Freckles Fun Art!

I Get By

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Things are moving along at a slow but sure pace. There is still some sort of mental equilibrium that I am chasing after but I think I'll get there soon. It's a whole new challenge when you are working on your own film, your own idea. I feel so spoiled to say this but I MISS having a crew around to do things for me. If I had a puppet/set/lighting problem in the past I just took it to the experts I worked with and said FIX THIS PLEASE. And fix it they did. I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many amazing knowledgable people, and let me tell you I am really missing them. Now when I have a problem to work through with my puppet/set/lighting its all on me to fix it. And don't get me wrong, I'm loving the chance to learn all this great stuff, and yes I am have wild fun doing it. But I know myself and when it comes right down to it there is just nothing in the world I love more than animating. Building is fun, storyboarding and drawing are fun. I love it, it's great. But it doesn't compare to animating. And I miss animating. I suppose its just frustrating that every time I have a setback and can't move forward I am the only one who is accountable for that. Anyways, you know what they say: Anything worth doing isn't easy!
Forward I go.

Grumpy Old Men

2012-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

So this is not the best picture (I took it with my MacBook) but its better than nothing! For some reason I can't seem to co-ordinate bringing my SD card and point and shoot camera with me. I'll get the hang of it then better pics will follow! So at this point I'm kinda stalled on the puppet construction as I wait for some more supplies to be shipped. Since this is the case I am now switching gears to focus on the set. I've been sketching and colour swatching like a mad woman. My heart is still with my puppet though so I'm just kinda going through the motions with the set until I get excited about it. WEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Just Me and Me

2012-02-21T20:50:00.000-08:00

.
I just listened to this great podcast interview with Conan O'Brian. He said when he was younger and working part time jobs trying to make it as a comedian, all he ever wanted for his career and his life was for it to be interesting. That really made me stop and think... And yeah, I really agree with him. I've realized that the only times I was really unhappy was when things were boring, when I was stagnating in my art and not taking risks and trying new things. Not failing but not succeeding. It kinda made me see my life and my future in a new light. And I like it.
Keep it interesting!

Half Alive

2012-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

It's really weird to see things progressing like this. I've had this idea in my head for so long and actually seeing it take some sort of physical form is magical to me. I've assembled my armature and hope to to have build up PHASE ONE (blue foam) done by the end of tomorrow. Soon it will be time to work on the head sculpt and replacement mouth parts. WOW. I'm excited.

A Sketchy Conversation

2012-02-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

So things are going well at the studio....other than some random threadlock issues I can't complain too much. I'm thinking by the end of this week I should have some pretty exciting progress to show!

In fact I had brought my point and shoot camera to the studio today to take some progress pics, only to find that I had forgotten to put an SD card in it! Arg......silly me!

Oh yesssssssss.....

2012-02-03T17:10:00.001-08:00

This is my life.
It is happy.
Need I say more?

Let's Hear It For The Boys!

2012-01-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

I really used to hate drawing men. And still to this day my sketchbook is about 75% women. They are just more interesting to me!! Most of the time they dress way cooler or do something weird with their hair. Men were always just kinda blah looking. Well I drew these guys today and I gotta say it was a lot of fun. I GUESS boys are ok............

By the way tomorrow is my first day in my new studio space. After months of gathering supplies and psyching myself up this is it! Tomorrow I begin work on my short.

I could not be happier.

I"ll tell ya what I want what I really really want!

2012-01-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

I have found that throughout my life, life itself has given me clear indications of what choices to make. Whether a big or small decision, whenever I thought I didn't have the answer, I found that in fact I did. Sometimes its hard to listen to yourself and trust that your instincts have your best interests in mind. A few years ago I found it much easier to listen to my head rather than my heart. My head led me to making choices that were comfortable for me and offered little to no room for failure (and therefore little to no room for growth!). This ultimately leads to a very melancholy type of life. Not really the life I had intended on living. I found myself unsure of how to dig myself out of the safe dull place I had put myself in. Well I really have to attribute a book for showing me the way. The Artists Way By Julie Cameron really changed the way I thought about a lot of things. Be warned if you do decide to check it out - there is a spiritual element that you may or may not buy into. But know that it wasn't that which changed things for me. This book is basically a twelve week course on figuring out who you are an an artist. Really it teaches you how to hear your own instincts because believe it or not, the answers are already there. Now I'm happy and proud to say that it is easier to listen to my heart than my head, and my heart so far has taken me on a crazy unpredictable amazing ride!

Thats more like it.

Look Forward

2012-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

So as you all know my lovely job in NY wrapped a little while ago. I had a heck of a time working on that project with such great and talented people. Now that its over and I've left NY I've had a few people as me, "Are you sad that its done? Does it suck that you had to leave NY?". To that I say no and no! Here's the thing: I've learned in order to move forward in any way you really can't look back. If you don't let the old stuff go then you can't make room for the new stuff! I am so freakin happy and grateful for the opportunity that I had, really there is nothing to be sad about. It happened and it was awesome!! Now onto the next amazing thing!
I moved to Vancouver!!!
This was in some ways one of the hardest and easiest decisions I've ever made. More about it in the next blog post :)
(by the way my paint is still being shipped across Canada along with some other belongings, so the next few posts will be colourless)

Failures and Regrets

2011-12-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

Guys, I've had a pretty incredible year. Possibly one of the best years of my life so far. It started off with me looking for work while trying to make a real go at my illustration and has now ended with the completion of an 8 month stop-mo animation contract that brought me from Toronto to Brooklyn. I would not change a single thing about this year if I could.

Crazy Brooklyn Fashions!

