Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting: Digital Painting and Expanded Animation

Jeff Sun

The Little Guardian

The Little Guardian is a 2D, single-channel narrative animation exploring themes of death, mourning, guilt, and recovery. The narrative follows a young girl struggling to overcome the loss of her childhood dog whom she neglected as she became overwhelmed by her growing responsibilities and studies over time. The girl finds herself lost in an alternate world and is met with an unusual guide. The "Little Guardian" represents beings who act as guides for others, helping them overcome their internal conflicts. This animation was inspired by Japanese music videos with deeper narratives by artists such as Eve (also stylized as E ve) and Yoasobi. The Little Guardian seeks to remind viewers who are feeling guilty for their past actions and remind them of what is truly important, the bond between their loved ones. And not focusing on the time that was lost, but the memories of the time they shared.