Digital production still of Scrat and Scratte from Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
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“The only limit to what can be accomplished in this world is our ability to imagine what is possible.”

– Illustrator Peter de Sève, lead character designer for the Ice Age series

The Society of Illustrators which houses the Museum of American Illustration recently had an opening reception of “Ice Age to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Computer Animation” which New Yorkers (and tourists) can view now until May 5.

“Ice Age” To The Digital Age looks at the creative work of Blue Sky Studios, a leader in the animation industry for over 20 years. Creators of such blockbuster films as the Ice Age series, Robots, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, and the recent hit Rio, the studio prides itself on technical innovation, while retaining a strong narrative heart.

Blue Sky Studio’s VP of Creative Chris Wedge, who co-founded the company in 1987, believes that the secret to the studio’s success is in its inventive process; “Every film starts with an idea, which gets refined—that really is the magic. This process is similar to architecture, in that you can only find creativity through exploration—that is the key.”

This free exhibit will take you through the entire process of creating computer-animated films: from initial concepts, storyboards, characters and background art, to 3D and digital modeling. The exhibition features rarely seen original concept drawings, character illustrations, storyboards, background paintings, sculptural models, props and digital stills. When you begin the process, “You can’t predict what you get at the end. I was surprised with the character to the very end.” Sid will reappear in the fourth installment of the Ice Age series, Continental Drift to be released this summer.

A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images with the purpose of visually telling a story. A story board is used to communicate how a scene will play out shot by shot and is often used for motion pictures, television, animation, commercials, pre-visualizations or interactive media. A storryboard template or storyboarding software is designed to make the process of assembling and sharing professional story boards much easier.

It was a very interesting take on how detailed and through the process is making art for one of these digital films!  Very interesting and I love to see how creative pieces either it be art or film are put together and how the final result comes out.

The Society of Illustrators is at 128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065.

Pictures courtesy of © Twentieth Century Fox Films Corporation

– Tranika