Panel Flow

Term from Manga Production industry explained for recruiters

Panel Flow refers to how comic or manga pages are arranged and how the story moves from one panel to another. It's like creating a road map that guides readers through the story in the right order. When artists mention Panel Flow in their resumes, they're talking about their ability to arrange comic panels in a way that makes the story easy to follow and engaging. This skill is essential in manga and comic production, similar to how a film editor arranges scenes in a movie. Other terms for this might include "page layout" or "visual storytelling."

Examples in Resumes

Designed Panel Flow for 200+ manga pages, improving readability and story pacing

Optimized Panel Flow and Page Layout for digital manga platforms

Trained junior artists in effective Panel Flow techniques for action sequences

Typical job title: "Manga Artists"

Also try searching for:

Comic Artist Manga Layout Artist Sequential Artist Storyboard Artist Comic Book Designer Visual Storyteller Manga Designer

Where to Find Manga Artists

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex action sequences in panel flow?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain how they break down dynamic scenes into clear, readable panels, considering factors like pacing, impact moments, and reader eye movement across the page.

Q: How do you adapt panel flow for different platforms (print vs. digital)?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how they modify layouts to work well in both traditional print format and on digital devices, including considerations for different screen sizes and vertical scrolling formats.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure your panel flow enhances the story's emotional impact?

Expected Answer: Should explain how panel size, shape, and arrangement can be used to create drama, tension, or emotional moments in the story.

Q: What considerations do you take into account when planning page layouts?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how they balance visual appeal with readability, consider cultural reading directions, and maintain consistent story pacing.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic rules of panel flow in manga?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of right-to-left reading direction in manga, basic panel arrangements, and how to guide the reader's eye across the page.

Q: How do you ensure readers follow the correct panel order?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic techniques for creating clear visual paths between panels and avoiding confusing layouts.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic page layouts
  • Understanding of reading direction
  • Simple panel transitions
  • Basic storytelling techniques

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex page compositions
  • Dynamic action sequences
  • Emotional scene pacing
  • Digital format adaptation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced visual storytelling
  • Multiple art style mastery
  • Team coordination
  • Layout innovation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic reading direction conventions
  • Inability to show portfolio examples of clear story flow
  • Lack of knowledge about different panel types and their uses
  • No experience with digital adaptation of layouts