Major project Artist Study: Hayao Miyazaki.

 Hayao Miyazaki.

Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator , filmmaker and a manga artist who is also known as the Co-founder of 'Studio Ghibli'. he was born on 5th January, 1924 and started his career in 1963 as an animator at the studio 'Toei Douga Studio' and was then involved in some of the best successful classics Japanese animations like; Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. 

Miyazaki later made a discovery that he couldn't draw people very well so instead, he started drawing battleships. planes and tanks. He took inspirations from other manga artists but believed that copying their art style was going to hinder his own personal style, so eventually he developed his own.

After he graduated from Gakushuin University, he went on to pursue his career of becoming a manga artist, and Some of his famous work include;

My Neighbour Totoro

Miyazaki's characters are usually relatable, and each with their own hopes, fears, and motivations. He always creates strong independent protagonists, especially young girls like in animation of his above, who go on transforming journeys of self discovery, which acts as empowering figures for all audiences of all ages.

Howl's Moving castle.

In this particular animation, Hayao Miyazaki's gets to show his skills of drawing ships and planes, which he acquired before he even started drawing his own characters. Nature also plays an important role in Miyazaki's work. He makes it look both magical and vibrant, including animals as well to show how important nature is.

I am inspired by Miyazaki's work and I hope to achieve the storytelling and visual storytelling that he put in his work. His strong characterization also encourages me to create complex narratives that can be for all audiences on a personal level as well. In addition, his dedication to hand drawn animation help me remember the importance  of craftsmanship and traditional art, with the rate at which technology is developing.

Reference:

Borris, K. (2020). Illustrator Study: Hayao Miyazaki. [online] Where Creativity Works. Available at: https://wherecreativityworks.com/illustrator-study-hayao-miyazaki/#:~:text=About%20Miyazaki&text=He%20made%20a%20discovery%20that [Accessed 13 Mar. 2024].