Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki has created all his works in Japan. Miyazaki’s company Studio Ghibli is widely known, and a major influence to many generations. His story’s use old folklore, tradition, and create unique inspiring stories. Studio Ghibli falls under film animation and the style is so distinctive, it is easily recognizable to be Miyazaki’s. Miyazaki still makes the time to make more films today, and is in the process of one now, because of how much he loves it, his films make it clear how much he is devoted to his work.

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Miyazaki uses complementary colors of oranges and reds against the blue’s to make the car the main focal point. The lights being bright then fading drives attention where he wants it. His line art is not black lines, except on the people. Miyazaki also uses depth and proportion to make the car look closer. Ponyo and the waves look like they’re behind the road/ mountain. Miyazaki retells old folklore and uses stories to tell new ones. All of his stories have the theme/ a war to show he is against it. The stories tell how it drives people and families away from each other. In Ponyo we never see Sosuke’s father, but he is in the navy. Ponyo is the oldest, it shows how parents put more responsibilities and rules on older children at times. Ponyo’s father is against the wars going on and holds back on her going to the surface. This came from Hans Christan Andersons story The Little Mermaid. 

Miyazaki is my first choice because he was the first major artist in my life. It is so interesting how he puts so many details in his stories. His work is widely recognizable. I aspire to have a consistent style. Ponyo came out when I was little, and was one of the movies I remember from my childhood, as well as The Little Mermaid. Now I know they’re tied together. Sea and ocean themes fascinate me, many  stories and artwork have them included. I have a strong connection with the sea.

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I love his portrayal of the sea, the colors, him actually making the sea alive. He can show through a kids perspective of how they'd see under water, different from the little mermaid. More bright, less frightening. I also love how he can take some known stories, and put some elements together, but then make something so original. I would love continuing to make my own style relevant and obvious in my work.