Comfort Zone | Non-Award Winning Animated Short Film | Thesis 2023

[@visalakshik.raman.6278]

When The Comfort Zone becomes too uncomfortable and oppressive.. It is time to get out of it. 🕊️

[@KCisScreaming]

I loved the way the furniture faded in as the scene was revealed. I think the music worked really well, this was very cute and I was invested in the characters growth past the comfort zone

[@MamaOcon_2D]

This is so beautiful! The story, the animaton, the music, everything! ❤

[@jacintacapelety9600]

I have conflicting feelings about the message of this animation. I'm not gonna deny that leaving one's comfort zone is an important part of growing, but I don't like the fact that a lot of stories that glorify leaving the comfort zone heavily imply the notion that the comfort zone is an entirely bad thing. And I *really* don't like that the comfort zone disappears at the end. Yes, it's important to leave your comfort zone, but there shouldn't be shame in returning to it when your growing is done. As someone who deals with sensory issues, social anxiety, and autistic masking, sometimes you *need* your comfort for the sake of self care. There are situations where asking someone to leave their comfort zone is asking them to disregard their own emotional, mental, and in some cases physical well being. To me, the comfort zone disappearing at the end doesn't give the hopeful vibes that I think it was going for. To me it conveys "and the main character was never comfortable ever again, because they forever gave up their comfort to please someone else". I think what would have been more hopeful would have been the main character coming back to their comfort zone after a long adventure with the friend character, and seeing that the comfort zone had expanded, having room for more and more things and bigger and bigger parts of the world, having grown along side the main character. And as a high-masking autistic person, there was a level of almost irritation that I felt at the fact that the friend character never fully entered the main character's comfort zone. The main character pushed themself so far out of their comfort zone, and even left it entirely for the sake of the friend character, but we never see that same level of effort being reciprocated (I'm not saying she put in *no* effort, but the imagery, to me at least, makes the effort feel unequal between parties). It's hard for me to internalize the idea that the friend character truly cared about the main character and who they were when she was trying so hard to get the main character to leave their comfort zone (and enter what seems to be *her* comfort zone), but at no point does she do for the main character what she's asking the main character to do for her, and fully leave her own comfort zone to fully enter the main character's (I've dealt with many people who expect me to leave my comfort zone for them, but won't put in the same effort and leave their comfort zone for me).

[@jeweleitri4111]

This was a really cute little film, and I'm sorry to hear it got rejected so often. Personally, I think it's beautiful. I'm sure with more practice, you can do better, but for what it is, it's fantastic. You put your heart into it, and it really shows. I'm glad you shared it, because I think more people need things like this. You stepped out of your comfort zone in posting it, and I'm proud of you for it. Keep pushing. There's more out there. The topic of comfort zones always makes me think of the film "Paper Towns". Near the beginning, the main character was told, "This is your comfort zone. Everything you want is out there." The rest of the film was somewhat lackluster, which I think was the point, but that quote stuck with me. As a writer and an artist, I'm always pushing to try new things, to push my boundaries, to learn. It took me a while to get here. I remember holding myself back. I wanted to do more than I had, but I was scared. I'd go up to the wall, and pull back. It was easier to just stay safe. And then it clicked. I just took the leap one day. I jumped into the abyss, and I flew. I broke past my limits and went way beyond. Because everything I wanted was outside of my comfort zone. And it wasn't as scary as I thought. I've loved every moment of it, and the resulting creations have been better because I didn't pull back. The film fits very much with that. The kid was curious about the outside, and yet was scared. The bear bubble said no no, too dangerous. And the kid agreed, and stayed safe, in the cozy place. But then there were new things. Things they wanted. Things that made them realize the world outside the bubble was more than just some scary abyss. And so they leapt out. They embraced change, and growth, and found there was a whole world out there waiting. All they had to do was step out of their comfort zone. Because when you leave your comfort zone, only then can you grow. Just like all the objects did when the comfort zone was gone. They changed, and they grew. And now the kid can explore this amazing new world. Because they were brave enough to step out of their bubble.

