This week we were introduced to the fundamentals of composition, layout and perspective.
Composition
Composition: the arrangements of objects and characters in the frame, is used to manipulate the viewer into looking where you want them to, with each layout needing at least one focal point to draw their eye to.
Here, principles to use include the ‘Golden Ratio’ of 1:1.6; a pleasing reoccurring pattern seen in nature, and the ‘Rule of Thirds,’ where the frame is divided a grid of nine equal parts, and important elements placed on one, or more of the four key points where the imaginary lines meet.
‘Golden Ratio’ Illustration Source: 99designs, n.d.
‘Rule of Thirds’ Source: floobynooby.com, n.d.
Workshop: ‘Rule of Thirds’
Using Symmetry (formal balance) and balancing elements with similar visual mass on both sides of the frame are also a great way of achieving good composition in both art, and animation.
Workshop: Symmetrical Objects
Symmetry and Balancing Elements in Art Source: FridaKahlo.org, 2009
Geometry in composition, such as a character or group portrayed in a rough triangular shape is another effective way to communicate ideas about the scene or a character. For example, in the images below, the Mystery Incorporated gang huddled together conveys a sense of protection, and Grimlock, the feeling of dominance, strength and power.
Workshop: Geometry in Composition
Finally, aspect ratios and cinematography also play an important part, with the correct choice of shot and camera angle able to relay atmosphere in a single frame, such as a sense of unease and foreboding from the Dutch angle below often used in Anime.
Dutch Camera Angle Source: drunkenanimeblog.com, 2019
Perspective
Perspective has been called ‘the most important part of any layout’ (Byrne, 1999) as it helps create depth and the illusion of space that, although created in a 2D medium, action is actually happening within a 3D setting.
Height, Width and Depth in Perspective Source: Byrne, 1999
Most commonly used, with one-point perspective, the objects we draw decrease in depth as they become closer to a vanishing point on the horizon, to which all elements in the image radiate, and will eventually converge.
Workshop: One-point Perspective
One-point Perspective Source: Circle Line Art School, 2017
However, with two-point perspective, extensively used for establishing shots, the height is perpendicular to the horizon, and the width and depth converge towards the vanishing point on the horizon.
Workshop: Two-point Perspective
Two-point Perspective Source: Circlelineartschool.com
Other, but less frequently used elements also include three-point perspective, which enables us to either look up or down at an object, and ‘forced’ perspective, used in early Disney films to create false depth.
Three-point Perspective Source: clipstudio.net, n.d.
Forced Perspective Source: Byrne, 1999
Finally, aerial perspective, where far away objects are in softer focus than those closer up can also help to create a sense of perspective
Aerial Perspective Source: Montague, 2010
Compositional Do’s and Don’ts
Source: Byrne, 1999
References:
99designs (n.d.). Golden ratio in design. [online] 99designs. [Accessed: 9 October 2023].
Available at: https://99designs.co.uk/profiles/vladanland/designs/1461534
Byrne, M.T. (1999). The Art of Layout and Storyboarding. Leixlip, Co Kildare: Mark T. Byrne
Available at: https://archive.org/details/Animation_The_Art_of_Layout_and_Storyboarding
Circle Line Art School (2017). How to Draw 1-Point Perspective: Draw Buildings and Sky. [online]. [Accessed 9 October 2023].
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=GmNOsHgsyTg
Circle Line Art School (n.d.). Art Drawing GIF by tom@circlelineartschool.com – Find & Share on GIPHY. [online] Giphy.com. [Accessed 9 October 2023].
Available at: https://giphy.com/gifs/circlelineartschool-drawing-draw-perspective-EznHxODrkccebALonl
clipstudio.net (n.d.). A Beginner’s Guide to Perspective. [online]. Accessed: 9 October 2023.
Available at: https://www.clipstudio.net/how-to-draw/archives/156960
drunkenanime.com (2019). Dutch Angles in Anime. [online]. [Accessed: 9 October 2023].
Available at: https://drunkenanimeblog.com/2019/09/17/dutch-angles-in-anime/
floobynooby.com. (n.d.). ICAN102 – Classical Animation – Flash Tests. [online]. [Accessed: 9 October 2023].
Available at: http://www.floobynooby.com/ICAN3211/03Staging.html
Fridakahlo.org (2009). Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940, By Frida Kahlo. [online]. [Accessed: 9 October 2023].
Available at: https://www.fridakahlo.org/self-portrait-with-thorn-necklace-and-hummingbird.jsp
Montague, J. (2010). Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Approach. 5th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.