draw draw draw!

I have been drawing alot lately.
Specifically political cartoons considering that this new administration is the biggest joke to ever run our american politics. I can't help but express my disappointment on this blog about our current politicians....considering that it is my only way to protest...not to mention, they are political cartoons....
thats art, ain't it?

ha

a letter

(as seen on Glenn Beck)

This is an awesome letter....WE ARE COMING!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(it reads....)

"I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written.

Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

- One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

- Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

- Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

- Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

- Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

- Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

- Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

- Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

- Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

- Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

- Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

- Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance.

Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it.

You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. I

f you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent?

Listen.

Because we are coming.

We the people are coming."

"Hubbel Employed"

I am starting a new blog with my latest cartoon strip. Its all in the beginning stages.
(So don't expect too much for now.)
Its called "Hubbel Employed".
I have had the story in my head for about 7 years and feel like its time to get it online.
Its just another way to express my creativity.
In a weird way.

You can see a short synopsis here:
http://www.devourax.com/properties.htm

and the blog will be located here:
http://hubbelemployed.blogspot.com/

Keep checking for updates!

Comments are always welcome.

More

more

some more

1994 Mead Animal Art

In 1994, Mead Corp. released a series of folders with some amazing animal art on them.
I have had them in a file cabinet since then and decided to show off the amazing artwork.

enjoy!

Deep Thoughts

I found this the other day.
It has some profound insight...Thought I'd share.

(author is ©1971 Veronica A. Shoffstall)

After a While

After a while

You learn the subtle differences between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn

That love doesn’t mean leaning, and company doesn’t mean security.

And you begin

To learn that kisses are not contracts, and presents are not promises.

And you begin

To accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an

adult, not the grief of a child.

And you learn

To build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans.

After a while

You learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden

And decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn

That you really can endure . . .

That you really are strong . . .

And you really do have worth.

Hi

Hi....

Not much to say...I guess I have been in a creative slump lately.
I am too preoccupied with the economy, crazy politicians, corrupt politicians....man, everything is wearing on me.... and its not just rupublican conservatism that is feeling attacked...EVERYONE in America should be fuming at what is going on with the banks, bailouts, PORK barrel spending, tax increases...etc etc. I swear I'm not in America anymore.

But I am 100% American true blue and through. Even if our govt. is turning into a bunch of socialistic fascist commies. Makes me wanna scream....(see image....not my artwork...but is a good representation of pain)

Anyway, I am working on a new art piece to show my frustration with politics in America that I will post soon.

What is wrong with our world?????

BEWARE: RANT

Our world is going crazy! Obama just signed an 800 billion stimulus that won't stimulate anything but government. (piggie sounds) The 900 Billion before that was to help home foreclosures, yet the money is unaccounted for and went to buying up banks instead. (flushing sounds)

Man, I think we are in for some serious economic trouble ahead.

There are those who blame capitalism. I don't. I blame greed.
There are those who blame republicans. I don't. I blame ALL politicians.
There are those who blame Bush. I don't. I blame ALL politicians.

See, somewhere politicians jumped into the game and forgot about the people who voted them there. They only care about gaining power, leveraging power, and gaining more power.

And Americans are too busy in their own personal lives to take a stand and stop these crazy politicians before they ruin America as we have known it. We all need to stand up for good.

Evil is not good....and good is not evil. We all know the difference....

Stand up and give your voice.....

before its too late...... and your voice is silenced....... forever.

Update:

I am rewriting a script at the moment which
I am pretty excited about. If only funding wasn't such a bear.

It's snowing today. I love to write when its snowing.
I just framed a pic of Walt Disney for my desk.
He is the man!

I watched Swiss Family Robinson over the weekend.
Why aren't films made like this anymore?
This is such a fantastic film.
It has the making of that you should definately watch. Chalked full
of unknown facts. What a classic!!!!


dev

Fun Tutorials

I made these tutorials a few years ago, BUT they still work great!
The Mayer shader tutorials are real easy to use.
The Maya chrome tutorial is fantastic. (use the chrome image provided) I used it a lot when I made medical animations years ago.

Hope you enjoy!
dev

How to Make A Gorilla In 3D!

