I created "Critteropolis" for ART 428: Digital Imaging Studio. This assignment explores 2.5D animation and rotoscoping. The project showcases a short animated sequence highlighting fluid motion, layered depth, and creative transitions between frames. 

In Critteropolis, the story follows a squirrel who enters an alternate reality using a green leaf as its ticket. The narrative unfolds as the squirrel chases the green leaf, catches it, and then uses it to access an elevator, which transports the squirrel into a new and surreal world.

I experimented with a minimalist animation style for this project while maintaining a consistent color gradient. As the squirrel transitions into an alternate reality, the animation style gradually becomes less minimalist to reflect the environmental change.

The TV series "Severance" inspired this concept, particularly the theme of people leading separate, compartmentalized lives at work and outside. I aimed to explore a similar theme and provoke viewers to question the nature of reality in this context. I aim to immerse the audience in the squirrel's journey and leave them pondering what is real and imagined.