Capstone is a time that you need to invent.....everything. If you are doing a narrative animation with characters, you will be expected to create everything from the ground up: original character design, original observation, theme, the aesthetic, the color pallete, the textures, the look and feel of your character(s) and it's world. Visual experimentation is strongly recommended.

Many commercial styles and themes are cozily familiar, and wildly popular with masses of consumers. Other approaches to animation may have a cultish or group-identity aspect in it's formula. While influences are unavoidable, they should always be scrutinized and new influences discovered.

Please be advised that in your Capstone courses you will be expected to think consciously and critically about what is influencing your work. You must engage in original research to develop your own look and sensibility. In Capstone you likely will be encouraged to work outside of you comfort zone, in order to produce your personal best.

-J.O.