I put this together. Hope you like it.
Its not super detailed, but it gives you an idea of how I build in 3d.

I will add a texture tutorial later.

How we can affect others...

We all affect others on a daily basis.
How often do we uplift others?
How often do we discourage others?

No matter what, we all have an impact on everyone we come in contact with on a daily basis, whether the experience is good or bad.
This video is a wonderful example of how we influence others.
Watch it all and you will be glad you did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

True Heroes

In our crazy world...its nice to know that there are "TRUE HEROES" among us.

This is so inspirational.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqb2NR5nlBQ

Rick and Dick Hoyt inspire me!

My artwork

Please note that the game renders are property of Disney....
My own work/ drawings etc are mine. Just keep that in mind. I post them to inspire and to encourage creativity.

As far as what I do, I create the models in 3d. (Maya) Then once the models are approved, I make the textures. Once the textures are approved, I send the models off to the rigger and he adds an IK skeleton. Once that happens, the character is sent off to the animators.
I haven't been animating as much for the last year. I hope to get back into animation to keep my skills greased.
I have so much stuff I wish I could post...but for now...I can't because the IP's are under non- disclosure contracts. But trust me, they are really cool.

Artwork Disney Interactive 2008

More Images Disney Interactive 2008

Band Artwork 2008

UPDATE IN 2009

I am keeping busy....what's new about that.
I have slowed down on the personal projects, but should get back into the swing of things shortly. I am planning on attending a film festival in a few weeks. Should be fun.

I will be posting some of my Disney work now that the game is out. (Ultimate Band) It was a fun game to work on. We are currently working on a fun cartoony IP that I will let you know about when it is announced and known among the public...but for now it is shhhhhhhh........(however it is a pretty high profile IP that we all know and love...)

For some weird reason, I keep writing new songs. About a year ago I thought that writing new songs was not going to happen for a while. I felt like the river ran dry........but noooo, I have written a few more this month and seem to keep finding inspiration. I am having alot of fun.
I hired a fantastic woman to help me transcribe a Christmas song on paper. It is called, "The Star".

Quote, " Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw

I read an article lately that really inspired me about creativity. It basically said that we are all creators. EVERYONE. Everyone can create something beautiful whether it be an art piece, a music piece, a garden, or a small corner of the house. You don't need money, position, or influence to create. You just have to have a desire.

I quote from the article, "You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.

If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters/sons of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination. But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.

What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.

If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."

and this is my favorite part.....

"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

It is what makes us happy and makes for a happier life.
This is why I create.

Now go and create something wonderful.

-dev

another shark pic

I quickly drew this shark for an art presentation I did for a local scout group. My objective was to draw something fairly quickly and color it as a reference object. I then took the sketch I made, and erased portions out such as the sharks mouth, nose, fins, tail etc until it had a very basic shape without the details. I then ran copies and gave each kid a half sketched shark on a piece of paper. They had to fill in the blanks based on this quickly drawn/colored ref image.

The results...

I was amazed at these kids. Some had natural art abilities while others had no interest in art whatsoever, but the results blew me away. I realized that if you just draw the basic shape/ foundation, the kids could fill in the blanks and make it look every bit as good as the reference provided.
The objective was to make it look like a great white shark...and they pulled it off with 5 stars. And the best part,... they were proud of what they accomplished.
Some of the kids who never even created an art piece amazed themselves.

It was a great and worthwhile project. (yet so simple)

Simple is good. And simple made these kids believe they could draw.
Fun times!

In celebration of Halloween

Here is a "cute horror" pic I drew.

enjoy...

Sketches 10 2008

Here are some "rough" sketches that I have been promising to post for a long time.

I have a ton of these little doodles.

Maybe I will post more later.

Enjoy!

FEAR in the Ocean

Ever go diving in the ocean?

Ever worry about sharks?

This is my artistic rendition of the FEAR we all have in the open ocean stemmimg from a dream I had. (sorry about the gore side of this image....but it is what it is in my dream........)

I am pretty facinated with sharks, especially the Great White Shark. I have always dreamed of shark diving in Australia, or Africa. One of these days when I'm rich I will do it!

But you might ask, "Will your horrific dream stop you from diving if you ever get the opportunity to dive with Great White Sharks?"

