The hottest Animation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

A Tiny Juggler on a Big Screen

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1614 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The story of 'The Juggler of Our Lady' explores feelings of hopelessness through a juggler who tries to find his place in the world. It's a tale that many can relate to, especially during tough times.
  2. R. O. Blechman created this work in a short time, drawing from his own experiences of feeling out of place. His unique style and personal connection helped make the story really special.
  3. The animation industry is facing challenges, like the recent wildfires in Los Angeles affecting many workers. It's important to help those in need during these difficult situations.

A Nigerian Tale on the World Stage

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4574 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The animated film 'Moremi' tells a sci-fi version of the Nigerian Moremi Ajasoro tales, using a unique mix of 2D and 3D animation.
  2. Director Shofela Coker and art director Wian van Bergen collaborated to maintain a visually rich aesthetic, blending Nigerian motifs and traditional painting techniques into the film.
  3. The film's unique visual style was achieved through a custom compositing workflow, blending 3D characters with 2D backgrounds seamlessly, along with incorporating striking neon 2D special effects.

Masks Full of Feeling

Animation Obsessive β€’ 448 implied HN points β€’ 15 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Kihachiro Kawamoto was a brilliant Japanese animator known for his incredible films. His works, like 'The Demon' and 'House of Flame', offer a stunning visual experience.
  2. The newsletter focuses on the art of masks in animation. Masks are not just for looks; they also convey deep emotions and feelings.
  3. Stop-motion animation is a significant theme of the discussion. It shows a unique and older technique that brings characters to life in a special way.

'Catnapped' Is Weird and Wonderful

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4215 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. 'Catnapped' is a unique and imaginative anime feature that is often underrated but holds a special place among fans.
  2. Director Takashi Nakamura's journey from being a core animator on 'Akira' to directing his own films like 'Catnapped' showcases his evolution as an artist with a distinct visual style.
  3. The making of 'Catnapped' involved a team of talented animators, art director, and composer who brought Nakamura's creative vision to life, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in animated filmmaking.
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In China, Behind the Camera

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3857 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Chinese animation, particularly ink-wash animation, deserves more global recognition.
  2. Many iconic Chinese animated films go unnoticed or are underappreciated outside of China.
  3. Duan Xiaoxuan, a pioneer in Chinese animation history, played a crucial role in developing ink-wash animation techniques.

A Master Animator's Masterwork

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4126 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Art Babbitt, a renowned animator, considered his best work to be an animation sequence in a lesser-known UPA cartoon called 'Grizzly Golfer'.
  2. Babbitt's animation style for the bear chase scene was a blend of Disney's fluidity and UPA's limited animation approach, showcasing his technical skill and creativity.
  3. The UPA animation style, including 'limited animation,' was a deliberate artistic choice that differed from Disney's constant motion approach, providing a unique aesthetic to animated scenes.

Pyrotechnics and Play

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1704 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Atsuko Fukushima is a talented Japanese animator known for her unique and playful style in various anime projects, including well-known films like Akira. Her work shines with energetic and whimsical animation.
  2. Fukushima's notable projects include the opening sequence of Robot Carnival and the short film Genius Party, showcasing her dynamic approach to animation. Both works, while different in tone, represent her signature style of bright visuals and lively motion.
  3. Throughout her career, Fukushima has contributed to both mainstream and independent anime, illustrating her versatility and creative spirit in the animation industry.

The Other Christmas Classics

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1524 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. There are unique Christmas films from other countries that aren't well-known in the U.S.
  2. These films have become holiday classics in their own nations, just like American favorites.
  3. They often reflect local traditions and humor, making them special for their audiences.

How They Made 'Where the Wild Things Are'

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1524 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Gene Deitch was a skilled artist known for adapting children's picture books into animated films, particularly the beloved 'Where the Wild Things Are.'
  2. Deitch saw adapting Maurice Sendak's picture book as a monumental challenge, comparing it to climbing 'Mount Everest' in the literary world.
  3. The process of transforming books into films requires a unique approach and understanding of the source material to resonate with audiences.

