Contextual Research – Identity

For our second class for contextual research, we were asked to do some research into the theme of identity.

(1)

An identity is how you are seen and recognised by others.  In terms of the vast industry of animation, you’re identity, whether it’s your individual identity or your identity as a company, is created and defined through your art style. You’re recognised and identified by your style and the way you animate. An example of a company that has a well known identity is Studio Ghibli.

Studio Ghibli was established in June 1985, making the company 35 years old. Studio Ghibli’s identity, their art style, was initially developed by Toshio Suzuki, one of the four founders of the company. Suzuki began animating with the intention of creating films that were directed by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, two other founders of Studio Ghibli. (2)

The reason I chose Studio Ghibli for this task is because, in terms of the animation industry, they’re the first studio that comes to mind as they have a unique style that is automatically recognised as theirs. They fit with the idea of identity as their unique art style and animation style means that they are easily identified by anyone who watches their movies or sees screenshots from any of said movies.

In conclusion, in terms of the animation industry, your identity is something you create yourself through the way you create and present your art to the world.

 

(1) Takai, S. Howl’s Moving Castle – Studio Ghibli‎|STUDIO GHIBLI [Online]. Available at: ハウルの動く城 – スタジオジブリ|STUDIO GHIBLI

(2)Takai, S. Studio Ghibli Overview – Studio Ghibli‎|STUDIO GHIBLI [Online]. Available at: スタジオジブリの概要 – スタジオジブリ|STUDIO GHIBLI

One thought on “Contextual Research – Identity

  1. Try to build on your initial response and research to a theme with a more in-depth reflection. Why did you choose Studio Ghibli? What was it about their animations that resonated with the theme for you?

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