Talking Points: Animation Character Design

A collection of imagery and sources designed to introduce pupils to character design in animation.

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ages 9-11
ages 11-14
free to access

Pixar: Designing Inside Out Characters

Pixar Animation Studios’ character art director Albert Lozano joins Variety’s David Cohen to reveal the thinking behind the ingenious emotions of the hit “Inside Out.” – Variety

Questions to Ask Children

Can you think of some different shapes that you feel describe joy, sadness, anger, fear and disgust?

Which features have the animators used to express the character?

Which character is your favourite? Why?

Kung Fu Panda

Raymond Zibach, Production Designer gives insight into how characters were designed on Kung Fu Panda and the importance actors give to the intricate designs and expressions of their characters. –ACMI

Questions to Ask Children

What’s your favourite animal? What kind of personality might it have?

Which features have the animators used to express the character eg, facial features? nose? eyes? mouth? Or other features?

What Makes Good Character Design?

In this interview series with Disney Animation Studio Artists, animators talk about what is a good character design for each artist. – MoGraph Mentor

Questions to Ask Children

After watching this video what do you think is the most important feature of character design to you?

Disney Dream Job Series

Questions to Ask Children

What is your favourite animated character, why?

What would you like to see more of in animated characters? This might refer to appearance, values, temperament etc.

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