This week we were introduced to the fundamentals of visual language. We first looked at the Elements of Art, including line, shape, form, value, colour, space and texture. These are the basic visual elements that we use to build an image. I learned that these elements are not only about how an image looks. The way they are organised can also guide the viewer’s eyes and affect how they understand the image.
We then looked at the Principles of Art, including balance, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity and variety. These principles are about how we organise the visual elements in an image. For example, balance can create a feeling of stability, while emphasis can make one part of an image stand out. Rhythm can also be created through repeated elements, and movement can guide the viewer’s eyes through an image.
After this, we looked at the relationship between Animation, Art and Cinema. We learned about some early animation experiments and how animation developed alongside art, film and technology. We looked at early works such as Enchanted Drawing and Humorous Phases of a Funny Face. We also learned about the development of the peg system and cel, which changed the way animation could be produced.
Reflection
Before this class, I already used colour, shape, space and movement in my own work, but I usually thought about them separately. I did not always think about how they work together to guide the viewer.
I also realised that some things I used to think about when drawing can also be applied to animation. For example, when I was doing sketches, I often paid attention to the silhouette of a figure, but I did not think much about how it could affect the way an animated scene is understood.
As someone with a design and visual art background, I think I sometimes pay too much attention to whether an image looks good. When I make a character and environment, I can spend a lot of time on the visual details. This class made me think more about the fact that animation is not only about making a good-looking image. Movement, time and the way the image is organised can also change how the audience understands the scene.
I also started to think differently about the relationship between a character and its environment. I often like combining characters with environments, and before, I mainly focused on the character itself. Now I realise that the space around the character can also be part of the expression. For example, putting a small character in a large empty space can make the character feel more alone or vulnerable.
I think this is something I need to change in my own work. Instead of only asking myself “Does this image look good?”, I also want to ask “What does the audience see first?” and “How does the character, space and movement work together?”
I also want to observe more from real life. Instead of only thinking about animation as a set of techniques, I want to pay more attention to how people move, stand and interact with their surroundings. I think these observations can give me more ideas when I create characters and scenes.