Sorry I didn't know what else to call it. So what do you guys think about it? Most American cartoons seem to be using it. Do you hate it with a burning passion or do you like it and think it's overhated? What are your thoughts? Personally I think it's boring and overdone, but it can be done well.
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I'm on the side of It's overhated, because I think It's a fine art style and I like it, but I also think it gets stale and repetitive when a lot of shows used it back in the 2010s. I mean there were some shows that did well with the art style like Adventure Time, and Steven Universe imo. I do think shows deserve some variety in it's art style, which is kinda happening in the 2020s.
"Calarts style" is just another way of saying, "I don't like this because It's everywhere."
CalArts gets a lot of hate generally for its overexposure, but at the same time it often feels so low end and cheap now, it became harder to take seriously outside of select shows, who has to compensate somewhere else, for better or worse.
Just stop worrying, and love the bomb.
The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
Home, its where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I'm not thrilled about the style, but it's not some conspiracy to ruin animation. Nobody really knew or cared about the "calarts style" until thundercats: roar premiered, THEN it became a catchall to degrade anything that isn't anime.
"If you're going through hell... keep going."
~ Winston Churchill (Maybe)
I get why I lot of productions have been doing the "bean mouth" minimalist style, it is a look that is much easier to train hundreds of artist to all match and it feels sort of like a modern evolution of the old 20s and 30s style you'd see in something like a Fleischer Studios toon.
That said I do wish more of the bigger studios were willing to take more advantage of what you can do with minimalism and experiment. There are so many ways you can push it that can be expressive and unique. I immediately think to shows like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack which while both having styles inspired by the likes of Hanna-Barbera and UPA still felt distinct in their aesthetics.
At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
... Sounds like the majority of the Kids Cartoon animation industry as of lately... Like the creator of Mighty MagiSwords... The Kricfalusi was a trailblazer in his industry, but his crimes against children ruined it for everyone.
Join The Rat Cult and grasp firmly.
At 9/10/24 06:36 PM, Artcompany wrote:Sorry I didn't know what else to call it. So what do you guys think about it? Most American cartoons seem to be using it. Do you hate it with a burning passion or do you like it and think it's overhated? What are your thoughts? Personally I think it's boring and overdone, but it can be done well.
Honestly... When I see the "Cal Arts" style. despite being a term made by a... We don't need to say. I originally would turn a blind eye, but now over exposed and a symptom of an unhealthy industry. 2000's had more diversity in styles. Cartoon Network during the time, you can tell what is what, now it is... Homogenous and ugly. I don't want overly round characters with thin outlines. Manga, Anime, and Light Novel is making a killing and knows how to turn a profit unlike their American counterparts. Europe doing its own thing, South America... Keep up the good work with fan series of a certain game... * Undertale ".
Cal Arts is lazier than Anime despite double the frames. Most shows look too similar or don't even aim for quality. Anime gets crap for looking homogenous, but in that industry, it's due to everything made by the same people. Also Cal Arts stuff looks and feels like stuff with " For Kids " rather than "For Everyone"... That is the biggest problem with the animation industry, they view as auto-play content rather than telling stories and making money through hard work.
There is a reason why Cartoon Network collapsed. It's just a brand, not a studio. I hate the Cal Arts style due to just being ugly.
Join The Rat Cult and grasp firmly.
At 9/12/24 03:28 PM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/10/24 06:36 PM, Artcompany wrote:Sorry I didn't know what else to call it. So what do you guys think about it? Most American cartoons seem to be using it. Do you hate it with a burning passion or do you like it and think it's overhated? What are your thoughts? Personally I think it's boring and overdone, but it can be done well.
Honestly... When I see the "Cal Arts" style. despite being a term made by a... We don't need to say. I originally would turn a blind eye, but now over exposed and a symptom of an unhealthy industry. 2000's had more diversity in styles. Cartoon Network during the time, you can tell what is what, now it is... Homogenous and ugly. I don't want overly round characters with thin outlines. Manga, Anime, and Light Novel is making a killing and knows how to turn a profit unlike their American counterparts. Europe doing its own thing, South America... Keep up the good work with fan series of a certain game... * Undertale ".
Cal Arts is lazier than Anime despite double the frames. Most shows look too similar or don't even aim for quality. Anime gets crap for looking homogenous, but in that industry, it's due to everything made by the same people. Also Cal Arts stuff looks and feels like stuff with " For Kids " rather than "For Everyone"... That is the biggest problem with the animation industry, they view as auto-play content rather than telling stories and making money through hard work.
