Monster Squad Book 4

I'm getting ready to send The Monster Squad Book 4 cover off to the publisher for any final notes. I've had a lot of fun with these killer robots from outer-space! Below are the steps I took to get to the final. Until next time...

Website find

As I'm working on my website, I've come across a bunch of funny doodles and rejected concepts. I just came across this character layout sheet that I created a couple years back. There's something so ridiculous about this character (and song titles) that I had to post it.

Back to work...

Website/Portfolio Update...on its way!

For the last two years I have taught the animation portfolio class at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Each week, I talk about the importance building a tight, cohesive portfolio that should be updated regularly. Last week while clicking around my own website, I realized I haven't updated my own work in way too long (almost 2 years!). So I took it upon myself to practice what I preach.

For the last week or so, I've been retooling my website, reel montage, and resume. It's been a fun, but tedious process. I have to admit that it's hard to edit your own work, but teaching the class has made me question my intentions for including particular pieces...which is a good thing. I'm hoping to have everything up by May 1st, so stay tuned.

UNICEF update

For the last few weeks, I've been chugging away on a 45-second spot for UNICEF, the children's organization, and I've been working with a great team of artists to help along the way. A special shout-out to Jen Blicharz who painted the background elements. I then scanned them into photoshop, tweaked the color and lighting, and made the digital collages for the finals. I'm happy to say that animation and design wrapped last weekand now it's time to combine it all in After Effects. This morning, I did some style tests for the compositor. The final animation should look something like this...

I love my caffeine!

Every morning at 10AM(yes, every morning), I leave my studio and venture out to the local Starbucks. I try to write and doodle in my sketchbook for at least two hours a day. It has multiple benefits:

1. I get away from my sitting in front of my computer
2. I'm able to concentrate on my own projects and develop my own voice.
3. Feed my caffeine addiction
4. Good for networking (you'd be surprised)

I recommend this to anyone who's in a rut. Force yourself to sit anywhere outside your home and just produce something...even scribbles. Here's a sample image of this morning's caffeine-fueled doodle sesh: