Assignment Writeup

The Last Tree from Michael Shaw on Vimeo.

I am not the greatest typography artist; not even decent to be honest. However, I feel that Weingart gave me a direction to take my assignment that works with my strengths while still helping me explore typography in my own distinct way. I used type to create environments, characters, and objects. In the animation, I wanted the forms created to show more than the objects used to make them. Having said that, they are still easily readable, making it easier to use letters as texture... much like the stubble on the face of the woodcutter.

I wanted to provide a unique take on the relationship from the lion and the mouse. Instead of the lion needing the mouse's help after freeing him, the wood cutter is left with one tree to stand under after completing his daily duties. This project was born more out of introspection than anything else. I thought about those whose job is to kill these trees for our personal benefit, like the mouse as a hearty snack for the lion. It would only seem natural to seek shelter under the very tree one is about to cut should there be a spontaneous downpour. One could argue that that is their purpose, but it is still a little startling to think about.

There are a lot of things i think can be improved from this animation. It could be shortened definitely. There are also a couple of awkward camera movements that could be rectified. In regards to the narrative, i am trying to work with somewhat longer works, just to help boost my own storytelling skills. That said, I can make a confusing story if not careful. I know this animation is not a direct interpretation of the lion and the mouse, but still supports the moral at the end.

Is this animation easily interpreted?