Sketchbook Fun

With animation going along as it is, I sometimes get tired of drawing Emilio for the thousandth time, so here's some sketchbook images of a very different nature.

Little Fun!

For any animation updates, please visit my production blog. Mydadthegiant.blogspot.com

With all this animation going on, I felt I needed to do some fun doodles to loosen up and relax. So without further adieu let me present the Gears Squad!



The Team!

Jay Norm (the Brawler): Armed with a gnasher shotgun, Jay takes his fights up close and personal. Often the first met on the battlefield, he waists little time in assaulting the enemy. Snipers may have a hard time hitting his armored frame as it ducks and weaves amongst the cover, steadily inching forward. His assaults can however be halted with well launched grenades.

Niles (Soldier/Sniper): Niles Bontrager fills the exact opposite position to Jay. His well calculated attacks are often fought at long range. Close range battles can offset his usual calm demeanor and he will be quick to distance himself from his enemies. Though not the quickest at reflexes, his ammo stocks keep him well prepared, and if he sights you early chances are he will be keeping an eye on you during the entire assault. Staying stationary against him is a recipe for death and you'll soon find your head separated from your neck via a well placed sniper shot.
Patrick (Scout/Demolitions): Patrick (dat's me!), doesn't fill any particular niche in the squad other than to disorient opponents. Relying on quick calculations and psychological warfare, Patrick employs a series of grenade volleys and quick sporadic movements. Always the team player, if you are spotted by Patrick bet on the rest of his team knowing where you are. Quick to learn opponents comfort zones, never rely on one strategy alone when dealing with him as he will likely try to turn your own plans against you. Catching him off guard or dealing with another enemy is the best strategy as his multitasking isn't up to par with the rest of the squad.

Mel(Team Spirit): The newest addition to the team, Mel has little experience but a lot of pep. Her best contribution is off the field, keeping Niles well fed and encouraging him with smooches and hugs. It's an odd strategy, but one that seems very effective. Her first encounter with Patrick left him without a torso, compliments of her shotgun.
The Kids (Cayla and Jake): Joining the team by force, Cayla demands authority and munchies, while Jake is happy enough not to be shot. Her hunger for power has injured many team mates, and left Niles with a well serrated groin. In battle they combine forces to create a force that is very awkward to watch. Lacking the evolutionary trait of dexterous thumbs, they offer up distraction at best. Leaping up onto their squad-mates laps often causes sporatic movements and shows of flail that more often than not drops the enemies guard.

Some more Gears fun!

All drawn after hours in Senior Studio to the laughter of one Mel Miller.

Warming Up

Animation has begun on my film. I've tried to schedule myself around finals, midterms, and holidays as much as I can. I haven't had time to animate in awhile, so I thought I'd warm myself up with some simple tests. Shots 18 and 31 were the easiest without the aid of After Effects.

A reoccurring motif in my film is the father's venting of his anger by breaking his paint brushes. As good a place to start as any.





Having a "Down-Shooter/Pencil Tester" at home makes it much easier to work comfortably. Me and Mel sit side by side drawing while Niles plays away at his video games. Amidst coffee, pencil sharpening noises, and the random hilarious game moment, work gets done rather well. Animation is a creative medium, so being comfortable while working is a must. Plus, who can beat animating on a couch?

Ready for some animation?

Yeah! Oh wait, I need to punch paper, drat!

Getting ready to start the animation on my film, and boy do I have some catching up to do. It's the price I pay for pondering so much. I really wanted the story to my film to be strong before I started production. Well, it's got the green light so I've begun the x-sheeting. I'll be starting off with some simple shots, and move onto the more complicated later in the semester.

Above image: Mia holding Emilio in what looks like a very odd cross genre, they both look rather perplexed by the whole ordeal.

If you haven't seen Mel's blog, it's over in the side bar. She's already a third of the way done rough animating her film. How does she do it? Well, magic I think, and by taking sleep out of the equation. I swear sometimes I worry about that girl, well, that is until I join her face planted against a light desk. Woo sleep deprivation!

Until next time, Peace!

"My Dad the Giant" ReEdited Animatic

Concept: "A commentary on master apprentice relationships in the family."

Brianelli, a world famous renaissance painter, is trying to finish his latest painting but his son Emilio keeps getting in the way. Emilio's struggle for acknowledgment from his giant father conflicts with his fathers alone time. Only too late does Brianelli realize his son looks up to him.

Re-edited down to 4:30 min.

(Left-White Numbers)
Timer Minutes:Seconds:Frames(24 Fps)

(Right-Red Numbers)
Shot breakdown

Just gotta doodle!

It's been so long since I have done a "non-animation" related drawing. While at the cintiq, preparing for another long night of story boards and animation doodles, I decided to whip this little one out. It's based off of an artists style who I greatly admire, you can find her blog in my blog list on the side.

It's not much, but it didn't take long, and it gave me my illustration fix. Till next time!

Portoflio

The portfolio that helped get me the internship at Disney, soon to be updated.

Please click images for a larger view