Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Art Coordinator | Concept Design

Chiodo Bros. Productions

2020

Project Synopsis

In the beginning of 2020, I was asked to join the team producing a small independent movie based on Marcel the Shell, who I knew from the adorable YouTube shorts.

To introduce us to the project, some of the new hires and I were invited to watch the animatic. It had no animation, no visual effects, the roughest of rough storyboards, and no music, not even a temp track.

We all bawled our eyes out. We knew we were about to work on something special.

marcel the shell poster
shp_space_screen01
shp_triday_screen01
shp_beach_screen01

Design Projects

StockpileRoom_Screenshot1

STOCKPILE ROOM

While on the show, I also got opportunities to design some of the sets that needed to be created. I put a lot of effort into getting the Stockpile Room right. I knew it wasn’t just a place where I could shine, but the art team who executed it as well.

Final Design

We arrived at the final design of the Stockpile Room after a lot of back and forth and various iterations. We really wanted to make sure it had a photo-real quality so the Director could get a feel for what we were trying to fabricate.

I took copious reference photos to craft the feel of this room. We had a lot of fun imaginging the details in Marcel’s little wall nook.

MTS_StockpileRoom_EK_v3

PLANTER BOX MANDALA

After a particularly emotional moment in the movie, Marcel constructs a memorial in the planter box outside the house’s window. I was tasked with imagining some options for what it could look like, using only the fruits, vegetables and plants we had already created casts of. I usually illustrate my designs, so it was a fun challenge switching over to a realistic photo manipulation style.

Final Build

Designing the planter box mandala was a delightful journey of creativity and collaboration, where each piece felt like a tiny heartbeat adding to the overall rhythm of the design. As I envisioned the intricate layout, I had the joy of meticulously choosing and positioning each fruit, vegetable, and plant, watching my ideas blossom into a lively tribute that mirrored the emotions of the moment it represents. It was a fulfilling experience to see the thoughts and intentions materialize, transforming a simple planter into an enchanting centerpiece that encapsulated the essence of the story and the beauty of togetherness.

Marcel_PlanterBox_BTS01a

FAMILY TREE VANITY

Designing the family tree that adorns Marcel’s vanity was a touching exploration of connection and memory, as I envisioned how each delicate branch could represent a cherished family member. With careful attention to detail, I imagined the pot as a sturdy foundation, symbolizing the love that anchors Marcel’s world. The task allowed me to breathe life into every aspect, from the intricate etchings that tell stories of joy and resilience to the placement of each character, creating a visual narrative that resonates with the heart. It was a privilege to weave together these elements into a heartfelt tribute, transforming the vanity into a meaningful reflection of Marcel’s lineage and the bonds that shape him.

MATCHBOX

In crafting the matchbox designs for Marcel the Shell, I tapped into a playful yet meticulous creative process within Photoshop, where the challenge was to create visually authentic matchboxes that appeared entirely brandless, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. Each iteration began with careful sketching and experimentation across a palette of color options, striving to capture the essence of real matchboxes while ensuring they blended seamlessly into Marcel’s world.

Art Coordinator

artcod05

As an art coordinator in the field of stop motion animation, my role is dynamic and exciting. From keeping track of upcoming shots to ensuring artists stay focused, I am the glue that holds the creative process together. I am responsible for ordering necessary supplies and ensuring the art director is well-informed about upcoming projects. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for organization, I help bring the director’s vision to life.

NANA CONNIE’S BEDROOM VANITY

In dressing Nana Connie’s bedroom, I sought to capture the warmth and nostalgia reminiscent of every cherished grandmother’s home, where small, everyday vanity objects intertwine to weave a story of love and comfort. The carefully selected trinkets—a vintage jewelry box, delicate porcelain figurines, and whimsically arranged hairpins—transform the space into a sanctuary of memories, each item inviting a smile and a gentle sigh. Softly lit by the glow of a thoughtful table lamp, the room embraces visitors with its pastel colors and lovingly worn fabrics, creating a sense of belonging that feels like a hug. Every corner whispers tales of laughter and wisdom, while the playful touches of everyday items remind us that beauty can be found in the simplest of moments, making Nana Connie’s bedroom not just a space, but a heartfelt reflection of family and legacy.

LAPTOP KEYBOARD

As Marcel navigated his miniature landscape, the quest for the perfect match for his MacBook keyboard unfolded like an adventure in itself, filled with unexpected interactions and delightful discoveries; the vibrant colors and textures of the surrounding environment served as inspiration, each keystroke resonating with the essence of his tiny world.

DUST TABLE

As we embarked on creating the enchanting ice-skating scene, my dressing team and I found ourselves in a delicate dance with dust, meticulously sprinkling just the right amount across the tabletop to evoke the illusion of shimmering ice. Each application required a gentle touch and an artistic instinct, as we deftly balanced the amount of dust to capture the perfect ethereal quality that would complement Marcel’s delicate world.

With every layer we added, we were not merely setting a scene; we were crafting a visual symphony that resonated with the heartwarming moments unfolding on screen, ensuring that every detail transported the audience to the whimsical charm of Marcel’s universe.

TRAILER