Heck NO!!!! If I ever get the chance, I'm going for it!

You only live once, right?

update: October 2008

Disney has been slow these past few weeks as we transition into another IP. We get to have fun doing our own personal creative stuff.

I have written 5 new songs on the guitar. I didn't mean to. They just came to me in a creative surge. I am going to record them soon on a mini demo for posterity.

I am a little concerned about the economy. If you aren't, then you must be wealthy or own your own house. I have a house, but I am 20 years away from owning it completely. Being in the creative/ entertainment industry will always be good for me, if people still want entertainment. It was proven that during the Great Depression of 1829, people still went to movies for an escape. I think layoffs are inevitable in every job field.... It makes me wonder if I should have majored in business, or something in medical. But then, my passion and happiness comes from what I do...and that is art....so I guess that is where I will be until it is impossible to support my family.

The recent American Economic meltdown

Here is my contribution in honor of those greedy pigs who destroyed Wall Street.
(politicians on both sides as well as the greedy banks.)

Burn baby burn......

Some recent artwork

Photoshop is an amazing software package. Here is an example of tweeking an image by using the liquify tool.

Ultimate Band

Here is the game cover for the project I have been working on for the past year. I worked as a character artist creating characters, clothing, and accessories. It was a huge project, but alot fun. I'm pretty proud to be a part of Disney. Maybe I will post more stuff at a future time.
Rock on!

Update

It's been a while since I have updated my blog. I have been really busy at Disney. We finished up the DS "Caspian" game and had high hopes for sales. Since the movie kinda flopped , so did the game. We're hoping that "Ultimate Band" for the Wii will be a better title as far as sales. Disney will release it in the next 2 months. (by Christmas) It is a fun game and I really think kids will enjoy playing it.(8 - 12 yr olds) The game doesn't really compete with Guitar Hero or Rock Band because it doesn't need periphials. You just use the nun-chuck and wii-mote. It has an awesome character creator too if I do say so myself. I was on a team of 3 dudes who built all the characters and character pieces (hats, hair, pants, shirts, etc...) for the character creator. We are glad to be done and move on to "Toy Story 3". (however, there may be a band #2 game if it does well)

Creatively, I have sort of taken a hiatus. Summers usually kill me with yardwork, family stuff etc. It's pretty overwhelming. So my art stuff/projects have sort of taken a backseat. I actually pulled some book stuff out the other night and worked a little. I have also written 3 songs.

If you feel it....ya gotta do it.

as I say....."Until I'm not...I am".

My anatolian shepherd pic

this pic looks like my anatolian shepherd.

Creepo pic

Here is a pic I drew for fun. I scanned in a line drawing and colored it in Photoshop.

Maybe I can post some more.

a new drawing

I made this today.

pic for a cowboy

I quickly drew this for a birthday program.

1000

Wow....1000 people have been to my blog.

I feel "special".

I got my anatolian shepherd a week ago. She is a handful but very fun.

Update Schmupdate

Man, I am not very good at updating.

Summer is here....which equates to long hours of yardwork. I never get much done in the summers as far as the creative work goes. Just too much to do.
I sure hope this summer isn't as hot as last summer. Man, that was a scorcher.
We have some new ducks and chickens. I am also hatching golden pheasants. (not sure if they will hatch by incubator or not) My female is also sitting on a handful of eggs that we hope will hatch as well.
My long awaited anatolian shepherd will soon arrive from Alabama.
I hope she survives the plane ride...you never know what they go through by the time they arrive into your arms. The breeder is letting her go at 6 weeks. I really like that because I want to get her to our family asap. Most breeders wait until they are 8 - 10 weeks. (that is torture!) The breeder believes that the pups are ready to go as soon as they are weaned from mama. I will start crate training her immediately. I will also intoduce her to some chickens and see how she does. I have read that they are good with pheasants...Maybe I will try that...who knows at this point.
Narnia's "Prince Caspian" game was released a few weeks ago. Our studio went to the theater and saw the movie to celebrate. Hopefully the game does well. (the movie isnt doing too bad)
Our next game should be done in a month or so. (Ultimate Band)

Sadly, I havent been drawing or writing much lately. I have years worth of creative ideas and work piling up...(a lifetime of work is more accurate).......but all I can do is all I can do.
as my book says and as my coined phrase goes, "Until I'm not...I am".

