Uncategorized

02 Apr

Posted at 12:28h in Uncategorized

Here's an interview with Disney animation artist and legend Bill Peet. The interview is rather long and I haven't had time to read it yet myself. But my friend Dan sent it to me and he's usually pretty good at passing on interesting sites related to art and animation....

28 Mar

Posted at 13:38h in Art & Business, Uncategorized

Here's an interesting article from the LA Times about Deborah Gregory, an author who created "The Cheetah Girls" and sold the property to Disney. Her characters have appeared in two TV movies, sold millions of CDs and DVDs, and have toured in over 80 cities. Her contract with Disney gave her 4% of the gross revenues. She hasn't seen a penny. It's...

25 Mar

Posted at 00:00h in Uncategorized

Sorry folks, but I've been flattened by a bad cold and fever. So no post today. But before you leave check some of the great art blogs listed over in the left-hand column. Inspiring stuff!...

21 Mar

Posted at 00:00h in Uncategorized

Today is Good Friday, the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. "Good Friday" seems like an odd name one of the most bloody and tortuous executions in human history. How could such a horrific event be "good"? Because Jesus suffered and died for your sins. He paid for your crimes, then rose from the dead. He can forgive...

17 Mar

Posted at 08:43h in Uncategorized

I just received the very first issue of Stay Tooned!, a brand-new magazine for cartoonists from editor John Read. Since the magazine Cartoonists PROfiles is no longer gracing newsstands, Stay Tooned! is stepping in to fill the void. The magazine is published quarterly, and you can order issues or subscribe online. A copy of issue #1 is $10, or you...

13 Mar

Posted at 00:00h in Art & Business, Uncategorized
As a freelance character designer I've worked with a lot of clients over the years: big ones, small ones, established companies and young startups. Most have been terrific and I've been fortunate to work with a lot of really great people. Still, despite the best of intentions not every project runs as smoothly as it could. Even after eleven years of freelancing I still occasionally work on projects that get bogged down by miscommunication, misunderstanding, and avoidable delays. If you hire freelance artists, or are thinking of hiring one soon, here's a list of friendly tips on how to help things go smoothly. Of course project delays and difficulties aren't always the client's fault. Tomorrow I'll turn the tables and give some thoughts aimed at all you freelancers out there. For now, here's some tips on being a "dream client": 1. Give the freelancer as much information about the project as possible. The more info the better. Who is the target audience? What is the project trying to accomplish? Is there a certain style or tone you are after? How will the art be used? Will it need to be enlarged or reduced? How will it fit into the context of the larger project? A lot of these are questions the freelancer should be asking you, but if he doesn't you should offer the information anyway. There's no such thing as too much detail.