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Post #13. Model Sheets.

When reading and flipping through the book required for History 389 “Of Mice and Magic,” by Leonard Maltin, there was a reoccurring theme in each chapter. Within each chapter there were model sheets of various characters by different animators. I wanted to further my knowledge about the use and purpose for these model sheets. Model Sheets allow animators to view the size and appearance of each character and allow continuity throughout the animation process. As I looked into why these model sheets are so important one must remember I am not a professional just a novice at animation processes.

Model sheets are used for just about everything, the size, appearance, clothing, hands (such as the picture to the left), and for a variety of other reasons. Not only do animators for feature-length films use the model sheets for characters, so do television series and comic book animators. These sheets help the animators get the same proportions; time after time especially when several artists are helping produce one product. When using the squash and stretch principle the front view and side view are going to be different, so these sheets are important to have as a reference when making movies etc. It’s important to learn the construction and be able to see fluid movements to understand how the character moves and behaves.

Newer animation has done away with the model sheets and uses maquettes a 3D model to help the animators picture how the character will look and behave in 3D. This serves the same purpose but gives the animator the ability to actually spin the character around and see visually in 3D what the character looks like opposed to the model sheets. Overall I think that it is the opinion of the animator which method they use, both give the animator the ability to produce the same character and qualities over and over again.

Picture of Tarzan Model Sheet

ETA I commented on Brittany Alberry’s Post and Michael Griffith’s Post

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