ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Central Question

I have envisioned and have been developing a videogame demo made using hand drawn art and animation based on classic Japanese art and animation. I have researched and will explain how they influenced my decision making and design. I plan on compiling the works that I take inspiration from and doing research on the artists that created them. I will also research Japanese mythology to incorporate into my game for characters, environments, and enemies.

Literature

The significance of my work will be commemorating Japanese art and culture in a modern, digital art form which is video games and animation. This will provide compelling historical context and hopefully inspire players to learn more about and research more about Japanese art and mythology. Espeecially referencing the Japanese land of the dead, Yomi-no-kuni, as well as demons such as the Oni, imps and Izananami no mikoto, the goddess of creation and death (Wright).  The main source I used to learn the principles of digital animation and design were the YouTube Channels Olof Strom and Blackthornprod where I learned how to use the Photoshop animation timeline and how to effectively create keyframes and inbetweens (Strom)(Calice). I feel as though this project applies new and innovative methods to provide modern people with classic art.

Methods

I have been using the methods of arts, humanities, and sciences in my final work as I will be pulling from visual art and animation, written works and history, as well as technology with my incorporation of games sciences in Unity with the creation of the game. I have been conducting my research through a variety of methods and sources including classic artworks, books, compilations of works, and video tutorials. The main mediums I used in the production of my Capstone project were pencil pen, paper as well as a drawing tablet alongside Photoshop.

Audience & Impact

My intended audience for this project is going to be people who appreciate hand drawn art, specifically classic Japanese art as well as people who appreciate videogames and the art and storytelling found within them. I hope to appeal to those who appreciate art in general as I hope to have created a compelling world with interesting characters with grounded design. I feel as though people will also be able to learn something from my game as I will incorporate real world locations and events while interweaving them with the mythological characters, creatures, and locations. My capstone will draw upon experiences that I have gained through Arts Scholars as I have learned to broaden my horizons for incorporating different cultures and art forms. I plan to continue work on this project and hope to eventually publish my game.

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References

Storm, Olof. “2D Action Animation - Full Process.” YouTube, uploaded by Olof Storm, 13 Nov. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiXFzjnxor0&list=WL&index=69&t=308s.

Calice, Noa. “MAKING RUN, IDLE & JUMP 2D GAME ANIMATIONS - UNITY TUTORIAL.” YouTube, uploaded by Blackthornprod, 28 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTxQKHG5WCA&list=WL&index=37.

Wright, Gregory. “Japanese Mythology.” Mythopedia, Wasaii LLC, 2019, mythopedia.com/japanese-mythology/.

Acknowledgements

Heather Bremenstuhl

Harold Burgess