Animation Fundamentals / Project 1: Character and Layout Design
Derin / 0354969 / Design in Creative Media
MMD 60804 / ANIMATION FUNDAMENTALS
Project 1: Character and Layout Design
INSTRUCTIONS
PROJECT 1
Project 1A: Character Design
Initially, I wanted to create a story about dreams. Initially, I envisioned a dream keeper—a guardian who fights nightmares at night. The character took the form of an owl, designed to exude grace and wisdom, drawing inspiration from Stolas' design in the show "Helluva Boss." Eventually, I abandoned this idea, because I wanted a character with more expressiveness.
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| Fig 1.1 Idea Exploration |
Keeping the fact of creating an expressive character in mind, I referred to Hanako from 'Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun'. He is playful, whimsical, yet caring nature became the foundation for my character. Considering the supernatural aspect, I delved into mythological stories about figures associated with dreams, leading me to a Japanese mythological yokai known as a Nekomata.
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| Fig 1.2 Nekomata Yokai |
The lore surrounding Nekomata varied across sources, with some stating it consumed sleeping humans and others connecting it to necromancy. I incorporated some elements that helped in shaping my character. One source mentioned their ability to enter dreams and shapeshift into humans. Instead of shapeshifting, I adapted this ability to alter shapes and appearances within the dream world, as they inherently assumed a human form from the outset.
Which led to the creation of the main character for my story, named Yumeko. Her name is derived from "Yume," meaning dream, and "Ko," meaning child.
Dream Child!! (proud)
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| Fig 1.3 Final Exploration |
I went through multiple designs for the outfit, simplifying the design with each iteration to make my life easier when animating. The elongated fur was inspired by Sesshomaru from the anime Inuyasha. My aim was to create a cloud-like appearance since the character is associated with dreams.
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| Fig 1.4 Fur Inspiration |
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| Fig 1.5 Initial Design |
But of course, this design is not final. It underwent numerous revisions. Initially, I intended to use my original art style for the animation, as showcased in the character sheet below. However, the complexity of the design made it challenging to animate, so I had to change the art style into something simpler.
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| Fig 1.6 Color Exploration |
I chose the third palette as the final color scheme for several reasons. The first palette didn't appear appealing enough, it lacked vibrancy. In the second palette, the color of her sleeveless turtleneck clashed with the fur. Ultimately, I preferred the contrast achieved with the blue and orange/red combination in the third exploration.
Let me present you, the final design of Yumeko!! (even prouder)
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| Fig 1.7 Final Design |
Final Outcome
The following are the deliverables required to complete Project 1A. I made sure to keep her in character with the expressions and poses. NGL I've never drawn the same character so much in my life.
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| Fig 1.8 Character Turnaround Sheet |
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| Fig 1.9 Character Colored Sheet (and perspective) |
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| Fig 1.10 Character Expression Sheet |
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| Fig 1.11 Character Poses Sheet |
It was a fun process! I enjoyed it a lot :)
Project 1B: Background Design
When I was looking for references, I found a 3D model asset of a traditional district. This will be really helpful for me!!!
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Fig 2.1 3D Model Asset Link |
I tried to look into Google Maps as well. The Sannenzaka district in Gion comes the closest to the environment I have in mind.
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Fig 2.2 Sannenzaka district in Gion Link |
After looking for references, I started working on the background. From the few thumbnail sketches I made, I liked Fig 2.3 the best. The idea is to have Yumeko lurking around the roofs of the Gion district since that's how she traverse the town. After deciding this sketch for my environmental design, I refined it a little more and asked Mr. Kamal for feedback.
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| Fig 2.3 Thumbnail sketch |
He commented that I should use the rule of thirds composition for my design. With his feedback in mind, I proceeded to create amendments to the background. I also added grayscale to the sketch to differentiate foreground, middle ground, and background.
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| Fig 2.4 Revised sketch |
I felt like the left side of the frame is a bit lackluster, so I thought that it'd be a good idea to add something. I added the Hokanji temple into the frame since it's one of the popular tourist spot in Gion.
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| Fig 2.5 Hokanji temple in Gion district |
I got Mr. Kamala's approval to proceed with the sketch! Here's the final look :)
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| Fig 2.5 Final sketch |
I proceeded to line art the sketch. I died about 4 times doing this. Some details from the sketch is dropped because well I didn't want to do 5 more times. After the line art, I went ahead and colored it.
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| Fig 2.6 Line art |
Afterwards, I went ahead and color the piece.
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| Fig 2.7 Coloring |
I received some feedbacks for my layout design and made changes accordingly.
Final Outcome
Tedious process but a satisfying result :)
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| Fig 2.8 Final Outcome for Project 1B |
FEEDBACK
Week 5
Mr. Kamal comments that the character expressions sheet looks good. He gave some feedback on my turnaround sheet, the side profile's legs should be bent a little.
REFLECTION
Project 1 took me a long time to finish, I exceeded a few weeks from the supposed deadline. The idea was there, it was just that I was juggling this with other modules... but it all turned out great :) I was able to do the best I can for this project.