Monday, August 18, 2008

Compact Mirror-Colored

I'm trying some new things. I haven't been using my Wacom tablet as much as I should, so here's some digital color. I felt like coloring this drawing because I had such a clear idea of what colors she would wear. I've been fiddling around with gouache painting all summer, and this was a nice change of pace.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

super market peculiarities

Some pictures taken at various stores:

This is scary.This is funny.
This is sad.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Mob Boss



This is a character I've been working on from a story I've been fiddling around with. He's kind of a toad.

Compact Mirror

I've said it before, but old people are fun to draw. This was from a photo in an old Life magazine collection. I may color this soon. I thought she was a charming old woman. Crazy glasses.

...some more drawings...

I was watching an interview with Pete Docter and started doodling... I may try to caricature him better some time. In fact, I have a few caricatures I'm working on. I'll post them some time soon.
Here's a couple sketches from photos. I've been spending the summer trying to improve my drawing. Don't know what's happening, but things are happening...

All for now.

Some drawings

Oh boy some artwork! Took long enough...
Here are some drawings I did during my acting class. It was a great experience, and I'll write about it in another post. These were some of my classmates during monologue sessions:


I bought some old copies of National Geographic recently, and they have some awesome pictures in them . Did some sketches from them:Old people are so much fun to draw, especially grumpy ones.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

A colossal post!

I have a lot to talk about. A lot of stuff has gone on since I have posted last, so here we go.
However, I'll just talk about Comic Con.

I went again this year, for my second time ever. I think I really made the most of this year, knowing now how to manage my time better, and how to get around the convention center. I think I saw about 95% of everything I wanted to see. Much better than last year. The panels this year were awesome, at least the ones I attended. I went to everything I could that was animation related. I particularly enjoyed the Disney Story Process panel, the Disney Bolt presentation, and the Pixar presentation.


I started with the Disney Story Process. The picture above is the line for it, and if you look carefully you can spot princess Peach. Anyway, in line they handed out these elegant little envelopes, each containing an application the the Disney training program, and a cool circular time line of every Disney animated feature. So awesome! I was quickly reminded of what a Disney nerd I am. It was a great way to start Comic Con...and the panel hadn't even started yet. The panel consisted of Nathan Greno, Don Hall, Mark Kennedy, Joe Mateo, Michael LaBash, Paul Briggs, and Josie Trinidad. The discussion was really inspirational, and it was nice to hear a little bit about how each artist got to where they are today. By the end, I wanted to forget being an animator, and become a story artist. A storyboard for a scene from Bolt was shown and discussed as well. I didn't take very detailed notes, since I was kind of in awe and listening more than anything. What was really reinforced in me was the flexibility and adaptability that the story artist has to have to be successful. Story is about "constantly testing ideas" to see if they will work, and to "question your own ideas" and make discoveries from them. One of the artists mentioned the phrase "passionate detachment". The idea that when you are creating a story, and working it into it's best form possible, you have to be able to give up ideas you are attached to if it will help the story as a whole. It was also comforting to hear how great artists I admire like Don Hall applied a few times before getting into CalArts, like myself. All in all, the whole presentation made me terribly excited about everything Disney is doing right now, and I want to work there more than ever...which is saying a lot...since I've wanted to work there since I was in preschool. I'm also seriously considering a career in story now, though I think I need to experience my first semester at CalArts before I decide. I love animation, so as long as I get to work in that universe, I'll be happy. Some pics:Next, the Bolt presentation: the directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard were very kind in sharing a large chunk of film from the movie. I am really happy with how this film looks, and so excited to see it. The clip they showed was absolutely hilarious. The film has such an original taste to things, but such a familiar feeling in the characters and the story. Like, a kind of classic Disney feeling...I don't know quite what I'm talking about...but I like it. And yes, Rhino is the greatest thing ever. I think I may be his biggest fan, so if anyone else is saying that they're lying. I'm his biggest fan, so there. Speaking of which, I got a chance to meet and chat with Mark Walton, the voice of Rhino and talented story man, and he was kind enough to sign my Bolt postcard. That was awesome, and he was so nice. Back to Bolt: The film looks awesome and Paul Felix is magic. The backgrounds are really stunning. Not much more to say, other than, "let it begin"!!!!

