VISUAL IDENTITY DESIGN IN ANIMATION PRODUCTIONS: EXAMPLE OF THE BATMAN SERIES (1992-1995)

Abstract

Animated series for television have a long history. The first animation experiments began with short cartoons produced for the cinema in the 1920s and 1930s. However, it took a little longer for animation to become widespread and popular in the television environment. The 1950s and 1960s were the periods when animation became widespread on the television platform as television entered homes. During this period, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Studios such as Hanna-Barbera and Hanna-Barbera began to present various animated series to television audiences; Especially the series produced by the Hanna-Barbera studio attracted great attention from television viewers, and many classic productions appeared during this period. It is also seen that the first visual identity designs for animation series were produced during this process. Visual identity has the power to leave a lasting impact on popular culture and is thought to play a key role in the success of animated series. From this perspective, research constitutes an important issue. Within the scope of the limitations of the study, only milestone animation series produced in the United States were discussed, and the aim was to analyze samples and convey expert opinions within the framework of the descriptive analysis method. Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995), which constitutes the sample of the research, was examined in terms of visual identity elements such as logo, typography, episode covers, and color palette. It has been concluded that visual identity elements are also important in the branding process of animation series, in addition to technical details such as story, scenario, fiction and graphics; In addition, it is aimed to create a Turkish resource for relevant stakeholders.