Critical Framework

Long overdue is my critical framework. I've been too worried to write my own, but after speaking with my academic tutor Robin this past Friday, I have a better understanding of what is expected from me. I'll iterate this post if I need to overtime.

Aim: "To design fantasy characters that will visually express themselves as an individual of different backgrounds and beliefs"
Objective: "To examine cultural, religious and spiritual factors that impact on human appearance, and to embed this knowledge in the design of original characters for the fantasy genre"

Areas of Study:

- Existing cultures, history and influences
- Cliches in fantasy character design
- Existing fantasy cultures in video games, and how their characters look/behave
- The notion of 'good' people and 'bad' people
- Angels/demons as deity figures in media
- Fashion

Critical areas of focus:

Zelda - real life religion and culture in a fantasy mix, controversially censored.
Ni no Kuni - Humans live in different environments with different monarchs, and abide by those fashions and culture.
Final Fantasy X - An example of hatred between different faiths. Extremes. No individuality.

Religion - Angels and Demons in media

Fashion - Cultural differences are always noticed, drawing inspiration from location, and history. Fashion is also seen as a statement, and can reflect ones personality, can tell a story (where is that person from, what kind of climate/environment do they live in) and can even reflect someones faith. How is this translated in a fantasy world? Can it be done better?

Appearance - People do not physically look the same. Other than fashion, we physically differ from one another in appearance due to background and race. This is often stereotypical in fantasy/sci-fi video games.

Visual representations of Critical Framework:

My Final Critical Framework:

• The good/positive and/or evil/negative undertones towards a culture
• Religions influence in the game, how do they affect the characters
• Internal fantasy religion, how does that affect the characters
• Influences of culture, religion and spirituality in the characters design/fashion
• Symbols of identity in the culture
• Stereotype or cliche