This was the last episode I worked on at the Simpsons. (Well, I hope its not the last) I mainly did crowd scenes and a bunch of scenes that got edited out.

Labels: animation, my work, simpsons

[sauce]

LONDON, 10 APRIL 2007� Hibernator, a new site-specific work by London Fieldworks, takes as its starting point the myth of Walt Disney­ cryogenically frozen at the point of death and put into cold storage until technology can bring him back to life. On this foundation, the artists engage in multilayered riffing on Disney's animate, animatronic and animated creations.

The artists have created an animation studio within the Upper space at Beaconsfield and, for the duration of the seven-week exhibition, are engaged in the making of an animated film, Hibernator: Prince of the Petrified Forest.

Labels: animation, Art, God(tm)

Can you see why I'm obsessed with this woman?!

That was done on twos!

Labels: animation, j-pop, Shiina Ringo

You could either buy the August 2009 issue of Animation Magazine (it got Sponge Bob on the cover!), get it free at San Diego Comic Con (it got Ponyo on the cover!--but that's too late now) or check it out on the web.

http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/10350

Go on, do it now. They quote me a couple times and I sound kinda smart.




Anyway, the interview was more like an e-mail questionnaire and I thought you might like to read my complete answers to that questionnaire.

Questions by Tom McLean.



Is there a difference in your mind between webcomics and print comics?

There are more similarities than differences. At least with the sort of webcomics that I do. I design them anticipating print. Its more a kin to the differences between watching your favorite movie in the theater vs. DVD vs. airing on TV vs. downloaded illegally.

Much of it is based on the way its delivered. I can read a print comic and enjoy it on a comfortable couch or at a peaceful park or wherever. Most people read webcomics on a computer, most likely, sitting on an uncomfortable office chair, in a cubicle, fearing the boss might see them goof off. You have different expectations from a computer than from a book. The computer is interactive and engaging. You expect it to play video, have animated graphics, talk to your friends, multi-task.

This is why the most successful webcomics are in a daily strip format. If the content isn't interactive then people want it short. True, they have the option of looking in the archives and spending an entire day reading 10 years worth of Sinfest.net, but that's an option.

Now this is something that might change as screen culture and technology changes. We might have mobile devices that we could read on a comfortable couch. And the expectations of those mobile devices might not put us in a multi-task mode.

Another difference with a webcomic is the use of hyperlinks. My current project, God(tm) uses hyperlinks to something I'm making a reference of. For example, the one I just gave you, a character is singing a song, and comics being a visual medium, songs don't translate well. But the hyperlinks are of three different performances of the same song.

There's also page 13 of God(tm) which speaks for itself. (its a roll-over image) And the use of Infinite Canvas



Do you approach creating a comic for the web differently than one you do for print, i.e., does the story affect your decision to do it on the web vs. in print or vice versa?

To a degree. My past work was just putting a print comic on the web (Speak No Evil is like this). But my current work, I'm considering the short attention span that people have in front of a screen. I like doing long stories and those don't fair as well as 4 panel daily strips. I try to make up for that by making the pacing faster. There's a staccatto rhythm to my current work. The story is constantly interrupted like a Monty Python skit (plus the humor is sort of Monty Python too).

Last night I was just re-planning a page because the pacing wasn't fast enough. Though earlier drafts of the page may work in a printed comic, it wont work for this particular webcomic.

Also, since a certain look and feel is expected from a print comic, a history and subculure that goes back to the 1930's, I think I'm being more experimental with the look than I would if I did a print comic.

As for how I approach a print comic, when you read a page, you are aware of two pages, the one your attention is at and the one next to it. If you want to surprise the reader or reveal something, it can only be on an even numbered page. In web, you can have more surprises with a click of the mouse. Every page, potentially, can show a shocking and unexpected revelation.



Do you have a formal process for creating webcomics, i.e, a script, pencils, inks, colors, etc.? What tools do you use?

My creative process in general:

1)I draw a little comic in my sketchbook, my first draft. I find it a waste of time to start out with a script because I can draw faster than I could describe with words. I write the dialogue as I go. I figure out the composition.

2) I take the sketchy comic and translate that into a script. Its easier to edit dialogue this way or work with a scene that's more dependent on words than pictures.

3) I make another sketchy comic based on steps one and two. If I'm not happy with the sketchy comic, I go back to step two and might go back and forth between script and drawing until I have a good sketchy comic.

4) I take those sketches of pages, they're maybe 4x6 inches, scan them, figure out word balloon composition in photoshop, put in guide rules for perspective and print it out in non-photo blue.

5) In blue pencil I draw in details and ink.

6) Scan, color, maybe some dialogue changes and put it up online.


Web comics vary quite a bit in their presentation, so how do you decide the best way to present your story?

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking and you might end up sending me a follow-up email on this subject, but here I go:

One thing I do (also, a subtle difference between web vs print) is have different backgrounds or wallpapers for each part of the story. If the page is about anger, then you'll see red. If it takes place in Heaven or on an airplane, you'll see the sky.

