Graphic Design in the Sonic Franchise

I wouldn't put that past them, but, NGL, I like the thought better that they were just fiddling around with the stroke thickness until they got something that felt right. There's a certain rawness about it that's very much in line with the series' character. Increasing the stroke thickness can lead to interesting results.

I'm curious, are there any active graphic designers here that can give their opinions?

 

that Riders anim continues to be one of the hypest pieces of art in this entire series and it's criminal that 1.) it's for a spinoff which means 2.) it never gets used anywhere else. ...and also it wasn't used in the game itself, but we have the technology. we can do it. pleASE

 

I'm really hoping they add Riders to Switch 2's Gamecube library someday.

My biggest wish is for Sonic to be that stylish and cool again. Y2K era aesthetics are pretty fashionable and trending right now, especially with gen Z. Now is probably the best time to return to that graphic style!

 

sorry for double posting but I'm thinking about the Riders opening again and part of me wonders if maybe they were influenced or inspired by Gorillaz?

the combination of clean thick outlines + angularity + semi realistic lighting combined with dramatic shading reminds me a lot of Jamie Hewlett's art style around that era

 

I'd argue that was a trend in a lot of art (and particularly animation) during that period. I recall that several shows on Cartoon Network utilized that style such as Dexter's Labratory, The Powerpuff Girls, and Codename: Kids Next Door. A cursory search calls it "UPA Revival" which started in the 90s and lasted until the mid-2000s. The original UPA style was incredibly prominent across the late 50s and 60s.

 

I've always been a big fan of this style. I feel like a lot of art made during the 90's was pretty heavily influenced by the 60's. Towards the late-90's it sort of shifted to a 70's/early-80's revival.

It's funny how that nostalgia sort of influenced the creation of Modern Sonic, who was made to appeal to the growing subculture around that era.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20181228/281659666135596
they were really in-touch with growing trends and had their finger on the pulse of what was cool around that era.