I know I've been really sparse on the blog updates since I started working, but I hope you guys have still stuck around and I thank everyone who is still reading. It was around this time last year that I started my blog, hoping to connect with a part of myself that I had been ignoring for a while. The part that needs to draw and write to really feel successful. Thankfully it worked, and then when I got my new contract and moved to Brooklyn I only really had a month or two where I was adjusting that I stopped drawing. Although I haven't been posting them on my blog I have consistently drawn 5 times a week at least and have now filled two and a half sketchbooks since August.

Now that my project has wrapped I am looking forward to next year. Just like last year I have no clue where this year will take me. I have a firm sense of where I want to go and what I want to happen but you know what they say: Life happens while you're busy making plans. I'm preparing for what I want to do but excited for all of the curveballs that I know are headed my way.

So why have I titled this entry "Failures and Regrets"?

Well those words used to be negative and hurtful to me. But now they feel like old friends guiding me to make the right choices. I love the concept of failure and regrets and here is why:

Failure:
Guys, I used to be really really really scared of failure. It made me feel instantly uncomfortable and made me want to hide. It is the one thing that I gave so much power to that it stopped me from trying certain things. It stopped me from experimenting and questioning. It kept me in my comfort zone like a cage.
Well guess what, if you do nothing new then nothing new happens. Surprised? I kinda was.
Anyways long story short I realized the only way to succeed is to embrace failure. To try and to fail and then to show that failure to other people and not be controlled by it. Cause I know that just because I fail at something one time or a hundred times doesn't mean I am always going to fail at it forever. It also doesn't mean that I have to stop trying. Every time I fail now I feel like I am really onto something. And I am. I have learned WAY more by failing then I ever did by doing something right the first time.
Failure is effing awesome.

Regrets:
This one is easy. I used to have a really hard time making decisions.... Pro's and Con's lists that went on for days and friends and family that I pestered to help me make decisions. I don't remember how I came to this realization but I have found the shortcut for all of my decision making. I just ask myself "will you regret not doing this?" If the answer is yes then you better believe I DO IT! Actual regrets suck, but knowing how bad it feels to regret something is priceless, as it will give you that extra push to make that decision that you are afraid to make.

So you see, going into 2012 having FINALLY figured all of this out, I'm pretty darned optimistic.

And expect the regular blog posts to return! Once I get through this next transition (moving back to Canada!) I have made it a goal of mine to post regularly again, I'm hoping three times a week. I really love the blogging community and look forward to being more involved with it again!

Hope everyone had a happy holiday and have a safe and happy NEW YEAR!!!!!

CTN and Vimeo

2011-11-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

WHO GOING TO CTN?!! I just finished packing and I thought I'd post my latest progress on my man before I head out and ignore him for a week or two.

I'd say at this point he's at the 50% way done mark. I gotta say this has been one of the most satisfying things I've ever worked on. Seeing photos of it is highlighting some part I need to work on still. ALSO as you can see some of his armature is sticking up out of the back of his neck. This was a total mistake and a lesson learned for me about building armatures. I really didn't put too much thought into the armature cause I wanted to get on with the sculpting, but of course it ended up biting me in the end. Can't wait to smooth him out and get into finer details.

ALSO my vimeo link is now working. I have my most recent demo up (which does not include what I have been working on for the past 6 months as I am still working on said project).

Looking forward to tomorrow! Some life drawing with my favorite model, then a few hours of sleep and then I'm on a plane!! Hope to meet some of you bloggy people at CTN!

Progress!

2011-10-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

Started roughing in the hands! Still have a long ways to go but here is my process so far.

Also I used my iPod to take this pic so sorry for the icky quality! Better pic to come soon.

It Begins!!

2011-10-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have begun sculpting my character for my short. Really there is nothing more satisfying then doing the exact thing you want to do. And this was that thing.
I can't wait to work on this more!!!!

Still Kickin!!

2011-10-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Yes I still exist! It looks like one blog post a month might be the type of schedule I can commit to while I work up a storm over here! My work brought in this amazing life drawing model last week and we had a drawing/pizza party!! The model even brought in this crazy pair of goat legs that her boyfriend constructed for a renaissance fair. Basically the best way to spend time if you ask me.

Since I last posted I began going into a coffee shop before work to draw every morning and I have FILLED an entire sketchbook!!! HURRAH! It always gives me such a great sense of accomplishment when I do that.

I also moved apartments and have a sweeeeeeeeet setup. I have a bedroom AND a private office all to myself which I have now dubbed "the sculpting room". THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!!!

Also I've been thinkin a lot about my short and have had quite a few revelations about it. Might take things in a slightly different direction then when I first thought. Open mindedness is fun.

ENJOY LIFE!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!

2011-09-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

What is EVEN wrong with me?? I can't believe I haven't posted in so long! For some reason I thought I had at least posted midway through August but when I went to post now I see that it was at the end of July. WHAT THE WHAT! Apologies to myself for allowing this to happen and thanks to any of you who still take the time to stop by!
It is not that I haven't been drawing, its just that when I do draw I feel very uninspired. Although that never stopped me from posting before so its no excuse. Ah well, here's to the future!

ALSO I have finally worked out a way to keep myself drawing everyday no matter what. So expect more frequent blog posts.

AND I am now working more aggressively than ever on my short. I'm excited to share stuff but I haven't decided if I want to start a whole other blog for it or just keep it on this one.

