This month we take a dip into the wonderful world of the animation style of Arcane, how it inspires and what do our designers make of it!

Arcane is a Netflix original series that has captivated audiences with its distinct art style. But what makes it so universally appealing?

The most clear reason is its innovative blend of animation techniques. Arcane achieves a unique visual identity by merging 2D and 3D animation. While the show primarily uses 3D models with hand-painted textures to give it a detailed, painterly look, 2D elements are skilfully incorporated for effects like smoke and water. This fusion results in an original visual style that is both dynamic and captivating. The animation studio has perfected this technique, creating some truly striking, visually memorable moments.

Beyond the animation itself, Arcane shines in its scene framing. It’s easy to pause the show at any moment and find an image that could stand on its own as a work of art.

This remarkable visual composition is deeply tied to the show’s distinctive art style, which crafts a painterly aesthetic in every frame. Coupled with dynamic camera work, the show feels more like a moving painting than a traditional animated series. Every shot is meticulously composed, with careful attention to every detail, from background elements to the subtleties of character expressions, creating a cinematic experience that is both beautiful and immersive.

Color theory also plays a vital role in Arcane‘s visual language. The talented artists at Fortiche Studios aren’t afraid to experiment with color, bringing fresh life to their designs. While they use traditional darker tones to signify danger and decay, they also infuse these settings with unexpected pops of neon greens and blues. For instance, the contrasting regions of Piltover and Zaun are given unique color palettes that reflect their stark differences. Zaun, the gritty, neglected undercity, is bathed in a greenish tint, subtly evoking a sense of toxicity and danger. In contrast, Piltover, “The City of Progess”, is marked by lighter, fresher tones, highlighting the disparity between the two worlds.

At Fresh01, we take a similar approach to colour theory, ensuring that the colours in our projects enhance and complement the content, resulting in a visually appealing and cohesive design. From filmmaking to logo creation, we understand the importance of colour, framing, and composition in our work. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see these elements done so well in Arcane.

Additionally, the fluidity and expressiveness of the characters’ movements play a significant role in the show’s visual success. Arcane takes full advantage of the flexibility of animation to convey complex emotions, often through subtle facial expressions or dynamic fight choreography. The animators have created a visual language where every gesture, every look, and every movement tells a story of its own, making the characters feel incredibly real despite the fantastical nature of the world they inhabit.

Visuals play a huge role in shaping how we perceive the world, and Arcane is a perfect example of that. The stunning visuals have inspired us, and we love highlighting what excites us. Here’s to many more seasons!

Featured image Poster from Arcane (Courtesy of Fortiche Animation)