As a visual storyteller, a lot is learning what to include so you're not being redundant between images and text.

In this quote, Nate Powell emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling and the delicate balance between images and text. As a visual storyteller, Powell understands that images and words serve complementary roles in conveying a message. He points out that a crucial part of the process is learning what to include and what to leave out in order to avoid redundancy between the images and the text. This requires an intuitive understanding of how each medium contributes to the narrative, ensuring that both elements work in harmony to enhance the story without repeating the same information.

Powell's comment highlights the challenge of creating a cohesive story where visuals and words don’t overlap unnecessarily. In graphic novels, comics, and other forms of visual storytelling, the artist or creator must consider how to use images to convey emotions, settings, and actions, while the text provides dialogue, exposition, and context. If the images simply repeat the same information conveyed by the text, the story risks feeling flat and redundant. Instead, Powell advocates for a nuanced approach where the visual elements bring unique value to the narrative, creating a richer experience for the audience.

The origin of this quote comes from Nate Powell’s work as a prominent graphic novelist and illustrator, known for his work on books such as Swallow Me Whole and March. As an artist, Powell has honed his ability to craft stories that blend powerful visuals with minimal yet impactful text. His experience in creating graphic novels has given him a deep understanding of the dynamic relationship between text and images, and he has spent years perfecting the art of storytelling through both mediums.

Ultimately, Powell’s words serve as a reminder that storytelling is a carefully crafted process where every element—whether visual or textual—must be thoughtfully considered to ensure it adds to the overall narrative. In visual storytelling, the goal is not to duplicate information but to use both images and words to tell a story in the most engaging and effective way possible.