Shout out to Versace for finally making me feel truly inspired!!!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

2011-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

My apartment is really close to a super awesome park here in Brooklyn. I kinda spoiled myself with this apartment and I gotta say I'm glad I did. Its in a safe area, its totally lovely and its SECONDS away from the entrance to a busy park where people are constantly coming and going. This makes for the most perfect of people watching/drawing situations.
I will be moving again though in a few months and I certainly hope I can stay in this area. This week I am feeling great as I cut a waaaay rough animatic of a short I want to make PLUS got in some drawing and painting time. A MILLION POINTS TO ME!
Must keep up momentum though. Even though I love my job I know its no substitution for working on my own stuff. I think that both things can live quite happily in the same world. The thing that really seems to throw me though is improv. It is exhausting and challenging and wonderful. It also equals really late nights. I had the same problem when I was in Toronto and the only way I could solve it was to cut down my improv. But I don't wanna. I'm pretty determined to have it all and I'm willing to put in the work to figure this equation out. Its frustrating and slow going but I don't think I have any option other than to work it out.
Also my improv improves my art. So..........I guess this is just happening.
:)

Itsy Bitsy

2011-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Little post of a little girl! In a cute fluffy dress!

I continue to work on being able to balance my 9-5 with my own creative endeavors..... It is a hard task but one I believe to be possible. I will get there!

More Fun

2011-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough this week to have the opportunity to go figure drawing with a great group of people. The model was by far one of the best models I've ever drawn in my life. She truly had a talent for posing. I had a great time :)

My Life

2011-06-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Every day I fall more and more in love with Brooklyn. Perhaps though its not the city so much as just the joy I feel from drawing the people who inhabit it. I am fortunate to be living in one of the best neighborhoods and the variety and diversity of people is astounding. I feel such a rush of excitement when I look up for a moment from my sketchbook and am instantly captivated by whatever human is crossing my line of sight. The possibilities suddenly seem endless. With my pen and my paper I feel like a force of nature, unstoppable.

The Sherman Brothers

2011-06-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Please excuse me while I try to stop weeping on my keyboard.
I just watched the Sherman brothers documentary and it was soooooooo EMOTIONAL. For those of you who don't know the Sherman brothers were responsible for basically every song that brings back special childhood memories. Example: every song in Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh (you know the intro to the old ones...sigh) etc.
The story of the brothers themselves is quite sad. Though they worked together for many decades they never got along and now that they don't work together they don't even talk. So. That is emotional. Throw in songs that make me think of a simpler time and my bottom lip starts a quivering.... EMOTIONS!

Here they are, those wonderful brothers. Let me just say thank you thank you thank you Sherman brothers. I can't imagine a world where your music doesn't exist....

Seriously guys, look them up.

Don't cry for me Toronto

2011-06-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm really having a great time exploring this lovely city. I still have a few other things to do before I feel completely settled but so far so good. Today I had a really lovely saturday. There is a ridiculous abundance of people to draw and a ridiculous amount of food to consume. I am doing both. This is awesome.

16 and....

2011-06-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

YES I watch 16 and pregnant. I must admit I've always been a bit of a documentary series junkie. I really like to hear other people stories. I love intervention, real housewives, EVERYTHING. These people are so different then me and I love to watch and learn about what its like coming from different places in life. I like going into something thinking "theres no way I can relate to this" and then coming away from it realizing that I really identify with other peoples stories. No I've never been 16 and pregnant but I have faced fear and uncertainty. I've never been a housewife who has been "well taken care of" but I have had clashes with family and friends and indulged in the drama of it. Sure I was in high school... but I can relate!

Something familiar in an unfamiliar place

2011-05-21T09:42:00.001-07:00

Well fellow bloggers I have left Toronto. I got a sweet job in New York so I packed up and here I am! I can't say it was easy to leave Toronto. For the past few months it has been a wealth of inspiration. The people, the neighborhoods. I love it all. It was very hard to leave it although it made it much easier knowing that I was heading for an amazing city and a job I'm really excited about. So of course I must apologize for the rather large gap in between posts as the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of packing and planning. When I arrived yesterday I felt a little out of sorts (i'm sure the 10 hour drive had something to do with it) and I decided to do something I enjoy to make me feel a little more at home in my new place. So here is a painting I did (sorry for the dark picture, I had to leave my scanner behind) to ease my nerves and I absolutely felt immediately better. Of course the fact that I have perfect strangers playing helps also :)

Anyways I will continue to update my blog regularly. People of Toronto: sleep easy tonight! You are no longer the subject of my sneak attack drawings. NEW YORK RESIDENTS: WATCH OUT

Toronto, you were so kind to me today.

2011-05-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today I went walking in BEAUTIFUL yorkville. It was so sunny and beautiful. I sat on a bench to just enjoy the weather and not five minutes later this man came by and starting playing the clarinet. It was sooooooooo lovely. I have about 4 pages in my sketchbook now with this guy. AMAZING.

It just had to happen

2011-05-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

YES. I have figured it out. Pen + Gouache = Heaven.
This is what I was meant to do.
EXPECT MUCH MUCH MORE!

Will someone PLEASE give Colin Firth (another) Oscar?

2011-05-02T15:19:00.001-07:00

I really hope for all of your sakes that you have seen Tom Ford's A Single Man.
O.
M.
G.
Acting at its effing finest. Colin Firth is unbelievable in this movie, I don't know how he didn't get an Oscar.
Not only is Colin Firth scrumtrillescent (a million points if you know where thats from) but Tom Fords directing is perfectly restrained. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I love this movie.

Col-erase is SOOOO last april

2011-04-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

So i bought some new pens a while ago and I'm finally putting them to use. I also got some SWEEET new brush pens that I filled with some water colour so I can paint on site. Water colour doesn't really hold up when being scanned though cause its SOOO transparent as opposed to my lovely gouache. Anyways drawing with the pen is challenging me which is GREAT.

Kickin' it old school

2011-04-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

After gouache and I unofficially broke up a little while ago I had some time to myself to think things through. I may have said some things I didn't mean and maybe I didn't appreciate everything gouache had to offer. Long story short we got together today to have it out. I think we really just need to learn how to communicate better. Anyways I've decided to take gouache back and forgive and forget and look forward. Sometimes you really just need time apart to see that what you always wanted was right in front of you.
You know what they say, if you truly love something and let it go, and it loves you it will always come back. While I may leave you again, I will always come back.

