LAUAN 401 - Study Task 1

Nostalgia

Animation Processes of Cuphead

Evolution of Cuphead Character Design

Studio Ghibli - The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness - Trailer

Miyazaki's First Feature Length Film - The Castle of Cagliostro

Written Sources

Cuphead - Creating a Game That Looks Like a 1930's Cartoon - The Verge

Miyazaki - A Master of Childhood Dreams - New York Times

Miyazaki's World - A Life In Art

Cuphead Soundtrack

In my search  I decided to focus on the topic of Nostalgia. I have focused my searches and sources on two distinct animations and animation studios: Cuphead and Studio Ghibli, and how they induce feelings of nostalgia. I found that the creators of Cuphead used traditional hand drawn techniques to animate their game, and stylised it in the aesthetics of 1930's cartoons, creating a sense of nostalgia for people in the modern day. On the other hand, with Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, I found that their style of animation has stayed quite consistent since their first debut, which induces feeling of nostalgia to old time fans of their content. I personally find Miyazaki's work very nostalgic.



Inclusive Storytelling



Perespolis

Sailor Moon

Samus Aran - Metroid

Ripley - Alien

Written Sources:

Samus Aran Character Analysis - Giantbomb

The Secret of Pixar Storytelling| Animation World Network

Strong Female Characters Debate | The Mary Sue

Samus Aran Cosplay

In my research on 'Inclusive Storytelling', I decided to focus on how women are representing in media such as video games, animations and full feature films. I have tried to diversify my search and pick out some of my favourite female characters from media, such as Samus Aran. Instead of narrowing my search on this character, I decided to branch out to other characters, such as Ripley from Alien, and Usagi from Sailor Moon, two different characters entirely, yet both just as strong in their own right.

LAUAN402 - STUDY TASK 4 - LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU!

In this study task we were asked to identify 12 different animations from around the world.


PATHS OF HATE



Country of origin - Poland.
Director / Studio - Damian Nenow

I really like this animation because of the multiple, intricate camera angles the director utilises to reflect the themes of the animation in itself. Hate. The quick cuts, camera movements and are used to instil panic and create tension. The sound design is also very well incorporated into the animation, especially the gun fire and plane engines. The colour scheme is also incredibly well used, going from an unsaturated, grey colour palette to an intense red.

Age of Sail Theatrical




Country - Unknown
Director - John Kahrs


I chose this animation because I like the style of the animation, specifically how John makes a 2d animation style look very 3D. I also enjoy the characterisation of the two characters and the dynamic between them.

Mechastorm - Heroes of the Storm




Country - United Kingdom
Studio - The Line

I chose this animation because I'm a very big fan of blizzard, mechs, and 2d digital animation. I admire how intricate and fast paced the animation is, as well as the dark yet colourful colour scheme.

Tito and the birds




Country - Brazil
Director / Studio - Gustavo Steinburg, Gabriel Bitar and Andre Catoto

I chose this animation because of it's style mainly. I really adore the paintbrush art style mixed with animation, I think it works very well and is very unique. Watching the movie itself in Manchester Animation Festival was a great and memorable experience.

Howl's Moving Castle



Country - Japan
Director / Studio - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli

Howl's moving castle is one of my favourite movies of all time due to it's art style, animation, and the heart that went into creating it, which is why I've chosen it.

Coraline




Country - America
Director / Producer - Henry Selick, Laika Studio

I chose this animated film because I'm a big fan of the dark tone and stop motion animation utilised in this movie. The two compliment each other greatly to great a weird, admittedly frightening animation.

Selfish






Country - France
Director / Producer - Kazack Productions

I chose this animation because of it's unique, cut-out esque style and social commentary on modern society.


Silly Sundays




Country - Ireland
Director / Producer - Cartoon Saloon

I chose this animation for its very childlike atmosphere and vibrant colours and art style, as well as smooth animation.


THE BOY WHO LOVED THE MOON





Country - Italy
Director / Producer - Rino Alaimo

I chose this animation because of it's beautiful lighting and colour palette, as well as its unique cut-out style and story.

Bloeistraat 11




Country - Netherlands
Producer / Director - Nienke Deutz

I chose this animation for how memorably disturbing I found it, as well as the odd mix media art style, utilising 3d and 2d animation together.

The Cat Came Back



Country - Canada
Producer / Director - Cordell Barker

I chose this animation for how incredibly cartoony and ridiculous the animation and art style looks. It is very entertaining to watch due to these reasons.


Bellyflop



Country - South Africa
Producer / Director - Triggerfish / Jeremy Collins

I chose this animation because it seemingly combines 2d and 3d animation in a somewhat aesthetically pleasing way, such as the design of the characters and the effects of the water splashes.

Korobushka

Country / State - Toronto
Producer / Director - Wildcard Productions / Patt Jewanarom

I chose this animation because of how smooth and fluid the movements are, and how they flow with the music. I also appreciate how meta the animation becomes with animating the sketches and storyboard parts.

LAUAN402 - Study Task 3 - Research

For this study task we were instructed to research and identify different sources of animation.


Online Sources -

Vimeo

Animation World Network

Loopdeloop

Skwigly

CGW

On Animation

Short of the Week

Animated Short Films

Cartoon Brew

Animation Magazine


Journals / Magazines -


Computer Arts

Retro Gamer




PC Gamer Magazine



3D World Magazine



Cinefex








Animation Books

Secrets of Digital Animation



The Complete Digital Animation Course



Timing for Animation



The Animators Survival Kit



The Art of Howl's Moving Castle










3 Places to Visit for Animation

Ghibli Museum



The Cartoon Museum (London)



Pixar Art Exhibition




In my research I have found many sources that I did not expect to find, such as exhibitions and different magazines. I hope to use many of these in the future for further research.

LAUAN403 - Task 4 - Pose-to-Pose vs. Straight Ahead, Squash and Stretch, Easing and Arcs

In this study task we were instructed to create animations associated with stretching squashing and arcs and easing as well as pose-to-pose and straight ahead style animations. To do this, I created my own animation of a bouncing ball by using a line tester and Plasticine to create the footage of a ball bouncing.

Up and Down

Arc Bounce

Pencil Swing

Rotoscoping

Pose-to-pose

Colour and Sound

Critical Analysis

What went well

• Decent use of Squash and Stretch with the bounces.
• Fluid rotoscoping technique.
• Decent arc bounce frames.

Critique 

• Timing needs to improve for bounces.
• More emphasis on squash and stretch.
• More detailed rotoscoping animation.