[@odnarlo]

Literally tearing up! As someone with severe social anxiety problems this really helps. I’ve been pushing myself for so long and healing all alone so, it’s just nice to see something light hearted about the struggles. We can do it, whatever our “it” is. I believe in you!

[@schmidtyart]

I agree, and thank you, I believe in you too!

[@KrayZJoy]

To Schmitty: So, I had a bit of disconnect at the beginning because I don't consider myself to live in a bubble, though we each live in a bubble of a sort. I caught on pretty quickly that the bubble was a Mama bear type. I like that you made the character inside the bubble kind of gender neutral. So, even without reading your description, it's clearly about leaving your bubble. I thought it was more of a helicopter mom situation... maybe the young person in the nest has a medical condition that makes it so they can't really go out and socialize and the Mama Bear is super protective. The title was actually a surprise, and brought a different level of understanding when it showed at the end.

[@QuellachescriveL]

This is really cute. Behind every image there is a beautiful meaning. The girl lived in her comfort zone, she just knew that and it served her well, but you can tell that wasn't true. She wanted to try to get out of it, but the bear (which is like his subconscious) forbade her. Then she met a person who slowly tried to get her out of this "comfort zone", she was afraid to go out, fearful, maybe thinking that it wasn't safe. Instead, in the end she found the courage to take that single step, and from there she got to know the whole world. When she lived alone in her comfort zone she only knew his "little world" and nothing else. The final image where you see the objects 'come to life' is really beautiful. Because she too came to life after stepping out of her comfort zone. This goes to show that your comfort zone can sometimes be a little cage.

[@HitTheReplayButton]

Congratulations on finishing your film and sharing it with the world!! Sorry to hear that you didn’t have a festival run but, I think uploading it online is still a great way to allow it to reach people. The effort and care in the production is obvious and I’m sure it’s only onward and upward from here, so keep it up! As a graduating film major myself I’ll throw in my two cents for critique - I think a major component that was missing here is the reason why the protagonist initially didn’t leave their comfort zone. It seems like they have all the reason to get out, and it also doesn’t seem too physically difficult to leave (the bear bubble doesn’t put up more of a fight beyond a little push and a few head shakes). We get to see their interest in bringing outside objects into the “zone”, and how it seems like the bear bubble insists on doing it for them rather than letting them do it themselves. But from the start this zone seems to be pretty permeable (since outside objects can come in, and the protagonist actually can stick their hand out), so it’s hard to justify them staying in there for however long they have been. If anyone gets a character arc, it sort of ended up being the bear bubble who learns to “let go” of the child. Not sure if that makes any sense but I hope that provides some insight!

[@Omniversic_Axolotls]

I just have to say that everything the girl gives the kid in the bubble all grows, compared to still things like detached sticks, leaves and rocks- but Snail shells have snails seeds can grow- acorns break their hard shell and become a tree- conch shells are crabs- feathers go to birds- everything about this is trying new things, getting new things- I LOVE IT- HAHAHAAHAHA

[@laurenaspreyart]

So beautiful! As it happens, I had a similar idea for a short film called the comfort zone but your execution of it is very unique and heartwarming 😊

[@pajamapartyremix2255]

I could watch this over and over again

[@SuperHeroSewing]

Winner in my book! Submit it again! Loved it so much and noticed all the sounds. Not the usual suspects character style, and I appreciated that. Cannot think of a criticism (and would not hesitate if found). Keep going. Subscribed!

[@gjk-arts5855]

THIS IS SO COOLLLLLL :0 i can see all the effort put into this ITS AMAZING! THE ART AND BACKGROUNDS AND ANIMATION AND THE GIRL'S MOVEMENTS ARE SO DYNAMIC

[@samwallaceart288]

I really like the extra beckoning of her hand as bubble-kid's hand hesitates. It's a tiny moment, where most people would've just kept her hand a still image to save time--but it really shows that Overalls is actively watching Sweater and insisting "C'mon, you got this!" Solid work all around.

[@DidIAsk4Fries]

This is really cute!! I hope to see this gather more attention.

