Go to
http://www.freegao.com/
And please sign the petition to free an innocent man, who has been kidnapped by Chinese government officials. Please go to the site and add your name to the petition, it takes very little time, and the cause is good.
Thanks,
~R
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Holy Cow...
The coolest fan-made trailer I've yet seen. ...really cool stuff. Made by a guy I know, no less!
Enjoy.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Two Months since I posted a drawing...
This week's DrawerGeeks topic was "Space Girl." This is my contribution.
Lots of not-drawing going on with me. Hope I can get some decent stuff done soon to keep up the postings...
~R
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Pepsi Throwback
Here's a commercial I worked on.
http://motionographer.com/theater/radium-pepsi-throwback/
I animated the birds at the end. Also did some other stuff that's harder to point out.
Saw the spot on NBC tonight, during The Office. Fun times!
~R
http://motionographer.com/theater/radium-pepsi-throwback/
I animated the birds at the end. Also did some other stuff that's harder to point out.
Saw the spot on NBC tonight, during The Office. Fun times!
~R
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Can a Shy Person Make It in the Arts?
I was recently asked by a student about how well shy people can do in the art/animation industry. I thought my answers, though a bit long-winded, might be helpful to others, so here's a slightly altered version for you guys.
***********************
You may not believe me when I tell you this, but I'm actually a pretty shy person. I have learned to be outgoing as I've gotten older, but I still worry about and avoid some social events. I'm not a party person, but I've grown more confident as I've grown older.
In my experience, most of my shyness comes from pride. I want them to think well of me, so I often don't approach people unless I think I can impress them. Really, when this happens it's because I have two conflicting views of myself. One is, "I'm better than them because..." and the other is a fear that I'm not better and that the reality will be made obvious to everyone, and I'll be embarrassed.
These ideas/fears can come into play when people critique my work, when I'm talking with someone at a party, interviewing for a job, really all the time.
Now the thing that has helped me is that as I've stepped out to try things, God has placed people in my path who could help me. They didn't always respect my work at first, they didn't always think I was amazing as an artist, and they told me so. But as I've taken their advice, and grown as an artist under their watch, they tell me often that they are really proud of my work, and they brag about me to other people. Now, my pride was initially hurt by their criticisms, but those same crits were what enabled me to eventually earn their genuine respect.
I expect that if you'll look at your own experience, you'll see the same/similar pride factors coming into play for you. Now in the end, what would you rather have? The faint praise of "hey, nice work..." or the reality of respect borne out of experience?
My boss knows what my animation used to look like. It was embarrassing! He knows because he trained me to animate from pretty much the ground up. So when he tells his boss I'm doing good work, his boss knows he means it.
In the end, your pride is something that you have to discipline out of your life. It's not a helpful attitude. See, most people are proud of themselves, even when they haven't accomplished anything to prove their pride well founded. I was that way with animation, and still am in some areas. When your pride is in your own greatness/worth/esteem/supposed skill level, it's a dream. Nobody else can see it, because it has no evidence. What you have to decide is whether the dream of being great is more valuable than the reality.
The dream of being great is easy. Everybody has that. Being great is hard work and requires a lot of failures mixed with a few successes. But I can tell you from my limited experience with success, the reality of success is worth all the little failures along the way, and all the embarrassment that those failures entail. And little successes are a whole lot better than the dream of being great.
Social confidence will come slowly for some, and faster for others. But a confidence borne out of a dream is no confidence at all. As Christians, our confidence comes from what Jesus did on the cross. Even if we mess up, God is not condemning us anymore, that debt is paid. So the ultimate issue is settled for those who are in Christ. If we can approach God with freedom and confidence, how much more can we talk with other people?
Now for a practical side: You and I have a little anxiety in social situations, and that can even be helpful if it keeps us honest about ourselves. In my experience, my shyness goes away when I can talk out of an accomplishment. It's something concrete and factual that I can point to. I'm not asking people to just believe I'm great/skilled/smart/talented, I'm pointing to something that shows my skill in a concrete, measurable way.
Also remember that in our field, most of the people know what it's like to be inside drawing pictures while other kids play sports. They know what it's like to feel different or alone in that way. If you're talking to an artist, you automatically have something in common with them. If you're struggling with some aspect of your artwork, use that as a point of conversation, and ask for help. Most people can recommend a good book or resource or offer some tips, and people are usually quite willing to help. And they'll remember that you asked, and that usually reflects well on you, because it shows you're teachable.
If you get the chance to meet pro artists, or just people more skilled than you, make a point of asking questions only. When they say something you don't quite grasp, admit it, and ask for clarification. Most people love to pontificate. Just look at how long this email is! :)
In the end, shyness that is pride-related will go by the wayside as you gain true confidence in your skills, based on your accomplishments. Shy people can get by in the industry, if they are willing to push past it occassionally. Others will reciprocate when you meet them halfway, so it's not all on you. As the people you work with become your friends, you'll relax more and learn more and get along fine.
**************************
Anyhow, perhaps that long exhalation of text will prove helpful to someone out there. If it does, I'd love to hear about it.
~R
***********************
You may not believe me when I tell you this, but I'm actually a pretty shy person. I have learned to be outgoing as I've gotten older, but I still worry about and avoid some social events. I'm not a party person, but I've grown more confident as I've grown older.
In my experience, most of my shyness comes from pride. I want them to think well of me, so I often don't approach people unless I think I can impress them. Really, when this happens it's because I have two conflicting views of myself. One is, "I'm better than them because..." and the other is a fear that I'm not better and that the reality will be made obvious to everyone, and I'll be embarrassed.
These ideas/fears can come into play when people critique my work, when I'm talking with someone at a party, interviewing for a job, really all the time.
