Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
When
you
have
nothing
. . .
Sometimes we just don't think we have a place to start.
1. Start with Yourself
There is no better source of story than you: what you like; what you don't like; and what
you know. Since story is driven by emotion start with that. What makes you happy, mad,
sad, glad, frustrated, surprised, or hopeful? What is the one thing you would change about
the world if you could? If you could plan the perfect day, what would it be? What is your
biggest wish? What is your biggest secret? What is something you've always wanted to do
but haven't? What is one thing you always wanted to do, but your body type wouldn't allow
you to be good at? Be your own character.
2. Ask Why?
Look at the assumptions in your life. Why are things the way they are? Turn them over. Look
at them from another viewpoint. Monsters have hidden under children's beds and in children's
closets for decades, maybe centuries. Everyone knows they are there to scare young children.
But no one until Pixar, with
Monsters,
Inc
., asked why? What's in it for the monsters? It's their
job. But what is the payoff for doing this? Ah...it is their source of power. Brilliant.
3. Go into the World and Watch
Observation is one of an animator's greatest tools. The world is full of people in confl ict—
from the simple choice of paper or plastic, to climbing Mt. Everest. And people do the crazi-
est things for the silliest reasons. The human race is full of emotions, logic, faults, quirks,
and fallacies, which all make great fodder for animation. They have great movements,
expressions, walks, and weight shifts. Sometimes something as simple as an interesting walk
can reveal a character and launch a story.
4. Create Some Innocent Trouble
When we are in negotiation, we are emotionally involved and rarely have the opportunity to
observe the reactions and emotions of ourselves and other people. At the grocery store, when the
cashier asks if you want paper or plastic, reply, “both.” Then proceed to be very specifi c about
which items you want in paper and which you want in plastic. Watch how they react. See if they
will do it. Be careful not to push too far. You are doing a study, not getting into trouble. [5]
5. Read the Newspaper
The newspaper is full of stories. That's what a paper is—current stories. Search it for some-
thing small and unique. Look at the photographs. Imagine how those people arrived at that
very moment in time. What came before, what comes after?
6. Look at Art
Look at lots of art. What attracts you? Why? Is it color, composition, light, subject matter?
Cezanne told story through light. Brancusi created fl ight out of stone. Each piece of art tells
a story. If you lay that story over time, what is it?
