Comic Strip Design Checklist

 Comics and infocomics are easy to design. Have a look at this checklist.

1. Planning and Concept Development

✔ Identify the main idea, theme or message
✔ Create a short storyline with a beginning, middle and end
✔ Decide whether the comic will be humorous, informative or narrative
✔ Define the target audience (age, reading level, interests)
✔ Select the style: realistic, cartoon, stick figures or digital characters

 2. Characters

✔ Design characters that are visually distinct and recognisable
✔ Keep character design consistent across all panels
✔ Show clear emotions through facial expressions and body language
✔ Ensure characters support the message or storyline
✔ Limit the number of characters to avoid crowding

 3. Panel Layout and Structure

✔ Plan the number and size of panels needed
✔ Arrange panels in a clear, logical reading order (left-to-right, top-to-bottom)
✔ Ensure gutters (spaces between panels) are even and neat
✔ Keep each panel focused on a single action or moment
✔ Avoid overcrowding panels with too much text or imagery

 4. Setting and Backgrounds

✔ Use simple, uncluttered backgrounds that support the story
✔ Ensure settings remain consistent throughout
✔ Include only essential background details
✔ Avoid overly detailed scenery that draws focus away from characters
✔ Use visual cues to indicate changes in location or time

 5. Speech Bubbles, Text and Dialogue

✔ Use speech bubbles to show dialogue and thought bubbles for inner voice
✔ Place bubbles in the correct reading order
✔ Keep text short, clear and natural
✔ Ensure the font is readable and appropriately sized
✔ Limit the number of bubbles per panel to avoid clutter

 6. Visual Style and Composition

✔ Maintain a consistent art style (colour, line thickness, character proportions)
✔ Use expressive visuals such as action lines, motion cues or sound effects
✔ Use colour strategically to draw attention or show emotion
✔ Ensure good contrast between text and background
✔ Remove unnecessary decorative elements that distract

 7. Storytelling and Flow

✔ Ensure each panel meaningfully contributes to the story
✔ Use transitions effectively (moment-to-moment, action-to-action, scene-to-scene)
✔ Maintain smooth narrative flow from panel to panel
✔ Include a clear climax or point of interest
✔ End with a strong closing panel (punchline, conclusion or insight)

 8. Technical and Accessibility Considerations

✔ Ensure the comic is readable on both small and large screens
✔ Use high-resolution artwork to avoid pixelation
✔ Select accessible fonts (Arial, Verdana, Open Dyslexic, etc.)
✔ Maintain good colour contrast for readability
✔ Provide alt-text for digital versions where required

 9. Quality Assurance

✔ Check spelling, punctuation and grammar
✔ Verify consistency in characters, colours and style
✔ Confirm that layout guides the eye correctly
✔ Ensure humour or message is appropriate for the audience
✔ Seek peer or teacher feedback and revise

 10. Final Review

✔ Does the comic clearly communicate the story or message?
✔ Are the characters engaging and expressive?
✔ Is the text easy to read and well-placed?
✔ Does the comic maintain visual balance and simplicity?
✔ Can the reader understand the entire story in less than one minute?

Thanks to ChatGPT