LAUAN603 - Research - Background and Aesthetic

Researching into how animated video and films capture ambience and empathy with music for my project:

Looking into a variety of 2D animation, that uses exaggerated angles and perspective, to keep the visual style interesting and expressive.

This is an important area to mention when planning with a storyboard focused student I am also collaborating with, for the animation story/setting, shots, and pacing.

Here are some sources for inspiration that I tend to use when researching into expressive animation and design: instagram.com/runwiththegoldenwolf

Taking examples of interest from Golden Wolfs sneakers animated clips, expressing energy and enthusiasm with a character jumping and then playing a drum set. This fits into my ideas quite well as an example to look into.

Conceptual design:

Looking into unique environments that reflect a strong aesthetic and mood as a setting for conveying the music.

In my presentation for the statement of intent, I described my interest in atmospheric elements that create ambience. The character, atmosphere, and mood that convey the music and avoid any bland or repetitive backgrounds. Keeping the imagery colourful, expressive and most importantly interesting.

Every music video has this goal in common, to attract and keep the interest of the audience in every way possible. That is why most music videos today incorporate some form of animation as another element to attract audiences and find any source of interest.

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me - U2

Based on the animated super hero Batman, this music video features the band performing in Gotham City, the animated sequence also has characters dressed as the in reference to characters in the movie scenes similar to those in the movie.

Replicating a similar animation style form the 1992 Batman: The animated series.

Do I wanna know - Arctic Monkeys

A very minimalistic and psychedelic style to represent the inside of someones brain. Featuring warping lines into imagery and shapes that tend to progress around women and random objects.

This aesthetic achieves very descriptive imagery with minimal imagery and compliments the progression of the lyrics in the song.


Take on me - A-ha

Romantic and funny, pencil sketching and rotoscoped animation. This combination of sketching and detailed rotoscoped imagery combines descriptive character facial expressions, with loose sketched backgrounds. Illustrating the exciting comic book world but emphasising on the emotional connection with the characters as the focus of the animation.

Rich with energy and depth that is translated through a simple story concept, focusing on the values of the song with character emotion and connection.