Anime studio drawing desk

Drawing desk in an anime studio, the central point for creating Japanese animations, where artists bring characters and scenes to life.

About this subject

The drawing desk is the heart of any anime studio. Traditionally, it is slanted to allow the animator to draw keyframes and in-betweens with precision, using paper and pencils. In Japan, studios like Toei Animation and Studio Ghibli have maintained this setup for decades, even with the transition to digital. Desks usually have a lightbox underneath, aiding in tracing sequential movements. Height and angle are adjustable to prevent repetitive strain injuries, a common issue among animators. Each workstation is equipped with a bench full of references, mirrors for self-expression, and often a cup of tea or coffee. This environment is depicted in documentaries like 'The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness', showing the creative chaos behind Ghibli films. Despite digitalization, many studios still prefer the feel of pencil on paper for concept art and layouts, later moving to tablets and software like Clip Studio Paint and Retas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the traditional animation process work in an anime studio?

It starts with storyboarding, followed by keyframes drawn by the lead animator. In-betweens are done by assistants using the light table to interpolate movements. The artwork is then scanned, digitally colored, and composited with backgrounds and effects.

What essential tools are found on an anime animator's desk?

HB and 2B pencils, erasers, animation paper or sulfite paper, rulers, ink pens, and a lightbox. Digital drawing tablets are also common for the digital stage.

What is the difference between Japanese anime studios and Western animation studios?

Japanese studios traditionally use slanted desks with lightboxes and emphasize manual drawing. Western studios like Disney used similar desks, but today most directly use tablets and 2D digital animation software.