Another "Style" Thread - minimalist graphics/cartoon

[BrucUK]

So....
The "Comic Book" style was OK, but the problem is, I am no artist, and sooner or later I would probably have to pay someone to create characters.
I was wondering how to become "self-sufficient" with characters, and I remembered a series of BUPA adverts on UK television.
This is very much "concept in progress", but for certain types of course, perhaps HR process (?), perhaps this sort of minimalist style could be useful?
It's all created in Powerpoint, it's nothing but standard shapes, and fills. It probably needs a lot more work, and certainly the graphics could be a lot more sophisticated, but does it need to be sophisticated?
It would probably be possible to create a really nice "image library" in about a day, covering most of the items you could ever want, and they could then just be dropped into courses based on the script.

It also has the wonderful benefit of giving you an excuse to use some of those animation effects you have always wanted to use in 2007, they actually work quite well here
Hope this kickstarts some other ideas for people - it would be fun to see some other people adding to this thread - perhaps the next 4 slides in the story?
Bruce

[Sarahaz]

Hi Bruce! I love this idea! I just finished a comic strip for some coworkers in Manila. I was trying to get them to relate to our US Customer base and found that they are really big on comics. I used that theme to convey everyday situations for the learners so that they could empathize better but in a context that was meaningful to them. Your circle characters reminded me of old educational cartoons. Good prototype! Thanks for sharing.

-Sarah

[BrianHoule]

Brilliant.

[mbprins]

Surprising how effective this is, even with the rudimentary shapes. It seems our brains are quite willing to adapt to the notion of a circle representing a human being, particularly when the images are supported by story. Well done.

[BrucUK]

Glad you all seem to like it, (those who have commented anyway!)

It seems our brains are quite willing to adapt to the notion of a circle representing a human being, particularly when the images are supported by story.

This is a theme that I would very much like to explore more - I wonder how "universal" these themes would be - North America vs. South America vs. European vs. APAC.
Interesting
Bruce

[Jeanette]

I wonder how "universal" these themes would be - North America vs. South America vs. European vs. APAC.

When using shapes to represent people, the North American shapes would just need to be a little wider than most.

[BrianHoule]

Originally Posted by Jeanette

When using shapes to represent people, the North American shapes would just need to be a little wider than most.

I resemble that remark!

[DavidAnderson]

People are always saying "David, get in shape" To which I reply, "Hey, pears are shapes!"

[BrucUK]

New idea!
Actually - old one - there are some great (similar) images on Shutterstock....
Bruce

[kimeleon131]

Bruce, you inspired me.... meet Stick Guy! It's amazing how easy it is to animate, make changes and get the "correct pose" when you move away from stock images and get creative!