Major Project

23/9/2024-8/1/2025 (week1-week15)

Ng Jia Xien (0355062)

Major project

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Introduction

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Pre-production Concept

This project focuses on the pre-production phase of an animated film designed for children. It draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese classic Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas) and incorporates elements of Tibetan culture to create a unique and educational narrative. The project includes the development of character designs, creature concepts, and environment visuals, blending ancient mythology and cultural heritage with a focus on storytelling that resonates with young audiences.

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Sketch

The main character (the boy) is based on a character designed for a comic assignment in the Semester 1 IVN class. The other creatures are inspired by Shan Hai Jing, with their designs developed after studying the original text and referencing online sources.

Fig1. Character Body Size Sketch (The Boy)

Fig2. Character Appearance Sketch (The Boy)

Fig3. Character Facial Expression Sketch (The Boy)

Fig4. Character Outfit Sketch (The Boy)

Fig5. Character Pose Sheet (The Boy)

Fig6. Sheep Sketch (The Sheep)

Fig7. Sheep Sketch #1 (The Sheep)

Fig8. Sheep Sketch #2 (The Sheep)

Fig9. Sheep Sketch #6 (The Sheep)

Fig10. Xingxing Sketch (Xingxing)

Fig11. Xingxing Sketch #4 (Xingxing)

Fig12. Nine-tailed Fox Sketch (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig13. Nine-tailed Fox Pose Sheet (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig14. Nine-tailed Fox Pose Sheet 2 (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig15. Nine-tailed Fox Pose Sheet 3 (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig16. Baize Sketch (Baize)

Fig17. Taotie Sketch (Human ver.)

Fig18. Taotie Sketch (Creature ver.)

Fig19. Boy's Tent Sketch

Fig20. Boy's Tent Sketch 2

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Turnaround Sheet

Fig21. Boy's Turnaround 1

Fig22. Boy's Turnaround 2

Fig23. Sheep's Turnaround 1

Fig24. Sheep's Turnaround 2

Fig25. Xingxing's Turnaround 1

Fig26. Xingxing's Turnaround 2

Fig27. Baize's Turnaround 1

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Composition Design- Environment + Character

Fig28. Composition 1

Fig29. Composition 2

Fig30. Composition 3 (Night)

Fig31. Composition 4 (Day)

Fig32. Composition 5

Fig33. Composition 6

Fig34. Composition 7

Fig35. Composition 8

Fig36. Composition 9

Fig37. Composition 10

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Motif Design

Inspired by the Tibetan five-colored prayer flags, each color represents a character and is paired with a motif that reflects their personality, leading to the creation of unique motif designs.

Fig38. Motif 1 (Boy's outfit)

Fig39. Motif 2 (The Sheep)

Fig40. Motif 3 (The Sheep)

Fig41. Motif 4 (The Boy)

Fig42. Motif 5 (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig43. Motif 6 (Xingxing)

Fig44. Motif 7 (Baize)

Fig45. Motif 8 (Taotie)

Fig46. Motif 9

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Poster

Fig47. Poster

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Character Board

Fig48. Character Board 1 (The Boy)

Fig49. Character Board 2 (The Sheep)

Fig50. Character Board 3 (Xingxing)

Fig51. Character Board 4 (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig52. Character Board 5 (Baize)

Fig53. Character Board 6 (Taotie)

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Postcard Design

Fig54. Postcard Design 1 (Front)

Fig55. Postcard Design 1 (Back)

Fig56. Postcard Design 2 (Front)

Fig57. Postcard Design 2 (Back)

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Stickers Design

Fig58. Sticker Design 1 (Xingxing)

Fig59. Sticker Design 2 (The Boy)

Fig60. Sticker Design 3 (The Boy)

Fig61. Sticker Design 4 (The Boy)

Fig62. Sticker Design 5 (Nine-tailed Fox)

Fig63. Sticker Design 6 (Nine-tailed Fox)

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Artbook Design

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Reflection

The past three months have been incredibly fulfilling. In the beginning, I was overwhelmed with anxiety about my major project. Every time I opened my laptop, I felt stuck and unmotivated. Even after working for a long time, my efforts often ended in rejection, leaving me disheartened and unwilling to continue.

But now, as this journey comes to an end, I find it hard to let go—especially of the characters I’ve designed. It feels like if I stop creating, their stories will also come to a halt. Looking back, I’m truly grateful for these three months. I’m proud of myself for persevering and completing this task. Although the process was challenging, it was also immensely rewarding and joyful.

Through this major project, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of my shortcomings. Moving forward, I’m determined to keep learning, practicing, and creating. I hope that my final year project and the characters I’ve created will both have a happy ending.