Carrie L.'s sketchblog

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:12:15 GMT

PS. MY VERY COOL FRIEND HAS BEEN LENDING ME
MOVIES AND TV SERIES AND NOW I AM COMPLETELY IN LOVE AND HEARTBROKEN
OVER FIREFLY/SERENITY.
I am a few years too late but as a new convert I mourn the show's passing with a fresh grief.

so...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:06:45 GMT

I didn't get to go to the zoo until this past week, thank goodness it was the day right before the summer weather really hit. The animals were still getting drowsy, though. Some zoo drawings

.

I've also been watching Kung Fu Panda over and over and doodling...

I forgot how fun that movie was :)

Next up, renovate my room! Laptop-less for the next few weeks, most likely. I need to get a new laptop, and I'm torn between a laptop+cintiq combo or a tablet pc...

sketchy sketch

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:27:46 GMT

Trying to get used to my dear old crummy lil tablet again, since the tablet pc will have to go back to its rightful owner soon.

Going to the zoo on Tuesday, yay!

Up!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:15:30 GMT

Saw Up this past weekend! Aside from the technical aspect (It was gorgeous, as usual--love the colors!), I thought it was very sweet and heartwarming. It was definitely more "fun" than Pixar's last three outings. I don't know if it's very re-watchable, though. I think The Incredibles was the last Pixar film that I fully enjoyed. Cars, Ratatouille, and Wall-E are wonderful films in their own right, but...hm what's a good analogy...

I feel like the Pixar films up until The Incredibles (except A Bug's Life, definitely my least favorite) were like driving on a smooth, scenic route. The last four films were more like driving uphill. Up seemed more relaxed, but I still like the parts better than the whole. Some particular likes/dislikes:

Loved:
- The colors- Everything was so lush and gorgeous.
- The first 20 minutes! Or however long Carl & Ellie's story was. It was just so sweet and well-told, not overdone. Totally had me in tears.
- Dug and Kevin (and heck, all the character design)
- Carl looking at the Adventure Book again (tearjerker moment #2)
- I didn't think it at the time I saw the movie, but I really like the Muntz character. I especially love how his charming demeanor suddenly gave way to insanity. It totally fits the paranoid/almost serial-killer profile. It was so creepy-cool when he was knocking over the helmets of previous (presumably) visitors.

Nitpick:
- For some reason, I couldn't stop noticing that the characters were lacking nostrils. I don't think the Incredibles people had nostrils, either. Don't know why it stood out this time.
- People keep mentioning Muntz age. I thought that was an issue, too, but if you reaaaally stretch it, it could work?
Carl sees video of Muntz- Carl is (stretching it) 7, Muntz is at least 25. Age difference 18 yrs. If Carl is 70 (at least. I read that Ellie died of disease, not old age) then Muntz would be 88. A spry 88.
- The other dogs seem like they were designed for a different world. I was down with it until the airplanes. I don't really care if it's a Star wars reference, or if "C'mon! It's a movie about a house that flies with balloons!" That's a lame excuse. Suspending disbelief for one thing does not mean that everything else is fair game.
- It seemed like Pixar got a little sloppy with inconsistencies. Carl groans getting out of bed but can anchor a house falling off a dirigible?

Still, a very enjoyable movie experience :) And I want my own Dug!

c/p

Wed, 27 May 2009 07:04:58 GMT

at least according to the free translation machines online.
...c'est un buttprint!

yes, this is the visual representation of all the time I'm spending (and will spend, alas) sitting on the couch, working on my portfolio. Long hours in front of the computer + little activity + tendency to snack= well, not good.

Dreaming of summer....

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:15:53 GMT

Finals time is the worst time to slack off ._.

Yum

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:35:26 GMT

Sorry for all the cruddy animations hahaa. They're all I have right now.

These next few weeks will be a little busy, but hey! school will be over soon and then I can really get sketching. :) The year went by so quickly...I can't wait for summer.

I AM SO TIREDDD.

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:24:14 GMT

All I have is a bunny.

