Word + Image to Create Mataphor

One of the most engaging aspects of Brian Fies' talk with us, the Design 001 students, was his explanation of how important metaphor is to his graphic novel, Mom's Cancer.  He had an extremely effective way of explaining how one image that exaggerates a situation can give a much more complete and comprehensive impression of events than could a very detailed, written explanation.

To illustrate how difficult it is for his mom to stay on top of the various medications she must take, he uses the concept of walking a tightrope.  He says "balancing these medications is like walking a tightrope," despite being a somewhat trite metaphor, was the perfect outlet for expressing the process of medicating his mother.  "You just think you've got it, then something else comes around and knocks you off balance" - he uses the vulture  and alligators to embody the idea of one symptom or side effect knocking against one another and throwing off her path to recovery.

by Brian Fies

Not only does creating this metaphor allow Brian to sum up a huge concept in a matter of a few panels, but it also allows him to interject additional information without the viewer being overwhelmed by text.  Yes, this is true of many illustrated comics, books, etc.  However, with a concept as complex as a true story about a loved one being fatally ill, Brian's use of metaphor in an image is able to convey the emotional intent of a story while text gives more detail about the reality of the situation.  Together, they create an awesome rhythm (I especially love to middle panel.  Seriously, read it out loud.  Something about its flow is so rhythmic and pleasing...despite it being about something so heavy and serious).