A Tale Of A Cranky Canker Sore
Blistex Kanka
Everyone knows the irritation of a canker sore. We tapped into that universal feeling to tell the story of Hank, a cranky canker sore on a journey toward relief.
Inspired by the charm of children’s books, this traditionally animated 2D short blends storybook lyricism with bold colors, whimsical design, and hand-drawn animation. As Hank encounters a world full of everyday irritants, we bring his magical, light-hearted story to life for audiences of all ages.
Character Design Exploration
Meet Hank. A product of his environment, he has two sides to his expressive personality. On one side he is a tempestuous, short-tempered and irritated grouch. On the other side he is a picture of calm and serene relief. He is sensitive, thin-skinned and quick to react at the slightest irritation. Once soothed though, his cheerful nature comes to the surface. We explored many approaches to find just the balance of readability, appeal, and style.
Final Design & Visual Treatment
After settling on a character design, our creative journey expanded into diverse visual realms. We explored numerous executions, between the handcrafted aesthetic of 2D and the form and depth of 3D. This exploration not only refined our character but also enriched the storytelling, ensuring our project resonates with a captivating blend of artistic approach and narrative demand.
Visual Development
The illustrated backgrounds are a second character and it represents a whole spectrum of possible irritations. It is the dramatization of angst that makes us laugh. Each environment is an over the top, expressive manifestation that are in opposition to Hank’s desire for relief.
Process
Combining the charm of hand-drawn animation with the precision of digital compositing, we brought the world to life with a visually stunning result. This strategy allowed us to marry the organic, artistic qualities of hand-drawn elements with the fidelity and production value digital techniques offer.
In crafting the animated tale of Hank, the Cranky Canker Sore, we embarked on a journey that transformed annoyance into a whimsical, storybook adventure. The fusion of hand-drawn animation with digital techniques allowed us to capture the essence of irritation and relief in a visually stunning narrative. From character design exploration to the vibrant visual development, we strived to create a harmonious blend of artistic expression and narrative depth. The result is a lighthearted journey through Hank's world, inviting all to join in the laughter and relief, with the timeless charm of children's books.
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