Student Work
Nightfall
Nicole Bottone
Ridgefield, CT
BFA (Motion Design & Animation)
Advisor: Heejoo Kim
2D Animation
6 min 31 sec
Link to Nightfall
Nightfall (日夜渴望), is a short 2D animation that illustrates the fantastical story of a troubled past and vulnerable present in the fictional land named Zhōng Dì. The story’s main character and Chosen One, Hana, must restore balance to the universe and correct the mistakes of the past with her trusty companion Qīnglóng by her side. The animation will explore the intersectionality between 2D artwork with simple yet impactful animation techniques and styles, while also nodding to East Asian cultures. I chose to create a 2D animation as a way to explore how to successfully tell a story and narrative through detailed artwork and simple animations. In addition to this, many aspects of the short animation encompass themes and motifs from East Asian cultures in a subtle yet noticeable way.
For as long as I could hold a pencil, drawing has been the catalyst of my artistic journey and ignited my passion to pursue a career in the creative field. By drawing the assets and animating them in another program, I not only want to challenge myself with my digital artistic abilities but also to apply what I have learned throughout my experience at UConn and successfully tell a story through these mediums. Through this project, I am excited and ready for the challenge to push myself and my artistic abilities to the next level. I hope Nightfall will inspire audiences and become a symbol of success to encourage East Asian women who are interested in pursuing a career in the animation and motion design industry.
Artist Bio
Nicole Bottone is currently a senior at the University of Connecticut pursuing a BFA in Digital Media and Design, with a concentration in Motion Design & Animation and a Minor in Mandarin Chinese. Born in Yangzhou, China, but raised in Ridgefield, CT, she has always found various ways to reconnect with her East Asian heritage and roots. She has a tremendous amount of passion, love, and respect for her own Asian culture. Nicole’s unique story and ethnic background have become a major inspiration for many of her works. In addition to this, she is eager to learn new perspectives from people of different backgrounds.
She has always taken an interest in the fine arts, from her early childhood drawings to taking upon the challenges of AP Portfolio Art in high school, and to pursuing a BFA at UConn. Many of her experiences and achievements have contributed to leading her to where she is now. Nicole is continually searching for new inspirations, experiences, and techniques to showcase her love for anything visual. After graduation she hopes to continue developing her animation knowledge by becoming more involved with the industry to gain more hands-on experience.
https://www.instagram.com/virtualangelwings/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bottone/
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