Spotlight on Animation with the AOI
We speak to Derek Brazell at the Association of Illustrators(opens in new window) about their latest season of Inside Illustration(opens in new window), which focusses on animation.
He shares why animation continues to be such an important and exciting way to expand your world as an illustrator and what insights emerged from the season’s conversations.
Inspired to start your animation journey? Join our online course, Introduction to 2D Animation, with BAFTA nominated animators Harriet Gillian and Hannah Jacobs.
Hi Derek. Could you tell us about Inside Illustration?
We created Inside Illustration at the AOI to be an ever-expanding range of resources and other projects – including an Inside Illustration podcast - to help our members, and other illustrators, think about all the different areas of illustration where they might be commissioned, and where their work might fit in.
But also to give inspiration to explore those areas they’ve not thought of for their work. We’ve covered Editorial, Site-specific illustration, Book Covers, Handmade illustration and more, with the most recent season being on animation.
Why did the AOI decide to focus on animation for the latest Inside Illustration season?
Animation is an ever-expanding area, led by consumers and the general public being attracted by the moving image. And it is a natural expansion of many illustrators’ skill sets.
Many animators work as illustrators too, and as we have been aware that there is not much support for animators, we’ve made this area a focus for the Association to help our members, and to encourage understanding of the business side of animation through our extensive Animation resources.
– The AOI's Derek BrazellAll the animators we spoke to really encourage others to just start simply and build from there.
What can people expect from the season?
Each season includes content open to all – the podcast, a ‘How To’ basics on the theme and an interview with someone who is successful in this field – and then some just for members, including the full length downloadable ‘How To Get Into….’ , the Creative Practice Course and special ‘6 Questions’ interviews with illustrators/animators.
Who are some of the featured illustrator-animators you have spoken to as part of the season?
Alex Jenkins(opens in new window) took part in our podcast, and his 2D ‘dark and humourous’ work is immensely popular on Instagram (and with clients). Opposite style to him, Annie Wong (aka Headexplodie(opens in new window)) talked us through how she makes her delightful stop motion animations on the Creative Practice Course.
AJ Jefferies(opens in new window) also did a session on the course, and I can’t recommend his 3D animation Peas enough for cheering you up!
Why is animation such an important skillset for illustrators and what can it add to an illustrator’s practice?
As we all know, movement catches your eye, and so if an illustrator animates even a minimal section of a flat artwork, it can add another layer of interest and draw the viewer in. I think a lot of illustrators start this way when they’re approaching animation, or by creating very short GIFs. All the animators we spoke to really encourage others to just start simply and build from there.
And of course, having that extra skill to offer clients is very likely to be beneficial in terms of being an attractive proposition for commissioners.
Were there any key insights that emerged from the season that you thought were especially surprising or interesting?
Becky Perryman, who is a producer at Strange Beast(opens in new window) really emphasised that (as above) illustrators can start off animating in a small way.
She felt that many believe they need ‘something to say’ or to have a really great narrative, but both her and Alex in the podcast said that just starting to make something move is good enough. They also spoke about the business side of animation, backing up what we have covered in the Animation resources for AOI members.
In our Inside Illustration interview, Studio AKA Animation Director, Steve Small, comments that it’s important to know what to look out for in animation, “Figure out how an animation creates an atmosphere beyond the narrative and even the performance. Try to disregard what the story is telling you. Look at the actual style of it and see if that plays a role in generating this feel.” That feels like effective advice.
– The AOI's Derek BrazellAnd of course, having that extra skill to offer clients is very likely to be beneficial in terms of being an attractive proposition for commissioners
If this has inspired you to start your animation journey, come join us on our upcoming online course Introduction to 2D Animation with Hannah Jacobs and Harriet Gillian. The course starts July 6 and continues every Monday evening for 4 weeks.
Thank you to Derek Brazell and the Association of Illustrators(opens in new window) for this conversation, and sharing more about the resources and content included as part of Inside Illustration(opens in new window).