LAUAN601 - Practical Research - Character Design/Interpretations

For my practical I will be redesigning three cartoon characters for different audiences

Choosing three cartoon shows for analysis and experimentation for my practical. Each chosen from selected Block programs. 

• Researching into the house style, visual style, and informing the specified visual aesthetics for the target audience. 

• Conclusive, story setting but visuals inform the setting and the story.

• Choosing the cartoon that best represent that age rated audience block program, in every possible visual design aspect for the best results, identifying and analysing the redesign. 

Producing character referencing sheets to transform the character design into an alternative age rated audience for a block program, and analysing the redesign for the final practical assessment. Contributing to my overall project research theory.

These Spiderman character designs show the same character but in different interpretations, each one designed to appeal to a different aged target audience. Young, Teen, then Mature. The main premise for this project is to understanding how the character design appeals to these audiences, through 'block programs'

Animating a turnaround is the final stage for my practical in this project.

The animated turnaround will transform a character from its original design into a different design, while rotating. For example Samurai Jack transforming into a plush, short and big headed character. Enhancing the more child friendly features, appealing to a younger audience. 

By keeping the character identification but altering the structuring in a reinterpretation, through an animated transformation, the character will begin to appeal to a different audience.
Changing the character design to appeal to the opposite target audience age range and analysing what features influence the design and represent the visual context of that age rated block program.

Researching into Crossovers in cartoon shows

Concept art from the website Amino (blog) 'How to make a crossover':
https://aminoapps.com/c/cartoon/page/blog/how-to-make-a-crossover/g0JU_6uPxeV0dlYG1vLkkpJbBBePga5 

I am looking into examples of cartoon characters crossovers, when a character travels into a different universe. Researching into how it possibly changes the appearance and design of the character into the visual style of that cartoon universe. This is because my practical is researching into the characters visual identity and comparing it to what makes up another character from a contrasting age group.

The character design depends on the universe they are in, if a 3D character crosses over into a 2D universe it will most likely be reinterpreted in that medium. But in most cases the characters that are crossing over tend to share similarities with the other characters visual design. 

This is relative to my project and interesting but not looking into character transformation specifically. 

But these two examples of different character design for aged audience interpretation and crossovers all apply to my practical as visual research.

LAUAN601 - Informing the Practical - Block Programs/Age Ranges

Researching into:
Three character designs based on age rated 'block programs', which will guide visual development of the practical.

• Designing three characters that meet the target audience for specified/channels studios, develop a character.

• Short premise for a story, character description, then development on target audience for (chosen channel/studios) visual development.

• Model sheets (movement, extreme poses) and character sheets (t-pose, turn around) Studies of character expression.

Block programming: I might research into 'Block programming' a series of related shows which are likely to attract and hold a given audience

Block programming or television block:
Is the arrangement of programs on radio or television so that several items of one general class, such programs relate to Children's animation, teen and adult, themes and audiences. This is perfect for what I am looking into for my project.'Block programming' is basically a 'Cartoon Network'. 

This is a viable option for my theme, instead of looking into animation studios or channels. 

Major classification based on age groups are as follows:

• Pre-school - ages 2 to 4 years
• Young school - ages 5 to 8 years 
• School - ages 9 to 12 years
• Teen - ages 13 to 16 years 
• Adult - ages 16 and above

Researching into block programs (often hosted on 'Cartoon Network') that feature a variety of relatively recent, 2D animation for a specific age rated target audience:

The youngest age of viewer to watch Adult Swim is 13 years old, Teenagers and Adults are the fit audiences for Adult Swim, 13 and up.


Choosing Three 2D 'Adult Swim' Cartoon programs within this block program

• Mr. Pickles
• Samurai Jack
• The Boondocks
• Black Dynamite 
• The Venture Bros

ADULT SWIM is an adult-oriented nighttime programming block, a nighttime identity for Cartoon Networks, as an alternative programming during the late night hours when Cartoon Network's primary target audience, children between the ages of 6–15, would normally be sleeping.2D cartoon Cartoon programs within this block programs.

It is primarily aimed at children and young teenagers between the ages of 7-16 and targets older teens and adults with mature content during its late night/overnight day-part 'Adult Swim.'
Choosing Three 2D 'Boomerang' Cartoon programs within this block program

• George of the Jungle (2007 TV cartoon series)
• Bunnicula
• Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz
• Grojband
• Cartoon Planet

Uniquely targeted at two distinct age groups, a preschool school audience and a school age audience of 4-9 year olds

Choosing Three 2D 'Children's ITV' cartoons within this block program

• Danger Mouse
• Mr Bean
• Wishfart
• The Bagel and Becky Show
• Ben 10: Alien Force

• Roy
• Mona the Vampire

LAUAN601 - Research Project - Proposal (500 words)

‘Exploring (how?) the visual aesthetics in unique character design for specified age rated television programs for varied target audiences’ (draft question).

'Exploring how unique and affective character design is best represented, within age specific television block programming?'

I will begin by researching into successful character design hosted on specified 'block programs', reading up on the techniques taken into iconic character design and produce a series of designs.

My research will be focused on preferably three unique visual character designs, that meet the target audience, Junior/younger, mature and adult programs, for 3 'block programs'.

Experimenting with character types for practical work and looking how the character design informs the script writing for narrative premise. Understanding the concepts for theory, comparing the features for what works the best to convey the desired effect on the target audience. Such as humours elements, comedy, educational, fundamental creative design. 

I chose this project because for the opportunity to practice with more visual 2D design animation, which is my interest because I want to develop my skills and ability to create more appealing character design. 
I am hoping to learn about the way cartoon characters are drawn and developed, experimenting with more visual media and understanding the theory of the new ways specified characters appeal to audiences. Practicing by combining different styles of visual aesthetics, developing them with model sheets and researching why they are successful.

How certain designs can attract a target audience and the steps taken to successfully entertain and promote. Experimenting with the procedures from idea to audience reception and maintaining the target audience. The visual techniques used that produce the best results and the most attractive design from popular shows and cartoons or films, after having completed the research for what to look into. I will be combining what I have learned from previous years of character creation and development for this project. 

Practically what I want to explore or test, the technique of drawing characters, creating compelling characters using referenced material from professional art and design elements. Studying popular character concepts and literary references on how to develop a character, testing what techniques are desirable to concept artists today for character designs, and practically applying them in new ways.

Case studies and exploring (complete referencing for new and old books):

The hero with a thousand faces - Joseph Campbell

Creative Character Design by Bryan Tillman
Character Model Sheets, guiding through the creation of new and unique characters. Breaking down established character archetypes to show how the different aspects of good character design work. 

The content on the book 'Creative Character Design' is based on Comic-Con courses on "Character Design."

Sketching From The Imagination Characters by 3D Total Publishing
In Sketching from the Imagination artists share their sketches, inspirations, and approaches to creating characters. This is a visually interesting collection packed with useful tips and creative insights that will inspire artists of all abilities.
A guide for artists wishing to create convincing and detailed characters. Aspects such as posing, character costumes, conveying emotions, and creating suitable moods. It features established concept artists, freelance and illustrators, producing for Marvel Entertainment.