Alba
Year
2022
Client
University Project
My Disciplins
2D Animation
Illustration
Sound Design
About
During my third semester, I embarked on the creation of my very first fully self-produced short animated film. Drawing inspiration from my upbringing in the industrial Ruhrgebiet and aesthetics derived from Scotland and Ireland, I crafted the overall atmosphere of the film. To give life to my characters, I chose to utilize Character Animator as a powerful tool in this project.
Synopsis
The wind howls and along the rooftops a figure dashes through the constructions in a never ending storm of fire and thunder. An abandoned mega-city, hidden in the ash of the ever-running smoke stacks. Not even the little chimney sweep herself knows what is simmering below.
Along the way she meets a companion and together they find a darkness that better should’ve been left unseen. Or will it’s unwinding gaze open their eyes?
Along the way she meets a companion and together they find a darkness that better should’ve been left unseen. Or will it’s unwinding gaze open their eyes?
Stills
Stills from the end product.
Background Art
To capture the essence of the industrial world, I employed a mix of dark, cold, and warm colors. I predominantly used shades of blue to depict the cold steel prevalent in such environments, while orange hues were utilized to represent the fiery elements and smoky skies. Furthermore, it was crucial for me to create backgrounds that conveyed the impression of immense, distant buildings and halls. This deliberate choice aimed to emphasize the character's diminutive stature, making her appear even smaller within the expansive surroundings.
Animatic
The animatic presented here serves as the first approach and idea, capturing the essence of the atmosphere I sought to achieve.
Character Design
In the following images, you can witness the step-by-step process of finding the perfect look for my characters, carefully tailored to suit the story I intended to convey. For Alba, I aimed for a melancholic yet somewhat childlike appearance, which contrasts with her occupation as a chimney sweeper. On the other hand, the monster embodies a skull-like, ghostly aesthetic, lending an eerie presence to its character.