Being Unrealistic

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1524 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a stop-motion studio in Mexico, started with a big dream and little money. The founders had to get creative, making their own animation tools and props from scratch.
  2. The studio began on a rooftop in Mexico City, showing the dedication of the Ambriz brothers and their family. They transformed their home into a workspace to achieve their goal of creating a top-quality animated film.
  3. The making of 'Revoltoso' was a learning experience for everyone involved. The animators were new to the craft but worked hard to develop their skills for this project.

What Didn't Get In

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1614 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo is well known for his detailed storyboards, and many of his early works are now available to view online for the first time.
  2. Mary Blair's seldom-seen artwork related to Disney films has been shared, showcasing her unique style and contribution.
  3. An interview with animator Tony White reveals more insights and stories from his work in animation, adding depth to understanding his projects.

Animating by Candlelight

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3318 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. During the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, animators faced challenges adapting to life under capitalism with reduced state funding and support.
  2. Some animators, like Yuri Norstein and Priit PΓ€rn, expressed struggles and concerns about the impact of financial censorship in the capitalist system on their artistic work.
  3. Countries like Estonia benefited from renewed state support for artists, resulting in a thriving animation community that continues to produce award-winning films.

An Introduction to UPA

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4664 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. UPA studio revolutionized animation in the 1940s and 1950s with modern art influences and unique storytelling.
  2. The UPA animation style focused on emotion over anatomy, leading to groundbreaking visuals and storytelling.
  3. UPA's work extended beyond well-known films like Mr. Magoo, encompassing TV commercials, series, and experimental shows.

63. Happiness

The Line Between β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Childhood memories can bring pure happiness and be a good primer for reflection.
  2. Exploring new tools and concepts, like Procreate Dreams app for animation, can inspire creativity.
  3. Self-care practices like belly-breathing, yoga, and reading can help in difficult times.

The Hits

slow motion multitasking β€’ 495 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The post discusses animations like Muzzy in Gondoland and work by animator Fred Wolf.
  2. The writer shares about communicating with John Lennon via ouija board.
  3. There is mention of a favorite story by Daniel's Lavery and ongoing conversations about teaching phonics in schools.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1435 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
  2. He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
  3. Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

Writing 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4036 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends was a script-driven animated series with a personal touch from the creators.
  2. The animation news highlighted 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' success globally and updates from various countries.
  3. The writing process for animation, such as the scripting, revisions, and voice recordings, is crucial for creating successful animated series.

64. Time

The Line Between β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Making time for important tasks can be challenging, so it's valuable to find your most productive hours.
  2. Engaging with new subjects or perspectives can be stimulating and expand your knowledge.
  3. Having a reliable, hearty meal option can provide sustenance for long working days.

We Can Do Anything

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. A hands-on creative studio offers weekly live sessions, mentorship, and an active community to learn AI-native and hybrid storytelling. Membership is paid and recordings are available to help people catch up.
  2. Using AI for video is powerful but quirky: it can produce spectacular effects yet struggles with simple things like consistent character dialogue. Working with it is an artisanal, iterative craft as tools evolve rapidly.
  3. The effort focuses on shaping ethical, hybrid approaches that humanize AI and protect creative roles, while exploring business and distribution strategies to counter low-quality AI content. The aim is to expand cinematic language without replacing actors and technicians.

A Masterwork by the Master of Mistakes

Animation Obsessive β€’ 4126 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Brigand Jurko (1977) is a unique animated film blending various genres and styles, created by director Viktor Kubal.
  2. Kubal's approach to animation focused on embracing mistakes and prioritizing content over form.
  3. The film Brigand Jurko is praised for its distinctive storytelling, blending serious themes with comedy and surreal visual elements.

How 'Chicken Run' Stayed Aardman

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3857 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. When creating 'Chicken Run,' Aardman faced the challenge of maintaining their unique style amidst growth and Hollywood partnership.
  2. Nick Park and the Aardman team worked hard to preserve their quirky, British humor while collaborating on 'Chicken Run.'
  3. The film 'Chicken Run' is considered a successful example of balancing creative vision with external influences, retaining the essence of Aardman's work.

The Summer Pitch Bible Part 1

slow motion multitasking β€’ 1091 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The idea for the show was born from homesickness and a desire to celebrate platonic friendship.
  2. The pitch bible creation process involved developing main characters like Oscar while maintaining personal attachment to original designs.
  3. The pitch bible layout included sections on show overview, characters, world-building, and episode ideas.

