The Ugly Duckling

Emma Burns

The Ohio State University -- M.F.A. Thesis Project 2026

Animating Narratives: Exploring the Role of Blended Animation Styles in Adaptation

This thesis explores stylistic blending of animation functions as a narrative design tool through the production and analysis of an animated adaptation inspired by The Ugly Duckling. The integration of multiple animation styles expands the expressive potential of animated storytelling and encourages critical engagement with both the original source material and its representation. The project establishes a discussion between the designer, source material, and final animation. Within the film, different visual styles represent different stages of the protagonist’s journey and internal mindset. Variations in environmental detail further reinforce narrative perspective: watercolor-inspired environments limit visual information to reflect the character’s initial uncertainty, while a low-poly environment during the climax introduces harsh geometry and spatial abstraction to represent emotional overwhelm and internal conflict. By integrating seven distinct styles into a cohesive film, this design exploration starts a conversation about potential uses for the applied technique.