The past has a strong hold on how we see and portray our world.The funny thing is that even if we allow the past to stay in the past, sometimes The reason is simple and easy to understand – without the past, we would have no context for who we are.
Sometimes, the past would even come back. This often happens in old art styles that would become trendy or popular again after many years or decades. The way old art styles get revived varies, but the overall appearance or theme of these art styles remain.
In the case of the 1930s cartoon art style, its influence on today’s animation and other forms of media is undeniable. The presence of the art style can be noted anywhere and everywhere.
The videogame industry has had a quick and easy time adopting the art style for some of their most popular games, while the cartoon industry has picked up on some of the key elements of the past and brought them into modern color animation.
It is difficult to pinpoint nostalgia as the sole reason for the return of the 1930s cartoon art style to modern times. The case can also be made for the 80s pop culture making it back to today’s trends. After all, the people who grew up in the 80s are now the ones defining how the media looks. However, it seems that the cartoon style of the 1930s saw a renaissance in its presence across the board for a different reason.
What is the 1930s Cartoon Art Style?
The 1930s cartoon art style is defined by its unique and recognizable features. It is known for its rubber hose animation, where characters have bendable, tube-like limbs that move fluidly. This technique gives characters a whimsical and exaggerated motion that allows them to appear lively and energetic.
In this art style, characters often have simplified designs with round shapes and minimal details. Big eyes, expressive faces, and simple lines are common features. This simplicity allows for easy animation and clear expressions.
Most cartoons from this era were produced in black and white. Some later cartoons introduced limited color, although the black-and-white aesthetic remains iconic.
Several studios popularized this style, including Walt Disney, Fleischer Studios, and Warner Bros. These studios created beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop, and Popeye, who are still recognized today for their distinctive 1930s cartoon appearance. The 1930s cartoon art style continues to influence modern animation and design.
Why the Comeback?
It seems like the many years since the creation of the style have been enough time for the majority of media companies and even consumers to analyze the design a little. It is not nostalgia that is driving the comeback, but what seems to be a specific type of philosophy in terms of approaching animation and a desire for a certain type of aesthetic.
The very first callbacks might have been nothing but a reference to an aesthetic. After all, the 1930s cartoons are very entertaining to watch. You’ll appreciate what this is like if you watch Bugs Bunny episodes.
If you look at the current CalArts style of animation, where some of today’s favorite cartoons come from (like Adventure Time and Gravity Falls), you will see the elements that got copied. Big eyes, hand movements, the line technique, and so on all became part of modern animation.
It seems that the referential nature of this type of animation is the direct result of nothing but the cartoons referencing their whimsical origins. The modern version of the art style also employs the techniques of the old, where the cartoon’s physics was not constrained either by realism or specific rules. Exaggeration and malleability seem to be coming back into the limelight within the animation industry.
Furthermore, it seems that this kind of animation is much cheaper to produce simply because it is so much less meticulous. The fact that shading and lining do not require hours to do, while the digitization of the animation is made easier, makes the entire process that much more affordable for many studios.
As a result, we are seeing the reincarnation of the philosophy of animation that had initially been part of the cartoon industry, which focuses on the affordability of animation while still creating fun shows or skits. The world of animation is no longer defined by specific rules but is allowed to act out all of the zany adventures and actions that the story and the intrinsic comedy of the genre require.
Video Game Adoption of the Art Style
The adoption of the 1930 cartoon art style within other media was not gradual. Videogames, both online and offline, were quick to pick up on the trend and take it as their own. As a result, we got games like Cuphead, which can be called a direct copy of the original 1930s animation but with color.
Furthermore, the style allows for some out-of-this-world movements for the character in Cuphead, with the fun of the animation allowing characters to be self-aware in the way they allude to their drawbacks or issues when it comes to how they move. The added benefit of the cheap animation was something the developers and designers of the game took advantage of.
Interesting Facts About the 1930s Cartoon Art Style
The 1930s cartoon art style is rich with history and interesting details. Here are some lesser-known facts about this iconic era in animation.
- Influence of Vaudeville: Many cartoon characters and their actions were inspired by vaudeville performances. The exaggerated movements and comedic timing often mirrored the acts seen in vaudeville shows.
- Early Use of Sound: The 1930s saw the introduction of synchronized sound in cartoons. This innovation allowed characters to speak and interact with their surroundings in new ways, enhancing the storytelling experience.
- Limited Animation Techniques: To save time and money, animators often use limited animation techniques. This included reusing background scenes and repeating certain movements, which helped streamline the production process.
- Introduction of Technicolor: While most cartoons were in black and white, the late 1930s introduced Technicolor. This new color process allowed for more vibrant and visually appealing cartoons, starting with films like Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
- Cultural References: Cartoons of this era frequently included cultural references and parodies of contemporary events, celebrities, and movies. This made them relatable and entertaining for adult audiences as well as children.
- Birth of Iconic Characters: The 1930s was a decade that introduced many iconic characters who are still popular today. Characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Donald Duck made their first appearances during this time, becoming staples of American pop culture.
- Use of Music: Music played a crucial role in 1930s cartoons. Animators often synchronized the action to a musical score, creating a rhythmic and engaging experience. This technique was particularly prominent in the works of Disney and Warner Bros.
Conclusion
The comeback of the 1930s cartoon style showcases the timeless appeal of classic animation. This nostalgic art form has found new life in modern media, and it has influenced contemporary cartoons, video games, and advertising. Its simplicity, charm, and unique character design continue to captivate audiences of all ages.