Illusion of Life - Week 1 Mood Boards

I have included two boards that represent the visual direction of my intended work, and one that is relevant thematically.  Over the course of this semester, I will investigate the concept of 'No Filter'. More specifically, the strange little urges you push down and filter out, as we've learned they aren't socially or culturally acceptable. I want to explore, in vignette form, what life might be like if we just did all the strange things that popped into our head.

I enjoy the first two selections of work for similar reasons. The first board is dominated by soft pastel tones, and a subtle textural finish. I find this visual treatment very pleasing, though not terribly challenging for a viewer. We are inundated with work of this nature throughout the field of animation and motion graphics, so sparing use is key here, contrasted with darker scenes. Interestingly, the animation "Catherine" revolves around a little girl who kills every pet she owns. This is a terribly dark and intense concept, but the whimsical tone and soft colour treatment of the animation helps deliver the piece in a much more palatable way way. 

The second board has a very unique treatment, reminiscent of collage work. This goes fantastically with the guided, storytelling narrative that accompanies it, and gives the piece a very tactile feel. I am not sure I'd go for such a rough aesthetic overall, but I would like to encorporate an element of that texture. 

Finally, the fantastic piece "ENOUGH". This work is very similar in nature to my intended project. It depicts scenarios "when you've just had enough", as the creator describes. The raw, near hysterical emotions of the characters are softened by the fact they are constructed from felt, allowing a far greater degree of freedom of action and a more charming overall feel. It is my opinion that were the piece were replicated in live-action it would feel far more confrontational and dark. I will need to tackle this same issue with my work, and must carefully consider how to stylistically deliver the piece.