-

Last of the Nine Old Men

Ollie Johnston died on April 14th 2008.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollie_Johnston

He was the last living Disney pioneers who Walt dubbed, "The Nine Old Men". He will be missed.

April is nearly gone

This month is flying by me.... It is still snowing off and on. One day it is snowing, and the next day is 80 degrees. Strange weather.
I am going through my toy collection since I have had since I was a little kid. (still a kid mentally) Although my kids love my toys, I am thinking about selling them. Just another thing I don't need anymore.
I am still doing character design, as well as writing. I will post stuff as I can. (most of the time I post at work....so it is hard to get images up unless I post at home...i know....its complicated)

I have also been finishing up some songs that I have written. I'd like to get them down on professional demos. (more for posterity)

-dev

Sea Monkeys set

You know you want your own set of monkey pets.

Sea Monkeys

Man, I wanted these so bad when I was a kid. I would buy comics and stare at the joke/ gimmick ads for days. The comics always had these strange sea-monkeys. I was captivated. "Wow, I could have my own strange family of little sea creatures!". Little did I know that these sea-monkeys looked nothing like the drawings. I was so bummed when my hard earned cash was wasted on crummy brine shrimp.

The sea-monkey family is now available as a toy set. I just had to buy the family set for nastalgic reasons.

Now I have my own sea-monkeys....and they look just like the ad.

I'm a happy camper now.

Story dev/ Animation Notes

Here's a list of stuff I have learned from top notch pros.....



Devourax's "Stuff I have learned about Story dev/ Animation and Life" List

http://www.devourax.com/



Over the years I have studied animation/ character design and story development. I have learned alot. I decided to make a list of things that I have learned. It seems like we are always learning doesn't it? These key points consist of advice given by the top animators/ filmakers of our generation and before. Some comments come from the masters (Disney's 9 old men) in the animation field.



- Voice is a key part of character development.



- Make sure your character voices are strong character voices that fit the character.

(example: Baloo in Jungle Book, Mice on Rescuers etc.)



- Don't fear death in a film. Walt Disney didn't fear death in a film because it was true to life.



- When making a film, involve key contributers of the film. They will feel like more a part of the process if they can give opinions. (I love the way that Barry Gordy did this in the early Mo-town days. He would pull together a panel and they would vote on each song release.)



- Be willing to try new things. Work hard, and keep a high standard of integrity. Walt Disney had a simple- complex and sophisticated appreciation for "newness". Walt liked people who took on new things. He liked those who are daring. He admired those who were willing to try something new even if they didn't know how.



- Study live action.



- If your going to follow a leader, follow someone who will lead you to better things. Walt Disney had an air about him that made people want to please him.



- Do your best. Then when you think you've done your best....push for 20% more. Walt Disney had a knack for making the best "better".



- Inspire others. Find ways to inspire YOU. Walt Disney drew out of you what he believed you could do. He made you believe it even when you didn't know how to do it.



- Story is king! Story, Story, Story! To The Story Dept: From Walt Disney, "The world isn't made up of gags. There isn't one of you who could write a romance, lulluby, or a love affair in a picture. You have to have warmth so the audience can identify."



- The artist must believe in the project. (Walt Disney's artists believed in Walt AND the projects he was driving.)



- It is important to share knowledge and help each other on a project. The completion of a film is a BIG job. Communication, dedication, and commitment are crucial to its success.



- Be a visionary. Don't take anything for face value. Most people can't see past the end of their noses. Look for potential. Look at the bigger picture. Walt Disney always brought people up to "His" vision. He didn't settle for a low base. He was always pushing and encouraging.



- Be humble. Be thankful. We are all learning together. Walt Disney wasn't always right. He depended upon his artists and their own individual strengths.



- A wise man once said, "Follow your dreams. The world needs dreamers. Dreams make this world a better place. We need people with visions of a better tomorrow for everyone. We need people willing to risk all for the next guy. We are all here to make a difference."



- Reach your potential. "Walt wasn't a man, he was a force of nature." - Hazel George



- Study constant. Constant study. Study all you can. Study filmaking, action analysis, character, art class, etc.



