Why Does Steven Universe Look SO GOOD?

Terrific video! A quick correction: Impressionism is not what you described, but I get the idea you are going for. His work is only close to impressionism in it's sensitive color observation and pushing of color depth. Impressionism is about capturing fleeting moments with little emphasis on precise form. It allows visible brushstrokes and is designed to be made quickly. It was made as a rejection of the french Salon's idea of academically viable art. Starting from there will give you a better, more correct outlook on what impressionosm is and how it does and does not inform modern artist's work. It influences most work, but even as an animator, Kevin Hart's work is not specifically Impressionism. The focus on light's impact on color is the only impressionistic thing about his work, but the rest of the design isn't quite in-line with the stylistic consoderations of that art movement. All the best!

I remember when I was a kid and I’d keep hearing about how Steven universe was an ugly, or bad show. I would always look at the show and think “wtf are they talking about??” Steven universe was such a massive inspiration for me art wise. I’m glad people are finally talking about it in a good way.

When you click on a video essay about Steven Universe and they don't even say the name of the show for the first five minutes but rather explain the history of animation, that's when you know the video's going to be good xD

This show is overly hated. It was a slice of life with magic aliens sprinkled in until it became the main focus. The show was intended for kids, so it didn't delve too deep into the moral complexities of immortal alien overlords, just Steven continuing to do as he'd always done. There are valid criticisms to be had: some plot points and episodes do feel like a total waste, Steven is overly optimistic of the idea of everyone being redeemable (anyone could be redeemed, but some lack the ability to admit fault), and Future had some rather abrupt developments that were quickly resolved. To say the show is in general a bad story with bad morals is dishonest. Hope more people who received the show well do speak out against gross misinterpretation.

I remember a Tumblr post that was going around back in the day. Someone had made a image with eight different characters from western media using the alleged "Cal Arts Style" that had all of them having the same silhouette and smile. Someone reblogged it to point out that the collection of faces was deliberately drawn to make them all look alike and made a new image of the same heads but in their shows' proper native styles, even making another version with all of them blacked out so that only the silhouettes could be seen, noting that you can still easily tell who is who just by the silhouettes alone. And then another reblogged it and, just to be silly, colored in all the silhouettes to make them Dipper.

Let's be frank, we live in an era where people say something is bad because they don't like the message. People hate kn this show because it's very feminine, it's very emotional, its anti toxicity, it's about empathy, and it's pro-lgbt. That's the real reaso. People atrack it. These same people aren't complaining about the animation on Paw Patrol.

Not only LOOKED beautiful it SOUNDED beautiful too! the way the sound design and soundtracks as almost out of this world. My absolute FAVORITE ones when they are using "synths" sounds for the diamonds or the the introduction to lapis. it was so good!!! Edit: Finished the video! Well done essay and discussion you got there! It seems that some people or new veiwers realized how VERY unfair overhate and dumb ciritism's to this show. I love that, what good timeline I'm in. Good job!

Dodging bad hot takes of Steven Universe became a nessessary hobby of mine for like a whole decade cuz I realized early on that there was little to be gained watching them, but something like this is great! It really helps me appreciate a show I loved even more :)

Excellent video. I always hated how much bad faith criticism was leveled at Steven Universe during its run. I’m glad to say that time has vindicated the series and it’s wonderful to see people like you giving the credit it deserves. Once again, amazing video, keep up the great work.

46:55 When people talk about that one shot of Connie's head looking big it drives me insane because if you think about it for like three seconds its very obviously FORESHORTENING. You know, the basic art technique where you draw nearer things bigger? Steven's head looks proportionally big too. Probably because the camera is ABOVE THEIR HEADS because they are LOOKING AT THE SKY, making their heads CLOSER TO THE CAMERA than their bodies. FFS. also, y'know, it doesn't matter because cartoons are off model sometimes thats how this shit works.

it is so refreshing to hear someone talk positively about the way steven universe looks

the steven universe hate was insanee. i'm glad we seem to be moving past that. the show's visuals are spectacular so it makes me happy they're getting the spotlight they deserve. fantastic video

As someone who's studying to become a storyboarder, seeing you praise the show's approach to them was so refreshing ! I love how dynamic this show could get visually, and seeing so many people complain about nitpicks like staying right on model or the faces being a bit off sometimes made it so weird for me, because I felt like I was appreciating a part of the show I should've been critical of. Digging into the less spoken about creators and shining a light on their work was also very cool - I've found a few I'm going to follow from this video !

I never understood how and why people hated the show. I did understand that people had opinions on the consitency, story, and style, but I never saw the why part. Why hate something that had so much time and love poured in it? Why hate on trying to make a design slick and simple yet full of personality? Why hate on a story that though flawed and not at all perfect, held so much meaning and reason and connection and take on humanity and kindness. Thank you for taking the time to share your appreciation of it's style and direction, it means a lot

i remember talking with my friend sometimes about SU, he really, really loved it. how he loved Peridot and whatnot, how he hated waiting for the new episodes... i tried watching the show then, and i tried doing it again a bit later, couldn't stick with it even to the end of season 1. I'm not sure why, exactly. well, i mean i have an idea – it was around the time the hatetrain started, and i was scared of challenging my actual identity too much. i wasn't hating on it, but i did distance myself. today, I've finished it all, for the first time. i love Steven Universe. i love Peridot! I'll let him know that ❤

Ok as someone who was in the fandom and saw the ‘off model’ complaints and birth of the ‘SU critical’ from the ground, let me just say…This is the video essay I have been looking for for literal years! The myopic view that a single off model frame was enough to suggest that the show was lazy or careless just drove me bonkers but I couldn’t describe why. And the anger at the ‘lack’ of writers instead of appreciation of how much the visual medium of the show was used to the fullest…I’m just so glad people are finally starting to appreciate SU again. It’s like an old friend reconnecting 😊

I understand disliking Steven universe for the corny unfunny parts but criticizing the art is insane to me. One of the most beautiful cartoons I’ve ever watched

I don't know from where all this Steven Universe praise videos come from, but I couldn't be happier about them.

Didn't know about Sugar's comic surrounding Simpsons quotes, and now if you'll excuse me while I go and ugly cry over its content.

I saw the Noti and audibly went "THANK YOU Curmudgeon" With so much hate for SU going around for years, hearing a trusted voice sing the praises of it's triumphs was long overdue. I cannot wait to watch this.