Dialogue test

So I started blocking out a test with a character I designed, modeled and rigged a little while back, just to keep fresh before I start work in 2 weeks. This is what I have so far with 4-5 hours of work put in-


Still need to try some different things, explore a little more, and strengthen some posing, but some parts are working pretty well thus far... any comments or crits are more than welcome!

Also, here is the chimp, fully furred up and rendered, but low res for now:



I'll post the shot that's from when it is final!

Gators

Just working on solidifying the gator design from my first post. It shall be used for a project in the future...

African Wild Dog

So I was at the Bronx zoo recently and finally got to see the new (new to me!) African wild dog exhibit. I must say, it is a great addition to the zoo. When I first walked in, there was a little boy playing with one of them through the glass. It was pretty ridiculous: the boy would charge at the window and the dog would fake back and lunge while the boy laughed in excitement. It was like any domestic dog playing with a child... except for the fact that it is a completely wild pack hunter... Needless to say, it was great to have a large group of social pack animals to draw: if you are in the middle of a quick pose and the subject moves, then there is more than likely another one within the pack doing something very similar for you to pick up from! Gave a shot at a design:



edit: so after getting some feedback, being tired of drawing like me and being super inspired by one Martin Wittig, I decided to try doing a design in his style. I enjoyed doing this, because I had to approach the process of drawing in a more sculptural manner, almost carving into the thicker rough. Doesn't give any justice to Martins' style, but I tried... and it certainly gives me greater appreciation for how GOOD Martin is!

Rough Animation

So I finally got round to figuring out a good way to post some animation. Here are some tests from my student film, which I am currently finishing up. There is a lot yet left to do. I'll post a newer shot and some CG work soon... got to get some momentum going!

Flame Lion... again

Felt like staying on the lion a little longer. So here is another rough version of a modified flame lion. I need to try to force myself to simplify , which I did only slightly. I can't help myself. I'll keep trying.Edit: alright, I think I got the lion out of my system for now... here are a few roughs thrown together with some color

Lions

So I was sitting watching some Discovery Channel and National Geographic, and was inspired to draw. If you guys have never seen a show called Planet Earth, I highly recommend it. It took them 5 years to shoot, and it covers things in nature in ways you have never seen! I have no idea how they got the shots they did... it's breathtaking (even more so if you have HD)! But anyhoo, I give you LIONS...and yes, one of them has no legs.

So, in keeping with the whole trying to become a better character designer and artist, here is my attempt at pushing what I see in a lion...
edit: and the color version...

raccoon

some raccoon designs... I need to push the shapes more, but design just doesn't come naturally to me. Oh well, I will keep at it!

Memory Sketch

So today I got my hands on an acme hole puncher, but not just any hole puncher. It belonged to Bluth's studio in the early 90's! One of my old bosses/good friend of mine use to work there and kept it when he left, and offered it to me since I keep having to go back and forth from school to punch paper every few weeks. Good times.

Anyway, on the way home I was on the very crowded Q train next to some guy. I got a good 20 minute look at him right up close, so when I got off the train I decided to to a memory sketch. Here it is:

2 ladies and a tiger

So I have been drawing here and there and messing around with color. Don't often draw the ladies, so I took a shot at a few. I'll keep at it... design is a struggle for me but the only way to get better is to keep trying. Anyway, I swear I will post some animation soon... do most of you use youtube to post your animation work?

gator and dog

Messing around with the gator... trying to develop some character...

my film

Things are starting to roll a little more for me on the remainder of my film. I have less than 4 months until I start work again... not enough time to finish, but hopefully enough to knock a large dent out of it (all the cleanup perhaps?). Anyway, I will leave with a post of a still from my film from a year and a half ago... hopefully I will get some animation up soon!

news

So I received a surprising email yesterday morning... I was offered a position at Blue Sky Studios as an animator!!! WHAT?!! I mean I can't believe it, but needless to say, I have 4 months to finish up my film before I start the long commute to Whiteplains to work on Horton Hears a Who! I also met up with Alex Kupershmidt and some other Disney reps to show my portfolio over at NYU that afternoon. Once again I was very surprised that they liked what I had to show. For the first time ever, I had FEATURE ANIMATION ARTISTS looking at my work in person, and giving me advice as to what was strong and what could be cut from my reel. It was especially crazy to be sitting next to Alex while he pointed out how much he liked my drawn portfolio... I mean he sat there, pointing at MY drawings telling me I HAD to apply for an animation position at Disney (even after I told them I was offered a position at Blue Sky). It was a surreal experience to say the least. Anyway, I will post my reel soon, and I will leave you with some pages from my portfolio. What a day!

kid

It has been a little while since I posted... been animating up a storm and I also might have some exciting news about my future! But I will wait until I know it's for sure. Anyway, some drawings of the kid from my student film I made randomly here and there. For some reason I subconsciously draw him older than he appears in my film... interesting...

here we go...

SO, I have resisted long enough... I quit my job in order to finish my student film at last! Hopefully this will be somewhat of a documentation on that progress, as well as a place to post some animation and drawing. So here are some crocs I drew last night after animating all day... you know, cause people are reading this...