Kind Of Blue

Through my research this year I aimed to visualise the genre of jazz through a series of key concept art illustrations paired with two character turnaround sheets for the protagonist of this story which would inform a theoretical short, 3D animated film. The project is informed by the album “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis. The album’s sombre and melancholic tone guides the vision for this project, especially when considering the themes and underlying story I was seeking to create. The mood, atmosphere and genres considered, formed much of my research into artists such as Edward Hopper and Syd Mead, exploring how they convey specific themes and ideas in their work.

"So What" is the first track on Miles Davis's 1959 album "Kind of Blue". Here I tried to convey a moody scene depicting the protagonist of this story surrounded by his vices, in particular the obsession he has over his work and how it has made its way into his home life.

Freddie Freeloader is the second track on Miles Davis's 1959 album "Kind of Blue". Here is a scene very much inspired by New Orleans for its representation of jazz culture. Here I am also depicting the state of the world that this character lives in, a once utopian city corrupted from the capitalist influence and mass industrialisation that pollutes the atmosphere of this dystopian landscape.

Blue in Green is the third track on Miles Davis's 1959 album "Kind of Blue". In this concept I explore a gritty dive bar scene that holds the jazz influence of this project on full display while also revealing my characters isolation and loneliness as he sits at the bar drinking alone.

All Blues is the fourth track on Miles Davis's 1959 album "Kind of Blue". This was a scene in which I wanted the viewer to feel as though they were peering into the characters place of work and see how this obsession for his work spreads like a mess all over the room. I wanted the room to act as a personification for the protagonist, showing how his passion and obsession over his job has taken over the rest of his life.

Flamenco Sketches is the fifth and final track on Miles Davis's 1959 album "Kind of Blue". The final scene is a depiction of our character looking over the city as the sun rises on a new day bringing with it some small hope for a better future.

In addition to my key environment concepts, here I have created two turnaround sheets for the protagonist which would help inform a 3D modeller of the information needed to carry out this character model for a full theoretical production

Finally I have included the "Kind of Blue" concept video that would shows my final key concept pieces and the music of Miles Davis working in tandem to provide further context on the correlation between my art and the music that influences it.

Lastly I want thank the people who have helped me on my journey through this project. I want to acknowledge the valuable feedback, ideas and constant support from my supervisor Ryan Locke, who acted as a great mentor through all my time at Abertay. I also want to acknowledge the incredible amount of feedback and input from Bimpe Alliu who has been a fantastic mentor throughout this whole project, teaching me new processes and reminding me of the constant value in always focussing my attention back on art fundamentals.