'll never make a coherent story, it'll be jumbled up and difficult to progress the story in an understandable way.
And most importantly Enjoy doing it!
Sorry for the insanely long reply, hope I was able to help in any way ~ Auren
Auren JL this is very helpful!
Im currently writing a script/summary of a comic i wanna make.
So far I know the ending and how it starts but the middle eluded me.
I know there’s going to be little scenarios that occurs each in-story day that slowly makes the characters learn more about each other.
I'm very glad I could be helpful! And if you have any questions feel free to ask me anything. I'm, by no means a great writer, but I may be able to help, who knows?
I hope you're having a blast writing your script/summary. And once again, I'm happy I could help in any way! ~ Auren
Gangerworld omg me too!! 😢
I feel your pain 😣😣😣😣😣
I think writer of Ratatouille purposely made exposition knowing that concept of rat that cooks is, by itself, interesting enough to capture attention so he can get away with explaining it rather than making one hour long intro.
mark crilley for president
@Bristol Jakubowski ^ Thia sounds weirdly misterious..
What a lovely portrayal of Moana, and what incredible advice on storytelling.
Thank you Mark, for all you do to encourage the creative growth of your viewers.
Thank you!
What a great, wholesome comment
Love the art in Brody's. Being this good at drawing & a writer is a cheat code.
The original Spyro game starts with a tv interview, the villain just so happens to be watching, one of the other dragons says something that he probably shouldn’t have and the adventure starts after that.... also take a look at “The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning” for a great beginning of a story
I actually have the opposite problem of a lot of people here, I'm *way* over-analytical and I'm pretty sure this has deadened my creativity and ability to daydream.
"When unaware what can be done, you're overhelmed by uncertainty. When you know what can be done, it is indecision that set you back."
-Someone, probably
I was working on a big fantasy world. Had several stories in it in mind, but lately I'm in a bit of a slump. Going to organize my notes (got way too much of those) until I get out of my slump. Also thinking about writing a novel in a completely different genre. Start something fresh you know.
I've also been drawing a lot lately, something I used to only do occasionally, but then get bored, because it looked horrible. But recently I started producing drawings that looked kind of decent and since then I've been enjoying drawing a lot. Sometimes I draw several drawings a day.
If you want a suggestion, my idea is to use it as a break and don't force yourself to be creative ALL THE TIME. It's more enjoyable it seems and has less boundaries.
I never use notes lol
If you have multiple ideas for stories set in the same world, you could write about them as an anthology. If you don't know an anthology is a collection of stories, often focusing on different characters, but following a shared theme or setting.
I needed this so badly, thanks Mark
As always, incredible stuff, Sir!! Thank you!!
what can I say except
*YOUR WELCOME*
XD
You’re* ik I’m a year late but idc
+
You’re*
Believe it or not, I use day dreaming and strangely I have thought about making a beginning of my manga.
Return Of CANIDS the Innovator Same here! :D
Douglas Adams - Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy has the best "First Sentence". It's one word - 'Yellow'. the story builds from there.
Thanks for the tips Mark--the way you explain things is very clear!
Very insightful and useful tips, Mark. Thanks! Your examples of different movies and your books, illustrated your points perfectly. I learned a lot! Besides that, I realized that I really would like to order your Miki Falls books, as that opening scene is a really interest-grabber and I do so love your illustrations.
Thank you so much! Hope you'll be pleased with it :)
hi Mark:)
Finding a way to begin my stories has always been a struggle. Thanks Mark! This was very helpful.
i’ve been watching this guy since i was in elementary school! and now i’m graduating high school!! what a journey :-)
Hi :) I just want to say thank you and good job ! For making these videos. I've been watching for tutorial for 5 years now, there are times that I just want to give up on drawing, watching your drawing timelapse with the music you made with garage band back then, really motivate me to continue. Now that I'm a university student studying art, I want to say Thank you =D and I hope that you will continue making these videos.
Thanks a lot Crilly :)
can you also do more videos on camera angles and scenes' settings in mangas and storyboards?
Here's my vid on camera angles: ua-cam.com/video/Hz70PymDCCw/v-deo.html
I just want to say Thank you for starting a channel Mark. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks you are a great teacher. You keep everything fun. You remind me of my art teacher going through grade school. He like you knew how to keep a students attention. You also have the ability to speak with inflection! Keep up the great work Mark!!!
