Cinematic Composition: step-by-step guide
You can learn more about composition tips in this article and by reading this Cinematic Composition Challenge breakdown
Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to get better at composition. One of the most helpful methods I've found is studying movie stills. Cinematographers are visual storytelling wizards, so why not borrow a little of their magic to improve your composition skills and build your portfolio?
It’s amazing how much can be learned just by breaking down the visuals. A few days ago, I chose three movie stills and decided to analyze one of them for practice (source: MovieStillsDB):
I ended up going with a still from The Sopranos. Not the most obvious choice for a children’s book illustrator (given the show’s violent themes), right? But even though the plot of The Sopranos may not work for a children's book, its cinematography and visual storytelling are universally groundbreaking. And not just for its time, but even today. So much is conveyed without a single word of dialogue, through composition, lighting, actors' expressions, and props. I find this show endlessly inspiring
Here’s a step-by-step guide I created to break down the still and reimagine it as a children’s book-style illustration. You’re welcome to try it for yourself!
Step 1: How does it make me feel?
Before getting too technical, I took a moment to "feel" the scene. Here are the questions I asked myself:
What’s happening here?
Who are the key figures that catch my attention?
How do details like color, lighting, and set design affect the mood?
The scene shows a group of men, Tony Soprano and his mafia associates, sitting together and eating at a table in a place that looks cozy ( a bit like a grandma’s house).
Because Tony Soprano is at the head of the table, leaning forward with a serious expression, he seems to be in a position of power over everyone else. The way the characters sit and interact suggests camaraderie, yet there’s an underlying tension. Some characters are engaged in conversation, while others seem watchful. Even though the vintage set design (the tablecloth, the old fridge, the “rustic” kitchen bit in the background) and warm lighting give off a homey feel, there’s a slight tension in the air.
Step 2: What composition rules do I notice?
Next, I looked at the scene from a more technical perspective. Here are the key questions I asked myself:
Where’s the focal point? (Where does my eye go first? Does the composition guide me there?)
What’s the camera angle? (Is the shot low, high, or straight-on? How does that change the feel?)
Are there leading lines? (Do the elements naturally guide my eye through the scene?)
Is it well-balanced? (Is it symmetrical or off-center? Is it busy or minimal? Is there a use of negative space?)
Tony Soprano is clearly the central figure, framed by the table and other background elements. I noticed that the camera angle is slightly above eye level, which gives me the feeling of being part of the conversation, yet observing from the side. The table creates leading lines that direct my attention toward Tony, reinforcing his role as the boss.
Something else that caught my attention was how the background (the kitchen wall and appliances) is dark, while the table is light. This creates a strong division and contrast, adding depth to the scene. The people sitting at the table and the table itself are the focal points, while the background builds a cozy atmosphere without distracting from the main action.
Step 3: How can I adapt this for children’s book illustration?
This is where the fun begins! Now that I had broken down the technical aspects, it was time to think about how to adapt this for a children’s book illustration. I wanted to move away from the tense and dark atmosphere of The Sopranos. That’s not to say children’s book illustrations can’t have tension or ambiguity—just maybe not Sopranos-level tension...
I asked myself:
Can I keep the composition structure while changing the characters and setting?
How can I shift the mood? Could this tense dinner scene become a warm, cozy family meal or a gathering of friends?
What elements can I stylize? Could I exaggerate shapes, play with colors, or add playful details?
I really love the checked tablecloth and the angle of the scene, but instead of a mobster dinner, it could be a group of forest animals, pirates, or a family gathered for a feast.. The possibilities are endless!
Step 4: Make it my own
Now that I had my concept, it was time to make it my own. I decided to turn it into a forest animal dinner scene, with the main character being a bear (a small nod to the show). I started by sketching the basic composition from the original still, placing the characters and establishing the leading lines.
The next step was to add new details like gestures and expressions to make the characters engaging and keep the storytelling. I also added some fun elements, like dancing mice in the background or characters playing musical instruments. This part of the process isn’t about creating a perfect piece, it’s about playing with composition and seeing what works. It’s the “ugly sketching” phase I write about here, and it’s crucial to the learning process.
Final concept
This is what I came up with as my first entry for the Cinematic Composition Challenge. I think this sketch could work as a strong base for an illustration. Will it turn into a finished piece? Honestly, quite possibly. But even if it doesn’t, that’s alright. The exercise itself was worth my time. The point is to train my eye to see composition in use so I can apply these techniques more intentionally in my work.
I’d love to hear about your experience if you try this exercise! Grab a movie still, break it down, and see what you can create. Feel free to share your results with me!
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