Degree Name

MFA (Master of Fine Arts)

Program

Digital Media

Date of Award

12-2025

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Corey Reece

Committee Members

Gregory Marlow, Jonathan Hounshell

Abstract

This paper delves into the interconnected stages of worldbuilding and storytelling for animation. Beginning with a single character sketch, the project explores and reports multiple phases that investigate how ideas take shape across different artistic mediums. Both visual and narrative processes are analyzed, including character and environment design, comic creation, and the production of hand-drawn animation tests. Each stage functions not only as a method of artistic study but also as a means of refining the story’s tone, themes, and visual identity. These explorations inform the final component of the project - a comprehensive show pitch package. This pitch synthesizes the conceptual work into a cohesive set of material featuring lore, character information, environment design, and a clear narrative hook intended to communicate the creative potential of the project to potential viewers. Through the iterative multimedia approach, this project highlights how world-building employs imagination, design, and storytelling strategies.

Document Type

Culminating Experience

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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