Animation Fundamentals // Project 1
25.04.23 - 06.07.23 (Week 4 - Week 14)
Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
LECTURES
Week 4:
Animation Principles 3 (Appeal, Solid Drawing & Character Construction)
1. Appeal
Appeal is a very important element from the start.
Anything that person like to see such as:
- A quality of charm,
- pleasing design,
- simplicity,
- communication,
- magnetism
A weak drawing lacks appeal such as:
- complicated or hard to read
- poor design
- clumsy shapes
- awkward moves
Spectator enjoy watching something that is appealing such as:
- an expression,
- a character,
- a movement,
- whole story situation.
Solid Drawing
A strong line of action goes through the whole body, illustrates the force of the action, unifies the pose, and makes a clear statement.
- Harsher, Dynamic poses = Angles and straight lines
- Relaxed poses = curves and soft lines
Week 5:
Layout and Composition for Animation
Today's lecture consisted of learning how to implement background into an animation by using principles such as the rule of third, the horizon line, adding perspectives, giving depth by using tonal values and finally playing with the proportion and scale.
INSTRUCTIONS
Week 4:
Project 1 Part 1: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project
Project 1 consists of creating our own character to later animate it. We are to create a character turnaround sheet and colour it as well. Additionally, we need to draw some expressions and poses.
Here are the requirements for Project 1.
Deliverables:
- A turnaround sheet (front, side, back and perspective)
- Pose sheet (Various poses in different emotion) - 5 poses
- Character facial expressions - 5 expressions
Week 5:
Moodboard:
I looked for some colour palette that I thought would match with the concept of my character. Additionally, I searched for some reference and style that I could take inspiration from for my own character.
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| Figure 1.0 Colour Palette, 1st May 2023 |
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| Figure 1.1 Moodboard, 1st May 2023 |
Process:
After browsing through Pinterest for inspiration, I decided to delve into this new project by using Photoshop's diverse range of brushes. The story I wrote for the Film and Cinematography class served as the basis for my character. Unless something changes later, Jinx the Jawbreaker will be her name going forward. She is a warrior from the Candy-based universe. Because I liked the name of the candy and thought it was intriguing enough to construct a character out of, she gets her entire personality from the Jawbreaker candy.
This is a quick sketch of my idea.
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| Figure 1.2 Draft 1 of character, 1st May 2023 |
After drawing down my initial idea, I added more details.
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| Figure 1.3 Draft 2 of Character, 1st May 2023 |
After finalizing the details and main elements for Jinx, here's the first draft of my character turnaround sheet. I did a draft because I wanted to see first if everything looked coherent.
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| Figure 1.4 Draft of character turnaround sheet, 1st May 2023 |
Week 6:
The next step was to start experimenting with various colour schemes. Like real candy, I wanted the colours to be fairly vibrant. The colours of various candies and Powder from Arcane both served as sources of inspiration for me. For Jinx, I wanted to experiment with two different facets. The first attempt involved giving her a really vibrant, vivacious appearance. The second trial involved giving her a darker side.
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| Figure 1.5 Colour Experimentation, 8th May 2023 |
After some further thought, I decided on this colour scheme for her. It seems to me that it best captures her personality, and I also generally favour those colours. I wanted her to have a slightly wacky appearance, with lots of candy in her hair, and I also wanted her to dress like a superhero or a warrior who defends human civilization. Furthermore, I didn't want to go for a particularly feminine pinkish look because I thought it would be too basic and fit in those stereotypes of a female living in the candy world. I gave her a tint of darkness to express and hint to the viewer that perhaps Jinx has darker secrets hidden underneath her outward appearance.
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| Figure 1.6 Character Turnaround sheet, 8th May 2023 |
These are the expressions for my Jinx. I tried to do some basic expressions like sadness, anger, surprise, smiling, and being neutral.
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| Figure 1.7 Character Expression sheet, 7th May 2023 |
This is the outcome of my project 1 part 1. My character is called Jinx the Jawbreaker. I got inspired by the Jawbreaker candy but also by the movie Wreck it Ralph. Her shapes are quite soft but not too much. The distinguishing feature of this character, in my opinion, is her hair. I think it's what gives her a distinctive appearance. The colour scheme was influenced by Arcane and her personality traits which isn't as sweet as she appears to be. I think on the overall she looks quite dynamic and explosive just like her jawbreakers.
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| Figure 1.8 Character Turnaround Sheet, 14th May 2023 |
This is the final outcome for the expression sheet that we were asked to do. I chose to draw the emotions of sadness, happiness, anger, surprise and neutrality.
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| Figure 1.9 Character Expression Sheet, 14th May 2023 |
This final sheet is for the different poses that we were asked to do as well. In order to better convey the feeling I'm attempting to depict, I wanted to experiment with different postures as well as emotions. I studied positions for boredom, feeling relaxed, surprise, feeling upset, and feeling confident.
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| Figure 2.0 Character Poses Sheet, 14th May 2023 |
Week 8:
Final Project 1 Part 1: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project
After some further thoughts, I changed Jinx's clothes to match with the new story that I wrote for my Film and Cinematography class. I chose clothes that would match with her job and personality as well. In my new story, she is an inventor who likes to fabricates candy machines themed like. Additionally, I choose another colour scheme for her and was inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So here's the new and final update of my character.