[@yoknom]

I really loved the start. That things got slowly added to the view after she woke. At first the bubble then made me think of people who have to live in such a bubble and I thought the story would be about finding comfort in the circumstances you can't change and still thrive. Through my own expectation at the start I was then a bit disappointed, when I realized it was more about expanding/leaving your comfort zone. Not because its bad, because it's not. The art is great and managed to give me this warm/cozy feeling I get from cute short stories often. It's just something I feel like I have already seen in so many other stories that I hoped for something fresher. After reading your descroption I watched it again and liked it better than the first time, because I could focus on what you wanted to tell. I also really loved that most of the things she collected on the top started to grow at the end more on the second view, underlining your intentions with this story. Being almost 7 minutes long this still had my attention the whole time (which is not that usual for me) so I don't study film and don't know what you did right there, but it was right for me :D Keep picking stories that mean a lot to you and don't let my first impression encourage you on that journey!

[@ClapperbeatPictures]

Lovely little film

[@k.lindner4124]

die ganz persönliche komfortzone ist ein ganz persönliches thema, das jeder mit sich selbst ausmachen sollte..niemand ist genauso wie der andere..was der eine für zu eng empfindet, ist dem anderen viel zu weit..ich finde es eine ganz super tolle animation..sicher noch ausbaufähig..aber für nr, 1 echt klasse gelungen..mach weiter so..und ich finde es unglaublich mutig deine ganz persönlichen erfahrungen zu diesem thema einfließen zu lassen..! glg..

[@mariatherezamotta8773]

I work wih Short films as a psicologist and your film has the strength an hope to help someone that suffer inside that bubble. Thank you very much

[@LM-spam1]

Never stop what you're doing ❤️

[@purplecouch4767]

Aww their friends now. I hope I manage to step out of my comfort zone and make some friends. I'm not very good at it.

[@rgsmess]

Amazing. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@cynnajackson4556]

This was touching. Thank you for a beautiful story of bravery.

[@viiyaxyz]

Deserves an award

[@DaCartoonSimpChecker]

As someone who wants to be a background designer, i can appreciate how beautiful it all is. The way how from the inside of the comfort zone the outside looks so gloomy but in inside felt so colorful but then when riley leaves the colors of the forest the lighting of it and the shading. Wow lately ive been really demotivated but, this animation and this recent game I played called Sky: Children Of the Light, to me atleast is a sign to keep moving on and step out of MY comfort zone to become better then before, im not hard on myself but very critical but this shows me that not everything is picture perfect or done how i would’ve done it. But does it really matter? If the art itself left a lasting impact. And don’t get me started on the music, other people express it much better then i ever could but it just works. So for making me see what i can change and do better i wanna say, Thanks 😊

[@alexandreaugusto2792]

Simplesmente maravilhoso!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@linuxforpunks]

"I also really like subtlety" - famous last words. The first thing that struck me was the reference to Spirited Away - which (iirc) has a mutant baby also surrounded by cushions representing an overabundance of maternal protection. Here, the fantastical bear-bubble-parent character perhaps isn't necessary to a story of engagement and building trust. It might even be a crutch: telling the audience how to interpret emotions that should be naturally/automatically visible in how the two primary characters are drawn. So next I look at the facial animation - from a realist perspective does it study how humans move toward each other and communicate the building of trust. It's not that complex a theme - we can look in a mirror for these gestures and facial expressions. 1:51 the MC expresses regret that he doesn't trust the friend enough yet - looks up to parent - is disappointed - mirrors that to the friend - sadly turns away. I'd suggest to examine these animations very closely - because I think they are truncated. I mean that there aren't enough seconds and frames given to them, so the overall effect isn't just rushed but muted. We don't want to see stock 'masks', or expressions that are as familiar as emojis or greetings cards - but to capture a unique way in which a real human being's face might move. Next I'd suggest there is a structural/compositional weakness in the seed-object symbolism - a parent isn't similar to a cocoon (because they're a character too) and the MC isn't similar to a pupa (because their growth comes through conflict - in this case with the friend). Lastly with the culture wars rumbling on in the background, there's a risk in aligning the black friend character with the wild and the natural and the active, and the white main character with material privilege, passivity and weakness. As writers we are told to kill our darlings - and this passion project might have benefited from closer critique of its storyboard. But the thing I would want to 'press against the side of the bubble' is a human model who is willing to sit for day after day being drawn pulling faces.