His ears are not right & the timing is off, but I had to do something a little cheerful. It's my frustration animation! I love tvpaint.

fail. ):

Disney Inspire Days

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:32:19 GMT

This past Tuesday I had the chance to attend Disney's annual? Inspire Days event, which is basically an opportunity for students/recent grads to visit the studios, get a portfolio review, listen to panels with professional artists, and take a specialized tour of the feature animation building.

Trying to fix up my portfolio within a week (on top of my internship/regular schoolwork) was kinda stressful, but in the end it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. It was amazing! I felt like a little kid going to...Disneyland, or something. There were so many *giddy* moments that day, with two definite highlights.

Anyway,

After the intro, the "special guests" for the director panel turned out to be John Musker and Ron Clements!, directors of The Princess and the Frog. They basically spent their time talking about their personal history/work experience, as well as showing clips of PatF's progress. Highlight #1 - getting to see all the new clips/art for the movie. It was especially thrilling because we got to see an entire song sequence (part finished animation, part rough, part boards), one of the villain's--Dr. Facilier--songs. I got so excited watching--it seriously took me back to my childhood and the anticipation I felt whenever I heard a new Disney Animated feature was coming out. People may say that this is just another stock Disney fairy-tale picture, but it really looks fabulous (the art! the colors!) and I can't wait to see it now.

After that two producers discussed the elements of 2D/3D production pipeline. Next was Paul Felix (art director on Bolt, gah!). He talked about some of his inspirations--Kevin Nelson, Joe Moshier, Hans Bacher, Ken Anderson! all good names to know--and demonstrated how that painterly style was applied so effectively to the Bolt bgs.

During lunch the recruiters gave advice on submitting portfolios. I'm just going to type out some of the notes I took, it's likely not news to anyone but eh.

Portfolios:
- Versatility -->show your range
- Moderation -->don't show everything, only your best
- Be studio specific -->know the place where you're applying, and what they look for
- Only your best (natch)
- have your contact info all over (every page-ish)
I have a feeling they're trying to transition to all digital submissions as the recruiters' preference, they suggested sending in a pdf presentation of your work in lieu of a hard copy portfolio. The artists seem to prefer looking at flatbooks, though, so do as you will.

I took Art Tour 1 after that. It wasn't my first time touring the actual feature animation building, but apparently they started a new wall-art initiative, so I saw a lot of new, beautiful artwork that hadn't been displayed before. Each film currently in production has it's own themed "pod". The Rapunzel pod was decorated with Mary Blair prints, and the walls outside of it were covered in gorgeous production art--character designs, layout/bgs, boards, color scripts, etc. It's a shame that Rapunzel won't be traditionally animated (though the painterly cg looks pretty interesting), because the art looks fantastic. The Princess and the Frog pod was decked out New Orleans/Mardi Gras style, complete with stuffed alligators wearing beads/hats. As part of the Story Tour they had a story artist come out and pitch a sequence to us. The sequence was pinned up as part of a display, but apparently they don't pitch that way anymore--it's all digital (powerpoint) now.

Neat tidbit: We stopped by Roy Disney's (uh...the latest Roy Disney) old office, which was in the actual hat of the hat building. Apparently he had to move out because the walls are painted with vertical stripes, which, combined with the curved "hat" surface creates vertigo. They let us sit in to try it out...it did feel a little...strange...

Story/Layout & Vis Dev panels were next. Here are some Vis Dev notes:
they look for
-Solid draftsmanship w/ good grasp of perspective, drawing, and color
-Intuitive design sense
-Ability to stage characters in environments w/ an eye for storytelling
-working knowledge of style and art history

Portfolio review! From what I heard, this year the portfolio review was MUCH MUCH BETTER than years past. This year they actually had artists, producers, recruiters, etc talk one-on-one with each student (according to their specialty). Saw Paul Felix, steve anderson, lorelay bove, etc. Anyway, my review went well and I got some really helpful feedback. It was very encouraging =)