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| Figure 2.1 Final Character Turnaround Sheet, 26th May 2023 |
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| Figure 2.2 Final Character Turnaround Sheet, 26th May 2023 |
Week 7:
Project 1 Part 2: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project (Layout Design)
For this assignment we need to choose a scene from the animation and create a rough sketch of the layout design using perspective. The sketch should show the placement of the background elements and characters in the scene. Our aim is to produce aesthetically appealing and energetic layouts that improve the animation's narrative and tone. We can use traditional methods such as pencil and paper or digital tools such as a tablet and software.
Requirements;
Refine the sketch into a more detailed line drawing. Add in the textures, shading, and other details that will bring the scene to life. Use the principles of perspective to create depth and dimension in the design. Create a colour study of the layout design. Choose a colour scheme that complements the mood and the theme of the scene. Experiment with different lighting scenarios and colour variations to create a visually compelling design.
Visual Reference
Based on the scene that I wrote in my script for the Film and Cinematography class, I looked up for some reference.
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| Figure 2.5 Visual Reference, 14th May 2023 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0e/d9/1a/0ed91a9d2dd5054cd6d66110fea0aab4.jpg |
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| Figure 2.6 Visual Reference, 14th May 2023 Source: https://www.iamag.co/daily-speed-painting-selection-124/#jp-carousel-118210 |
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| Figure 2.7 Visual Reference, 14th May 2023 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/7c/f4/977cf4df78fd1eb411c61a036b10204f.jpg |
Process
After looking up for some reference, I started sketching using Adobe Photoshop one of the scene that would be in my animation. The scene is set up in Jinx's workshop where she can be seen dozing off on the table.
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| Figure 2.8 Very rough draft of the layout design, 15th May 2023 |
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| Figure 2.9 Draft sketch, 16th May 2023 |
My next step was to start coloring. I tried to go for something which would give off something dreamy and sweet just like a candy world. I went for a colour palette based from candies and chocolates.
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| Figure 3.0 Coloring process, 20th May 2023 |
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| Figure 3.1 Coloring process, 20th May 2023 |
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| Figure 3.2 Coloring process, 21st May 2023 |
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| Figure 3.3 Coloring process, 21st May 2023 |
Final Project 1 Part 2: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project (Layout Design)(Before feedbacks)
Here's the final outcome for part 2 of project 1. For my composition, I wanted to showcase Jinx in her workshop. To give my piece more dimension, I also included some foreground items. My colour palette was inspired from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As for the lighting, I tried to place the window as the source of light. Lastly, I also made use of one point perspective into my work.
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| Figure 3.4 Final Project 1 Part 2 (Before feedbacks), 27th May 2023 |
Week 11:
Project 1 Part 2: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project (Layout Design)(After feedbacks)
I made the amendments required and here's the outcome. I try to add more emphasis onto Jinx by dimming the light of the objects around her. I also cleared up the foreground and made it more precise and simple. I also removed some objects since it was said to be too much.
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| Figure 3.5 Project 1 Part 2 (After feedbacks), 12th June 2023 |
Week 14:
Final Project 1 Part 2: Pre-Production for 2D Animation Project (Layout Design)(After feedbacks)
I had to make some last changes to this project. I rearranged the position of the table and finally realised where was my mistake (after two trials :,D). I also lightened up the colours for the foreground.
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After some last feedbacks, I added more pigments to Jinx's hair and also made the shadow on the side of the table darker.
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FEEDBACKS
Week 5:
Design wise looks good. Try to keep the details in her hair a bit more simple so that it's easier to understand. Shape wise also looks good. Just be careful with the cape as it might be a bit hard to animate later on but I can keep it for now.
Week 6:
Good drawings and character. Don't forget to add a line for the character turnaround and use a white background for the expression sheet. I might get some difficulties with the hair when animating it so I need to try and keep it consistent.
Week 7:
Write the names for the pose sheet. Put the drawings in a landscape format and stay consistent with the size.
Week 10:
Has a bit too much of objects in the background. Try to reduce them and also play with different sizes. Put only one lantern and make it a bit bigger. The table line's is not in the right direction, correct it. The foreground's shape needs to be more clearer and identical. The rest is okay.
Week 12:
The direction of the table is still odd so I need to arrange it. The foreshadow is too dark. Lighten the colour. The rest is fine.
Week 14:
Make the part behind the table a bit more darker. Make the colour of the hair a bit brighter so that it doesn't blend too much with the background.
REFLECTIONS
Week 5 - 8 (Project 1 part 1):
Creating a character isn't as hard per se but I think the most challenging part would be to figure out what could make the character stands out from the ordinary. For me, I already had an idea of how I wanted Jinx to look like but I mostly struggled with what kind of energy I wanted her to project onto others. I also had some difficulties when I had to make decisions for her clothes and colour scheme. It took me a while but I managed to figure it out. I learned a lot throughout those few weeks. I understood that sometimes being too complicated isn't what is gonna make a character forcibly stand out, sometimes simplicity is the key.
Week 7 - 14 (Project 1 part 2):
Doing this second part of project 1 was tough. I never really drew and digitally painted a layout design before. For a first time, I'd say I did decently good and I'm quite satisfied of what I did for the level that I am at for now. The most challenging was to colour everything in such a short amount of time, it was taxing and tiring. Doing the foreground was also quite hard since I didn't know much what I could put in the front despite trying to look for references. Finding the right placement for the light and shadows also were a bit hard. Overall, I'm just glad that I finished this task.
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