animation - layout

layouts and backgrounds

backgrounds

bgnight.jpg

Layout drawings and Backgrounds are not the same thing. However, a good layout drawing often becomes a good background.

Sometimes a good background can also seem a bit simple and sometimes boring. It all depends on the shot. Is it stationary? Long shot? Does it depict a large scene? A focal point? Does it move?

Often times the layout and background artists are the underdogs of the industry. Their work is critical to setting the art direction and feel of the work. Yet the drawings, some of which can take a loooong time to create, go by in the flash of an eye.

Below are background drawings used for a variety of projects through the years.