Exploring Inspiration from "Aquaman"

 As an animator, finding inspiration in movies is an excellent way to boost my creativity and develop animating skills. One film that gave treasure of visual inspiration was "Aquaman" which was released in 2018. The movie was full of animation and VFX. However, in this term, I am not animating but making characters that I can use for animation in future. In this blog post, I will explore what I learnt from this movie and how it inspired me create characters for my own project.

The Hero: Aquaman, The King of Atlantis:

The character of Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, reflects a character with strength, courage and an emotional attachment to the ocean. The visual representation of Aquaman features taught me many things. I paid attention to his muscular physique, detailed tattoos and his iconic trident which was his main weapon. As for my project, my characters has some elements of him. I can include some of his features for my own hero. I can use his personality, special qualities and skills for my hero too. 

You can learn more about Aquaman from the link below:

https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Aquaman

Image Source: DC

Image Source: Hollywoodlife

Image Source: tomsguide

The Heroine: Mera

Mera, played by Amber Heard, is a powerful and independent character who have abilities to control water. Her character in the movie show mercy, determination and a strong sense of justice. I want to create a heroine character for my project, I can get inspiration from her red hair, vibrant aquatic costume and ability to control water. Her character can help me give my character a unique personality and think about using water-themed elements into her design.

You can learn more about Mera from the link below: 

https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Mera

Image Source: DCextendeduniverse

Image Source: Wallpapercave

The Villain: Ocean Master

Ocean Master portrayed by Patrick Wilson, is a strong enemy who desire for more power. I took note to his detailed armor which reflects the oceanic elements. I also took notice to the design such as complex patterns and representation of aquatic creatures. I can utilise these concepts to develop a villain with a scary energy and a unique appearance. However, Ocean Master completely matches the quality that I wanted in my villain character for the project. 

You can learn more about Ocean Master from the link below:

https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Orm_Marius

Image source: Dcextendeduniverse

Image Source: Dcextendeduniverse

Image Source: Theculturednerd

Movie like "Aquaman" provide a treasure of inspiration for animators. By studying the hero, heroine and villain, I learned a valuable lesson for character designing and storytelling. I will use the oceanic theme as much as I can to bring my characters to life.

Watch Trailer of Aquaman Below:

Reference:

DC (2018) Aquaman Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/aquaman-2-cast-release-date-trailer-amber-heard-photo-villains-and-more (Accessed: 20/05/2023)

The Cultured Nerd (2019) Patrick Wilson will return as Ocean Master in Aquaman 2 Availabe at: https://theculturednerd.org/2019/11/patrick-wilson-will-return-as-ocean-master-in-aquaman-2/ (Accessed: 20/05/2023)

Wallpapercave (2018) Mera Aquaman Wallpaper Available at: https://wallpapercave.com/w/wp3938533 (Accessed: 20/05/2023)

Warner Bros (2018) Amber Heard in 'Aquaman' Available: https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Mera (Accessed:20/05/2023)

Warner Bros (2018) Aquaman 2 Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/aquaman-2-cast-release-date-trailer-amber-heard-photo-villains-and-more (Accessed: 20/05/2023)

Warner Bros (2018) Jason Momoa In 'Aquaman'  Available at: https://hollywoodlife.com/pics/jason-momoa-photos/aquaman-film-2018 (Accessed: 20/05/2023)

Warner Bros. Pictures (2018) Aquaman - Official Trailer 1- Now Playing In Theaters. 21 July. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDkg3h8PCVU (Accessed: 20/05/2023)