The Art of How To Train Your Dragon 2
One of the best things about animation is the ability to interweave high concepts with engaging tales. How to Train your Dragon 2 is just one of many films that takes advantage of this relationship and whilst the films themes of family, friendship and the heroes journey hardly require such decoration in every film they can be found in the Dreamworks dragons franchise has created itself a wonderful world in which these concepts can be enjoyed and in The Art of How To Train your Dragon 2 we see how these concepts were explored through the pre production process.
Those who have seen the first film will know that the dragon bombarded town of Berk has had to evolve from a fortified town to one at peace as the townsfolk have fostered a new relationship with the winged reptiles they were once at war with. This is beautifully displayed in the book and one that sets out the stall that this isn’t a book just filled with dragon designs. Saying that the culture that surrounds town that now deals in dragons is referenced nicely with banners, warpaint carvings and more rendered to reflect a town that has forged a new relationship with the fire breathers and also takes reference from travel and mythology that the artists participated in whilst researching the film.
The styles of artwork is of superb quality. Although this is a sequel and the characters are already established the artists had some fun playing with the concepts for slightly aged characters and new dragons that fill the film. Stand out artists include Nico Marlets wonderfully weighty design of Stoik & Skullcrusher and concepts of Berk residents and Iuri Lioi’s set dressing artwork. Though I stated earlier the book isn’t just about the dragons there is a substantial, but not over indulgent amount of dragon concepts and creations in the book which showcases the more creative approaches to dragon design.
With insights from all aspects of production this book is ideal for anyone who wants a behind the scenes look at the making of a Dreamworks film and the creative decisions that are made by those that can and those that don’t draw, steering the pens of the artists in the right direction.
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