There's one section in God(tm) where I give a back story. But the designs of the artwork tells a the history of visual mass media. I take advantage of the wallpapers to further emphasize this theme.


How much thought do you give to making your web comics "print ready" should a publishing opportunity arise?

I always take it into consideration because it has always been my goal to be a print comic book artist (I find it strange that I actually have to type the word "print" in order to make myself clear). Since everyone's monitor is not created equal, I anticipate for smaller monitors. A print comic page doesn't fit well on a small monitor.You have to scroll. But half a print page does.

When I design a comic page for the web, I'm actually designing two pages. One stacked on the other makes a print page. And I have to consider not only the composition of the webcomic page, but the overall composition of a print page.


Do you ever consider incorporating animation, movement or sound of any type into your webcomics?

Yes. This subject was part of my senior thesis in art school and I ended up working very hard on something I wasn't happy with and there wasn't much of it.

Such bells and whistles need to be important to the story. I have worked professionally in traditional animation. I know how much work goes into it and I'd rather put that energy into making ten pages than 6 seconds. So far, I haven't found it necessary to put music or animation in a comic. I am planning to, though, when my current story gets more surreal. But if I did it where I'm at right now, it would just be busy work and unnecessary.


Do you know what kind of audience has your work has found on the web? Do you see a lot of crossover between webcomics readers and fans of print comics?

Its sort of hazy who is a fan of my work. I've found links to my site on atheist and buddhist forums, mainly because religious and philosphical themes are important on my work that's online. There was one podcast about print comics and superheroes that did a review of one of my comics. I even found a link on a site that features gay porn (the best guess I could make about this is that I was poking fun at Mormons and with prop8, they like making fun of Mormons too.... but maybe my main male character is kinda cute). I'd like to think I'm attracting people who like good story and like good art, even if they have or haven't read a comic book in their life.

With my work, I want to attract people who don't usually read superhero comics or pop manga. The Wednesday comic shop junky can easily become a fan of my work. And I welcome them because I used to be one. But since I'm on the web and I'm basically giving it away for free, I might as well go for anyone that'll care. It might just be five people but I'll do the type of work that interests me...

Labels: animation, comics, Eisner Awards, Speak No Evil

This is a great documentary about the making of and the talented people who made Jonny Quest. This kicks ass.

Sauce:
http://drawn.ca/

Labels: animation

http://sendables.jibjab.com/originals/hes_barack_obama

Okay, this animation is just freak'n crazy good. I didn't care much for JibJab before, but this kicks ass. Check out their making of blog.

Labels: animation, pirates, politics

Labels: animation, video

One of my favorite new Animes is Time of Eve. I could best describe it as poetic sci-fi or poetic cyberpunk.

The story revolves around a cafe where the rule is you can't differentiate between humans and robots. Robots have to be treated like humans. Perhaps its a metaphor for the classist social structures in Japan.

One of the interesting things about this Anime is that its being distributed on the net as free webisodes. The creator of the series wanted to tell his story and avoid the politics of a big studio.

Unfortunately, it means every 15 minute episode comes out every three or four months.

But its worth it.

I don't see much of a point doing a lengthy review on it because its free. You could go to crunchyroll.com subtitled in English.

Labels: animation, anime

My first Simpsons episode as Character Layout just aired "Four Great Women and a Manicure"(LABF09).

Stuff I worked on (at varying degrees):
All the Nail Salon scenes (except the one after Lisa's story)
Crowds in the queen's court
Daycare guy kicking blocks.
Daycare guy stomping blocks (Me, the Director and Assistant Director kept calling this the "--BUAHH!!!!" scene.)
And various touch-ups throughout the show.

Congrats to the entire crew for a job well done. Thanks to Raymond and everyone at Film Roman for this great experience.

Labels: animation, my work

[sauce]

Labels: animation, asian, comics, video

By night I work on comics. By day I work in animation. This is my first job that I am required to use a pencil instead of a mouse.

This isn't the first episode I worked on, but its the first one that aired. It was the "problem" episode where people had to work on the weekend and do overtime. Partially to make a St. Patrick's day deadline.

I only did two or three shots in this entire show. Its not even enough to get credit as Character Layout.

approx. 7:35 - Glasses clink

approx. 18:49 - Policeman hitting table (though I think someone changed that)

approx. 18:50 - 2 Policeman turn table over. (Forgot if I actually revise that or if I just had it shortly and then someone else got it.)

But it I learned a few things from the director.

My first real episode (the one I actually animated main characters) that airs either in late April or May.

Labels: animation, my work, simpsons

Check out the new HD opening. I had some friends who worked on it.

Labels: animation

I was first introduced to "Allamoc's" work from newgrounds. His storytelling was very clean and clear and funny. Plus, the only Korean pop music I've ever heard up until that point was from really effeminate Korean boy bands. I was very surprised to hear some really good Korean Ska.

