Bye Plane
3D/2D Animation
Bye Plane is a hybrid 2D/3D animated short centred on rivalry and movement.
It brings together character design, 3D production, animation, rendering, and compositing in a fast-paced aerial race.
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 and expressive shape language while making him suitable for rigging and animation.
Hybrid Animation Pipeline
Concept model
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 line work 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 in After Effects. 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, line work, and final compositing. One of the most technical shots in the animation, it demonstrates how the 3D render passes were layered with 2D background elements in After Effects to create the final hybrid look.
Outcome & Reflection
Bye Plane resulted in a completed animated short developed through a full 3D & 2D animation production pipeline. The project began with primary research, storyboarding, and animatics before moving into 3D modelling, rigging, animation, and rendering in Maya. The final sequence was then refined in After Effects and Premiere Pro, where compositing, timing, transitions, and editing helped bring the scenes together into a more polished final outcome.
The project showed me how important it is to balance animation as a connected production pipeline and separate tasks. Each stage, from animatics to rendering and compositing, affected the clarity and polish of the final piece. It helped me better understand how planning, file organisation, timing adjustments, and post-production choices can strengthen both the technical quality and storytelling of an animated short.
01.
A clear production pipeline made the animation easier to develop and refine
02.
Storyboards and animatics shaped the timing, shots, and overall flow
03.
Maya allowed the world, characters, and movement to come together in 3D
04.
Compositing and editing helped refine the final mood, pacing, and presentation