Thank you for your kind words :)
Mark, I've been watching ur vids since middle school and I've always thought ur voice was really relaxing to listen to
You cant imagine how amazingly helpful this is,
from someone who i'm not only admiring, but who also has experience on storytelling
as well as the knowledge behind it.
Especialy since i am writting a book myself right now.
For exmaple, This is my first book that i am writing, and i am currently stuck at the beginning.
My problem is, I dont know how i should begin with my story. I have to introduce
the readers to so much information both character and world wise,
so they understand what is going on. But how should i approach them?
Should i use a scene where i am showing the ordinary life-style of my main character,
In which something different happened on that day? Grab a scene that is right in the action, with all the
deep storytelling? Maybe even use an exposition to tell the viewers, whats going on?
Or just making multiple, little scenes where the information comes together bit by bit, piece by piece?
To top things off, maybe just combine all things?
You clearly showed alot of options that someone can take on.
For both the actual world and the character. Through exposition, scenes,
through a beginning before the actual beginning, or even just chopping off some of the infos itself.
Still, it helped me alot. I am really grateful, that you showed us possible ways,
tipps and explained, how they work.
I am really looking forward to even more of your storytelling tips, besides those
which you already made. Really thankful for this.
My favorite beginning of something is the Concerning Hobbits scene from The Fellowship of The Ring.
Funnily enough, it's both an exposition AND a scene of sorts.
How awesome!: Just as I'm wondering about how to begin my own story, Mark Crilley puts out a video on exactly that topic!
I love it how exposition can be infinitely better if you just wrote as a flashback to get info on characters.
I love watching these videos while working on my comic :D
Love you Mark
I cannot believe that that drawing came from a pretty derpy one
I've got a looong ways to go
Would love some advice: I have been writing a story since High School (now 25). It was a side project that I have been creating and have evolved multiple times. I am writing beginning to end and I can't wait to finish it. The problem I have is now that I work long hours each day, I find it difficult to get back into my writing; I find myself wanting to do other things instead of writing. I think I have a fear of finishing projects. This has happened to me before, usually start something and just when I am about to finish, I stop. I heard from somewhere that once you lose interest in your story, then it must not have been a good story to begin with, but I cannot agree with that. I want someone to read my story, even if its only 1 person. I need to force myself back into this without burning me down in the process. I tried just jumping back into writing (reverse cold-turkey) and it felt like homework. I even started drawing some of my characters which helped for a bit, but then it was just a small high. The story is always on my mind, and I carry a notebook with me everywhere for adding ideas or sketches. Not sure what the best approach is to get back my love of writing.
Nin10 you gotta embrace your inner Nike and just do it.
If the goal of finishing it is a goal you want to get to it may be hard work but that's ok. If you already know the story and its a matter of construction then it may just have to be a grind.
Your drawing is great. Loved her.
I recommend to analyse plays from the 16th century. I particularly know about french (Molière, Flaubert, Victor Hugo) and german plays (Goethe, Schiller) in that time but it's really useful for your own story telling. (Shakespear did it too in the plays I've read and analyzed) The beginning in these plays was a very important and well thought concept. It introduces the characters, their personalities and the setting.
I realized that the first chapter of my story has all these points checked :D I should be happy, I guess?
Just in time, Mark! Was just about to start an essay for my English class and I was in need of much MUCH help.
the story prelude is a great way to start a story if your main character leads a dual life. my favorite movies that this is done are the indiana jones series. the advantage of this is to also capture the audience with an interesting opening.
Thank you so much for this video! I struggle with beginnings so much. I've had to rewrite my beginnings several times and I'm still not satisfied with them.
Thanks. This helped me a lot since im beginning a series at the age of 14
I like stories in media res with flashbacks, leaving a lot of details to be hinted at by dialogue or environment, letting the world unfold in the reader's mind organically.
Love this video, especially the drawing of Moana! And oh, I think you may have helped me with the beginning of a novel I'm writing.
After watching so much of your videos, I must thank you so much for sharing. It's being very helpful to me and has helped me discover another artist to follow. I just bought Brody's Ghost on Amazon, and once I can, I'll make sure to try and get some of your more recent and earlier work :D
Thank you so much, Simon!
old man time-lapse is the best character.
