The Role Of Artists And Illustrators In The Production Of Animation Films

By Timothy Olson


Man has had a passion for art since time immemorial. As such he has gone long strides to produce fine art with the use of various tools such as pencils or paint brushes. His illustrations and art work are quite similar as they involve drawing but are distinguished by the material used as output . For instance, art work involves the uses of canvass material to lay down work while illustrations involve the use of books, visual media or even magazines. This article aims at expounding on the importance of Artists and Illustrators in the production of animation films.

As stated earlier, the main difference between the outputs of the two professionals is the material that portrays their work. Illustrations involve the use of comic books, magazines or visual advertising media. On the other hand, production of art involves the use of canvas material to showcase their work. Alternatively, producing illustration consists of a variety of activities such as demonstration, creation and practice of their original work.

Illustrations as well as art are significant when producing animated films. First of all, artists provide a platform for the creation of characters that depict the subject matter of a narrative. This involves creating various aspects of a fictional character such as size, gender or specific body features such as shape of nose, mouth or eyes. Meanwhile, illustrators use the drawn characters in sync with a logical story to make it much easier for the audience to comprehend.

Alternatively, production of art not only involves creation of fictional characters, but also the provision of scenery that acts as a setting for the animation film. Illustration then involves use of determine various emotions that the characters are meant to portray when filming the animation. Illustrations will involve portrayal of emotions such as happiness, sadness or anger depending with the plot of the animation film. Portrayal of emotions is vital as they inform the audience of how these characters are feeling during a particular time. This creates a bond within the audience as they empathize with what the character is experiencing.

Furthermore, illustrations provide a basis for the creation of various voices or sounds that are projected by the characters . For instance, certain male characters have deeper voices to emphasize their dominance while female characters have softer voices to reveal their softer side as females. Alternatively, illustrators are responsible for determining the dramatic sounds that accompany various scenes within the film. A jovial scene requires a jovial tune to enhance the jovial mood being experienced. A sad scene requires a sad tune to reveal a sad mood being experienced by a certain character.

The role of an artist goes much further as they are responsible for creation of every detail that accompanies a character, however minute it may be. For instance, if the character wears particular attire, then they should be captured.

Illustrations also involve the movement of characters within the narrative as they describe how the narrative is told during a specific period of time. As such, the director should be notified so that the animation film does not contradict with the original work. If the character is to run, then they should run, if they are to walk, then they should walk.

In conclusion, it is fundamentally clear that artists as well as illustrators play a crucial role when producing animated films. They serve as the foundation on which a narrative is told. Without their input, then the animation is as good as dead.




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