Bye Plane
3D/2D Animation
A hybrid 2D/3D animated short exploring connection through rivalry.
A fast-paced aerial race brought to life through a mixed 2D/3D pipeline.
Type:
Hybrid 2D/3D
Duration:
1:35
Role:
Character Design, 3D Modelling, Rigging, Animation, Rendering, Compositing
Tools:
Character design
Concept sketches (2D)
Final model (3D)
Character Design – Brennan
Brennan was developed through 2D sketch exploration before being translated into a 3D model. The aim was to preserve his simple, expressive shape language while making him suitable for rigging and animation.
Hybrid Animation Pipeline
Concept
Final model
Rendering & Compositing Breakdown
3D Assets
The planes & Brennan were designed with simple, readable forms and built in 3D using toon shaders to match the 2D aesthetic. Rendering colour and linework as separate passes allowed flexibility during compositing and animation.
Linework Pass
Flat Colour Pass
Backgrounds (2D)
Speed lines
Propeller
Pop ups
Rendering & Compositing
3D assets were rendered in Maya using flat colour and line passes, then composited with 2D backgrounds.
This approach preserved a hand-drawn feel while maintaining depth and consistency across shots.
Process
Shot 7 progression
This shot breakdown shows how the scene evolved from animatic planning and rough 3D blocking into flat colour, linework, and final compositing. It demonstrates how the 3D render passes were layered with 2D background elements to create the final hybrid look.
Conclusion
01.
Hybrid style can create emotional contrast
Combining 3D characters with 2D backgrounds helped create a world that felt stylised, simple, and expressive.
02.
Simple forms improved readability
Keeping Brennan and the planes visually simple made the character easier to read in motion.
03.
Separate render passes gave more control
Rendering colour and linework separately made it easier to preserve a hand-drawn feel while adjusting the final composite.
04.
The project strengthened my 2D/3D pipeline
This project helped me connect modelling, rigging, animation, rendering,
and compositing into one cohesive workflow.