Nira

Author/Artist Name

• Bryce R. Drake, Murray State UniversityFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Spring 4-24-2026

Artist Statement

Imagination is a powerful tool that allows us to turn our mundane reality into something new and exciting. My graphic novel, Nira, tells the story of two young girls who use the power of their imaginations to turn their everyday lives into extraordinary adventures. With their minds alone, they create exciting scenes in which they befriend bugs, explore mazes, and rescue a cat from the depths of the school basement. Using rounded shapes, bright colors, playful proportions, and dynamic compositions, I create a world in which viewers can be creative. Nira considers that imagination is available to everyone, no matter their age.

My work showcases sequential illustration, typography, and branding working in tandem. By working digitally, I create works with bright colors and larger-than-life characters. I begin by sketching on a tablet, building works with varied line weights and textures. Like Kiana Khansmith and Dana Terrance, I build characters using simple shapes and playful proportions. The characters have round heads and eyes along with straight rectangular limbs. Distorting these simple shapes throughout the novel allows me to create a variety of expressions that make the characters feel larger than life. The characters invite viewers to feel emotions alongside them, drawing readers into the world of Nira.

In the digital space, I create round, playful typography that interacts with my illustrations. I emulate children’s book artists like Devin Elle Kurtz, who integrate their typography within their stories. I seek to push my type further, letting it play with the movements of the characters. I use different typefaces and colors to give the words impact and give the characters voice. Pages 4 and 5 of Chapter 2: Mr. Spider show typography mingling with illustration to complete the storytelling. Unlike a children’s book, however, this graphic novel tells significantly more of its story through imagery and dialogue. All of the typography is dialogue from the characters, positioned so that the speaker is clear without the traditional speech bubbles graphic novels use. The scenes are in fast-paced, dynamic frames that lead the viewer’s eyes from page to page on an adventure.

By being playful with color and shape, I encourage viewers to expand their imaginations and dream bigger about their world. I invite visitors to step into the world of Nira, where you can learn that your inner child doesn’t disappear once you are an adult. Imagination is for everyone.

Advisor/Mentor

Professor T. Michael Martin; Professor Scott Cook; Professor Jim Bryant; Professor Antje Gamble

Description

• 9 digital illustrations on foamcore, 20" x 36"
• 3 digital illustrations on foamcore, 20" x 32"
• 2 digital illustrations on cnc routed plywood standees, 20" x 20" x 40" 
• Printed book, 10" x 8" x 1/2"
• Digital animation and illustration timelapses, 11:17

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Drake, Bryce R., "Nira" (2026). B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498). 168.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art498/168