Self Portrait

2011-04-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just a little sketchy sketch of myself while I sketchy sketch.
Looking forward to a fun week!!!

Can't we all just get along?

2011-04-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Trying to reconcile with illustrator. Doing more freehanding and less vector adjusting!! I think we can make this relationship work.
Also I've been sketching from TV shows lately and I gotta say its really great for understanding what makes a unique face. Although I have often read about it I never really explored until now the difference it makes when you decide to feature either the upper or lower teeth. I love exploring!
But holey SWEARS my hand is cramping!!

Before there was Illustrator....

2011-04-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

there was photoshop....

Sketching in photoshop....I used to stay up late and just mess around in it. With illustrator you don't have quite the same freedoms. I need my freedom from vectors sometimes!!

Colour

2011-04-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

I find myself experimenting with colours in ways that I haven't really done with gouache.

Just havin some fun over here

2011-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

really trying to understand the best way communicate light in illustrator.... I wouldn't call this "finished" but just more of an experiment. Anybody seen any good illustrator pieces out there for some inspiration?

little something something

2011-04-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Loving illustrator but it is definitely a learning curve! I get faster by the day... MY POWERS ARE EXPANDING!

WHITE LIGHT!

2011-04-08T15:18:00.001-07:00

For some time I have suspected that if I used white light while painting (instead of the yellow light bulb I currently have) my colours would be truer which equals better. Well fate intervened and my lightbulb blew so I had to use my fluorescent while light until I get a new one. And BEHOLD this time when I scanned my painting it looked like what it looked like WHILE i painted it and I didn't get any nasty colour shift surprises. Lesson learned.

Tardy for the Party

2011-04-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a super late entry, but I am so happy that I finally learned illustrator!! It is such a crazy detailed program that can do SO MUCH. I can't wait to really get in there and release the inner control freak that I am. I heart you Illustrator.

"Spring"

2011-04-05T09:46:00.001-07:00

I really love sketching outside but this weather is killing me!! My hand froze and I was only able to do 4 pages today before I had to go back inside. It is definitely an adjustment to be drawing outside now and I still haven't found that perfect place to sketch. I think I will wake up early and go place hunting tomorrow.

Today I went sketching outside.....I felt like I was on the set of my favourite TV show

2011-04-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

it was AWESOME.

There is something inexplicable about there not being a window between you and the things you are drawing. It is a great feeling.

Life Drawing!!!

2011-04-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

HURRAH!!! I went life drawing!! and it was awesome!! I haven't been for so long because when its cold out it can be a real bother getting there and back. However now that the weather is more agreeable I am unstoppable!!!

I'm thinking about it....

2011-03-31T13:05:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about how I want to be spending my time....Important things to think about. I love to draw, sculpt, paint and animate. If I try to do it all at once I know I won't realize my full potential in anything. Time to think and prioritize!!

Something new

2011-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have entered the mythical forest of Illustrator and I am taming its many beasts.
IT IS SUCH A CRAAAZY PROGRAM!! LOVES IT!

Downright Bustling

2011-03-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Today the coffee shop was BIZAY. It was nice to have that extra energy in the air but at the same time I start to feel edgy cause I am taking up one of the very limited sitting options available and I stay there for like an hour.... But I should just get over it cause no body is ever left standing looking for a seat.
Have a happy day!!

PLEEEEAAAASSE

2011-03-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

I so badly want summer.

Spring has come....and gone?

2011-03-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

It is soooooo slushy here. And cold.
Complain complain.

I don't know why

2011-03-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

This girl is wearing a short skirt. And it is snowing today like crazy. I don't know why she chose to do this but I am happy about it cause it gave me some variety.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR NON APPROPRIATE WEATHER ATTIRE.

Old Ladies Who Walk With Dignity

2011-03-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of them in the area that I live.
Awesome.

Soggy

2011-03-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Its a pretty soggy day today.... Perfect for starting on my taxes!!

ITS AN EPIDEMIC

2011-03-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

BARE ANKLES EVERYWHERE!! I LOVE IT!
ANNNND I totally wore my spring shoes today. I know I know, the temperature is going to drop after today but sometimes you just got to take it one day at a time.

Either way, three cheers for no socks!!

I SAW ANKLES TODAY!!

2011-03-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Something fun about Toronto: In spring and fall you can observe people in both parkas and short sleeve shirts on the SAME DAY. That was true for today. I saw this girl and she was wearing flats with no socks and it warmed my heart.
Summer is on its way.

Never forget how lucky we are

2011-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

I think we can all think of the little and big things we are lucky to have in our life.
My thoughts are with the people of Japan right now.

What day is today?

2011-03-12T09:19:00.001-08:00

It is Saturday. But I keep thinking its Friday. And yesterday I kept thinking it was Saturday.

Daylight savings soon!!

Hello? Is it me your looking for?

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Well here is a perfect example of something good coming out of something bad. Today when I drew this I LOVED IT. But then when I painted it I am not loving it. I feel like the drawing really got lost under some heavy handed painting. It is my goal to be able to be consistent in any medium other than digital. I messed up the water amounts of my gouache (see post below) and lost my drawing in the process. This sucks.
THE GOOD PART
I did not want to post this today. But it has been my resolution to post my paintings good or bad everyday. I named this blog frecklesfun for a reason! Because I want to post things I have fun with good or bad. This blog is made for me and the fact that other people check it out is just a superfun BONUS! Being too critical of yourself and therefore not sharing artwork is a slippery slope... I never want to get back in that headspace that I had in college.
So even though I don't like how this painting came out, I had fun doing it and discovering new things while creating it and most importantly I am proud of myself for posting it.

