On acceptance of my application to my course, we were issued homework right out of the gate. This brief asked of us animation students quite a task. To create a sketchbook on Animation, yes. Animation. In its entirety. On arrival I was told it was more of a trick question, a test to see our interpretation and mine, was anything but unique.
Instantly deciding on the easy way out, I began the very typical journey of choosing an obvious staple ‘hero’ of my profession rather than dig for an obscure one that barely scraped the world of animation, never mind impacted it.
Tell me, who has had a larger dent in Animation than good old Walt Disney.
I learnt a lot about Disney, he is, of corse a huge inspiration to most Animators. Him and his influence on not only American society but the world is nothing short of a glorious victory for the occupation.
When we came to handing in our assignments, we had a group discussion about our chosen subjects and briefed one another repeatedly of what it involves and who influenced us. It was interesting to see who people picked. It was even more interesting to see how few illustrators, animators and graphic artists I knew. Walt Disney was unsuprisinly admired by many, it was the cause of a lengthy discussion.
From it, I concluded that Walt Disney may not have been the orginal creator of Animation but he was the one who made it profitable. I’m not entirely sure if that’s considerd selling out or not. Animation is an art form. Certainly. But one created for entertainment. The concept of illusion has always been a cashing in type scenario. Does that make Walt Disney less of an artist.
I myself wouldn’t think to consider myself an artist. Not because I hold the status highly. Quite the opposite, actually. More of a craftsmen, craftswoman, or something. An Animator, maybe.
A cartoonist, if anyone asks. Until I can physical animate.
And as Disney as someone can put it.
‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.’ – Walt Disney
No ones more Disney than Walt Disney..
1 year ago
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