Thumbelina animation
Cartoon Network
I created a short animation for Cartoon Network as a teaser for their Spotify podcast about the Brothers Grimm’s fairytales. This project challenged me to convey the essence of the podcast in a short, visually compelling animation.
The project: Created a 60 second animation teaser for Cartoon Network’s Spotify podcast.
Provider of the project: Sint Lucas
Made with: Clip studio paint, Photoshop, Premiere pro.
Project Challenge
For this project, I had to create a short teaser animation for Cartoon Network’s Spotify podcast about the Brothers Grimm. A key challenge was combining different programs to bring the animation to life while maintaining strong composition and a clear, engaging story for the target audience. I also had to balance Cartoon Network’s signature style and humor. Initially, I designed concepts for both Rapunzel and Thumbelina, but I ultimately chose Thumbelina since she’s rarely adapted. Even though she isn’t a Brothers Grimm character, I got approval from my client to include her in the project.
I created a total of four different concepts for this project, exploring various ideas before selecting the final one. To refine the overall look and feel, I worked with mood and style boards, which helped me establish the right atmosphere and visual direction. Throughout the process, I also reflected on my work, making adjustments to improve the storytelling, composition, and animation flow to ensure it aligned with the project’s goals. Lastly I had to use 2 artstyles from 2 Cartoon Network shows! I chose The Powerpuff Girls and Steven universe.
Finished work
Process pictures
Click on the images!
The 4 concepts.
Concept 1 Rapunzel:
On a warm summer day, Rapunzel lays on her bed, staring at the ceiling. “How long have I been alone? Mother went to get paint, and that takes days.” She got up and noticed a blue stone shimmering in the corner of her eye—something Mother Gothel had brought back.
“Why is it glowing…?” she mumbled, picking it up. Suddenly, her blonde hair turned black, and her eyes glowed bright blue. “What kind of power is this?!” Her hair moved on its own, pulling her toward the tower window.
Realizing her hair was even longer now, she let it unravel, forming a slide to the ground. Taking a deep breath, she stepped over the edge. As she landed, she gasped— “I made it down? HAHA, I’M FREE! SEE YA LATER, SUCKERS!” she yelled, sprinting away as her long black hair trailed behind her.
Artstyle: The Powerpuff Girls
Concept 2 Rapunzel:
High up in the tower, Mother Gothel gently brushed Rapunzel’s long silver hair. “Daughter, you must never leave this tower, okay? It’s not safe for a witch with magical hair,” she whispered.
Rapunzel sighed. “Well, Mother, now that I’m 18, I really do want to leave.” She turned to face her, smiling—until her head was suddenly yanked back. “OW! Mother? What are you doing?” she asked as she watched Gothel lay her hair flat on the table.
“You must NEVER leave the tower,” Gothel said, grabbing an axe and swinging it down. But instead of cutting the hair, the axe bounced back, sending a shock through her. The axe? Completely shattered.
Rapunzel smirked. “Well, Mother… mess with the hair, and you get the horns.”
Artstyle: The Powerpuff Girls
Concept 3 Thumbelina:
One evening, Alexa gazed at a poppy and sighed, “I wish I had a child…” She repeated this every night until a fairy appeared.
“Enough! Plant this seed, water it, and by morning, a poppy will bloom.”
Alexa did as told and woke to find a beautiful flower. As she touched its petals, a tiny girl with long black hair peeked up.
“HEY! What are you doing?!” the girl shouted.
“My daughter, you’re finally here!” Alexa cheered.
“Daughter? Me? Oh… OHHH! Forgive me! My name is Thumbelina. Will you take care of me?” she asked, sliding onto Alexa’s hand.
Concept 4 Thumbelina (chosen concept)
This concept is told from the POV of a dragonfly. On a warm summer day, a tiny walnut shell floated down a river, carrying a pink petal inside. Curious, the dragonfly flew closer and let a drop of water fall onto it. Suddenly, the petal moved, and a tiny blonde-haired girl shot up.
“HEY! I WAS SLEEPING!” she yelled, wearing a green and pink dress made of leaves. Annoyed, she grabbed her pillow and swatted the dragonfly away.
“That’ll teach you not to mess with Thumbelina! Ever heard of manners?” she huffed. Then, standing confidently in her floating walnut shell, she spun her finger, drifting away as blooming water lilies trailed behind her.
Thank you!
Contact: HonokaKuroArt@gmail.com