GIFS
Fun: I chose this one simply for the amusement factor. It's Sasquatch - what's not to like? And it's positive - thumbs up!
Aesthetic Beauty: I love the simplicity of this. I think it is both beautiful and mesmerizing. It's like watching fish in an aquarium - soothing, peaceful. I also thought the one on the right was really cool to watch the ink bleed into the shape.
To imitate: I want to create a simple animation that has only one or two moving elements.
Animations
Favorite: Pixar's Geri's Game (1997). I remember watching several of their shorts a few weeks before Toy Story came out. I had not heard of them and was not aware of Toy Story or Pixar's involvement. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the movie. While I enjoy their partnership with Disney, I really love the depth of emotion evoked in simple, daily life events that they choose to represent, and typically with humor.
Artistic/experimental: Amy Kravitz. She specializes in hand-drawn, abstract animation. I thought it was dark, beautiful and a bit surreal. I also like chickens. :) (0:00 - 1:51)
Roost from Amy Kravitz on Vimeo.
Inspirational: While I do not endeavor to imitate the style or skill demonstrated in the creation of Kubo and the Two Strings, I found the movie to be quite beautiful. I love the stop motion animation and hope to imitate it through a humble medium of paper only.
I also thought this GIF showing the behind-the-scenes creation was cool.
I also thought this GIF showing the behind-the-scenes creation was cool.