The aesthetic side of cartoons and animation! Delve into the artistic styles and visual elements that make cartoons truly captivating.
From the use of color and lighting to the design of characters and landscapes, we explore the unique aesthetic qualities that make each cartoon its own.
We’ll look at classic and contemporary animated productions, examining the techniques and technologies used to create them.
Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or slice-of-life tales, we’ll have something for you.
Join us as we explore the aesthetic cartoons and animation world and discover the artistry behind some of your favorite shows and movies!
Aesthetic Cartoons & Characters
Regarding cartoons, the visual aesthetic can make or break the overall experience.
From the use of color and lighting to the design of characters and landscapes, a cartoon’s aesthetic can create an immersive and captivating world that draws viewers in.
Now, this list is my opinion only; I had to add this as I received some emails arguing with some on this list, LOL
7Gravity Falls – (Disney Channel)
First up is Gravity Falls from The Disney Channel. This animated show, created by Alex Hirsch, has a distinct aesthetic that combines mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements.
The use of warm oranges, yellows, and pinks in the background, combined with calm blue and purple tones for the characters, creates a unique and eye-catching visual style.
One of the most striking features of “Gravity Falls” is its vibrant and imaginative art style.
The show features various exciting and unique character designs, from the main characters to the different supernatural creatures they encounter.
The show’s use of color is also noteworthy, with warm oranges, yellows, and pinks in the background, combined with calm blue and purple tones for the characters, creating a unique and eye-catching visual style.
This color scheme also highlights the show’s themes of mystery and adventure.
6Steven Universe
Next is Steven Universe from The Cartoon Network. This animated series, created by Rebecca Sugar, has a distinct aesthetic that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and slice-of-life storytelling.
The show is known for its bright and colorful animation style and incorporation of hand-drawn and digital animation techniques.
The show’s animators use a combination of 2D and 3D animation, which adds depth and dimension to the show’s characters and settings. The use of traditional animation techniques also gives the show a hand-drawn quality that distinguishes it from other animated shows.
Pastel colors and shapes add to the show’s fantasy and magical atmosphere.
5Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty from Adult Swim is another must-watch aesthetic cartoon.
Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, this animated show has a distinct aesthetic combining science fiction, dark humor, and satire elements.
Rick and Morty is considered an “aesthetic” cartoon because of its unique animation style, dark humor, and complex storytelling.
The show often deals with heavy themes such as mental health, addiction, and the consequences of one’s actions, while also incorporating elements of science fiction and satire.
In addition to visually appealing, animation often utilizes vibrant colors and surreal imagery. Additionally, the show has a cult following that appreciates the show’s unique style and humor.
The show is known for its dynamic animation style and use of many visual techniques, including stop-motion and 3D animation.
4Samurai Jack
Samurai Jack from the Cartoon Network is another cartoon with moody aesthetic characters.
Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, this animated series has a distinct aesthetic combining fantasy, action, and adventure elements.
The show is known for its visually dazzling animation and use of a limited palette of colors that create a unique look and feel.
The use of dark and muted tones, combined with sharp lines and angles, creates a visually striking and powerful aesthetic that perfectly fits the show’s action and adventure themes.
3The Boondocks
The comic strip heavily influences a muted color tone and bold character designs in The Boondocks cartoon.
Using a distinctive aesthetic style that blended elements of anime and black American culture, The Boondocks cartoon tackled controversial and socially relevant issues comedically.
The show’s creator, Aaron McGruder, was known for his sharp wit and satire, which often dealt with themes such as race, politics, and pop culture.
The mood aesthetic of the show was also often dark and cynical, which resonated with many viewers.
Furthermore, its anime-inspired animation style, which hadn’t been seen on American television before, contributed to its popularity.
2Batman: The Animated Series
The series features a unique art style that combines the dark, noir-inspired aesthetic of the Batman comics with a more animated and expressive look.
The show’s creators, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, aimed to create a more realistic and psychological interpretation of the Batman character and his world.
This was reflected in the show’s stylistic approach, heavily influenced by film noir and German Expressionism.
Additionally, the show’s use of a wide range of guest stars and adaptations of classic comic book stories helped to establish it as a true Batman series rather than just another cartoon.
1Adventure Time – Aesthetic Cartoons
Last but not least, “Adventure Time” (Cartoon Network) is a must-watch aesthetic cartoon.
Adventure Time, a popular animated television series from 2010 to 2018, was considered aesthetic because of its distinctive art style, imaginative storytelling, and offbeat humor.
The show’s characters and settings were highly stylized and visually striking, often featuring bold colors and surreal imagery.
The main characters, Finn the Human and Jake the Dog, were designed to be visually appealing and charismatic, with exaggerated features and expressive animations that helped to convey their personalities.
The show’s color scheme also contributed to its aesthetic appeal. The Land of Ooo, where the series takes place, is filled with vibrant and varied landscapes, from lush forests and deserts to icy tundras and underwater cities.
Additionally, Adventure Time’s use of music and sound design was also crucial in creating its unique aesthetic.
From the whimsical and playful to the melancholy and contemplative, music sets the mood and tone for each episode.
Overall, Adventure Time’s combination of visually striking characters and settings, bold color palette, imaginative storytelling, and dynamic mood music and sound design contributed to its aesthetic appeal, making it a beloved and iconic show among fans.
What Is The Rubber Hose Animation Style?
Rubber hose animation was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its simplified and stylized character designs and fluid, bouncy movement.
The name “rubber hose” refers to how the characters’ limbs are often depicted as thin, flexible tubes rather than more realistic limbs.
This animation style was used in many popular cartoons, such as the “Flip the Frog” and “Bobby Bumps” series.
What Is The 90s Cartoon Style called?
Cartoons from the 90s are often characterized by 2D animation.
In the 1990s, 2D animation style saw a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the success of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” (1989), “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), and “Aladdin” (1992) films, which featured hand-drawn animation in a more traditional Disney style.
This renewed interest in 2D animation led to the production of many critically acclaimed and commercially successful animated films, television shows, and video games during the decade.
One of the most notable 2D animation styles in the 90s was the anime style from Japan.
Character designs, camera angles, and emotions characterized the anime style, which was heavily influenced by manga comics.
The anime style was popularized by shows like “Dragon Ball Z,” “Sailor Moon,” and “Pokemon,” which were widely watched and enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Additionally, the 1990s also saw the rise of the Saturday morning cartoon.
Many animated shows were created specifically for children, and they were often more colorful and exaggerated than anime.
Overall, the 90s was a decade in which 2D animation styles were diverse and varied, with something for everyone.