Finally, the Pixar presentation, hosted by Mr Pete Docter: If you don't already know everything about this movie that was shared, then, you may want to read one of the many articled summarizing the plot. I am also, very very very excited about this film. The story is so charming, and heart warming, tugging at the same heartstrings that Monsters Inc did. Pete showed some awesome stuff, and a small clip. My jaw was dropped the whole time I think. Beautiful, funny, touching, and nostalgic in a way. The story feels like a children's book that I would have enjoyed long ago. I love the scene with the little girl playing in her apartment, when the light shining through all of the balloons dances around the room. Beautiful little scene. Ed Asner doing the voice of the main character is a perfect fit too. The originality is what I like the most about the film so far. The story, which is unlike anything I've ever seen, and the characters, their backgrounds and their actual designs, as well as the extreme caricature of the film throughout. I love that I don't know what to expect, so I can't wait for this film.

The rest of my time was spent in the Exhibit Hall, talking with amazing artists...and buying...buying far too many things. There was the "Who is Rocket Johnson"? booth, which I stopped by a few times to talk with people. John Musker even showed up! My copy of the book is nothing but bent pages now. I've read it a lot! Chris Williams and Byron Howard stopped by too, and I got to talk to them for a few seconds. It's amazing just walking up to this table, where sits a group of amazing artists from Disney, and you can just, start talking to them. I know I sound like I'm geeking out, but it really is remarkable how nice they all were in talking with students or just about anybody. I talked with so many talented people, I can't begin to name them all. All in all, Comic Con was great this year.
My loot from the last day:

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Comic-Con has drained me.

Update (Monday August 4th): My acting class ends tonight, so after that, I will have more time to actually start posting things worth while. Until then...
Comic-Con was pretty amazing this year. I have a lot to share, but it will have to wait while I scan, and take pictures of many things. One thing I can tell you, is that I can't wait to see Bolt, as well as Up. So excited I am. Back soon...

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

WALL-E

So, I saw it and yes, I need to see it a few more times. And yes, I saw it at midnight on opening night. Andrew Stanton rocks. I hope I get to work for him some day. Also, PRESTO is one of my favorite short films ever. EVER! WALL-E is one of my favorite animated films ever made as well. I MUST SEE IT AGAIN BEFORE I SAY MORE!!!

Monday, July 07, 2008

Panda Awesomeness!!!

Friday, June 6th
Kung Fu Panda is AWESOME!!!

I rarely find myself willing or able to describe a movie in one word, but that has changed. Saw it in IMAX at the midnight showing last night. First off, if you haven't seen it yet, try to catch it in IMAX, or at least digital projection. You won't regret it. Also, stay until the end of the credits. Just sayin'.
I...just...I...it's good. It's really good. This is definitely my favorite Dreamworks movie of all time. The best. Oh man, I'm still re-watching it in my head. I'm going to have to go see it again before I think of anything truly valuable to say about it. Here's a list of awesomeness for now:
-Really Fun
-Holy crap! 2D!
-Perfect voices
-Funny
-ENTERTAINING
-Awesome characters
-Awesome designs
-Pretty (in many ways)
-KUNG FU!
-Beautiful fight scenes
-James Baxter why are you so good?

EDIT: July 7th, 2008
So, I've seen the movie 3 times now. I love it even more. More for the awesome list:
-Tai Lung is awesome (and funny and evil and stylish and has purple pants)
-"He's a panda. You're a Panda!"
-Monkey hides his almond cookies on the top shelf
-"Maybe you should chew, on my fist!"
-Master Oogway
-Master Oogway
-Master Oogway
-Master Oogway is an old tortoise!!!
-The bunnies
-"I am so sorry I thought this was just a regular peach tree"
-"The scroll has given him power!!" (seriously, that part makes me die every time)
-acupuncture
-Po

I really can't say enough about this movie. It is really a beautiful and exciting film. Huzzah for John Stevenson and Mark Osborne!!! You guys have mad THE BEST Dreamworks picture to date, and one of the best animated films of the year. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a place for my Furious Five action figures.

Awesomeness.