Research- Character Design

Research- Character Design

From doing a research proposal about the changes of the representation of anthropomorphic characters during the world war 2, I have learnt a lot about character design in general. The proposal itself and the research that I will carry out will help to inform my specialist project in general.

Firstly, anthropomorphic by definition is to put a human behaviour or characteristic onto anything that you see around you. This can be an object, animal or even the weather. Anthropomorphism is well know within the Japanese culture with their humanoids and other non-human characters within titles such as 'Spirited Away' from Studio Ghibli as well has featuring heavily within Western children animation. Not only that but in today's society, these characters are also featuring in more adult films and animation such as 'Family Guy' or 'Ted'.

Interestingly, as a part of our daily lives, we also anthropomorphise especially if we have pets. Even by naming something, you are placing a human characteristic (an identity) onto your pet, car or house. Within the media, hurricanes or other weather disasters are given that same quality. Thus becoming an entity itself, it gains a likability because people can now find something similar between themselves and the uncontrollable issue at hand. By 'likability' I don't mean it in the sense that people start to like harsh weather conditions, but to empathise, relate, or find reasoning for its existence. Public preparation is better and the understanding between the reports from the media and the community is a lot clearer. It is funny to think that a single anthropomorphic trait can help public awareness.

Mazikki Poach is an anthropomorphic character. He experiences emotions like a human and deals with situations the same as well. Not only does it create more appeal to his design, but also helps inform my narrative. Grief is a hard subject to tackle at the best of times, as well as heavy smoking addictions, and alcoholism. Driving a story through a more appealing style of character, the narrative is easier to convey. Anthropomorphism softens the narrative. For example, in 'Finding Nemo' the story begins with the death of a loving wife and many children with on surviving but given a disability that hinders his life. Through people, this film would of had to been told carefully but with animated, non-human characters, not only does the narrative feel less harsh, but also begins to have a family appeal to it.

Here is my presentation of the subject and about the research that I will undertake.  In terms of my specialist project, my literature review and reading into the subject will help inform my work.

FDA HLS Research Proposal