Illustration Article 24: Animation Character Model Sheets
This model sheet is from the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp. Disney has worked with animal and anthropomorphic characters since its inception. An anthropomorphic character has the animal aspects, such as moving on four legs (this is optional), and basic emotions such as curiosity and content. This is combined with human traits such as speaking and more complex emotions relating to conversation (eyebrow raises, head nods/shakes). The accumulation of drawings shows the overall temperament and energy of Lady. From the drawings of sitting, running, turning, and emoting, we see Lady as a generally happy and energetic character, though at times meek and reserved. This design leans more toward a traditional dog, but the human nature of the personality shines through expression and speech.
Chuck Jones was a character designer and key animator for Looney Tunes shorts. This model sheet of Bugs Bunny shows a few frames of a walk cycle, along with different facial expressions. This anthropomorphic character definitely leans more towards a human—from the walking on two legs, to moving his hands while talking. Walk cycles such as this have a complex rhythm of motion. Bugs is speaking and nodding while walking, so the mouth and head movements must be in tempo with the arm swings and footsteps.
James Baxter produced this model sheet for The Road to El Dorado. Although this character has more realistic human proportions, the figure has a streamlined visual rhythm. These include the wider shoulders, narrowing at the waist, and then widening out again with the leg/foot position. Baxter also shows the character in motion with his turned face and the motion of the clothes and hair. There is a mix of straight and curved lines, which define the motion and flow of the character.
This final model sheet was drawn by Ken Harris, for The Thief and the Cobbler. He employs a looser, cartoony style than Disney or Looney Tunes characters. This is shown through the scribbled line that makes up the mouth, in addition to the baggy cape and sleeves that make up the cloak. Important details are shown such as showing each layer of the character’s outfit, as well as the movement of the jaw and neck when speaking.
