Thesis “B” Short Description / Action Plan

Thesis Statement

Utilizing an interactive, web-based document to take an in depth look at character design stereotypes that are currently plaguing the animation, game and visual effects industry and the importance of pushing more diverse designs through the 3D character pipeline to fill current character voids.

Short Description

In today’s animation, game and visual effects industry the role of a character artist varies from studio to studio, and at times from show to show, although the process of character development remains relatively similar. It is important for emerging 3D character artists to understand the animation, game and visual effects pipeline as it pertains to character art as well as current trends in character design that are affecting our medium as a whole. By breaking character design stereotypes and introducing a wider character demographic to entertainment media consumers, character artists can shift our industry to have a more positive impact on our culture and self-image.

Plan of Action

To demonstrate and prove my thesis concept I will break it into two major components. First I will discuss the importance of pushing 3D characters beyond the norms of current character design trends and the importance of introducing a more diverse character profile to the public. To expand on character design I will describe each department that makes up the 3D character development pipeline. Each of these major components will be further broken down into categories that make up the whole of their topic.

I will begin by discussing aspects of character design stereotypes that are currently plaguing our industry and have an effect on our culture as a whole such as: age, body type, gender and, race. I will explain why I believe these stereotypes are having a negative impact on our culture and make suggestions on how to break away from them.

To demonstrate my point on each of these topics I will design a character that addresses specific aspects of these harmful stereotypes and then take each one through the 3D character development pipeline. By taking these characters through the 3D character pipeline I will bring my thesis into its partner topic.

The pipeline discussion will describe the various aspects of the 3D character design process and suggest that a 3D character artist should develop an expertise in at least one of the pipeline departments, as well as be familiar with each aspect of the presented departments, to increase professional value and better secure employment.

Visualization

To visualize my project I will devote a portion of my personal web site to the sharing of this document. I will develop a page to present each topic and provide a navigation system that makes the document easy and enjoyable to digest.

#Thesis #ThesisStatement