There is a reason why Cartoon Network collapsed. It's just a brand, not a studio. I hate the Cal Arts style due to just being ugly.
I agree. It can look good sometimes, emphasis on some, but most of the time it looks ugly and or boring. I probably wouldn't mind so much if it wasn't the entire industry. I am curious now about european animation now. As an American we don't really see any foreign cartoons getting aired or talked about aside from the occasional canadian toon. It's easier to see anime but you have to go out of your way for it but, as much as I love anime, it's not a replacement for good American cartoons. Also it's just not healthy for the industry to look so samey. You're right about boring calart cartoons killing Cartoon Network, honestly I'm kinda wondering how much longer the other networks can stay alive, probably not long if they don't make some more diverse stuff.
At 9/12/24 03:12 PM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
... Sounds like the majority of the Kids Cartoon animation industry as of lately... Like the creator of Mighty MagiSwords... The Kricfalusi was a trailblazer in his industry, but his crimes against children ruined it for everyone.
Yeah companies should really do a better job at not hiring perverts in positions of power, Especially if they're gonna make stuff for kids. It really is concerning how many pedofiles are in the entertainment industry.
At 9/13/24 09:47 AM, Artcompany wrote:At 9/12/24 03:12 PM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
... Sounds like the majority of the Kids Cartoon animation industry as of lately... Like the creator of Mighty MagiSwords... The Kricfalusi was a trailblazer in his industry, but his crimes against children ruined it for everyone.
Yeah companies should really do a better job at not hiring perverts in positions of power, Especially if they're gonna make stuff for kids. It really is concerning how many pedofiles are in the entertainment industry.
Pedophiles* English requires the PH. :X I don't mind if a NSFW works on a kid's show, but here is the thing. As long as it falls in line with normal artists and not being sexual... I am for meritocracy and wanting good looking art and shows... That's one huge problem with entertainment today. Everyone is in bed with with each other. It's more about connections rather than skill level. Like if a normal kid sees an animé or an average cartoon made today. They would prefer going to the nicer looking show on average.
Join The Rat Cult and grasp firmly.
At 9/13/24 09:47 AM, Artcompany wrote:At 9/12/24 03:12 PM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
... Sounds like the majority of the Kids Cartoon animation industry as of lately... Like the creator of Mighty MagiSwords... The Kricfalusi was a trailblazer in his industry, but his crimes against children ruined it for everyone.
Yeah companies should really do a better job at not hiring perverts in positions of power, Especially if they're gonna make stuff for kids. It really is concerning how many pedofiles are in the entertainment industry.
To me, American Cartoons are dead as they don't follow the " Make a show for everyone, as it means it will be enjoyable; Only for kids, just means it is enjoyable only for them ".... That is Teen Titans Go in a nutshell. The Yellow wall ( of death ). I don't hate the show, but view as " Congratulations" You just gave people a reason to avoid your network and killing other shows. As much as I do not care/like Steven Universe existing... I would rather see that than the mindless Teen Titans Go crap that happened or... I am about to puke " Oye Primos".. I feel it just isn't normal.
Join The Rat Cult and grasp firmly.
At 9/13/24 09:53 AM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/13/24 09:47 AM, Artcompany wrote:At 9/12/24 03:12 PM, DevilRat wrote:At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
... Sounds like the majority of the Kids Cartoon animation industry as of lately... Like the creator of Mighty MagiSwords... The Kricfalusi was a trailblazer in his industry, but his crimes against children ruined it for everyone.
Yeah companies should really do a better job at not hiring perverts in positions of power, Especially if they're gonna make stuff for kids. It really is concerning how many pedofiles are in the entertainment industry.
Pedophiles* English requires the PH. :X I don't mind if a NSFW works on a kid's show, but here is the thing. As long as it falls in line with normal artists and not being sexual... I am for meritocracy and wanting good looking art and shows... That's one huge problem with entertainment today. Everyone is in bed with with each other. It's more about connections rather than skill level. Like if a normal kid sees an animé or an average cartoon made today. They would prefer going to the nicer looking show on average.