:)

The Secret To Gouache

2011-03-09T09:41:00.001-08:00

If you have been reading my blog you know that I am always striving to improve my gouaching skills. This is because I LOVE GOUACHE and I am committed to making this relationship work!! The one thing I have found since I started using it is that the most IMPORTANT thing is to have exactly the right amount of water in it. Too little water and it streaks like hell and refuses to blend, to much water and it dries with ugly little marks in areas that the brush has touched last. It is very finicky but when you get it just right it is even and vibrant. LOVING IT!

Have a happy day!

Absentee

2011-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

I will not lie to you all. I am mentally not as present as I should be with my posting. I have had some stuff on my mind that has taken priority over commenting on other people blogs and posting animation. Good news is that the things that are sidetracking me should be wrapped up by the end of this week. YAYS!
I will be a blogging machine after that. WATCH OUT!

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

EXES AND OHHHS!!!

Thank you Steve Martin

2011-03-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Some people like to work in silence. Some people like to put on the tv or a movie in the background. I tend to cycle through different background noises and silence depending on what mood I'm in. Right now I have found podcasts to be about the best thing possible. In my last month or so of work when I was animating I found the last Harry Potter audiobook and that was HEAVEN to work to.
Recently I've been listening to the most AWESOME podcast called the nerdist which is sort of like an interview show hosted by stand-up comedians who interview other comedians. TOTALLY AMAZING. Anyways I was listening to one with Jon Hamm (lead in madmen, and yes he actually started out in improv!) and they quoted a line from the Steve Martin autobiography "born standing up" and they said something like " You will not get the job you want by auditioning". As an animator this really struck me. It is easy to get caught up in jobs animating on things you are not really passionate about. You really have to create the project you want. Apparently after realizing this Steve Martin wrote "the Jerk".
Smart guy! I think I am going to buy the audiobook because Steve Martin himself reads it.
Have a happy day!

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyYES!

2011-03-04T09:07:00.001-08:00

OH MAN the weather is amazing. This guy was all like "what, i have an awesome beard DEAL WITH IT." So I dealt with it. And it was amazing. HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYBODY!

WINNERS OF GIVEAWAY!!

2011-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

The randomly chosen winners of my giveaway are.......

1)Kassandra Heller
2)Charles COUREAU
3)Marie Bower

Email me your mailing address for me to mail you my postcard set!

I will have another giveaway when I reach 100 followers!!
Thanks again to everyone who follows my blog!! YOU ROCK!!

Windy City

2011-03-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Today the wind was UNREAL. Snow was falling parallel to the ground it seemed. There was slim pickins as far as people to draw because nobody wanted to be outside this morning and if they were they were walkin FAST.

REMINDER: This is the LAST DAY to enter into my art giveaway to win some FREE awesome art!

Have a super day!

Questions...

2011-03-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

So as many of you know who have been following along I am trying to build my freelance business so that I don't have to depend on the rollercoaster ride that is the animation industry. So far so good but I am looking to step things up.

What are some of the lessons for success you have learned along the way in your own industry? Any advice to a budding freelancer?

Thanks guys!

Monday

2011-02-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

I am always inclined to draw and paint girls rather than guys because they are always more interesting it seems. The have pretty scarves and purses and different shoes... Guys usually just have a jacket and pants so it can be a little boring. COME ON MEN!! DRESS IT UP!

Don't forget to check out my free art giveaway!! Enter to win some awesome art!

The Best Advice I Ever Got, Part 1

2011-02-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

Todays post is thanks to my grade 8 teacher. When he was teaching us BEDMAS (the order in which to do large equations) he said this: "When you don't know what to do, do something." While this doesn't actually make a lot of sense with BEDMAS (because you can't just do something you have to start with brackets etc.) I always remembered those words. Whenever I have been frozen with indecision or fear or uncertainty I always think, I don't know what to do, but I know I have to do something. Just remembering that breaks the mental cycle of worrying about making the wrong mistake and gets me moving into making a decision which really is the desired end result. This can apply to so many things. It is really easy for me (and I think a lot of us) to be intimidated by big decisions and for that to just freeze our progress. We can sometimes be afraid of moving for fear of moving in the wrong direction. Just remember, moving in ANY direction is better than staying still and stagnating and even if you make mistakes along the way you will get to where you want to be a lot faster than if you let fear freeze you.

And remember, its not to late to enter my FREE ART GIVEAWAY. Just so you know shipping is included! Its just my way of saying thanks for checking out my blog!

Have a great day ALL!

FREE ART GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

This is it!! I will be giving away three sets my "Corner of Winter and Bloor" postcard series!! You can check out what they look like at my Etsy Shop! Here is how this is going to work. I will be doing a draw. To enter your name into the draw:
1) comment on this post with your email address
2) link to this post on your blog and email it to me so I can see it
3) If you are a follower of my blog you are automatically entered

I will enter your name for each thing that you do so you can triple your chances of winning if you do all three!

I will announce the winner in one week: MARCH 3rd

Good Luck!! And thank you again to everyone who reads and comments on my blog, it always brightens my day :)

WE DID IT! CHECK BACK TOMORROW TO SEE HOW TO ENTER MY ART GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

We're almost there!!

2011-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

48 followers!! Only two down until my art giveaway!! I'm sooo excited! This week I am going to start a series called "The best advice I ever had" where I post about.....I think you get it :). There are several very important lessons I have learned along the way, some in grade 8 math class, some when I was applying to college, some through stories from my parents and I want to share how all of these things indirectly made me a better artist! So look out for that and look out for the giveaway which should be happening pretty soon!