[@AngelMartinez-lv9sb]

I really enjoy this and the ending was nice. Currently about to take a big jump in my growth to get out of my comfort zone so this gives me hope.

[@GlobalFilmExhibition]

I just had the opportunity to watch your film 'Comfort Zone' and I wanted to reach out personally to commend you on your work. It's incredibly brave to share something so personal and vulnerable with the world, and I think you did an excellent job of conveying the message you intended. The theme of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow is incredibly relatable, and I appreciate the subtlety with which you approached it. As you embark on your journey as a filmmaker and storyteller, your approach of wanting your films to be uplifting, thought-provoking, and perspective-changing is incredibly commendable. The world needs more stories that encourage self-reflection and growth, and I think you have a unique voice that can contribute significantly to that narrative. I understand that you are open to feedback, and while I think 'Comfort Zone' is a strong piece, I can see how your storytelling will continue to evolve and deepen with each project. Your approach to allowing room for personal interpretation while still conveying a clear message is a delicate balance, and I think you struck it well with this film. Lastly, I wanted to extend an invitation to you to submit 'Comfort Zone' to the Global Film Exhibition. It is an event organized to showcase talented filmmakers like yourself and provide a platform for your work to be seen by a global audience. It would be a fantastic opportunity for 'Comfort Zone' to gain more visibility and for you to connect with other filmmakers and industry professionals. If you're interested, you can submit your film here: globalfilmexhibition.com/submission Again, congratulations on completing your first film, and for having the courage to share it with the world. I am excited to see what you create in the future, and I hope you will consider submitting your work to the Global Film Exhibition.

[@amandaspellen2113]

This was an amazing film, with such a fascinating and expressive animation style! I loved the message on the hardships of getting out of the comfort zone, and definitely can relate to the main character. The bubble character to me has traces of the main character's own mind, and the outside character's last attempt to connect with the MC by reaching them inside the bubble felt very meaningful, as an effort to understand the MC's mind and perspective. The music was very emotional, and definitely elevated the artwork. To think that you directed and animated this all by yourself, is jaw-dropping. Congratulations for the hard work, and keep on making art, it is very inspiring!

[@alexaclancy8019]

This reminds me of Luca and Alberto

[@entei7958]

This is biutfull😍

[@singsonggirl9267]

Very sweet with a lovely moral.

[@bobqat]

I think you did a fine job! Thank you!

[@IBellaRose]

Adorable ❤

[@odnarlo]

Everything about this was perfect

[@Johndoe0115]

Really beautiful music!

[@otherpatrickgill]

I knew another story. Only in this one, a little girl did it the other way. Instead of taking new things in, she became uncomfortable with the few things she had and threw them out... it didn't have a happy ending. Your comfort zone is where dreams go to die.

[@pramodkumarvarshney2356]

Marvelous

[@Not._.A_Rat_.]

The clothes look so confy , it's so cold rn and omg they look so nice and worm /^\

[@ابوسارةابوسارة-ز6د]

هذالطيف حقا؛؛؛؛؛ امل ان ارى هذا يحظى بمذيدمن الاهتمام ‏‪6:52‬‏ ❤

[@cedrickroberson1017]

Not gonna lie. This was beautiful

[@snowflakes5341]

Loved it bro 😊 Take ❤ from Bangladesh

[@imagine20000]

Wow ❤❤❤❤❤ such a beautiful work 😍 ❤

[@greenapple9477]

Lovely animation.

[@lifesokaymhm2270]

Love it

[@MomsMagicbyAsha]

Very Good

[@aesra1185]

Be proud.

[@WONDERBUBBLESTUDIOS]

The first minute feels like it explains introverted autism

[@kasiako355]

That was really beautiful and I loved it! I have always been quite a closed off person, so the theme and the metaphors really spoke to me💖 I was so surprised at the moment when the character gets out of their bubble and enter such a beautiful and colorful world, the contrast is a masterpiece! It actually moved me to tears💖 In my opinion you did an awesome job with the film! By the way I am curious, which programs are you working with?

