cubicle17

What Makes Good Layer Tennis?

Ah, Layer Tennis, the weekly match between two of the more talented and internet-famous designers/illustrators around. A “good match” of Layer Tennis is different things to different people, but there are a few things I look for in a Layer Tennis match…

First, I like some narrative to the match. I don’t mean that each volley must necessarily continue a story, but I like to see the competitors get into a groove where they seem to be telling a story with their volleys. A great example of this was the October 12th match. In fact, that’s one of my favorite matches so far.

I also like to see the artists build off the previous volley. Of course I recognize the need to sometimes switch up the canvas and breathe new life into the match, but if it happens more than once or twice in a single match, I start to get annoyed. A good example of abusing this technique was last week’s match.

Other things I look for in a match are how well the elements within a volley fit together and how the artists play off each other’s styles. Throwing in some type and a few lighthearted jabs at the commentator or other opponent never hurt anybody either, just stay above the belt.

With these things in mind, head over to today’s match, beginning in approximately….now.