I feel like an idiot messing up the spelling that bad. I also don't mind if kids show creators create NSFW but my problem with it is when it starts seeping in the show itself. I don't think it's healthy for children to be exposed to sexualized content and as adults it is their responsibility to keep their kinks to themselves and away from kids. While nepotism has always been an issue in entertainment they used to have some level of talent. Now it feels like you don't even need to be good at drawing to work in animation.
At 9/11/24 10:43 PM, HOwLiNG-MAdFoxHatter wrote:I get why I lot of productions have been doing the "bean mouth" minimalist style, it is a look that is much easier to train hundreds of artist to all match and it feels sort of like a modern evolution of the old 20s and 30s style you'd see in something like a Fleischer Studios toon.
That said I do wish more of the bigger studios were willing to take more advantage of what you can do with minimalism and experiment. There are so many ways you can push it that can be expressive and unique. I immediately think to shows like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack which while both having styles inspired by the likes of Hanna-Barbera and UPA still felt distinct in their aesthetics.
Agreed. I understand it's easier to rig with bean mouth designs but there has to a way to make animation efficient while also looking good. Also some of these shows are being hand drawn so I don't understand why they can't have more unique styles if they aren't limited by rigs.
At 9/13/24 12:04 PM, Artcompany wrote:At 9/11/24 10:43 PM, HOwLiNG-MAdFoxHatter wrote:I get why I lot of productions have been doing the "bean mouth" minimalist style, it is a look that is much easier to train hundreds of artist to all match and it feels sort of like a modern evolution of the old 20s and 30s style you'd see in something like a Fleischer Studios toon.
That said I do wish more of the bigger studios were willing to take more advantage of what you can do with minimalism and experiment. There are so many ways you can push it that can be expressive and unique. I immediately think to shows like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack which while both having styles inspired by the likes of Hanna-Barbera and UPA still felt distinct in their aesthetics.
Agreed. I understand it's easier to rig with bean mouth designs but there has to a way to make animation efficient while also looking good. Also some of these shows are being hand drawn so I don't understand why they can't have more unique styles if they aren't limited by rigs.
The entertainment industry is driven by trend chasing, it's why you get long stretches where studios are pushing a specific genre or aesthetic because they believe if you hit all the check marks it is guaranteed success.
You will get some outliers like the 2017 Ducktails, RotTMNT, or any of Genndy Tartakovsky but the majority would rather play safe then risk experimenting.
Should note though that whether a show is frame by frame drawn or rigged does not dictate what options you have with style, that ultimately comes down to what gets approved. Shoot there are a lot of shows where in the concept stage they had more distinct looks but then had to get adjusted to whatever in house style is being pushed at the studio.
people gotta stop parroting the words of a known pedophile to shit on an artstyle said pedophile wasnt even talking about imo
I generally don't like this trend (I wouldn't call it a style) but there are some exceptions. Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese uses it with tons of charm of its own. I really dig this show's look!
I dislike it a little. It just looks so weird, uncanny, and hipster-like.
At this point, I'm just happy when people are making shit without the use of Ai; even if it's just the equivalent of a child's refrigerator drawing.
At 9/10/24 06:36 PM, Artcompany wrote:Sorry I didn't know what else to call it. So what do you guys think about it? Most American cartoons seem to be using it. Do you hate it with a burning passion or do you like it and think it's overhated? What are your thoughts? Personally I think it's boring and overdone, but it can be done well.
Calarts style, I do enjoy it! Overrate is the idea of it appearing a lot and I don't mind overrating since overrating stuff is overrated anyways xD
Disregard any previous biases, just looking at those style by itself, I really like those clean lines and animation :) It's happy
I personally think the CalArts style should be reserved for shows aimed at preschoolers. It just looks like it's meant for that age group. I also miss cartoons that had unique, creative art styles that made them iconic.Eg: Courage the cowardly dog, spongebob ,Samurai Jack and Billy and mandy to name a few. With so many shows using this art style now, it feels like the cartoon equivalent of oversimplifying logos but in TV form. It takes away from the uniqueness that used to make cartoons stand out.
