2019 Spring Festival Animation
Fri Jul 19 2022
About Project
I created this animation during the Chinese Spring Festival, the most significant celebration in China, a time that fills me with pride and joy for my culture. As a motion media designer, I wanted to honor this special occasion in my own way—by crafting a vibrant 2D animation inspired by the Palace Museum, a timeless symbol of Chinese tradition. This project celebrates the spirit of the Spring Festival, weaving together elements of Chinese culture, folklore, and the magic of bringing history to life. It’s my love letter to the traditions that shape who I am, expressed through a whimsical tale of a cricket’s adventure.
Conceptual Framework
I drew inspiration from the Palace Museum, or Forbidden City, which embodies the heart of Chinese cultural heritage with its ancient architecture and priceless antiques. My concept centers on the cricket, a beloved symbol in Chinese folklore, especially during the Qing dynasty when it was a royal pet believed to bring good luck. Influenced by the lucky cricket Cri-Kee from Disney’s Mulan, I saw the cricket as a lively, curious character that could spark magic in the museum. My animation imagines a night where the museum’s antiques come alive, ignited by the cricket’s presence, reflecting the Spring Festival’s themes of renewal, celebration, and connection to tradition.Key conceptual elements include:
- Cricket as a Cultural Symbol: I chose the cricket for its association with good fortune and its playful, spirited nature, making it the perfect guide for a magical journey through Chinese heritage.
- Living Antiques: I envisioned the Palace Museum’s artifacts—vases, scrolls, jade carvings—coming to life at night, embodying the vibrancy of Chinese culture during the Spring Festival.
- Festive Magic: I wanted the animation to capture the joy and wonder of the Spring Festival, with a whimsical, almost fantastical tone that feels like a celebration.
- Romantic Encounter: I added a lighthearted romantic twist with the cricket meeting a female cricket, symbolizing connection and new beginnings, a nod to the festival’s spirit of reunion.
My goal was to create a short, enchanting animation that feels like a burst of Spring Festival energy, blending tradition with a playful, modern flair.
Storyboard
The animation follows a curious male cricket who sneaks into the Palace Museum at night during the Spring Festival. His arrival sparks a magical transformation: the museum’s antiques—porcelain vases, painted scrolls, bronze statues—come to life, dancing and glowing with festive energy. As the cricket hops through grand halls, he encounters animated artifacts that tell stories of Chinese history and culture. At the end of his adventure, he meets a female cricket, and their encounter hints at a joyful connection, mirroring the festival’s themes of renewal and togetherness.
Styleframes