A way to (possibly) make an interesting exposition; make it like a lesson at school.
If you need teach the reader something above your world's history actually make it a lesson that your character is learning if possible. If the character is too old for school but you still want you use it maybe make it like a flashback or if your character has kids maybe make it your character's kid is learning through maybe a small POV change.
Or a narration, If it fits the theme of the story.
@@patrikvizvari4486
True
I am stuck writing the beginning of my story. Changing it again now. This really helps. Thank you. :D
Great stuff Mark! I'm learning tons just by watching you. No excuses and honest critiques of your own work is great. I'm glad I stumbled across your channel!
Great tips! Gave me inspiration! My favorite tip I have found so far is that it's okay (and extremely normal) that the first draft sucks. Takes the pressure off to know that first time around you don't have to think about grammar and all that if you don't want to, there are plenty of time for that in the re-editing several times. I think this might lift writer's block quite a bit - let it suck! Get down the general idea and leave the rest for later. :)
for those of you who still doesn't quite get exposition...think of the movie Deadpool and how he does that quite often. It also kind of entwines with breaking the fourth wall.
The story starter that I did in my comic is I made a one chapter character, and had the main character act as a teacher for this character so everything he learned, the reader also learned.
thethumbnail moana was cross eyed xD love you mark
Dear Mark. You are one of the best artists on UA-cam I enjoy to watch. i learnd so much from youre videos. Thnak You for this and God bless You.
Thank you so much Mark.this was very helpful for me! your the best and i love your drawings
I know a very good example for the beginning before the beginning from My Little Pony Season 7 (Spoiler to anyone who hasn't seen The Perfect Pear yet).
In the beginning of the episode we see the little filly Apple Bloom going around in the market and she meets an old man named Grand Pear selling pear jam who according to a customer used to live in Ponyville a long time ago. He seems very nice and gives Apple Bloom a jar for free. As it is later found out through various flashbacks by various people that tell Apple Bloom and her siblings Applejack and Big MacIntosh the story, Grand Pear is actually their grandfather and the father of their mother. Their parents have long before been confirmed to be dead by the creators of the show and only at rare moments that subject had even slightly been touches on, so finding out their actual story after seven years of the show was a surprising and unexpected thing. The episode tells how their father Bright Mac's family and their mother Pear Butter "Buttercup"'s family are in a feud but the two fall in love à la Romeo and Juliette. Eventually the much younger and stronger Grand Pear decides for their family to move and Pear Butter is forced to say her secret love goodbye. But Bright Mac organises a secret wedding and proposes. As they're about to get married, both their parents find out about them and pull them apart.
Grand Pear says, Buttercup has to stay with her family but she replies "They're my family now too." "Are you choosing them over us?" "Are you making me choose?" Grand Pear pauses. Then he says strictly: "Yes, I am!" She chooses her new husband's family and Grand Pear leaves. When afterwards Apple Bloom and her siblings confront the now old and weak Grand Pear at the market he is so full of regret and his voice trembles as he apologizes for leaving back then. It is such a powerful moment that I seriously tear up a bit every time I see it. In my opinion that is a great use of the beginning before the beginning.
Yay I'm barely early I love your drawings my class watched your how to draw a realistic eyes
More story tips! Maybe one on conflicts?
Just as a general question/statement that I'm curious about, do guys have a hard time making girls look feminine just like girls have trouble making guys look masculine? I'm not saying that all guys can't make girls look feminine or that all girls can't make guys look masculine, it's just something that I've wondered about because I myself struggle with making guys look masculine.
Darcy Hollows I think for me it’s usually because I’m used to drawing female faces and haven’t really studied up on male anatomy. I’m sure it also has to do with the fact that I have a feminine face and I see more girls than guys, but for me I would say it’s mostly from lack of practice :)
I wish I could meet u one day. I bought your how to draw anime book the 1st one years ago. Thnx for the inspiration Mark!
