Katherine Burgess
Comics & Graphic Novels MDes
Comic artist and writer inspired by Japanese 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢 and Franco-Belgian 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯é𝘦, fostering a love of space, stars, and magical realism
About
With an undergraduate degree in English Literature and almost 10 years experience sharing art online, studying comics has given me the chance to combine my love of word and image. One of the most interesting things about comics creation to me is the (potentially infuriating) puzzle of panel composition; trying to find the perfect formula for the moments you want to portray. I find myself drawn to international comics cultures and the ways that different traditions approach this puzzle in different ways. This year I have investigated the contexts affecting the portrayal of atomic energy in Hergé’s 'Destination Moon', compared the development of Japanese tankōbon with American graphic novels, and analysed the depiction of Japanese sign language in Yoshitoki Oima’s series, 'A Silent Voice'.
This course has been as much about exploring my own creative practice as it has comics criticism. While a huge fan of traditional mediums such as pen and ink, I have expanded my portfolio to include digital work, which I enjoy more and more every day. In practice I like to balance story and art with a reflection on the medium itself, for instance, in characters that represent the creative process, or through a portrayal of invisibility that plays on what McCloud describes as comics ‘closure’. Something I love about comics are the warm and vibrant communities to be discovered around them, fostering a sense of collaboration, shared passion, and inspiration among readers and creators alike.
Beano Project
This two-page spread is based on a script written for Minnie the Minx and drawn in the style of another popular Beano strip, 'Betty and the Yeti'. Adapting Minnie and her family to Betty’s more contemporary cartoon style was an exciting challenge, as was creating the comic entirely digitally using Photoshop and InDesign. The Beano describes its readers as "fun and mischievous, bright and imaginative", a description I used as the aim of this project.
Zine Project
This traditionally inked zine features three cosy travelling companions who each represent a different part of the creative process: the scarecrow, the strength and willingness needed to begin a creative endeavour; the star, inspiration from within and without; and the witch, the manifestation of ideas (using a creative tool). Their portraits are based on tarot card designs from the Rider ‘A Deck’ and are accompanied by a set of attributes and items shown on the facing page. Once the reader has gotten to know the characters through these profiles, they can imagine them making the journey shown on the map on the back cover, and see the three of them travelling together in the full illustration.
Major Project
The above is a test panel from my major project, a 22-page prologue in which a first-contact situation goes wrong. Set on Earth in the near future, the comic draws inspiration from organisations such as CERN and NASA, as well as the film ‘Arrival’ (2016). Its visual style is informed by blueprints and the story includes queer representation, something I am passionate about. I hope to be able to share the full prologue (and more) later this year.
Support this graduate
If you’re interested in seeing more of me and my work you can find me on social media, where I’ll be posting updates about new comics and when and where I’ll be at any comics-related events. Otherwise, come and say hello in person at the DJCAD Masters Show!