1. GRAPHICS- research Brief > After the success of films such as Shrek, Monsters inc and Finding Nemo, you have been employed by a leading animator to develop a new animation. The animation will need to have a main character that is the star of the cartoon. This must be an original character created by you.

2. Research Designers often research information before starting to develop their own work. What information do you think you need to research, to help you with the development of your ideas for an animation? Which are your favourite animations?

3. Cartoons What are the main cartoon styles? What age group is the animation aimed at? Teenagers/adults/children Which styles are trendy now? What is the focus/function of the animation story? Research – plan What are the needs of the target group? Which type of cartoons are liked by the target group? Any other research area? Who are the leading animation designers? Entertainment, informative e.g. information/teaching, political, social statement

4. Research – other designers/inspiration A quick way to gain inspiration is to look at the work of other leading cartoonist. Welsh animators are creating some amazing work…..quite often animating stories that you may be familiar with. Have a look at www.s4c.co.uk/planedplantbach www.s4c.co.uk/planedplantbach www.Calon.tv www.mikeyoungproductions.com Some other websites that you may like to look at: www.aardman.com www.dreamworksanimation.com www.pixar.com www.thesimpsons.com

5. Research – looking at the work of inspirational animators Which is your favourite character? Why?…. Which features of the animations do you like the most? Why?… Could you use any of these ideas as a starting point to your design work? How? Once you have selected your inspiration source - ask yourself some questions?

6. Research – looking at the work of inspirational animators Are you inspired by anything that you have seen? How could you develop these ideas? How do these images begin inspiring your story? Have you seen any of these animations?

7. Research - analysis Product analysis. Designers often look in detail at other designer’s work to get inspiration or to spot trends. They might analyse images and decide what they think works well or what does not. Human esque Face Paw easier to draw that hands. Logo as indictor that he’s a hero Oversized feet Human stance Bright contrasting /primary colours Look at the image opposite and decide what are the positive features of this cartoon character.

8. Research - analysis Task- Search for three images that you like, These could be from a comic/book or from the internet. Draw these images in the space provided Describe the positive aspects of each image – you could use the word bank provided. Label or annotate each drawings to confirm your thoughts. Think about you presentation too….. Colour and black outlines will help. Here are some examples for you.

9. Research Can you think of words that describe animated or cartoon images? Word bank … colourful, plastic, shiny, cool, funky, texture, fashionable, realistic, primary colours, humorous, hero, villain, distorted, manipulated, cartoon, human stance, enhanced features, caricature, comic strip, sketch, animation, animated film

10. Just a few more web sites that might give you further Inspiration: www.shrek.com www.marvel.com www.cartoonnetwork.com/ www2.warnerbros.com http://home.disney.go.com/ http://www.nick.com www.thesimpsons.com Research