The Style in My Head

Here are some examples of the style I have been describing, I used a few different layers to achieve the results. For all I used a layer for the line work, a layer for the shading, a layer for the coloured shading and a layer with just the mayfly.


For the first one I set the outline blending layer to vivid light, I really like the tonal range created and a slight over exposure, it's very close to what I had in my head.

For this one I set the outline blending layer to colour burn, I think it makes it look a bit messy and the grey tones aren't really needed. Obviously the final one would be sharper than this and tidier.

I think this attempt works better, using the shades to create the full image, using the same colour burn technique. I also think it has a good depth to it, which is what I wanted.

I like this setting, it feels most natural and fitting for the story, I also think that the style has improved from the ones above. This is down to the more defined lines around the stream, I think they help to hold the image together.  The tones also look a lot more natural.

Mayfly Finals

Here are the more accurate looking but simplified characters for my Mayfly Idea.  I'm very happy with how they have turned out because you can tell by the main features that it is a Mayfly, for example the shape of the head, the double wings and long tail-type bits.

I finally have all of my ideas down now and just need to tweak them slightly, most character designs are underway and I have started a little set design for my Mayfly idea, I'll post some later on today.

I've nearly finished my Mayfly idea now, just need to do a bit more research into the style I want and blog some examples, then finalise my set designs and make a character profile...not much when you think about it right?

I have made myself a strict production timeline for then next week and hope to have all of my 3 minute ideas finished and ready to present...I'll let you know how thats going in a few days.

Mayfly

Similarly to 'Thought of You', I really wanted to make my designs and entire animation very simplified.  Taking the references of the Mayfly and really stripping it back to its basic shape.


Here are the references I used and drawings I made from them

And here are some initial ideas I had to simplify the characters

However I feel that they may be slightly too simple so I am going to add a little more detail so it is clearer what it actually is.

Ryan Woodward

I also found this series from Ryan Woodward and I again like the style and it has inspired one of my ideas that I had yesterday, I love the style and hope to reproduce something like it with CG and 2D backgrounds.

Ryan Woodward

This is a really powerful and moving animation, the moves are so fluid and natural. It's incredible work like this that inspires me to try something new, and hopefully will inspire a new storyline and new approach to animation for me.