...Black Dynamite...

 

My boy Lesean Thomas has been grinding away on the Black Dynamite TV show that is going to air on Adult Swim this summer.  I just felt like drawing the character.  The show should be pretty hilarious... the pilot was.

This is my version of Black Dynamite

...Release the Excess: 2012...

I decided to change my top image on the site.  Release the Excess is still what this blog is about.  Letting out the garbage in my head. Some of the content is fun, some useful, some weird, and some things are just ridiculous.  I am hoping my daughter can one day look at this site and get an idea of some of the extra things that were going on in my head

Anyway, here is the blue rough I am working on.  I blew up the thumbnail to the size I wanted, then started to got to town.

...just keep going...

While I was teaching and after, my students and a few other people asked the same question a lot.

" ...Does it take a long time to break into the business and what are the steps..."?

-There is no one answer to that question.  Obviously hard work and dedication are going to take you a long way, but there is going to be other factors that come in to play. Timing is a big part of the equation and you have to know what jobs to take and how to utilize every minute while you are there.  I knew I wanted to work in features but I never neglected my duties as an animator at the game studios.  I tried to apply the same level of work to the game studios as I do in feature.  Believe me, there are animators that can animate circles around a lot of guys in feature film.  I worked at the office and when I got home, because I wanted to be better.  There are many people still doing this.

The big thing for me is not forgetting that.  If you busted your hump in work and after work, keep doing the same.  Granted the hours you spend working at home may be considerably less, but that is the thing that got you to where you are.  Take some time to continue working on your craft.  Teachers still go to lectures and workshops to improve on their skills, singers still practice so that their voice is always in good condition, and even good mechanics learn how to work on the latest engines so they are always on top of their game.

If you remember to do the things that got you to where you need to be, you will be successful for a while.

Remember to balance it!!

...Focus Forward & Teachng...

..breath..

...Focus Forward...

I have never made a New Years resolution and I won't start now. Each year is an extension of the last for me. I began last year talking about more focus and taking a break from teaching. It has paid off because I am less stressed and I have been highly productive at work. While I was teaching I wanted it to reflect my outlook on animation and the things you can achieve. Teaching was an extension of who I am as an animator. Preparing lessons, prepping material, ensuring I give helpful feedback to EVERY STUDENT, and being available is important to me. How do you work as a full time animator, full time husband, full time dad and part time teacher? Sounds ridiculous to me. In the balance of our lives, something will have to give and something or someone will lose out. I am trying figure out how to return to teaching but it will take a bit to figure out the balance and harmony. A good teacher is invaluable. My wife, Mother, Aunt, and a few cousins ( here is one Sara Ferguson: click the name) are all teachers. How I teach reflects on them so I have to make sure I give future students what they deserve.

Thanks to all the students I have had so far who have given me much positive feedback.

Focus Forward

-Jamaal

Sergio Pablos Part 1: Acting, Entertainment, & Variation

I decided to make another animation video for 2012. I played with the idea of a live webinar series, bit I think there would be more benefit to having a downloadable turorial. I sent out an email asking the people who purchased the first video and I received some great feedback. The name of the video currently is: "Acting, Entertainment, & Variation"...but keep this one as an option ("Acting, Performance, & Entertainment"). My last video focused on workflow and not the thoughts behind the acting. I touched a little on some of the aspects of it but I will dive deep into acting on this installment. Not only will I be talking about it, I will be talking with inspiring veterans. So far I will be talking to James Baxter, Sergio Pablos, & Kristof Serrand. 

-This is very exciting

...drawings on a lazy day...

 ... I am always drawing but its just a matter of scanning and posting.  I wish there was an instant scan or something attached to a drawing pad.  The new Wacom toy looks nice but I will wait for the version that can read a larger drawing surface.  Any way..here are a few that I did on a Saturday at home.  When Croods is over I will post some of my thumbnails and pose studies for my shots.. who knows maybe some will get into "The Art of Croods"   .....that would be cool...

Acting,Entertainment, & Variation: Video Flowchart/ Work in Progress

I decided to create the next video much differently than the first.  I asked for a lot of feedback from the people who picked it up and I got some great ideas.  There were things people liked and other parts that could be enhanced.  I really appreciate all of the great information I have been writing things out and planning accordingly.  This flow chart is apart of the layout of how the video will be created.  The red blocks represent major areas of discussion and the topics/details are underneath.  Its pretty simple in concept but will make a better user experience.  I will continue to refine this as I move forward and the chart will get a little bigger as well

thanks again guys

-jamaal

CTN EXPO: Live Animation

I will be at the CTN EXPO this year animating live at the iAnimate Booth.  If you are there, you can ask me questions of any kind while I work away on a shot.  This should be a fun event as always!  I like getting to see the people I havent worked with in a while as well as seeing all of the goodies the artists have to offer.  I will be animating for a few hours on Saturday and Sunday.  Jason Ryan will be at the booth as well as a few other instructors from the iAnimate school. 

Hope to see you there!