Abstract

Hugs in Hues is an animated short film about social anxiety, emotional expression, and discomfort with physical touch. The story follows Tina, a young artist who struggles to express how she feels. When she pulls away from a hug from her friend Emily, Tina escapes into a painting-like 2D world made from her drawings. This imagined world reflects Tina’s emotions. The colors, textures, and spaces change based on how she feels. Her anxiety, fear of rejection, and need for safety take visual form. The real world feels sharp and rigid, while Tina’s illustrated world feels soft, imperfect, and expressive. Animation allows these emotions to be shown visually, rather than explained through dialogue. As Tina moves through this inner space, she slowly faces her fears. She begins to understand that being vulnerable does not always lead to rejection. Through a mix of 3D and 2D animation, the film shows how inner emotional experiences can be made visible. Hugs in Hues highlights art as a way to cope, heal, and reconnect with others.

Publication Date

12-16-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Film and Animation (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Film and Animation, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Kevin Bauer

Advisor/Committee Member

Atia Newman

Advisor/Committee Member

Meghdad Asadilai

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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