'Run, Melos!' Shows the Power of Animated Realism

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3677 implied HN points β€’ 08 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. 'Run, Melos!' is a buried treasure of realist anime that breaks away from cliches like high school and superpowers.
  2. The film showcases the perfection of animated realism unique to Japanese animation, creating a solid, three-dimensional world with detailed characters.
  3. The production of 'Run, Melos!' involved a team of talented animators and artists who focused on creating realistic characters, backgrounds, and storytelling.

Four Magical Minutes from Cartoon Saloon

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3498 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Cartoon Saloon created a visually stunning four-minute sequence in 'On Love' within the film 'The Prophet'.
  2. The project was made possible by a Hollywood production of 'The Prophet' without a screenplay or director attached, allowing indie teams like Cartoon Saloon to participate.
  3. The success of 'On Love' paved the way for Cartoon Saloon's larger projects, including 'Wolfwalkers'.

The Phantom Legacy of Errol Le Cain

Animation Obsessive β€’ 2780 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Errol Le Cain was an influential illustrator and animator, known for his work on Richard Williams' films like The Thief and the Cobbler.
  2. He had a unique artistic process that deeply involved his personal experiences and cultural background.
  3. Animation in Africa is experiencing a significant growth, with projects like Kizazi Moto and Supa Team 4 gaining international attention.

A Cold Front

slow motion multitasking β€’ 734 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The post discusses the characteristics and activities of Yetis.
  2. Yetis have unique features like communicating through musical instruments.
  3. The article provides insights into the making of Summer Camp, highlighting the different factions and art styles.

Hayao Miyazaki: 9 Creative Lessons

SatPost by Trung Phan β€’ 254 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Miyazaki believes in the value of hard work and the pressure of deadlines. He feels that tight deadlines push creatives to do their best work, though this can be stressful.
  2. His creative process involves lots of routines and rituals, as well as continuous adjustments to ideas until he finds the essence he wants to express. Observing everyday life and nature sparks his imagination.
  3. Miyazaki values the importance of having one clear decision-maker in creative projects. This helps avoid conflicts and ensures that everyone aligns with the vision.

Ghosts and Witches

slow motion multitasking β€’ 674 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The final season of Summer Camp Island is premiering on Cartoon Network soon, with fun merchandise available to celebrate.
  2. In the world of Summer Camp Island, ghosts and witches are portrayed as interconnected.
  3. The story introduces immortal teenage witches and their ghosts, exploring themes of memories and regrets.

Learning From the Best

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1614 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The post discusses how a master director learned from another across different cultures and languages.
  2. It highlights the meeting between Kihachiro Kawamoto and JiΕ™Γ­ Trnka in the 1960s.
  3. Kawamoto sought out Trnka in communist Czechoslovakia to learn and study at his studio.

'The Man Who Planted Trees' Was an Impossible Task

Animation Obsessive β€’ 3049 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. FrΓ©dΓ©ric Back made a significant impact in animation through his film 'The Man Who Planted Trees'.
  2. The film, 'The Man Who Planted Trees,' took Back five years to make and was a labor of love that symbolized the good humans can achieve.
  3. The task of animating 'The Man Who Planted Trees' was a challenging and historic endeavor, showcasing Back's dedication and artistic brilliance.

'Quentin Tarantino Would Not Like It at All!'

Animation Obsessive β€’ 2601 implied HN points β€’ 24 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Screenwriting for animation is important and can influence the flow and feel of a project.
  2. Good storytelling is crucial in both live-action and animated films, but making a good animated movie is often harder due to the various elements that need to align.
  3. The indie animation scene in China is gaining recognition, with a viral music video highlighting the success of independent animators.

Films About Flies

Animation Obsessive β€’ 627 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Flies are often seen as symbols of death and decay, especially in horror movies. Their creepy presence adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
  2. Two different animations titled 'The Fly' were made in the 1960s and 1980s in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Both films are considered horror, but they explore deeper themes beyond just the fly.
  3. The first 'The Fly' was nominated for an Oscar, while the second one won. This shows the artistic impact and recognition these films received in the animation world.