Why 2D? Research into Industry

A Keyframe from The legend of Korra, produced by Nickelodeon 

Why have i chosen to do 2D Character design and Animation? 

The answer is very simple. I love creating characters and just drawing in general. I come from an illustration background so by utilising 2D animation, it allows me to showcase my skills in the most effective way. 2D animation and designs are normally the fundamentals of all Animation, whether 2d, 3d, stop motion of CGI, it all begins at a basic 2D level, using illustration and research to create concept designs, mood boards, storyboard and Animatics. Which can then be translated into any form of visual language.

Examples of my own work prior

What is my visual Style?

The visual style i have chosen for this project is a 2D cartoony style based upon reality, with some exaggerated features to help convey style, emotion and personality better. It uses a bright but not vulgar colour palette to help convey mood effectively, as well as to allow character to stand out from one another, so as to not create dull and visually uninteresting characters. This style is influenced by contemporary animations, from all around the globe, so is relevant to the industry and my own practice.

2D Animation Excels at conveying Emotion (Still From Attack on Titan Season 2, by WIT studios)

Now, why have I chosen this particular visual style? 

I have chosen this visual style as I feel that it will complement my portfolio in the best way possible. By choosing a semi-realistic style with certain exaggerated features allows me to create characters that showcase my fundamentals in Illustration and Animation. Not only that, it allows me to create characters that are expressive, and full of life, Characters that we can connect with, sympathise, and want to go on a journey with. On top of this, this style lends itself to a vibrant and colourful palette for me to work with, and I am not bogged down by the limitations that the style imposes on me, giving me free reign to use imagination and good fundamentals to create interesting character designs that will lead to the creation of a strong portfolio.


Research into the Industry
There are many companies that employ this visual style in their work, with most specialising in film and TV. I research some of the largest and most influential below. To gain a better understanding of industry practices.

Studio Mir
Studio Mir is a South Korean Animation company based in Seoul. Among other works, the studio animated most of the American TV series The Legend of Korra, the fourth season of The Boondocks, the Netflix series Voltron: Legendary Defender and Lego Elves: Secrets of Elvendale.

They first came to my attention while watching the animated series The Legend of Korra. The visual style was incredibly appealing to me. the character had such an ability to leave an impression upon me. As such, I was captivated and wanted to research further.

This further research helped influence my own visual style, as well as give me an insight into the production process they use. I want to apply this knowledge of the industry in my own practice. to help me prepare for the industry.



WIT studios

WIT studio is a Japanese animation company that began in 2012, under the guise of Production I.G. They rose to fame with the release of Attack on Titan in 2013. Since then they have released such series such as "Seraph of the end" and "kabeneri of the iron fortress".

Besides my interest in their series that they have produced. I researched further into this comp as to see an alternate point of view, as I felt that the company may employ different ways of approaching pre-production.

WIT studios visual style often uses a large amount of colour theory to help set a scene. The character designs also use a large emphasis on semiotics in the design to help tell the character's story.





Powerhour Animation Studios

Powerhouse Animation Studios, Inc. is an Austin, Texas-based animation studio founded in April 200

1. They created the Netflix Series Castlevania, as well as working on other productions, including Marvel comics video game "Avengers: inititive".

This Studio focuses on a more western audience, although it isn't afraid to take creative risks, and reap the reward from them. Working for a company like this would be a good stepping stone to a potential global career. It would be good for me as their primary focus is character design and narrative, all of which my own practices are specialised in.