How to make animated films

Image source: Amazon, online, accessed on the 5th of February 2012 http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Animated-Films-Masterclass/dp/0240810333/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330020378&sr=1-1

 White, T.W. 2009. How to Make Animated Films: Tony Whites Complete Masterclass on the Traditional Principles of Animation. Focal Press
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“Even show your initial sketches to others for feedback. Ask them to look at your designs and tell you what they think the inherent personalities and attitudes your characters have. Better still, first show them the silhouette versions of your characters and ask them they same questions before showing them your development sketches.” page 244

This book was really interesting as it was a bit like a step by step guide of how to create and develop characters and their personalities. I choose this quote as I feel that a big part of character concept art and development is showing people your work and your ideas and getting feedback on the look of the character as that way you can see if the character works and gives off the style that you are creating.

White explains that once you have the basic look of the character, start on the development and then work and change what things you think would really make the character. It is okay to try out different looks on the facial and body features as it is part of the development.

“Once you have established the broad characteristics of your character, begin to focus down by better defining his or her key essentials. Does the bigger nose really make him or her better? Would the character work better thinner, fatter or more buff? Ask yourself these questions about all aspects of your character. Feet too big? Too small? Are the arms more effective longer or shorter? And so on.” page 245

"Attitude is another aspect of your characters design that you need to visually communicate to your audience. The pose or stance of the character will very much define his or her attitude. If your character is a kind of "wimpy coward" type of guy, you don't want to draw him wuth an aggressive, fighting stance. Similarly, a big clumsy-looking oaf will not cut is as a sensitive brain surgeon. Look at styling in other films and analyse what the attitude of their best characters exude and why they work so well for the parts they play." page 239

This quote explains that the look of the character is also important when trying to convey a certain attitude and personality as you need to crerate a believeable character that appeals to the audience. If the characters body proportions, look and personality dont match then the audience may not take to that character.