Summary
Franchise animator David Silverman explains why character designs inThe Simpsonshave changed over time. Created by Matt Groening, the beloved comedy revolves around the Simpson family and other residents of Springfield. Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner voice Homer and Marge, respectively, while other cast members include Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer and Hank Azaria. The humor andstrangely accurate foresight ofThe Simpsonsremain notable qualities, andafter premiering onThe Tracey Ullman Showin 1987, the animation has changed considerably.
DuringCorridor Crew’s latest video, Silverman revealed why designs for Homer Simpson and other characters transformed asThe Simpsonsprogressed. Check out the video (the explanation ends around 6:54):
Silverman, who also directed several episodes ofThe Simpsons, shared thatanimators didn’t have a model sheet to reference, and that early on, “we took a cue looking at The Muppets.”He noted that they quickly adjusted to a new style, which is noticeable when watching the series back. Read some of Silverman’s comments below:
We didn’t really have a model sheet. So, it was a matter of like, ‘Well how are you drawing Bart this week? How are you drawing Homer this week?’ Yeah, literally it was like that because we had no time to really make a model sheet. Usually it’s the character turned around, like here’s the side view, here’s a front view, here’s a three-quarter view, here’s a rear view and so forth.
We were thinking about the characters, okay yes, they’re of a flat design, but we have to start thinking about them dimensionally. Lisa can’t just have all these random points. We have to start figuring out how many there are and can we design them a little bit more artistically. But actually, if you watch these, especially if you watch or even just skim through them in order, I think you’ll see the evolution, and it took us not too long to get us kind of in the ballpark.
How Much Have The Simpsons' Designs Changed?
The Alterations Were Beneficial To The Show
When Fox aired 30-minute episodes ofThe Simpsonsin 1989, Homer and his family had gone through noticeable changes.Individual characteristics remained the same, but the animation was updated.The short videos fromThe Tracey Ullman Showdepicted basic features, including taller heads for Homer and Bart, and less-rounded mouths. Silverman mentioned thatGroening gave the animators advice about using lines, or lack thereof, to create expressions. Those adjustments, along with character movements, were evident in early seasons ofThe Simpsons, and have only gotten better.
The Simpsons' 10 Best Animation Shifts, Ranked
The Simpsons' has utilized numerous other animation styles over the years as a means of parodying and paying tribute to animation history.
It’s not uncommon for animated shows, particularly long-running ones, to improve their style.The Simpsonsseason 36is already confirmed, andthe character designs today look even more dissimilar to their original counterparts.Considering Silverman’s comments about model sheets, it’s worth wondering what Homer’s evolution could have been without them, and how rapidly the series would have changed. He also joked aboutThe Tracey Ullman Showusing four fingers and the potential work involved, had he been required to draw more.
The Simpsonsis one of the longest-running shows on television, having aired more than 760 episodes over three decades.
It’s interesting to hear whyThe Simpsonsanimation has changed over the years and the importance of model sheets when continuing something like this. Although the changes were apparent at the time, it is hard to imagine Homer, Marge, and any other character looking different. It seems like it would be easy to keep character designs consistent, but Silverman’s comments show it takes real work.
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