At 9/11/24 12:47 PM, PachkaNG wrote:The whole thing was invented by Kricfalusi, and no one likes that kid fucker
I'm really glad someone brings up that John k was the originator of the term because i feel like it's not brought up enough in the cal arts discussion
I have a piece of art I downloaded years ago (tried to find the original artist via Google lens and tineye and couldn't, unfortunately) that shows the small stylistic differences between "cal arts" style cartoons and what they'd look like in what John k was actually referring to when he said cal arts style. Which irrc, was the artstyle for the Iron giant
again, if I recall correctly cal arts was referring to whatever the Iron giant had going on and I think he was reffering to Ben 10 too
John K being awful aside it's very interesting how the term evolved
as for the artstyle that the term has now come to embody.. I dont really care for it. at best its alright and at worst it's ugly. Probably cheaper to produce atleast? It's sad we get more of the same style and I do hope cartoons start adapting a new style soon
made with sugar, spice and bath salts!
If you've ever had to redraw an animated characters face frame-by-frame, over and over again, the calarts style makes a heapload of sense.
-Formerly known as Phobotech-
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"I sail through a golden nexus. By tanks with armor that glisten. I watch and I play with creations, and what I'm not reading, I listen." <-
It's another nothing burger. Just because you see it a lot doesn't mean it's bad. Do I like it? I mean, it's fine. They still have differences between each cartoon, other characters with different designs that people just don't give a shit. They look at Craig and say "Oh, it's that chin again so it sucks".
I remember when Gumball came out, no one talked about that and it wasn't a problem. But when Thundercats Roar comes, now it's a problem. It's stupid.
Didn't know people still cared about John Bitchfalusi to the point of using his words to make a new art classification, though. Guess there's more paint sniffers on Twitter that I thought.
It doesn't bother me the way it bothers some people.
I think it is hard to deny that there's a particular art style where the heads and mouths are both shaped a bit like beans, some people try to say there is no Calarts style but it's definitely there. "Calarts style" is an interesting word for it, because lots of industry veterans who studied at Calarts make shows/movies that look nothing like that.
I'd love to see Cartoons branch out and try some new artstyles, but any decade or era will have art styles that are common to it. We still get interesting and unique cartoons from time to time, like anything from Genndy Tartakovsky.
I do think the Calarts style definitely makes the animation process easier, which is important for TV productions. I'm not too happy about how that character design style has started leaking into newer PIxar films, I think they could be a bit more creative than that tbh.
Peace out.
At 9/11/24 10:43 PM, HOwLiNG-MAdFoxHatter wrote:I get why I lot of productions have been doing the "bean mouth" minimalist style, it is a look that is much easier to train hundreds of artist to all match and it feels sort of like a modern evolution of the old 20s and 30s style you'd see in something like a Fleischer Studios toon.
That said I do wish more of the bigger studios were willing to take more advantage of what you can do with minimalism and experiment. There are so many ways you can push it that can be expressive and unique. I immediately think to shows like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack which while both having styles inspired by the likes of Hanna-Barbera and UPA still felt distinct in their aesthetics.
Wasn't Samurai Jack inspired by Hungarian Animation Scene?
At 9/16/24 03:11 PM, FalenDemo5 wrote:At 9/11/24 10:43 PM, HOwLiNG-MAdFoxHatter wrote:I get why I lot of productions have been doing the "bean mouth" minimalist style, it is a look that is much easier to train hundreds of artist to all match and it feels sort of like a modern evolution of the old 20s and 30s style you'd see in something like a Fleischer Studios toon.
That said I do wish more of the bigger studios were willing to take more advantage of what you can do with minimalism and experiment. There are so many ways you can push it that can be expressive and unique. I immediately think to shows like Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack which while both having styles inspired by the likes of Hanna-Barbera and UPA still felt distinct in their aesthetics.
Wasn't Samurai Jack inspired by Hungarian Animation Scene?
The team behind the show pulled from a lot of different sources, there are bits and pieces of them you can find all through out the series
Personally, I think it's fine!
It might not always be my favorite, but it's not bad by any means. Even if it's considered super safe/common or whatever, I've seen some really fantastic cartoons and artists use that so-called style in really cool and creative ways! I think it's pretty over-hated for sure. Even if it's not your thing (which is fine too because everyone is allowed to have their own opinions) people started treating it like it was the literal worst thing ever created in art, and that's just really silly.
Also the term "Calarts-style" itself was coined by the notorious animation industry predator and abuser John Kricfalusi to hate on cartoons he didn't personally like. So honestly, I tend to discredit anything he decides to come up with, especially if he's using it to try and gain some sort of traction.
TL;DR it might not be everyone's favorite, but in my opinion it's fine lol.