Anyway, I just found out he finished his five part story "There She Is". It starts out as cute and simple but gets more and more fleshed out. I really don't want to tell you anything. It all came to a surprise to me when I saw it all today.

Here are direct links to Allamoc's animated episodes, enjoy.

There She Is!! (Step One)

There She Is!! Step Two: Cake Dance

There She Is!! Step Three: Doki & Nabi

There She Is!! Step Four: Paradise

There She Is!! Step Five: Imagine

I hope he does more real soon.

Labels: animation

Labels: animation, anime, video

SAUCE

Happy Thanksgiving.

Yes, I know that this holiday was created by Puritans. In England they were bastards because they tried to overthrow the government. In the US schools, we were taught that they were looking for religious freedom.

But I haven't attempted to kill no king and I'm not begging from Native Americans.

I didn't go to work today. And I slept all day with cartoon Network on while they had their Chowder marathon.

I'm thankful for a good nap.

Labels: animation, holiday, video

Labels: animation, anime, found on the floor, video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqPcQeMEnFc

I wish they'd give credit to who animated these things.

Now pick a number between eight and twelve.

Labels: animation, video

Although Dark Knight was a brilliant film, well, really, what are the kids gonna play with? It was such a dark film. Although Batman CAN be dark, there was a time when he was light, fun, adventurous, sometimes he was hit with a ray that turned him into "Zebra Batman" and he was meant for ten year olds. So, that's why there's Batman: Brave and the Bold



It's trying to be retro and campy. And I'm not against A retro and campy Batman (it balances out the grim and gritty movie), but as I've entitled this blog entry: "Sound is Everything"



If Batman: Brave and the Bold sounds or feels like this, then it'll be the sort of cartoon that makes me wish that I knocked up a girl 3 or 4 years ago so I have a mini-me to watch this with.

Labels: animation, comics, video

According to Cartoon Brew and TAG , Cartoon Network has finally done something right in a long time-- acquire a show that is a cartoon instead of trying to emulate the disney channel.

Check out Adventure Time



I wished I knocked up a girl four years ago so I could enjoy this cartoon with my illegitamite child.

Labels: animation, video

I've been giving you "cute weird" lately. We need crazy Eastern European weird.

Labels: animation, Art, artists, puppets, video

This one is a bit abrasive with the translations. Although, I did see one of these toilets in the Philippines when I was..."in trouble" and thought "WTF?"


There must be a problem training children to use the restroom if you gotta make toys about it.


I really want to see the costumed version of this character show me how to use the bathroom.

Labels: animation, anime, found on the floor, video

I am pretty excited about the new WATCHMEN movie that's scheduled to come out next year. It's based on the groundbreaking superhero mini-series by Alan Moore. It might very well be the only movie based on an Alan Moore book that doesn't suck. I'm not saying Alan Moore will like it, but at least Dave Gibbons is working on it.

Although, to the uninitiated, they're going to say "The plot was stolen from that Pixar movie! Why don't I feel happy?! I shouldn't have brought my kids here!" Although I did enjoy Brad Bird's take on superhero reconstructionism, and I mean no disrespect to this man's talents and work, we gotta take into account who the real genius is.

Labels: Alan Moore, animation, comics, movies, Watchmen

Newest music video.


This is brilliant.

Labels: animation, video

I bet that whatever country the animation was done in, they weren't Christian. (This isn't meant to be a mean statement. I worked on a cartoon about the Buddha.)


There are ten commandments and seven deadly sins, but this one breaks the laws of all twelve principles of animation! I liked the old days when a deity was praised with a statue or painting. But a badly animated production in shoddy "Anime Style", a visual style few Americans really understand, just lacks any sort of class. At least the first cartoon had production value.


I really like his character design of Jesus but I'm expecting a song and dance number.


I kinda like the animation. Reminds me of Alex Toth designs. I hope someone will some day edit this with episode of Super Friends. I like the sound effect when Jesus is "re-created".


These two look like they were done by the same animation studio. This cartoon manages to discredit itself with its limited animation more than it does Mormonism.

Labels: animation, religion, video

Labels: animation, video

From Wikipwedia: "Anime is occasionally referred to as Japanimation, but this term has fallen into disuse. Japanimation saw the most usage during the 1970s and 1980s, but was supplanted by anime in the mid-1990s as the material became more widely known in English-speaking countries."

There's a distinct difference between and Anime and Japanimation.

Labels: animation, anime, video

Shiina Ringo & Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra



It sort of has a Lupin 3rd feel.


Which Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra does a great a cover of.


Pizzicato 5 did a nice interpretation.


Though this guy did animated a pretty good version of Metal Gear Solid to Lupin 3rd.


If I ever do cosplay, I'd dress as Lupin 3rd and have a tiny speaker playing different versions of the Lupin theme. Or I'd have a live band play that theme and follow me around, like in "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka".

Labels: animation, anime, j-pop, Shiina Ringo, video