The Fundamentals of Animation (Wells. Design as Concept. 2006:35-5) - Notes.

Ways to start thinking of ideas:

• write in prose
• sketches
• bullet point concepts and odd notes

 

Driessen: “Writing also goes much faster than drawing and one can insert afterthoughts and correct flaws, without spending time on draughtsmanship, however sketchy.

 

• Use personal backgrounds and characters and possible narratives to figure out/inspire ideas.

• Use memory and sensual memory to catalyst ideas: “using the senses is fundamental to the animator’s craft, as these have to be projected though the medium in highly specific ad connective ways.”

• Use ideas/influences from youth: “Long-term likes and dislikes are often the first things that are emulated or aspired to in creative work before a clear and original ‘voice’ develops. These influences can be conscious or unconsciousness.”

• Use iconic images: “Contemporary culture is a visual one.”

• Use the idea of fantasy versus reality, or fantasy and reality combined. Using oppositions and comparisons with this could work too.

 

Minichiello: “The act of drawing empowers the artist to look at the world, to deconstruct and rebuild it.”

Can use photography to refer back to the real in order to aid the construction of ideas though drawings.

Scarfe: “The most important thing is to build up a mood, which is productive in liberating your imagination further.”

In a way, let the characters you create do what they want to do, give them actions because it just happens.

Engage with other art forms when you design animation, eg dance or music.


 

Animation is an art of ‘metaphor’, you can say whatever you want through art though any art or movement you create.

Concentrate on ‘acting’, body language and physical gesture as the tools of expression – clear gestures.

Beneficial silences can be dramatically effective.

Use all elements of animation to tell your story eg colour, design, lighting.

Animation is a form of choreography, hold poses, stretch movement and change the rhythm.

Give your characters specific vocabulary to make them unique.

Try to create an atmosphere for your animation by using all the above points.

 

When creating a story board, change and move things around a bit, pinpoint important character expressions and attributes etc until you find what fits and works the best.