Pre-Quarter Assignment

My favorite animator is Hayao Miyazaki, who is well-known for his works as the animation director in Studio Ghibli. His works have inspired me to pursue 2D animation. When he started out as an animator, it was from the 1960s till the 80s and the animations he produced were amazing for the time. After observing his works, his animations had character within the movement of each frame. It was simple yet very complex. To show these movements during this time was really phenomenal. The most notable movies he animated on were Lupin the Third (1972), Doubutsu Takarajima (1971), Soratobu Yuureisen (1969), Nagagutsu wo Haita Neko (1966) and many more. Here is a video featuring his animated works.

Regarding his illustrations, there is something whimsical about it. There are so many intricate details when looking at the world building concept illustrations. One notable thing about his art is his use of ink and watercolor.  Through the medium of ink he is able to use hatching to show dimension clearly. In addition, he is very skilled with watercolor which he uses to not only color but show even more demension. Each illustration tells a story, with how the way the setting feels and its composition. There are illustrations that feel melancholic, exhibit curiosity, or even nostalgic. The worlds he creates are full of life. These are seen frequently in his concept art for his Studio Ghibli films such as, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Spirited Away (2001), and The Wind Rises (2013). These are the films that were directed by Hayao Miyazaki. His films are very well known among different generations of people and have left an impact on them.

Julia Reymundo