Sam Cooke said it best

2011-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well a change is going to come. I feel far too comfortable in the way I have been drawing and going about my daily artistic ventures. MUST SWITCH IT UP! Today I decided to look at people longer and then do a bit of a memory sketch rather than drawing as I'm looking. Small changes to lead to bigger changes :)

HAPPY MADE UP CANADIAN HOLIDAY!

2011-02-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

So if you are a fellow Canadian you know that today is Family day. If you are not a Canadian you probably think we are even more lame than you thought. Well SURPRISE even if it is a made up day we still get to take a day off work so WHO CARES! I am spending the day with my BF because it is rare that he gets a day off. When we hang out we usually tend to do some of the hanging out together and some of it apart. We both do VERY different things when we need to unwind and forcing one of us to do what the other one wants would probably stress us both out. So as he is unwinding playing games I have read the newspaper front to back (one of my favorite things to do!). Of course I realize that not everyone has a day off so as not to disappoint I painted up a sketch from Friday which is also super relaxing :)
have a fun day everybody!

Oh yeah, and if any of you have kids and are in the Toronto area you may have caught my sisters performing in their very popular childrens band Leading Notes. I designed their CD and posters! They are all about showing children that learning is just about the most fun thing you can do so check them out!

GUYS SERIOUSLY........

2011-02-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

SERIOUSLY how can I focus on a day like today??? If you are in Toronto you KNOW it is NINE DEGREES!!!!!!!!! NINE DEGREEEEESSSS!!!!!! It is supposed to go down to like -15 after today so I am riding high on good weather feelings. My balcony door is OPEN!
Its amazing what an impact good weather can have.

Not Feeling Blue Today

2011-02-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

Whenever I paint these up I choose 3 colours plus white to work with. I ALWAYS use a blue, either prussian or cerulean plus a yellow and a red. This time around a decided to be DARING and use purple instead of a blue. Everything went pink! Apparently purple + ochre does not create the neutral tone I was expecting. I love learning these little surprises about colour.

FPS JUNK!

2011-02-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here is some animation like I promised! Having animated for TV for the past few years I have gotten in the nasty habit of animating at 12fps. I was aiming at doing this at 24fps but when I played it back it was WAY to fast and its clear I haven't yet transitioned my timing. The same sort of thing happened when I switched from working on a show that was at 15fps to a show that was 12fps. There always seems to be a bit of a grace period before I can mentally change my timing. Can't wait to show you some sweet animation in 24fps!

Also thanks for the enthusiasm regarding my art giveaway!! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!!

WHEN I REACH 50 FOLLOWERS I WILL HAVE AN ART GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

2011-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

So as I have mentioned before I am SO super happy and grateful for everyone who comes to check out my blog and share their comments with me. To say thank-you I will be having an art giveaway contest of a set of my collection of postcards. You can check out the postcards at my ETSY SHOP and if you just can't wait until I get to 50 followers and you want to support an independent artist (ME!) then go for it an order a set! If you email me the promo code: FUNBLOG I will give you 15% off for being my friend! :)
Oh yes, and I will be posting some animation tomorrow so check back!

Love is in the air...and MAKEOVER MAKEOVER!

2011-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day everyone!! It is a balmy 4 degrees (Celsius) here in Toronto and windy as heck! The view from my home office is not a pleasant one and every time I hear a big gust of wind I look to the window expecting to see trees blowing or some sort of visual indication of the wind but all I see are solid buildings staring back at me... EW. Oh well, I know the next place I move to will have a view with some trees so at lease I have something to look forward to. This weekend was super exciting for me because I finally bought myself a new desk and desk chair and had a mini-makeover of my home office. So exciting and it has made the space so much more functional, I LOVE IT!
Have a great day everyone!! Remember to have a happy valentines day. Even if you don't have a significant other on this day take the chance to show some kindness to someone you love!

Never Enough

2011-02-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

5 years ago I only dreamed of the success I have today in my personal and professional life. I have accomplished so many goals and I am so happy for that. So why as I sit here today am I thinking only of what I have not done and what I don't have? I have said to myself so many times "oh if only I could get that contract I would be sooo completely happy and everything will fall into place." Well those contracts have come and gone and I find myself thinking the exact same thing again. Of course it is good to do this because it keeps us striving for better things and never settling. But I realize that I also have to balance that with taking a look around at everything I have accomplished and just feel happy and satisfied with that. I think the thing to do is just realize: it will never be enough. You will never score enough contracts or accomplish enough goals where you can just say "ok I'm done" and that's a good thing. What is not a good thing is being solely fixated on it. There is so much I have gained in my life like knowledge and success that I need to recognize and not just dismiss as not being enough. It is great, it is amazing, and I want more.

A Man and a Magic Trick

2011-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

YA!!! improv tonight! So excited...
So today i posted a little animation I did of my hand. Volumes change things are inconsistent but I'm pretty satisfied since this is my second time doing it. It feels so great to be animating again regularly. And it feels especially nice to be doing it in stopmo, traditional and 3D at once. Animation and art in general is such a slow patient process so its nice that when I get bored or antsy I can switch over to another project and every time I am refreshed. Yeah, life is pretty sweet right now :)

THANK YOU THANK YOU

2011-02-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Just want to say another thanks to all the fine fine people who stop by my blog. I'm so grateful that such an online art community exists. It is so valuable.

On another note I am working on something new to start posting. I'm going to aim to post 3 animations a week. Some more stop mo, some 3D and also some 2D which I did a little of today, but I think I will post it tomorrow so I can have it look a little less rough around the edges :). Its all just little stuff but every time I do something I learn something and really that's what life is all about. KEEP CREATING!!