- Drawing isn't enough!



- Observe!



- Realism isnt it. Drawing isnt it. Outlandish isnt it. It is believability and the ability to reach the audience! That is what matters!



- Get into the character or you will get a flat result.



- Frank Thomas loves animation because it pulls together all that he loves about life. He said, "I'm not sure I'd be satisfied just as a musician, or just as an actor, or just as something else. Animation gave me a chance to use all these interests and work them together. They all helped each other."



hope you enjoy!

I am sure I will add more.......



- dev

My personal work

You know....I have realized that my blogger lacks alot of my personal work. I spend all day modeling, texturing, designing etc........I have TONS of awesome character stuff to post. I would love to post my Disney work, however, ...I cant. At least until the properties are released....and if I get the proper permissions.

My personal work that I work on outside of Diz is also under wraps until I get closer to the completed project...so it boils down to me only posting sketches......

- sigh -

So, I'll get some sketches going....

-dev

Oompa Time

Oompas were the creepiest little dudes on tv when I was a kid. But I grew to love that movie....and those little Loompas. It's a classic that I watch every now and then with my kids.

It's funny, because the design of the Oompa is really unique. Who'd a thought green hair, white eyebrows and an orange face? I like how they all vary in size and shape too. They aren't little cloned "mini me's" like the lame version with Johhny Depp.

In fact, I can't stand the new revised "Tim Burton" hack job. It's a perfect example of idiots thinking they can do better with all the latest and greatest in CG. The Oompas in that show look stupid. The original Oompa is clever and made to last. Why did Johhny Depp destroy Willy Wonka? He made him so creepy........ And I like Johnny Depp!

Advice.....Leave the classics alone people!

If there is really a place called LoompaLand....I'm packing my bags!

-dev

heres the text to "Angry White Man"

Here is the text to the "Angry White Man" article in case the url doesn't work.
(I hope the author won't mind)

In election 2008, don’t forget Angry White Man

Gary Hubbell February 9, 2008

There is a great amount of interest in this year’s presidential elections, as everybody seems to recognize that our next president has to be a lot better than George Bush. The Democrats are riding high with two groundbreaking candidates — a woman and an African-American — while the conservative Republicans are in a quandary about their party’s nod to a quasi-liberal maverick, John McCain.

Each candidate is carefully pandering to a smorgasbord of special-interest groups, ranging from gay, lesbian and transgender people to children of illegal immigrants to working mothers to evangelical Christians.

There is one group no one has recognized, and it is the group that will decide the election: the Angry White Man. The Angry White Man comes from all economic backgrounds, from dirt-poor to filthy rich. He represents all geographic areas in America, from urban sophisticate to rural redneck, deep South to mountain West, left Coast to Eastern Seaboard.

His common traits are that he isn’t looking for anything from anyone — just the promise to be able to make his own way on a level playing field. In many cases, he is an independent businessman and employs several people. He pays more than his share of taxes and works hard.

The victimhood syndrome buzzwords — “disenfranchised,” “marginalized” and “voiceless” — don’t resonate with him. “Press ‘one’ for English” is a curse-word to him. He’s used to picking up the tab, whether it’s the company Christmas party, three sets of braces, three college educations or a beautiful wedding.

He believes the Constitution is to be interpreted literally, not as a “living document” open to the whims and vagaries of a panel of judges who have never worked an honest day in their lives.

The Angry White Man owns firearms, and he’s willing to pick up a gun to defend his home and his country. He is willing to lay down his life to defend the freedom and safety of others, and the thought of killing someone who needs killing really doesn’t bother him.

The Angry White Man is not a metrosexual, a homosexual or a victim. Nobody like him drowned in Hurricane Katrina — he got his people together and got the hell out, then went back in to rescue those too helpless and stupid to help themselves, often as a police officer, a National Guard soldier or a volunteer firefighter.

His last name and religion don’t matter. His background might be Italian, English, Polish, German, Slavic, Irish, or Russian, and he might have Cherokee, Mexican, or Puerto Rican mixed in, but he considers himself a white American.

