Set The Action! Creating Backgrounds For Compel... 【2026】

The book is structured into three "Acts" that take the reader from foundational concepts to advanced scene design:

This book is best suited for who already have a handle on character design but struggle to ground those characters in a believable world. It is a valuable "missing piece" for visual storytellers looking to master staging and composition. Set the action! Creating Backgrounds for Compel...

: Some readers noted that the perspective section is surprisingly brief compared to other topics. Additionally, while it covers animation and games, there is a heavier emphasis on comic and 2D traditional art rather than high-end 3D game environment rendering. Who Is It For? The book is structured into three "Acts" that

Published by Routledge/Focal Press in 2012, this 240-page book focuses on moving backgrounds beyond mere afterthoughts. Hernandez, an MFA in sequential art and a faculty member at the Art Institute of Washington, uses a practical, "conversational lecture" style to teach how settings interact with characters to drive drama. Additionally, while it covers animation and games, there