Field:

Editorial, Research

Type:

Year:

Use of color in visual communication for Hayao Miyazaki


What is a color? What does it reveal? How can it be intentionally selected to assign a specific meaning within the narrative?

In this thesis I try to answer these questions through scientific insights, color theory, and a visual investigation of Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling in My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. This hybrid project allowed me to merge research, illustration, and movie analysis around a topic very dear to me, strengthening my ability to translate abstract ideas into functional visual communication.

Use of color in visual communication for Hayao Miyazaki


What is a color? What does it reveal? How can it be intentionally selected to assign a specific meaning within the narrative?

In this thesis I try to answer these questions through scientific insights, color theory, and a visual investigation of Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling in My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. This hybrid project allowed me to merge research, illustration, and movie analysis around a topic very dear to me, strengthening my ability to translate abstract ideas into functional visual communication.

Explaining Through Images

I designed all scientific illustrations, color diagrams, and explanatory graphics to be clear, accurate, and easy to read. My goal was to translate complex concepts into visuals that support the research without overwhelming it.

Explaining Through Images

I designed all scientific illustrations, color diagrams, and explanatory graphics to be clear, accurate, and easy to read. My goal was to translate complex concepts into visuals that support the research without overwhelming it.

Chromatic Overview

These “movie barcodes” are generated through a frame-by-frame color extraction process: for each frame of the selected movie, the dominant hue is identified and then placed in sequence, resulting in a chromatic overview that functions as a visual timeline of the film’s palette and tonal shifts.

Chromatic Overview

These “movie barcodes” are generated through a frame-by-frame color extraction process: for each frame of the selected movie, the dominant hue is identified and then placed in sequence, resulting in a chromatic overview that functions as a visual timeline of the film’s palette and tonal shifts.

Spreads and graphics showing my color analysis of Miyazaky's films, including palette extraction, character studies, and scene breakdowns.

Based in Amsterdam, available worldwide

Based in Amsterdam,
available worldwide