Proceedings of the 2010 International Conference on Information Technology and Scientific Management Discussing on the Traditional Chinese Elements and Animation Design Xiaoyu Gao, Li Zhang Institute of Art & Fashion, Tianjin Polytechnic University Tianjin, China Email: [email protected] Abstract: Image design of cartoon character is a very important part of the basis for making an animated film. It directly affects the success of animation. Elements of traditional Chinese culture in the form of its rich and profound culture impact on the animation character design deeply. Among them, the modeling, action and clothing are the essential factors in shaping an image. By the combination of these three factors, the temperament of the role emits lingering charm and connotation. When we start the role creation, we should pay attention to the elements of traditional culture, and grasp the essence of traditional culture to give the animated character distinctive art trait. Keywords: animated character; image design; traditional culture Chinese original animations look extremely uncompe- 1．The importance of animated character titive. In this case, solving the problem of blending tradi- design tional culture and China-style animation character is very meaningful for accommodating the environment of In recent years, animation industry with its high effi- integration of world art as soon as possible, carrying ciency, low risk, wider audience, higher advantage has forward the national spirit, mining the animation design flourished. Along with development of the new culture talents, improving the level of Chinese animated image industry, animated character design has gradually be- design and creating a world-class cartoon stars. come an independent and important subject. Role image is the prerequisite for evaluation. As an excellent cartoon, 2. Traditional elements in the design of no matter how intricate the story line is, highly skilled animated characters director is, if there is not an attractive role image, it isn’t a successful work. As the first considering standard of 2.1 Modeling audience to choose a cartoon, the role image can fully In every excellent cartoon, figurines play a pivotal role in shaping a character which is bright and outstanding. express the character and the storyline, improve the car- From the development of Chinese animation art, the toon’s appeal and influence. As a result, the audience was age-old traditional culture and rich animation materials impressed by the whole film and obsessed by the role of have been the largest breeding ground of China-style the film image. With the popular animated characters, the animation modeling. That’s to say, Chinese traditional development of derivative markets also has expanded. culture creates the animation style of China. So-called derivatives are the serial products designed by Chinese animated image designers, absorb a wide taking animation character's image as the core concept of range of Chinese traditional folk art of wood carving, development. An outstanding cartoon image can exploit paper cutting, Peking Opera Art Deco style and the an- lots of derivatives, including clothing, diet, toys, life cient paintings, much more focus on the decorative im- products, collections and electronics etc. Thus, the age and typical characterization. Imaginative, bold and cartoon image is not just a film and television animation exaggerated way manifests the artistic characteristics that art image, its influence even more than the cartoon itself. are simple, antiquity, massy, aesthetic, characteristic and Good image is not only artistic, but also commercial, powerful. For example, in the film Havoc in Heaven, such as Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and Snow White etc, designers fasten the leading role Monkey King’s figure which have become the medium and spokespersons of personality by entire looks, dress, action and unite exter- commercial operations. They are not inferior to any one nal and internal quality, combine with his three charac- of Hollywood stars. Most images are lack of creativities teristics of "Monkey, God, Human ". On the basis of the and packaging in the modern Chinese animation market, Monkey King’s image in the comic book Red Star Over which cause the market to out of operate and can’t bring China, they learn from Peking Opera mask, folk arts for relevant industry develop, business profits do not create. print and other traditional arts and then take the integra- Facing the new trend in the development of global eco- tion to complete this image of Monkey King who wears nomic, foreign film and television animations have taken a soft hat, masks the inverted peach, has small arms and a great impact on Chinese market. The images of the long legs, wears tiger fur. Thus, the image takes posses- 235 978-1-935068-40-2 © 2010 SciRes. Proceedings of the 2010 International Conference on Information Technology and Scientific Management sion of the monkey’s intelligence and lively characteris- atmosphere. tics and the God-shaped features what people can’t 2008, Paramount produces the new animated film transform through and more human emotions. named Kung Fu Panda, and its element which includes Other forms of different types of animated characters scene, roles and storyline etc, all shows great Chinese can also show and pass the different national aesthetic flirtatious expressions. The leading role is Chinese sentiment. For example, the character modeling of clas- national treasure — a panda named Paul. He has fat and sic animation Na Zha Nao Hai absorbs its essence of strong body, round head, charming naivety, and looks Chinese door-god. Na Zha who naked, have light-colored funny and sly. The traditional elements exist almost eve- flesh, red ribbon and a gold necklace, two black eyes rywhere in this movie, like the ladder leading to the sky, coupled with feature and bushy eyebrows, which set him towering building，festive squibs, artful dragon sedan, off to powerful. In short, this film is very successful in which are created for Paul to make laugh. Such as, he shaping an extraordinary young hero image. The red climbs up the ladder leading to the sky out of breath and gorgeous gown fully shows Lijing’s courtiers identity, falls on the ground latter, when Paul defeats TaiLung by and the knee-protected amour under the clothes leaks the air craft made by squibs then become the dragon that he is a warrior. This role design with the type of both fighter, the number of the people to lift up the dragon literal and martial completely fit the requirement for the sedan for Paul's fat but strong body has become 8 from 4. storyline. On the other side, the role molding design in This movie's scene mirrors great many Chinese style the whole film use the decorative style, simple lines with acting movies. For example, the segment of Paul robbing folk colors such as cyan, green, red, white, black, which the bowl with his master comes from the movie named make people feel fresh and at the same time full of the Snake-shaped hand. The segment of Paul rolling down charm of traditional arts the hill looks great whose inspiration comes from Xing 2.2 Action chi Zhou's unique skill named hot wheels in the movie Love on Delivery; otherwise, we can say Xiao long Li For the role of modeling, the action design is also very has a powerful influence to the western society from the important. Modeling's charm can be also expressed by animals' sounds and action what like Xiao Long Li's the role's expression. The role's action and expression when they fight. On the side, Tiger, Crane, Monkey, Vi- can not only interpret the story, but also reflect the per, Mantis are past masters and their Kung Fu are one movie’s rhythm, show the role's personal charm and so type of Chinese Kung Fu named Chinese mind-body on. For example, General fires mirrors plenty of Chinese boxing. It stands out Crane's lightness; Monkey's quick- traditional opera elements，especially the Beijing opera ness; Tiger's brave and fierce; Mantis' intelligent; Viper's in creation. In this movie, Animation Designers use a lot fast, liquidity etc. In addition, the perfect segment “the of Beijing opera as its music and types of facial makeup war of bridge cutoff” is more beautiful and charming in operas as roles' model, and even a great many of than some of Chinese action movies which brings a great characters' spoken language and action all design on the powerful vision impact and gives us the feeling that it is base of Beijing opera actors' show. In order to stand out not only a animation. This film has too many good action General's character and imposing manner，the General's scenes for us to mention one by one. Kung Fu Panda is body, shape and the action are according to the require- absolutely successful on showing the action about Kung ment of Dan angle which needs to be drawn by the thick Fu. Kung Fu Panda is an inspiring story which is made line. When General wins to return, other commanders by Americans; it mirrors Chinese traditional art and welcome him to come back in glee feast. He holds his sprite to reflect American lifestyle than only a pure head high, paces and walks to the glee feast step by step American animated film. The pursuing for excellently with the rhythm of drum, which likes senior General using the traditional art and national sprite is the key for coming on the stage in Beijing opera. He goes on the this American animated film to success all over the world. loose, military accomplishments fades with the time after Fig.1 he wins to return. Until the attacking army has reached the city gates，he orders troops under his command to take his arms, but his gun has been corroded to scrap iron.