A production drawing in animation refers to the original, hand-drawn pencil artwork created during the animation process, specifically before the artwork was transferred onto cels (transparent sheets).
These drawings are one-of-a-kind pieces of animation art. They were essential because, prior to the creation of cels, each character pose and action had to be drawn in pencil. This means that for every movement, expression, or action seen on screen, there was a corresponding production drawing capturing that specific frame or key pose.
The Artistic Backbone
Production drawings serve as the foundational artwork for animated films and television shows. They are considered the artistic backbone of the film or television show, laying out the precise movements, character designs, and overall visual style before they were finalized onto cels for filming.
Key Characteristics
- Original Artwork: These are the initial, unique drawings created by the animators.
- Pencil Medium: Typically rendered in pencil on paper.
- Detailing Pose & Action: Each drawing captures a specific character pose, action, or frame of animation.
- Pre-Cel Stage: Created before the artwork was inked and painted onto cels.
- Foundational: They are the artistic blueprint for the final animated sequence.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Creation Stage | Before cels were made |
| Medium | Pencil on paper |
| Uniqueness | One-of-a-kind pieces |
| Purpose | Depict character pose and action |
| Significance | Artistic backbone of the animation |
These original production drawings are highly valued today. They are much in demand by collectors due to their unique nature, historical significance, and direct connection to the creation of classic animation. Collecting them offers a tangible piece of animation history, showcasing the raw talent and intricate work involved in traditional animation production.