Highlight #2 of the day--After the portfolio review, while waiting for the 2D panel to start, I got to talk to Andreas Deja!!!It was an
moment. We caught him outside the conference room before the panel started. The funny thing is, I seem to have some blindness when it comes to him...I looked past him twice that day, and only noticed it was him when someone whispered it in my ear. Gah! I felt all mushy and fangirly inside when he turned around to talk, but he was really nice. He asked where I went to school, which led to him talking about how he went to school in Germany and made his way here. And he totally sympathized with the ridiculous cost of education today heh. Then he talked a little about how production was coming along, and what would happen after they were done. He happened to mention the next 2d film they would get to work on (probably), and I'm so excited...I'm already salivating over the gorgeous art possibilities for that story. I hope it comes through, though after seeing the Frog clips I'm sure they'll be making more traditional animation. :)

Eric Goldberg and Andreas talked for the 2d panel. It was great (and so funny) to listen to them and all of their advice.
Two notable books they mentioned:

Character Animation Crash Course! by Eric Goldberg
http://www.amazon.com/Character-Animation-Crash-Course-Goldberg/dp/1879505975/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238307353&sr=1-1

and the invaluable Walt Stanchfield lectures, finally available in book form yay
http://www.amazon.com/Drawn-Life-Classes-Stanchfield-Lectures/dp/0240810961/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238307434&sr=1-1

I wish that I had taken notes on what they said, but it was enough just to listen to them.

But yesssss....If you ever have the chance to go to one of these events, DO!! I had a great time.

Also,

To do.

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 04:53:06 GMT

HMMM I've had this journal for a pretty long time, now. I didn't really get it because of my fiery passion for blogging--I just remember that it was pretty darn cool to have an LJ, back when they still had the invite code going on (it made you feel special, ya know). I've been using it as a "sketchjournal" (with shamefully sporadic updates) but I'd really like to do more with it.

Recently I realized how very, very lucky I am to go to a school/have friends through which I can go to neat-o animation events and meet awesome animation people. I always learn a great deal through these experiences, mainly because the pros are so friendly and eager to offer advice. I figure that it might be nice to put my notes/observations from these events here. Who knows? It could be helpful to someone. At the very least it can serve as a personal reference. Most of the time I don't know what to write in here, anyway, so hopefully this will make things more interesting.

It's PORTFOLIO time again!...

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:17:12 GMT

...nrrrrggghhh. :I

Nicky - Lodeon

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:34:17 GMT

Updating from work! (if you call interning for school credit "work")...

...except I have no art :C

These past few weeks have been the usual school soul-sucking. I feel like I hardly have any time for personal drawing anymore. Just animating/boarding for the group film or learning techniques in perspective*. And as much as I love being at Nick, the commute to Burbank is so tiring that when I get home I just want to sink into bed and embrace sweet, sweet sleep. I hear this is what the real world is like....
Can't complain too much, though...I just wish there were more hours in the day. Or that humans didn't need sleep.

Art soon, hopefully!

*perspective is evil! D:

Schooool

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:03:21 GMT

So, the internet at my dorm blocks ftps? or something like that, so I can't really upload any art while I'm here. I don't have that much stuff right now, anyway, so here's some ladies (and mustaches) to hold you over:

I really thought that this was going to be my easiest semester (4 classes? luxury!), but now I think it's actually going to kill me. After just a week, I am frightened by its power...
Also, I think my load of sleep debt is catching up with me. I can usually handle less than 5 hours a night and still function, but I've spent the past week in a daze. Time to adjust sleep habits ):

Princess and the Frog art!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:49:28 GMT

I haven't seen this one yet. Gosh, it's looking gorgeous:

From the disney blog. click for hi-res

I can't wait for this!

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:57:03 GMT

RIP, Andrew Wyeth :(

Piracy...

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:13:07 GMT

...doesn't pay sometimes

Been doing so much storyboard-y stuff, I'm trying to get into personal art again D:

Hi, 2009!

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:56:29 GMT

Happy New Year to one and all!

As I can recall...
2006 was wonderful,
2007 was awful,
and as for the now dearly departed 2008...

I actually felt like I didn't do as much in 2008 as I did in 2007, but I was definitely more fond of it. I don't know why, but 2008? You were pretty cool.