Now the thing that has helped me is that as I've stepped out to try things, God has placed people in my path who could help me. They didn't always respect my work at first, they didn't always think I was amazing as an artist, and they told me so. But as I've taken their advice, and grown as an artist under their watch, they tell me often that they are really proud of my work, and they brag about me to other people. Now, my pride was initially hurt by their criticisms, but those same crits were what enabled me to eventually earn their genuine respect.
I expect that if you'll look at your own experience, you'll see the same/similar pride factors coming into play for you. Now in the end, what would you rather have? The faint praise of "hey, nice work..." or the reality of respect borne out of experience?
My boss knows what my animation used to look like. It was embarrassing! He knows because he trained me to animate from pretty much the ground up. So when he tells his boss I'm doing good work, his boss knows he means it.
In the end, your pride is something that you have to discipline out of your life. It's not a helpful attitude. See, most people are proud of themselves, even when they haven't accomplished anything to prove their pride well founded. I was that way with animation, and still am in some areas. When your pride is in your own greatness/worth/esteem/supposed skill level, it's a dream. Nobody else can see it, because it has no evidence. What you have to decide is whether the dream of being great is more valuable than the reality.
The dream of being great is easy. Everybody has that. Being great is hard work and requires a lot of failures mixed with a few successes. But I can tell you from my limited experience with success, the reality of success is worth all the little failures along the way, and all the embarrassment that those failures entail. And little successes are a whole lot better than the dream of being great.
Social confidence will come slowly for some, and faster for others. But a confidence borne out of a dream is no confidence at all. As Christians, our confidence comes from what Jesus did on the cross. Even if we mess up, God is not condemning us anymore, that debt is paid. So the ultimate issue is settled for those who are in Christ. If we can approach God with freedom and confidence, how much more can we talk with other people?
Now for a practical side: You and I have a little anxiety in social situations, and that can even be helpful if it keeps us honest about ourselves. In my experience, my shyness goes away when I can talk out of an accomplishment. It's something concrete and factual that I can point to. I'm not asking people to just believe I'm great/skilled/smart/talented, I'm pointing to something that shows my skill in a concrete, measurable way.
Also remember that in our field, most of the people know what it's like to be inside drawing pictures while other kids play sports. They know what it's like to feel different or alone in that way. If you're talking to an artist, you automatically have something in common with them. If you're struggling with some aspect of your artwork, use that as a point of conversation, and ask for help. Most people can recommend a good book or resource or offer some tips, and people are usually quite willing to help. And they'll remember that you asked, and that usually reflects well on you, because it shows you're teachable.
If you get the chance to meet pro artists, or just people more skilled than you, make a point of asking questions only. When they say something you don't quite grasp, admit it, and ask for clarification. Most people love to pontificate. Just look at how long this email is! :)
In the end, shyness that is pride-related will go by the wayside as you gain true confidence in your skills, based on your accomplishments. Shy people can get by in the industry, if they are willing to push past it occassionally. Others will reciprocate when you meet them halfway, so it's not all on you. As the people you work with become your friends, you'll relax more and learn more and get along fine.
**************************
Anyhow, perhaps that long exhalation of text will prove helpful to someone out there. If it does, I'd love to hear about it.
~R
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Metron and his amazing Mobius Chair!
Never understood why his chair was green while his costume was blue... Still a really cool gimmick though, flying around the universe in a high-backed chair.
Hope you likee!
~R
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
OS2 Screening and Swag
SAY IT VIT ME: "IM VILD!" This sketch was for a (sadly) unproduced OS2 crew shirt. Too bad he's off model... His eyes are too big. Anyhow...
the studio recently gave out some swag to those of us who worked on Open Season 2. It included an "Art of" Coffee table tome from the original film, OS2 plushies, and even a thank you letter from Sony folks. Also an imageworks tote bag. But I didn't take a picture of that.
Last night the company held a screening for the staff and their families, which means I got to see the movie on the big screen! It was really fun, and it holds up very well. Though since I'v watched it several times over the past two weeks, it is starting to get old. I'll have to wait a while to watch it again, I think.
Also, a quick welcome to some new blogger "followers!" Thanks for joining up! Hope you enjoy.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Open Season 2 Design Art
For those of you who've seen Open Season 2, head on over to my blogger-pal Armand Serrano's page. Armand designed the Pet Paradiso set our characters played on, and he's posted some of the design art there.
Check it out:
Pet Paradiso Art
Check it out:
Pet Paradiso Art
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Two Days...
I think you know. Two days. Open Season. Talking animals. Demo Reel. New Site. New Artwork.
Much newness shall be had by all. On Tuesday.
Be there.
~R
Much newness shall be had by all. On Tuesday.
Be there.
~R
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
For your enjoyment...
Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.
Just a little something I found on vimeo.
~R
Saturday, January 17, 2009
More Progress
Major progress has been made on the new/revamped site. The site itself is almost finished. Now I just have to finish cutting my new demo reel together, and polish up the 2D gallery's content.
I also have to wait until the official release of the Open Season 2 DVD before I can post my new reel. However, you can now see about 8 minutes of the film on the official website. the clip includes 7 of my shots, which have not yet been seen on the other trailers.
Hopefully that'll tide you over until the update takes place.
Enjoy!
~R
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Site Revamp Coming Soon!
Sorry for the lack of 2009 updates thus far.
I'm working on an updated version of my website, which will include an updated Demo Reel, and a new Artwork Gallery. Hopefully I'll be able to post a sketch or two between now and thn as well, but I wanted to get something posted to let you guys know what's up.
Can't wait for you guys to see all the new stuff.
~R
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