"The Guardians" is my final year project, a story centred on a doctor and a nurse.
Set within a bustling hospital, the story follows two medical professionals leading incredibly demanding lives. They possess a music box topped with a pair of knights who serve as their symbolic counterparts. In a metaphorical "battle world," these knights fight against personified illnesses to rescue trapped patients.
Tragically, the immense pressure of the workplace takes its toll, and the nurse falls seriously ill. Overwhelmed by his own exhaustion, the doctor watches as the knight—representing the nurse’s spirit—sacrifices himself to save him. Though the nurse’s death leaves the doctor spiralling into depression, her memory rekindles his faith. Ultimately, he finds the strength to honour her legacy and continue his vocation.
As the Lead Character Designer, my primary responsibility was developing the visual identity of the cast. This involved extensive sketching and iterative testing to move away from a traditional Japanese aesthetic toward an American illustration style. After several rounds of refinement, I successfully moved past the initial "anime" look to achieve the desired western art style. In addition to character design, I also contributed to the in-between animation, colouring, and compositing.