A little of column A, a little of column B

2011-02-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

A while back I made a puppet to do some stop mo with. I finally have the time to do it so here is my first attempt with it. I shot this with a webcam and a free stopmo program called frame by frame. I am still getting used to this puppet so there are definitely some pops here and there but I'm happy to be animating again and I will be uploading my progress periodically!

Moving Forward

2011-02-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Life can be difficult for so many different reasons for so many different people. The degree to which we all are affected by varying circumstances differ. The thing that connects us all is our ability to be affected by the things in our lives. We might all experience the same external situation but every single person internalizes it differently and therefore has a completely different experience than anyone else, but yet still the same. What is making me think so deeply today about the human experience? I got a new cell phone. What the what, right? But it just proves my point. We have all gotten new cell phones but because of my life this is how it affects me. Without going into too much detail, my last cellphone was present and an integral part of many significant beginnings and ends that occurred in my life over the last 3 years. It is honestly hard to let go of it because I don't want to forget or get rid of any of the other memories tied to it. I'm sure that I won't but I'm afraid that I will. Such is life. Who know what will happen in the next three years? Life is beautiful. This is what I pondered this morning while drawing in my coffee shop. What are these guys thinking as they are walking by me?

People People!!

2011-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

today today! today is today and I have nothing else to say!
See ya tomorrow!

Something a little different

2011-02-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to switch it up a little. Usually I work with more muted colours, mostly because its winter right now and everything does seem a little duller. However today after the "snowverated snowpocalypse" that was supposed to be hitting TO the sun came out in full force and the entire sky is blue!! So I let that affect my colour choices so today we are lookin a little more vibrant. I really can't wait for spring though cause I'm so excited to do some plein air painting and drawing people OUTSIDE!!!

2011-02-02T12:06:00.001-08:00

Thanks for everyone who has been checking out the article I wrote! It has had such a positive response. So big news: I have begun building my website. I know it will take a long time to really get right and I still have so much more to learn about CSS but I'm excited all the same. I mapped out all of the different pages I will have and its really motivating me to work on some more animation and illustration so that I can put some ROCKIN ARTWORK up to match my ROCKIN WEBSITE! can't wait!! I have set a goal to complete blocking for the 11 second club this month. Since I haven't touched maya in so long I wanted to ease back in a bit because I know if I set a crazy goal I am just setting myself up for disappointment and that is a no-no. I will be posting my animation once I get started, I'm really excited to start sharing more than my everyday drawings!

CHECK THIS OUT!

2011-02-01T11:50:00.001-08:00

Let the enthusiasm continue as you click on this link!! I did a guest post on Dennis Salvatier's awesome blog about fear and the artist. I love doing new things and having the opportunity to write a guest post was just about the most fun thing I've done! Check it out and leave a comment, let me know what you think!

Tops!

2011-01-31T09:28:00.001-08:00

Beginning of a new week and almost the beginning of a new month! I couldn't be happier with how my blog is going, Feb will be the third month that I have been blogging everyday and I'm so excited to continue! Thanks again for everyone who checks out my blog, I love connecting with other artists and getting some feedback on my work is a bonus! Speaking of blogs if you haven't already go check out my friend Kathy's Blog. She is making her own stop-mo short and has started a production blog! I know I know I use exclamation marks PROBABLY too much but really, there's nothing wrong with being overly enthusiastic. GET USED TO IT!

OBSTACLES SHMOBSTACLES!!

2011-01-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

STILL SICK!!!! yuck. Had lots to accomplish today but I'm happy that I still got my post done! Something I have learned is that if your not going to put 100% into something then there is no point doing it. So here is my 100% painting and drawing for the day!

One is the lonliest number

2011-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Dear today's sketch: I'm sorry. I have left you single :(. I am feeling under the weather today WHICH SUCKS!!! I never get sick. Why now? I also had lots of appointments to keep so here is my slightly belated and lonely post *sigh*. Tomorrow is a new day.

70% is 100% better

2011-01-26T10:54:00.001-08:00

I FINALLY got my butt over to the art supply store and bought myself a new prismacolour french grey 70%. The one I have been using is about an inch long and was MAJORLY cramping my hand! Now my lines are better and my hand is thanking me :). I thought about switching to a marker to do lines but I think I will still with the pencil crayon. I like the texture of it with gouache...its niiiice. Also I'm really enjoying my web design class. We just started learning CSS and I'm thinking of buying a book to advance my knowledge, just gotta find the right one!

Vermilion Vermilion

2011-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

One of my goals that I had was to establish a personal relationship with colour. I finally feels like I am really getting there. Vermilion has a real place in my heart, it might just be my favorite colour. it is so bright and fresh and makes the best neutral when mixed with prussian blue. Right now the only colours I am still feeling disconnected from is green, lemon yellow and brilliant purple. I'm halfsies with cerulean and crimson. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!

the SENIOR MISS FUR COMPETITION is in town...I think

2011-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today was pretty darn interesting. I saw 2 older ladies within 5 minutes of each other wearing these super extravagant furs! I am totally against wearing fur for fashion but i'm not against drawing it... These furs were SO huge!

On another topic I just want to say thanks for anyone who went to the awesome sea change event. I had SO much fun and met so many different artists, it was a great night. Now that the show is done I'm going to be working on some personal animation pieces which I am really excited about. Don't worry though, nothing will get in the way of my daily drawings!! By the way, here is the artwork that was featured in the Sea Change show! They are based off some of my favorite vocal groups, the mills brothers, the larks and the ink spots!