Miki literally falls on page 1
Hahaha. Mark makes me laugh:
(Cool skateboard dude voice)
*"Oh, I've just gotta have this DYNAMITE first sentence!"*
"Exposition" isn't just spoken omniscient narration. It can also be dialog where characters will "conveniently," albeit possibly kind of artificially sounding (and in that is the risk), sum up what you need to know. Or in self-talk, which kinds of blends with the omniscient narrator somewhat, being perhaps the second most crude dump of information. "Arrested development" had great narration, that's something whose condemnation as something formulaic in a way is itself formulaic.
Your channel is SO helpful. Thank you so much!
Guidelines that have actually helped me climb over my writer's block
As someone about to endeavour in putting together a graphic novel I've worked on in draft form for while I very much needed this advice.
Thanks
It is so interesting I stumbled upon this video! I been watching 4 new anime pilots today and each other had a different start to the story and I was thinking to myself why I didn't like a certain pilot episode and enjoyed others. I thought mostly pacing had a lot to do with it and where in the story they first drop the viewer. I think a little exposition is fine. Just some shows/movies overdo it. Especially, anime.
Thanks man, I listen to all your tips with lots of attention and they're great advices, thank you very much ! :)
I love these writing advice videos!
42nd comment! you rock mark thanks for all the Awesome years! if you see this I hope I can meet you one day and show you my art, you are my inspiration when drawing :)
Im writing my own book right now and its called the darkness part 1! I got a beginning for it and im hoping it sounds well!🤔🤔
Thank you! I was getting ready to start taking notes for my novel for next month's NaNoWriMo and this has given me lots to think about!
Thank you.
Mark..... it's like you're reading my mind and watching me from afar. I'm trying to create a one-shot for a competition, but I just didn't know how to start it out and the deadline is drawing near.All hail the Crilley!!!!!!
Please can you draw shoto todoroki???
Or maybe Bakugo, Katsuki Bakugo
Or sasuske uchiha eternal mangekyou sharingan and rinnegan!!
Wow!
Thanks, Mark. This advice was very helpful.
Cooool. It looks just like her. Ah, the Masters', hehe.
And thank you for the tips! :3
Thanx for the advice😁👍
Great video! The number 11 is called "In media res" and it is my favourite technique but it is tricky to use.
thank you for your tips! you da guy guy!
Thanks, been dealing with this problem lately.
I love Wreck It Ralph, story is excellent
Kind of happy to see someone draw a character with curly hair
Your channel helps me so much with both drawing and writing. Instant subscription ;D
Hey Mark!
Fab vid in ur next story telling tips video u should talk about the relationship between the two main characters. Disney it's self have stated that the hart of the story is the relationship between the two main characters how they interact with each other. Is one super possative and the other really negative? Is one female and the other male? Do they hate, like or love each other? Etc ... ps ur drawing of Moana is SUPERB! 😃
I love your videos and they have all helped me so much, thank you so much
Thank you so much
That depends on the story for me. For some, I let them flow. For others, I have at the ending thought out in my head. Yeah, it's nice doing it a mix of both ways.
This is my first ever UA-cam comment and I want to use it to tell you how much I love your videos and art style :) Could you do a draw my life video? I just thought it'd be interesting and we'd get to know more about why you went to Japan to teach and what inspired you to become an artist etc. BTW, Brody's Ghost is my favourite comic series!
Thank you Judy! :)
Thank you for your great content :)
You know you draw horribly when you see the drawing at the start and think, "Damn, he's good."
He's a very well practiced professional. He's probably been drawing for at least half as long as you've been alive, if not longer.
Of course he's going to be awesome! But, with dedication, if it's something you want to improve at, you certainly can improve yourself.
I would recommend taking a drawing class once you get to college, it definitely can help you smooth out all the problems in your compositions that make you scratch your head wondering what went wrong.
:D
Have a good day!
Oh yeah,
while writting prose fiction I've found myself seeing where the story goes as I write and going back to add a bit of foreshadowing and a more tactful direction towards the end or future events.
Though sometimes I get a clear Idea of the end in sight at the beginning but do change things up and go back on second and at times even third drafts.
I love how in your book "Miki Falls", the girl is immediately falling on the next page XD
Your examples are really great for us to understand, maybe you can put video clips of your exaples in your future videos (that would be really fun)
I finally can draw thanks to you
I'm trying to write a really epic fantasy story :-D
Thanks Mark :3 This helped me alot!