Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Xinyi Tian

STRIDE & SHINE!

STRIDE & SHINE! is a 2D experimental animation that follows a character on a vibrant journey, collecting pieces along the way. The character is designed with a container for a head, symbolizing an open and receptive mind. As she navigates through a world of bright colors, abstract characters, and shifting environments, she shines and grows with each experience.The film explores the idea of immersing oneself in an ideal, supportive world, where kindness and encouragement guide the character forward. Inspired by my own challenges as a foreign student, this piece reflects a hopeful desire to embrace the process of striding, exploring, and discovering.The animation combines digital frame-by-frame techniques with hand-painted oil pastel textures. The vibrant color palette, along with the rich, tactile quality of the pastels, enhances the lively and carefree atmosphere of the journey. STRIDE & SHINE! invites viewers to celebrate their progress, appreciate the support they receive, and find joy in the process of self-discovery.

“STRIDE & SHINE! is a 2D experimental animation about a character going through a vibrant journey and collecting pieces along the way. It is designed with a container for a head, symbolizing an open and receptive mind. She navigates a world of abstract characters, shifting environments, and unexpected encounters. The film explores a straightforward, ideal journey filled with support, focusing on the idea of immersing oneself in new experiences and simply enjoying the process. The title, STRIDE & SHINE! , reflects both the forward momentum of the character’s journey and the treasure she gathers along the way from each encounter and discovery.This project is inspired by the emotional state I see in many young people, including myself. We often dream big and push toward meaningful goals, but we’re also met with real limitations: uncertain futures, unfamiliar environments, and personal setbacks. As a foreign student, I’ve faced these challenges, about learning how to adapt, keep going, and how to stay true to myself in a new place. The character in STRIDE & SHINE! reflects the inner urge that pushes us forward despite those obstacles. She runs with joy, energy, and purpose. She is motivated by a deep desire to grow and find happiness. What makes her journey special is that the world does not block her path. Instead, it responds to her with kindness and support: lotus leaves rise beneath her feet to guide her steps, a deer carries her forward, the environment becomes part of her success, shaped by love, encouragement, and her own willingness to keep going. This story imagines a hopeful version of the journey many of us go through, a world where support appears when we need it most, and where moving forward feels not just possible, but joyful.The animation is 1 minute and 8 seconds long and will be projected onto a screen. Each frame was created through a mixed-media process combining digital and traditional methods. The linework was animated frame by frame in Toon Boom Harmony. From there, I digitally added the base colors and printed each frame onto letter-sized paper. Using oil pastels, I hand-painted textures and filled in selected patterns. After scanning the drawings back into the computer, I used digital brush tools to refine areas that couldn’t be precisely captured with pastels. Despite these adjustments, I preserved most of the “imperfect” colored edges and variations in shading. Sometimes the colors overlap the printed linework; sometimes they leave gaps. This variation creates a bouncy effect in the animation, contributing to a sense of freedom.In this animation, I use a palette of bright colors: blue, red, pink, and green to reflect the central theme: a carefree and lighthearted journey. These colors evoke a sense of safety, openness, and friendliness, mirroring the emotional state of the protagonist, a newly born being who, despite lacking the ability to protect himself, moves forward with courage and determination. The vibrant visual tone aims to create a welcoming world, emphasizing freedom, optimism, and fearless exploration.The aesthetic of STRIDE & SHINE! is inspired by hand-drawn, rhythm-driven animations such as Idol Idol (created by students at Gobelins Paris) and PILIPALA by artist Yinan Liang. Both works use morphing visuals, hand-painted textures, and strong synchronization with music, which I also apply to create a sense of flow and emotional resonance. My own piece uses oil pastels to achieve a “boiling” texture effect, while leaving certain parts of the printed base colors to present visual contrast and rhythm. With this film, I want viewers to reflect on their own journeys, recognize who’s supporting them, and find value in even the smallest gains along the way. For anyone who has felt the fatigue of chasing goals or adjusting to change, I hope STRIDE & SHINE offers a gentle reminder that growth isn’t just about endurance, but about collecting joy, pride, and a sense of self along the way.”