principle of Animation: Appeal
- Michael Oliver
- Jan 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Whilst most aspects of animation focuses on how something moves, appeal is more focused on what is moving and what that conveys. In essence Appeal in animation, is how the design of a character or scene catches the audiences. using the principles of design to help convey the purpose of the animation and tell us about the character through there design.
A large aspect of Appeal in animation comes into paly with character design. the shape of the silhouette, proportions of the body, color of the picture itself and how they animated helps tell us (the audience) about the character. particularly, i wanted to highlight first an example from Netflix's newest animated series, The Blue-eye Samurai.
Mizu is the main character of a series. a wondering samurai who is seeking revenge.
What makes this character design appealing is what it meaning in the context of series. the story is set in Edo period Japan were foreigner are still a rarity and had only recently been contacted by Europeans. within the show every other Japanese character has features characteristics of the race they are depicted as. piratically all having dark colored eyes. on of the major plot points of the story is how Mizu his half white and half Japanese and branded a 'devil' by those around her. this is indicated to use by her having blue eyes a trait commonly associated with white people.
her silhouette is also something that add to the presentation of her character. because of the setting Mizu presents as and is treated by most of the characters as a man. her figure facial feature and hair is different from the traditional feminine attire and stylings of women at that time period. this coupled with a slim masculine silhouette creates the archetypical ronin which is contrasted with her differing gender and race. with the blues of sword and attire matting her eyes add to her appeal with simple and effect colors.
Another example i wish to highlight is from Hades from Hercules
one of main things that Hades design does well is contrast and compliment another character, "Zeus"
one aspect is the hair. whilst Zeus has large curling flowing white hair giving a regal and grandiose appearance, hades on the other hand has receding flaming hair. resembling more a modern man then the Greek god of hell. the thin jaw and dark circles around the eyes creates a more humble and unkempt appearance. his hands are more acute and angular the Zeus lending to a hellish appearance. when he gets angry his hair and body contorts into deep reds and twist like a flame with jagged teeth a large eyes. whilst Zeus stands taller and prouder, hades hunches over when walking.
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