DisneyFebruary 23, 2007 9:03 pm
Marc Davis Designs for Cruella de Vil
Here’s something I don’t think many have seen before: concepts of Cruella de Vil for One Hundred and One Dalmatians by animator Marc Davis. There are interesting ideas in these designs, and many of those ideas are carried over to the final design, such as the exaggerated contrast between Cruella’s rail-thin body and her oversized fur coat. Still, I think it’s safe to say that Davis’s final design of Cruella is a much more interesting graphic creation (particularly in the construction of the face) than any of these earlier concepts. And I also think it’s safe to say that any of these Davis designs are better than this or this.
Fa-bu-lous. She’s one of my favourites.
Comment by Kino Kid — February 23, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
It’s really fascinating that even with these early designs, the sense of movement is already visible. These drawings already look like they move like Cruella de Vil. Gorgeous stuff, thanks for posting it.
Comment by Humuhumu — February 23, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
Yeah, I definitely haven’t seen these! Love Davis’ work! Thanks so much for sharing! Love how they’re head to toe, like a life drawing or something. So much personality.
Comment by samacleod — February 26, 2007 @ 2:32 am
lovely. so simple and clear. It’s interesting to see that these days character designers would go into sophisticated drawings straight away to impress the viewer… Davis left that for the animation phase, and kept his earlier designs much simpler, still making a very strong statement.. so much attitude here!
Comment by Boris Hiestand — February 26, 2007 @ 3:53 am
great page and great book, love the designs
Comment by leon gittens — February 27, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
I always loved the final design of Cruella. It’s so interesting to see how she started out being softer, more alluring, and more feminine compared to the final design, where she became more angular and harsh, which I think was smart.
Comment by Justin — February 28, 2007 @ 8:55 am
NICE.. Id love to see more of his sketches and concepts.. he has to be one of my favorite of the old schoolers!
Comment by Shane Corn — March 1, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
Brilliant!
Comment by R.Dress — March 2, 2007 @ 9:01 am
The final design of Cruella is certainly great , but I like seeing these earlier versions. One thing I like about most of these over the final design is that the character looks younger, making it more plausible that she and Anita had gone to school together. In the movie Roger refers to Cruella and Anita having attended school together (”your dear old school chum” or some line like that) , but it doesn’t seem plausible given that the final Cruella design looks to be somewhere between her late 40’s to mid 50’s and Anita is clearly drawn as a much younger woman , late 20’s at most . It never made sense to me .
Comment by David — March 7, 2007 @ 9:21 pm
Always great!
Comment by Óscar — March 12, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Hey - This is Fa-bu-lous. I love the movies 101 Dalmatians. She is my fav Villian. Im doing a essay on her.
Comment by G — March 13, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
You can really see the animator coming through in the design. He is already thinking..”how will this flow, where is the overlap?”..great stuff..also he is already acting in the designs.
figuring out what will work for animation…brilliant
Comment by Brad Constantine — March 14, 2007 @ 9:37 am
masterpieces of designs for ever.
Comment by Man Arenas — March 15, 2007 @ 8:31 am
I love all of Davis’ work! Especially his concept stuff for Pirates and the Haunted Mansion. Is there any sort of book available that has all his work compiled together?
Comment by Blecha — March 26, 2007 @ 8:54 am
Amazing drawings!
Bino
http://binoland.blogspot.com/
Comment by Bino — April 2, 2007 @ 2:45 am
I don’t know who runs this website, but its incredible. Keep up the good work, I’ve been so inspired by all the work on here, especially the hubley stuff and the UPA work.
Comment by Josh Lieberman — April 20, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
Truly beautiful and elegant compositions. This is my favorite of all the disney characters.
Comment by mr. closets — May 2, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Wow! Those are beautiful!
Comment by Kristen — July 14, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
These are amazing and I am so happy to see them. When I worked at the Disney, Marc came in and did an afternoon with all of us hungry character artists…..one of the best afternoons of my life. Sitting and listening to him laugh at all of his wonderful designs and getting a kick out of all the beautiful work he created. A True gentleman and Genius!
Thanks again!
Comment by Peter Emmerich — August 12, 2007 @ 12:34 pm