[@schmidtyart]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad the message spoke so strongly to you. I animated the film in ToonBoom Harmony and edited in Adobe Premiere & After Effects.

[@kasiako355]

@@schmidtyart it surely did, it's a really awesome piece! 💖🤗 I am looking forward to find your next works in the future!💖

[@Jindjan971]

This is underrated you could partner up with KZbin’s monetization program so everyone could see it

[@leraginasian]

Did the broken green thing get fixed because the comfort zone is kind of an illusion? I loved this film. Everything about it was great.

[@treavy1]

Cute I like it

[@cornucopia7329]

I hope it was that easy, with someone standing at the other side to grab our hand as depicted😢

[@arpitabhowmik1329]

❤️❤️❤️

[@danieschenkekraft7199]

Really nice :)

[@asel4214]

What happend to the bubble

[@jeweleitri4111]

I think it disappeared because the kid doesn't need it anymore. They were kept safe long enough. Now they're ready to see all the world has to offer.

[@glen7228]

So the black girl lured the little white girl out of her safe spot and kidnapped her?

[@schmidtyart]

@glen7228 yes kidnapping was the theme I was going for... FINALLY someone gets it

[@KJ7Tillymann]

I feel like the little kid could of had more clothes on but that’s a tiny detail

[@RadTigr]

Is it boy or girl?

[@DaCartoonSimpChecker]

Riley is a boy.

[@allimaleada270]

Well I don't connect the tittle to the animation I watched,, if he is comfortable in it that other person out of it will not be successful to convince him to get out of it,, I have my comfort zone when I was younger, it in my imagination, I disconnected my self to all, I do my best to my everytime the house chores appointed to me,, But I'm running to my comfort zone all the time,, I have no other place that I can do whatever I want so I sit in the corner and imagine, no one convince me to go out till my father then my sister them my mom died, I just sit and thinking I want to follow them but I have my big sister and new mom that want me to stay, , now I try to step out of my comfort zone... Small step at a time, well no idea if I can help them in the future but I'll try I try to connect to them, so basically it called comfort zone because the person feel comfortable to that, But in the animation it's like a cage, maybe that's how people with comfortable life feel, they get bored inside so they want to go out,, but not for me that have to work daily house chores and seeing my small and big sister do nothing and they calling me lazy every time I do the chores late,, Well I'm happy everytime they telling me my drawing is good, but not beautiful hehe I'm old now Sorry to my bad english Your animation is nice I like it, just for me it's not connected to the title

[@jeweleitri4111]

I would like to make a longer comment about this short film, so feel free to look out for it if you're curious, but I'd say it's a different understanding of "comfort zone". Yes, it's important to have a safe space where you feel okay, like a snail retreating into its shell. The thing with this film is that doing new things means stepping out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of what you know and are okay with. To use art as an example, because it's something I'm intimately familiar with, many people get stuck in their comfort zones. They create the same kind of art again and again. They never try new things. They never try out drawing hands, or complicated backgrounds, or broach into the open field of animation or comics. They just stay in their tiny little corner, creating what they know. Because it's less scary than trying new things. They look outside the bubble, and they pull back, drawing characters with hands awkwardly behind their backs or in pockets so they don't have to broach the scariness of drawing hands, as one specific example.

[@allimaleada270]

