I’m On Instagram

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instagram iconA few weeks ago I decided to join the cool kids and get an instagram account. I’m not sure how to share the link outside of the Instagram website (if that’s even possible) but all you Instagramers can look me up by my username, “cedrichohnstadt“. If you follow my studio on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cedricstudio) you can also see my Instagram activity there – although it seems a bit buggy. Sometimes things show up in the feed, other times not.

I plan to primarily post sketches, doodles, and other artwork, and occasionally other items of interest. For instance, I posted a few pics from the CTN Expo a couple of weeks ago. But mostly it will be artwork. Look for me on a smart phone near you.

EDIT: I guess Instagram recently made some changes to their still-very-minimalist website (either that or I just didn’t know how to navigate it correctly) and you can now view my page on your web browser. Here you go.

Come Hear My Presentation at the CTN Animation Expo

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The CTN Animation Expo is without a doubt a “must-see” event for anyone interesting in working in the animation industry. On Nov. 16-18, 2012 hordes of animation lovers will once again be descending on the Burbank Marriott Convention Center for three days and nights of animation goodness. There’s still time to register if you’d like to attend.

Just like last year I’ll be giving a presentation on freelancing called “Be Your Own Boss: Freelancing Tips and Tricks”. Here’s a summary:

In the current economy more and more companies are hiring artists as freelancers. Unfortunately many talented people wind up earning less than they could, or miss out on opportunities altogether, because they haven’t understood the business side of being an artist.

Cedric Hohnstadt has owned an illustration studio for over fifteen years and has created work for end clients such as Hasbro, Disney, DreamWorks, Coca-Cola, Verizon, Best Buy and Target. After working on hundreds of client projects he’s learned a lot of business skills the hard way and now he’s here to pass on some of that info on to you. He’ll discuss how to know if you are cut out for freelancing, how to promote yourself, how much you should charge, how to talk to clients about money, and look at different areas where an artist can find work outside of the animation industry.

My presentation is scheduled for Saturday, November 17 at 12:00 noon in the Exec Boardroom. It’s classified as a Workshop which means that seating is limited and that the Expo organizers have tacked on a very small extra charge to attend. I’m not sure about this year but last year it was only $5. I’ll try to cram as much info in as I can and afterward we can all go down the hall for an informal Q&A session, so you should definitely get your five bucks worth. Last year my talk sold out so don’t wait too long to sign up.

As a freelance illustrator and character designer I draw a lot of inspiration from the animation industry. This talk is my humble way of giving a little back. I hope to see you there!

Sketch Cards

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Every once in a while I sit down and doodle up a few sketch cards. I buy the blank cards at my local art supply store, then get out some colored pencils and markers and have fun. No pressure. I just draw whatever I feel like. Some turn out, some don’t. The ones that do I send to past clients and/or potential future clients I’ve been trying to connect with, along with a hand-written note inside. It’s a great way to stand out from all the clutter that crosses an art director’s desk, or to keep relationships from growing cold. It’s also much more sincere and authentic than an email blast or a postcard campaign.

Another benefit: creating the cards doubles as sketchbook practice. Only instead of shoving all the drawings into a closet I’m sharing them through the mail.

The only downside is that it can be very time consuming way to connect with clients. As a result I can’t send out nearly as many as I’d like. On the other hand, if a client is worth connecting with, they’re worth spending a little time on.

Here’s a few of the cards I’ve mailed out recently:

sketchcard-lionsketchcard-elephantsketchcard-leopardsketchcard-babysketchcard-moosesketchcard-bear-mountainssketchcard-rabbitsketchcard-kid superhero

 

Professional Advice From Al Jaffee

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Famed illustrator and MAD Magazine cartoonist Al Jaffee on being a professional illustrator. Well worth two minutes of your time:

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This and That 6/11/12

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A few tidbits from around the webisphere:

• VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer is coming to a pair of headphones near you with The Phil Vischer Podcast. He discusses pop culture, theology, and Christian living with equal parts insight and silliness. I listened to Episode 2 today at the gym. It took a couple of minutes to get going but there was some really great stuff. Highly recommended.

• If anyone has a handle on storytelling it’s the folks at Pixar. Here’s a list of 22 Rules of Storytelling from Pixar artist Emma Coats.

• Illustrator and all-around-nice-guy Bob Ostrom is looking for artists, writers, publisher, art directors, designers and anyone else involved in children’s publishing to feature on his blog. If that’s you, let him know. I don’t know what his selection criteria is but you never know unless you try. While you’re there, check out Bob’s recent blog post, “How To Illustrate Children’s Books – A Backstage Pass”.

• FreelanceSwitch.com has a list of 12 Breeds Of Clients And How To Work With Them. An oldie but a goodie, full of great advice for the creative professional.

• Recently I updated my list of Recommended Resources on Amazon.com. (Full disclosure: If you click and then buy, Amazon will drop a few coins into my piggy bank).

• Finally, a short montage of characters created by the great Orson Welles. Good inspiration for character design sketching:

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Sketchbook Update 4-13-12

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Sketchcard - Superkid

Lately I’ve been experimenting with a new self-promotion idea based on advice from two people: my friend and fellow artist Tim Hodge, and Marcia Hoeck, the consultant I hired last year. I bought some blank greeting cards at the art store and sometimes instead of sketching in my sketchbook I’ll doodle something on one of the cards. If it turns out halfway decently I’ll mail it to a client or potential client with a personal note as a way to (I hope) stand out from all the other illustrators who’s work is flooding their desks. If I can time it with their birthday, bonus!

Last night while crunching on a deadline I had to force-restart my computer. While I waited for everything to boot back up I worked up this doodle. I really liked how it turned out, and since Tim’s birthday was this month I’ll be sending it to him as a way to say “Thanks” for turning me on to the idea.