Uses of the Cartoon Illustration Style

Abstract

This essay explores beloved and widely used cartoon illustration style. The paper depicts history of drawn cartoon style that is used for book illustrations and further evolution of this art that developed into animated movies using researches of Thomas Milton Kemnitz (1973) and Maureen Furniss (2012). The essay inspects different techniques and styles of hand-drawn cartoons that are used in modern books. It also examines work of Tom Sito (2013) regarding different approaches of the cartoon film animation such as hand-drawn (traditional animation), movies drawn with the usage of computer and three dimensional (3D) computer-generated imagery (CGI). Finally, it explores the situation nowadays and significance of this art branch for the society.

Keywords: traditional animation, three dimensional illustration, computer-generated imagery.

Cartoon Illustration Style

Since dawn of human civilization people were eager to illustrate things they see and how they interpret them in every possible way. This tendency developed numerous kinds and styles of illustration. One of the most popular, especially in the twenty first century is cartoon illustration style that is used in books, comic books and mostly in animation. It is particularly popular among younger audience due to its catchy and appealing look. However, contrary to all stereotypes it has much more significant role in human history than just a way to entertain children while parents are at work.

History

Cartoon illustration style was created already in the middle ages and was used to draw a sketch prior to original painting. But its deserved fame style gained in 1843 when was used as illustration style in “Punch” magazine. “Spielmann, historian of “Punch”, had no doubts about the importance of cartoons to historians. The cartoons are frequently fascinating, but their value to historians lies in what they reveal about the societies that produced and circulated them” (Kemnitz, 1973,p 81-82). Later people started to use cartoon style in animation movies and that was a moment when a whole new era began.

Animated movies

The concept of animation – bringing objects to life – has fascinated humankind since its earliest days. Some of the most recognizable icons of modern culture have emerged from animated productions, and some of our greatest works of art have been created using multiple frames that have brought still images to life (Maureen Furniss, 2012). At first all films were drawn by hand, it was called cel animation. When modern era began and computers, drawing tablets and other helpful gadgets appeared everything became much easier. Finally, according to Tom Sito (2013), in twenty first century we are using CGI, which lets create 3D models with realistic movement and physics.

Significance

As was already said before cartoons exist not only for amusement of children. This art style has often been used as political satire, expressing the opinion of society, reflecting general situation of a certain country or time. Not only can cartoons provide insight into the depth of emotion surrounding attitudes, but also into the assumptions and illusions on which opinions are formed, they remind the historian of the importance contemporaries placed on seemingly insignificant events and of the relation between these occurrences, popular attitudes, and public opinion (Kemnitz, 1973,p 86). That is why even old cartoon illustrations remain very important for the historians nowadays.

Conclusion

Cartoon illustration style is relatively old. Nonetheless, it occupied significant place in the modern society serving for numerous purposes. Since its origin and till our days, the style has been evolving, keeping up with the times. Cartoon animation is one of the most beloved genres of film by kids. It is also important for the historians, since it perfectly reflects the time it was created in. Cartoon illustration style is catchy, vivid, versatile and it probably has a lot of progress potential in the future.