Angela Delgado
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
This thesis explores the use of augmented reality (AR) in comic books to visually communicate the internal experiences and causes of anxiety. Research in psychology and visual communication suggests that storytelling and visual metaphors can help audiences better understand complex emotional experiences. This project combines comic illustration with augmented reality to visualize various causes of anxiety, including social experiences, environmental influences, and personal struggles. By immersing viewers in the character’s emotional perspective, the work fosters greater empathy for individuals living with anxiety.
The characters are depicted as anthropomorphic animals, drawing on the emotional connection humans have with animals and pets, which are often associated with comfort, safety, and emotional support. This visual depiction creates a sense of familiarity and approachability, allowing audiences to engage more openly with sensitive subject matter while reinforcing themes of care, vulnerability, and emotional reliance.