A study on visual styles : exploring aesthetic choices in 3D animation

Abstract

This dissertation explores the construction and evolution of visual styles in 3D animation through a practice-based research methodology. It examines aesthetic choices, such as lighting, texture, composition, and colour. These choices are shaped not only by artistic intent but also by technological affordances, production workflows, and broader industry trends. Anchored in theories of media aesthetics, realism, and digital culture, the study traces the trajectory of 3D animation from early photorealistic ambitions to the recent resurgence of stylised, genre-driven visual languages. The research also investigates the interplay between realism and stylisation, highlighting the expressive potential of visual abstraction in conveying narrative tone and emotional depth. Central to the project is the creation of an original short 3D animated film, which functions both as an artistic artefact and a site of inquiry. Employing reflective journaling, visual analysis, and intertextual referencing, the project engages with both personal experience and professional discourse, positioning style as a dialogic space between form, meaning, and affect. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical experimentation in Blender, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how 3D animation operates as a medium of both visual expression and cultural commentary.