Animation & Motion Design
Dean Carey
Ink and Soul
‘Ink and Soul’ is an animated depiction of an individual’s journey through the grieving process with a primary focus on denial and acceptance.
This animation tells the story of our main character as he makes the journey to get a tattoo in memory of a loved one who had recently passed away. Although, this tattoo parlour is not all that it seems.
This parlour has one rule which must not be broken, “Leave all behind, to move forward”. Our main character does not follow this rule as he struggles to accept his loss. This leads to him being forced into the depths of his mind to confront an embodiment of his emotions and find a way to finally let go.
The grieving process is very individual with many using art as a way to deal with their emotions. Tattooing is a very poignant art form as it is such a permanent modification that is held with the owner for life. This mirrors the experience of many people after a significant loss, as their emotions and memories may fade but will never entirely leave them.