Animation teams create reference sheets that contain illustrations of how the characters in the animation will appear in their finalised form in the animation. This is done so the animators can use it as reference for the animators to make sure the characters visually maintain quality and consistency in the finalised animation. Above is my reference sheet of two of the main characters Monty the Cat (left), alongside his human girlfriend Serena (right), as references for how they’ll appear in my film trailer.
Monty the cat, the main protagonist of the trailer, is an optimistic, talented and determined anthropomorphic cat who loves to dance, and has his eyes set on the title of the world’s greatest dancer. His visual appearance is more stylised in comparison to the other main/ background characters, and is inspired by American ‘rubberhose’ animation, like Mickey Mouse by Walt Disney Pictures and Cuphead by StudioMDHR. Therefore, he will be animated to be bouncy and energetic in movement and will have a high framerate like rubberhose cartoons were. Serena is Monty’s alternative human girlfriend who loves to crash parties and have fun with others, and is very proud of her boyfriend’s dancing skills despite her (non-serious) mockery of him. Her visual style is closer to Japanese anime in terms of attributes like the eyes and hair, so she will be animated in a similar style to anime where her movements will be more graceful, less energetic and with a low frame rate.