Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Starlighter Ideas



Here are some of the ideas that helped me visualize the starlighter creatures. I initially wanted spider-like creatures, but veered into strange territory thinking about starlight collection. I imagined the body parts that would allow for efficient starlight collection, and I thought of the deep sea. These were very fun to do since I have not done as much pencil-and-paper drawing as I should.

On to the next story!

VFX Industry Woes



There is a great debate happening regarding the present state of affairs in the VFX and animation industry. One article on the situation I found interesting can be found here.

This much is clear: something needs to happen to make American visual effects a viable industry going into the future—one that delivers quality products at fair prices and treats its workers (artists!) with the respect they are due. I don't know what the solution is, but I'm glad the conversation is getting more attention.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season Finale Arc



The season 5 finale arc of Clone Wars is airing. I was very very lucky to be a part of these episodes; they are, in my opinion, the best of the show to date. The whole team did top notch work and really pushed the bar higher.

My contribution was character design work on Letta Turmond and the male human Jedi temple workers. I also did some underworld paintings, but the really interesting thing for me was how my designs for the underworld portal and pipe network outside the Republic military base was taken to another level by modeler Jono Farmer and the story team. They took my okay design and made it awesome. It also didn't hurt that the pipe network followed the absolutely stunning Republic Military Base design by my friend Will Nichols.

I have to say again, my work was only a very small part of a larger team effort. Any design work I did was brought to life with amazing animation, camera work, lighting, modeling, textures, voice work, sound design, music and direction.

The season's final episode airs next Saturday. Check it out! You can also see the first three episodes of the arc at StarWars.com

Thursday, February 21, 2013

05 - Starlighters




In the stillness of eternal night on the dark side of the moon Aegis 3, a herd of starlighters fed. They were called starlighters by men, but men only knew Aegis 3 for a short time. The starlighters were far older.

Monday, February 11, 2013

04 Memory Loss


Benjamin Cook talked to his dead wife as he did every night, but this night was special. Benjamin, or Benji, as his wife Connie called him, was very excited about a new device he was about to complete. He loved talking to his wife with the earpiece and microphone, but he desperately wanted to see her again. He wanted her to see him. It was nearly the second anniversary of her death, and Benjamin wanted his surprise to be ready.

"Honey, I have something pretty great to show you tomorrow night," he said.

"What do you mean show me Benji? I can't see anything," Connie replied.

"I know, I know. You have to wait just a bit longer. Tomorrow will be special, I promise…I just need one thing," he said.

Saturday, February 02, 2013

Pause



Three stories in, and I'm pausing from the 52 stories for a short time while I crush out the last of a big project I'm working on. There are only so many hours in the day, unfortunately. I'll be back next week with a new story and drawing!