Gingrich, Oliver ORCID: 0000-0002-1656-0032 , Watkins, Julie ORCID: 0000-0001-8872-7041 , Flynn, Ryan, Saxena, Dev, Papp, Sara and Lum, Thomas (2024) Shape theory in animation pedagogy and practice. In: Proceedings of EVA London 2024, UK: Electronic Visualisation in the Arts, London, 8th - 12th Jul, 2024. BCS Learning and Development Ltd. - Chartered Institute of IT, London. (In Press)

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Abstract

While satirical cartoonists, illustrators and character designers have long embraced design practices that link recognisable shapes including platonic solids to character traits, there is no single theoretic work of animation theory that reflects on this golden rule of animation and character design practice. Commonly known as Shape Theory, this set of conventions in both 2D and 3D character design stems from a set of norms and conventions closely linked to but not limited to children’s cartoons. Often taught as part of the academic canon of character design, this set of conventions has informed both industrial, commercial and artistic animation practice since Emile Cohl in the 1900s. Ascribed to an early article by Solomon Ash, Shape Theory now forms part of the canon of Western character design pedagogy. This paper critically reflects on theoretic foundations of Shape language, its applications in animation pedagogy as well as examples of animation practices.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Title of Proceedings:	Proceedings of EVA London 2024, UK: Electronic Visualisation in the Arts, London, 8th - 12th Jul, 2024
Uncontrolled Keywords:	shape theory; character design; animation; pedagogy
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR N Fine Arts > NC Drawing Design Illustration
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Design (DES)
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2024 15:04
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/46650

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