Looking forward to 2009: more learning, more good times, more growth, group film, shows, internship, so many possibilities (:

I know that it's a little silly to think that a new year means a fresh start, when it really just means another day has passed. But I love that people choose to see it that way. I love watching all the faces in Times Square rejoicing as they ring in the new year, because it's all so... hopeful. And hope keeps people going.

Begone, Finals!

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:38:52 GMT

Some stuff for class...
eh...I got kind of lazy with this one ):

More under the cut!

And some doodleys for fun-

Sorry for the stretching! If it really bugs, let me know :O

Blergh

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:19:14 GMT

I was going to upload art but now I am too lazy and sleepy. Tomorrow, maybe.

Also, I realize now that unless you plan on staying up for the entire night (soon...soon...darn finals) then it's kind of pointless to stay up until 2 or 3 AM trying to do work. Nothing really happens after 1 AM. Nothing except Time-Wasting.

I'm going to make a sandwich and go to bed. Good night!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:15:43 GMT

Have a hand turkey!

I actually had to find a larger tablet to trace the hand in ._.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I lied.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:22:03 GMT

I really can't stay off the internet unless it picks me up and drop-kicks me out the door. Eh, I'm a child of the 21st century.

Might as well put up some stuff I've been working on. Next semester I'm going to be working on a group film, and I've been doing some concept art for it. That + the rest of the monsters under the cut:

The monster says

Rest of the monsters - OpenCanvas

some beastly things - Photoshop

And:

Just for my own amusement.

Warning: Large images behind cut.

monsters, grr.

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:33:15 GMT

art time!

A very exciting opportunity has come up, so for the next week and a half I'm going to try to stay off the 'net and just art art art. I didn't want to keep putting off updating (not like I update that often anyway), so here's a little part of the monster lineup I'm working on.

2:30 am GUUUH. I wish humans didn't need sleep.

PS sorry for the ugly picasa-ness. Just last-minute image uploading.
PPS GO OUT and VOTE! :D

yay

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:13:07 GMT

This is on itunes now!:

From online pics

"In 1964 the facade of what would become Disneyland's famous Haunted Mansion sat empty, unoccupied by any of its future ghostly residents, waiting for Imagineers to return from other projects to finish the attraction. But that same year, perhaps to remind the public that the Haunted Mansion would be opening some time in the future, Disneyland Records and the Walt Disney Sound Effects Group released the classic sound effects record “Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House".

more info and track listing on: The Disney Blog

how neat (: I love the haunted mansion!

some arts!

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:51:36 GMT

bird ladies!
photoshop and openCanvas...still need to fix quite a few things...feedback definitely welcome D:

just a photoshop doodle for fun. there are 3 artist references in there, can you tell?

I've realized that I have a terrible work ethic. Once I get started it's not so bad, but it's just getting started that's the problem. I'm too easily distracted by pushing daisies, or fantasy football, or useless internet junk. Must have more discipline!

On a completely different note, I was so happy when it started raining on Saturday. I love fall. I love curling up and just relaxing on the couch while listening to the raindrops patter outside. There's something about that chill in the air.

Too bad the temperature is going back up to the 80s-90s this week. That's LA weather for ya ):

Ugh. Not ready for Life.

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:49:25 GMT

Doodles for Pencil Mileage Club fliers:

Also, school has started again and it's already KICKING MY ASS. It's been but a mere week of classes and already I'm picking up my 5 hr/night sleep average. Woe! I need better time management.

One particular stress spot is my Intro to 3D animation class. This is a pretty accurate description of my troubles:

/>

I JUST CANNOT GET IT. I know it's a good skill to have these days, but I feel like I'm not compatible with this cg stuff ): guuh.

More randomness:

...so I saw this online:

WOW I THINK IT NEEDS MORE LENS FLARE
this show always has the ugliest promo pics, but this season's really take the cake. who the heck makes these things? I can't believe someone's getting paid to make this.
ALSO AWKWARD LEG KISSING.

And like everyone else I have been following the political happenings-- BARACKOBAMABIDEN? JOHNMCCAINPALIN? WHAT? WHAT?

HERE'S WHAT I THINK:

Just kidding. But this is interesting, I need to give it some thought.