ANIMATION FUNDAMENTALS ✿ PROJECT 1: PRE-PRODUCTION FOR 2D ANIMATION ✿

ANIMATION FUNDAMENTALS ✿ PROJECT 1 ✿

14.05.24 - .06.24

week 4 - week 

✿ TAN JIA JIA 0350577 ✿

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Lecture

Project 1: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project

Character Design

Background Design

Reflection

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✿ LECTURE ✿

Please refer to Exercises.

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✿ INSTRUCTION ✿

Figure 1.1 MIB of Animation Fundamentals

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✿ PROJECT 1: PRE-PRODUCTION FOR 2D ANIMATION ✿

1. Set character description:

• Age, Gender, Weight, Attitude, Personality
• Use information from Film Studies and Cinematography class

2. Design character:

• Reflect personality in the story
• Visually appealing to target audience

3. Gather references:

• Use existing characters from movies, anime, comics, etc.
• Ensure character has at least 2 legs for walk cycle in Project 2

4. Study design elements:

• Shape language: Reflect personality (soft and curved for kindness, angular for determination)

5. Proportion:

• Age and gender-appropriate
• Emphasize eyes and facial features for emotions

6. Silhouette:

• Distinctive and recognizable
• Clear design, stands out from background and other characters

7. Line of action:

• Conveys movement and personality
• Dynamic poses reflecting character's attitude

8. Colour:

• Vibrant and appealing scheme
• Use warm and cool colours for conveying meaning.

1.0 RESEARCH

Figure 2.1 Reference from Pinterest

Figure 2.2 Reference from Pinterest

Figure 2.3 Reference from Pinterest

Before I started drawing my character, I carefully considered the type of character I wanted to create. I deliberated on various styles, ultimately deciding whether to design an anime character with distinctive features and expressive emotions, or a Disney character with its signature whimsical and enchanting appeal. This decision was crucial as it would guide the overall design approach and artistic choices throughout the creation process.

2.0 DIGITALIZATION

Character Design

I decided to design an anime character because I am more familiar with the unique features and stylistic elements of anime. This familiarity with anime aesthetics, such as expressive eyes, dynamic poses, and detailed hair, made me more confident in creating a character that truly reflects the style and essence of anime.

I started to draw my anime character on Procreate, utilizing its versatile tools and features to bring my design to life. The app's intuitive interface and extensive brush library allowed me to capture the intricate details and expressive elements characteristic of anime style.

I drew the character turnaround sheet on Procreate, capturing multiple angles to fully visualize my anime character. After sketching the different views, I meticulously colored them, ensuring consistency and vibrancy across all angles to bring the character to life.

Figure 2.4 Character Turnaround Sheet with no color

Figure 2.5 Character Turnaround Sheet with color

After completing the character turnaround sheet, I began to draw the expressions and actions of the character on Procreate. This involved illustrating various facial expressions and dynamic poses to showcase the character's personality and range of emotions.

Figure 2.6 Character expressions

Figure 2.7 Character action

After finishing my work on Procreate, I started using Adobe Illustrator to create the final version of the character. This allowed me to refine the design with precise vector lines and vibrant colors, ensuring a polished and professional appearance.

Figure 2.8 Process in Adobe Illustrator

Figure 2.9 Process in Adobe Illustrator

Figure 2.10 Process in Adobe Illustrator

I utilized Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to further refine and edit the character. In Illustrator, I focused on refining the vector-based elements, ensuring clean lines and precise details. Then, in Photoshop, I enhanced the character's appearance with additional effects, adjustments, and textures to achieve the desired look and feel.

3.0 FINAL OUTCOME

Figure 2.11 Character Turnaround Sheet

Figure 2.12 Character Expressions

Figure 2.13 Character Action

Figure 2.14 Character Turnaround Sheet in pdf

Figure 2.15 Character Expressions

Figure 2.16 Character Actions

Background Design

Before I started designing the background, I took the time to thoroughly consider and decide on the type of background I wanted to create. I reflected on the setting that would best complement and enhance my character, considering various themes, styles, and atmospheres. This initial planning phase was crucial in guiding the overall direction and ensuring that the background would effectively support and enrich the narrative and visual appeal of the character.

Figure 3.1 Reference from Internet

The background I envisioned was something serene and picturesque, resembling a backyard scene. It featured a small pond nearby, surrounded by vibrant flowers and fluttering butterflies. In this tranquil setting, my character would be sitting on the grass, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. This backdrop aimed to create a harmonious and visually appealing environment that perfectly complemented my character.

Figure 3.2 Final Outcome in JPG

After receiving feedback from the lecturer, he asked me to add some shadows to enhance the scene. For example, I needed to add shadows under the tree and other appropriate areas to create a more realistic and visually appealing animation.

Figure 3.3 Final Outcome in JPG

Figure 3.4 Final Outcome in PDF

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✿ REFLECTION ✿

Engaging in Project 1 posed a significant challenge for me as someone with limited drawing skills. Despite this, I approached the task with determination and openness. Throughout the project, I encountered obstacles and moments of frustration but viewed them as opportunities for growth. With perseverance and dedication, I navigated through the complexities of character design, drawing inspiration from various sources and seeking guidance. Ultimately, completing the project reinforced my belief in the importance of embracing challenges and continuously striving for improvement.