In Week 02 of Design for Animation, Narrative Structures, and Film Language with Nigel Mairs, the class did not take place in person, but we were given few reading documents to go through independently. Even though there was no lecture, this week felt important because it pushed me to slow down and focus on the fundamentals of visual language in animation.
SELF STUDY TOPICS
The readings brought attention back to the basics of art and design. Often, when watching films or animations, it is easy to focus only on story and characters. However, this week made me realise that strong visual narratives are built on careful planning and intentional design choices. Every image on screen communicates meaning, even before a story unfolds.
One of the main areas covered was the elements of art. Concepts like line, shape, form, value, and colour were discussed not as decorative tools, but as methods of visual communication. Lines can direct attention and suggest movement, while shapes can influence how we emotionally read a character. For example, softer and rounded forms often feel friendly or safe, whereas sharp and angular forms can feel threatening or aggressive. Colour and value were also highlighted as essential tools for setting mood and creating depth within a flat frame.
The readings also introduced the Golden Ratio, a mathematical principle used in art and animation to create balance and harmony in composition. I found it interesting how something as precise as mathematics can be used creatively to guide where the viewer looks and how a scene feels. It showed me that composition is not accidental but carefully designed to feel natural and pleasing to the eye.
Another important concept discussed was mise-en-scène, which refers to everything placed within the frame. In animation, this idea becomes even more powerful because nothing exists by chance. Every texture, light source, background element, and costume detail is intentionally designed. This made me realise how much control animators have over meaning and atmosphere compared to live-action filmmaking.
Overall, Week 02 changed the way I watch animated films. I now find myself paying closer attention to visual metaphors and design decisions rather than just following the plot. This understanding of formal elements feels essential for becoming a more thoughtful and intentional animator, rather than just focusing on making visually appealing images.