@@jeweleitri4111 yes and no The comfort zone is a psychological state in which a person feels at ease because they're not being tested, at least in most search in Google said Long comment will follow read if you want but it's sure have a bad grammar hehehe But in the video it's not,, it's a literally a zone who give something even if that's not what he wants,, like some comments said it's like a parents who limit their children,, so it's NOT a comfortable place ( comfort zone) to stay For me a comfort zone is psychological too, almost the the same in the results of search online,, but I or myself will say if it's a comfort zone and not a jain, because it's a mental stage,, It's a choice made by 1 self. but this video show that's it's not that,, This show that, that thing stoping him to step out even though he want That's why I can't connect it,, people usually step out of their comfort zone because something force them like Obligations, Embarassing moment that they can't think how to scape Or something happened and no one will do it for them but they need it (maybe because they have a limited knowledge so they thought they need to do it) Like in my country most parents want us to have friends outside of family members even though we are a small town or something in the area by clan, And because that thing give something I think he really doesn't care what that's it but he still trying to push that wall before that guy outside came,, that's mean he wants something that that thing couldn't give him Like usually some kids want a toy but their parents always buy them books, because they do their best studying because they thought their parents will give them what they want but it's not,, So they end up running away to set free to find their comfort zone If you watch fruit basket there this story the MC mentioned About the frog and the bird,, it's a comfort zone for my understanding,, where I can do freely what I want, I'm comfortable in it, in mental stage at least, so daily routine will no make someone to step out of their comfort zone, Idk how to explain it well but still the same the title is not the story,, I may give it a connection that he wants to find his comfort zone by escaping the jain where he started..

[@jeweleitri4111]

@@allimaleada270 Yeah, those are all various aspects that can apply. To me, I view this case as being more like when dealing with anxiety. Like, I personally want to just reach out and do stuff, touch stuff. But my anxiety keeps me back. It says no no no, too dangerous. But little things are okay. I can make small changes to my world. But I'll eventually have to figure out how to go past them. I can't live in my bubble forever. Basically, when it's healthy, it is more like what you're describing. A safe place you can go back to where you feel warm and happy, in essence. But it can also be someplace where you can become trapped and unable to escape, even if you really want to. Fear is a heck of an obstacle. Like how an ankle brace will help you heal your sprained ankle, but if you wear it when you don't need it, it will make your muscles weaker. It's a helpful device, but when used as a crutch, it's inhibiting. Or we could imagine it like, a standard house. Of course everyone wants someplace to go home at the end of the day, where they can rest, and know they have food and whatever else they need. But imagine if you disliked the discomfort of outside so much that you decided to never leave your house, or, perhaps you were afraid to. Suddenly, your house becomes a gilded cage. What was previously just a comfy safe space is now a limiter, because you won't go outside of it. Your mind is like the bear bubble that sees you going towards the door and says no no no, too dangerous. Stay inside. Maybe you want to see what the world has to offer, but you're scared. Nothing about the house itself has changed. It's still the same house. But it has gone from being just a safe place to being a cage. Helicopter parents who are too overprotective do have similar aspects, too. It's a pretty good comparison. They're scared of you getting hurt. Scared on your behalf, even when you aren't necessarily scared yourself. So they do the same thing anxiety does, and keep you in a safe place. They mean well. So does anxiety. But it makes a safe place into a cage all the same. I think I rambled a bit in there, but I hope it all makes sense.

[@allimaleada270]

@@jeweleitri4111 I understand that,, like you mentioned it'll be a cage That's why I can't connect it, The title is comfort zone Comfort zone means you are comfortable in it,, In your description moving out because you are scared not mean it's a comfort zone, Like you said it's anxiety or negative In the description of this video it's like what you described Almost literally just an area, If you feel you are not comfortable so it will be a cage so it's not a comfort zone From the star of the film the kind look like want to go outside but after he touch the babble bear he got stop like someone stoping him, and it's like he didn't want to offend and still want to go out,, All the scene just show that he wants to go out but the bear cage stop him, till he managed to follow what he wants The negative me because it's a young character or at least how I saw it It's like giving a bad advice to the kid to rebel to their parents,, that's why I said it's like the kids who get all their needs from their parents then feel bored The only positive I see here is follow your heart, But because they use a character look like a young child kinda . Well maybe I'm just being overly too much conservative to the looks, I read the description and my comment is stay at it, from how the animation portrays it and the details on the description,, It's a cage, thanks for the (I think) right word,, hehe I'm really bad at english,, I just remember a quote from some local artists "Comfort zone is not the zone where you getting use to stay, mentally or physically" Hehe because in my country we call the toilet cubicle, or toilet and bath if in the house as Comfort room CR So you just go there to release all negative inside you Remove toxicity or wash yourself

[@wellaanneducoy1476]

I'm so thankful for this .I cryingggg🥺🥹😭