Sweet prancing girls

2011-01-21T13:14:00.001-08:00

Today is super hectic but also super exciting for me! The "Sea Change" show is tonight so I have just been putting the finishing touches on all of my artwork that will be in it. Also SUPER EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! I have completed one of my 2011 goals today by OPENING AN ETSY SHOP!!!!! AHHH!!! This is something I have been wanting to do for a long time so I am so happy I have accomplished this goal. The illustrations currently for sale are the ones that are going in the show tonight which I will post on my blog on Monday. Also I'm selling a set of 5 postcards that are drawings that I did while sitting on bloor and just sketching people. I'm really happy with the way things turned out.
Ans here are my sketches for today. A lot of prancing....:)

2011-01-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Beyond Borders

So here is day 2 of me writing my blog fully in HTML. Thats right! I just coded "day 2" to be bold! I know I'm such a nerd.

I really want to start memorizing the HTML tags because soon enough I will be learning CSS and I want to be able to jump right in when that happens!

Please excuse the messiness of my blog for now!! I just want to keep trying out different formats until I master this HTML thing!

2011-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Old People Walking Slowly

One of my favorite things is old
people walking slowly. When they come in pairs its just double the fun!

My web design course is going really well! I'm just trying out some different html tags! From now on I will be posting using the HTML option on blogger!! Exciting times...

NEW PROFILE PIC!

2011-01-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to drawing a profile pic for myself. I've been meaning to do this forever so its nice to have it done with! I feel like painting with gouache is going to be a life long journey for me. Everyday I use it something unexpected happens, but by far it is still my favorite paint to work with. I have a lot on my plate today but I think I will be free and clear tomorrow. GOTTA FOCUS!!

////

2011-01-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a really cool side project that I will share with you all by the end of this week, so keep checking back for it! It's something I'm really excited about that I have put a lot into.
I find myself drawing an average of 9 warm-up pages a day which is great. When I first started posting on this blog I think i was doing something like 2 or 3 pages max. I'm really happy with how my accuracy and speed have improved (which is my main objective with these sketches). Even my left hand is getting more coordinated every day! Its like watching myself learn how to draw all over again which is really eye-opening. Although i was super focused on my drawings today, my painting focus is definitely less than stellar. I don't know why but I think its got something to do with the urgency of finishing my warm up so I can get on to my real work!! I gotta remember to just take a breath and enjoy every minute of everything.

BRRRRRRRRR

2011-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

WOW it is snowy today. The colder it is outside the comfier I feel inside :). I really can't wait for better weather though so I can open up my sketching options. I really want to get out to some parks to watch families play or see people taking a leisurely stroll or playing with their dogs! None of this happens when there is a snow storm! Just something to look forward to though. KEEP WARM!! And if you are one of my international friends who are blessed with year-round sunshine go outside, take off your shoes, feel the grass and sun and think of me.

me vs. me

2011-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

I went to improv last night and had a blast performing with my group. This is the first time in almost 2 years that I am not taking an improv class and only performing. It's strange to not have as much improv in my life as I'm used to but also good in a way. I have more time for art and I am able to focus now on my career goals. Also it puts things back into balance. I originally started improv to be a better animator, but it really took on a life of its own as soon as I realized how much I enjoy it. I was splitting my focus between art and improv and therefore not getting far enough ahead in either. Now that I have taken a step back I am really able to process what I learned and understand how it can be used to make myself a better artist. I had some great ideas for illustrations and projects last night on my way home from performing thanks to the awesome show we put on. Now that these two important parts of my life have learned to get along I'm really excited for what the future holds!

2011-01-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

Another BLUSTERY day here in TO. January is really going great so far. I'm getting a lot of emails and awesome comments on my blog so thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by! My web design course is really great and I am working on an actual portfolio website for myself (SO EXCITED!). The Sea Change show is coming up soon so I am working away on finalizing postcard designs and also finishing up some new paintings. After much trial and error I have found that illustration board is really the best way to go when painting with gouache. I can't STAND when paper starts to curl!

swinging her arms sooo wide

very interesting wrap/hood/jacket

Different Strokes for Different Folks

2011-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

As I'm looking to take on new personal projects I realized I have to start cutting a bit of time off of my daily warmups. With that i've decided to work on evenly applying gouache as that can be tricky in itself. Also it takes less time :). So for me it is win-win! I've got some righties and a lefty here today! Guess which is which!

So Fresh and So Clean!

2011-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

I'm soo tardy today but done is done!! Here are some FRESH drawings I did today, both left handed! See ya in a few hours!

Starting the week off sooo right

2011-01-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Ya! This is an exciting week for me because I will be starting a web design course and I believe I'm scheduled to do some improv as well. As the days go on I am getter better acquainted with gouache and its quirks. Therefore I am becoming more and more confident painting with it. The only problem I'm having now is my cramped cramped working space. I know I can make it work but it requires SERIOUS and CONSTANT organization. The second I get lazy about it everything goes to hell. One day I will have an actual studio space and that will be AMAZING. Onwards Monday!

X

2011-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

For the last few days my motivation to draw has been a little low. Because of that my drawings were coming out badly. I was putting down lines that I felt like had no control over and that I knew were wrong. Either way I pushed forward. Today when I went to draw I said "enough" to myself and just really focused. I find it helps to imagine what the person is thinking to establish an emotional connection with your drawing. Its like writing a book or play. When you understand the character on a personal level the story writes itself. When I made a connection with a person in my head it was effortless to draw them. In fact I did 11 pages today!

Sea Change

2011-01-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

I bought new paints today!! Super excited as I am exploring new colour schemes.
The other thing I am excited about coming up is this awesome art/performance night that I will be a part of. If you are in Toronto you should definitely check it out. I will be selling postcards and prints of my work. Can't wait to meet more artists!!

Wading through Peanut Butter

2011-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Urggg...just one of those days where I'm moving super slow and it is a major challenge for me to keep my focus. The most important thing to remember on a day like this is just to make sure to complete the goals I have set for myself today. So far so good, so on I trudge. What do you do to keep moving on days like this?