He’s a man’s man, the kind of guy who likes to play poker, watch football, hunt white-tailed deer, call turkeys, play golf, spend a few bucks at a strip club once in a blue moon, change his own oil and build things. He coaches baseball, soccer and football teams and doesn’t ask for a penny. He’s the kind of guy who can put an addition on his house with a couple of friends, drill an oil well, weld a new bumper for his truck, design a factory and publish books. He can fill a train with 100,000 tons of coal and get it to the power plant on time so that you keep the lights on and never know what it took to flip that light switch.

Women either love him or hate him, but they know he’s a man, not a dishrag. If they’re looking for someone to walk all over, they’ve got the wrong guy. He stands up straight, opens doors for women and says “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am.”

He might be a Republican and he might be a Democrat; he might be a Libertarian or a Green. He knows that his wife is more emotional than rational, and he guides the family in a rational manner.

He’s not a racist, but he is annoyed and disappointed when people of certain backgrounds exhibit behavior that typifies the worst stereotypes of their race. He’s willing to give everybody a fair chance if they work hard, play by the rules and learn English.

Most important, the Angry White Man is pissed off. When his job site becomes flooded with illegal workers who don’t pay taxes and his wages drop like a stone, he gets righteously angry. When his job gets shipped overseas, and he has to speak to some incomprehensible idiot in India for tech support, he simmers. When Al Sharpton comes on TV, leading some rally for reparations for slavery or some such nonsense, he bites his tongue and he remembers. When a child gets charged with carrying a concealed weapon for mistakenly bringing a penknife to school, he takes note of who the local idiots are in education and law enforcement.

He also votes, and the Angry White Man loathes Hillary Clinton. Her voice reminds him of a shovel scraping a rock. He recoils at the mere sight of her on television. Her very image disgusts him, and he cannot fathom why anyone would want her as their leader. It’s not that she is a woman. It’s that she is who she is. It’s the liberal victim groups she panders to, the “poor me” attitude that she represents, her inability to give a straight answer to an honest question, his tax dollars that she wants to give to people who refuse to do anything for themselves.

There are many millions of Angry White Men. Four million Angry White Men are members of the National Rifle Association, and all of them will vote against Hillary Clinton, just as the great majority of them voted for George Bush.

He hopes that she will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2008, and he will make sure that she gets beaten like a drum.

Amen to that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angry white men

I had a nice 3 day weekend. Worked around the most mostly. I watched Hidalgo which was pretty cool. I made two pans of chicken enchildas and basically hung out with the family.

Political Rant:

I read this article written by Gary Hubbell in the Aspen Times.

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/2008198091324

Amen.

-dev
(angry white man)

College Shootings

It's really sad to hear of the recent college shootings where a lone gunman killed 7 (including himself) and wounded 21. It's such a shame. I get really irritated about some who react to the guns....this issue isn't about guns. This issue is about our society and the violence we have embraced for the past 50 years. Everything we watch on television is saturated with murder, adultry, violence, sex, kidnappings, and so on...... We are what we eat.
Some comments I agree with on CNN are as follows.....

Wayne Ellis of Allen, Texas : "This is a perfect example to support allowing licensed people to carry guns on college campuses and even into classrooms as well as everywhere else. This shooter would have been killed before he could have gotten off more than two shots if other people there had been allowed to legally carry weapons. As the old cliché goes: "When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns." The restrictions on law-abiding citizens made them all easy prey for this or any other crazed shooter."

Jeff Tormala of Molalla, Oregon : "It's not guns. Our society has glorified violence and dysfunction for the last 40 to 50 years, and we are reaping the fruits of it. Take a look at prime-time TV today: "CSI," "Law & Order," now "Dexter." It's a lineup of the most disgusting cruelty on display for all. Video games and movies that glorify violence against innocent individuals. What do we expect? It won't end until we as a society say enough is enough."

Martin Wnuk of Friendswood, Texas : "Apparently we've become a nation of strangers. There seems to be very little in common to bond us to our fellow Americans outside of our immediate families. And some don't even have that to fall back on.
Many claim we are a Christian country, yet cutthroat competition and winning are given all the emphasis and rewards over any Christian ideal. And it also seems that things of real value are pretty much being dismissed while worthless things are assigned great value.
So it's not surprising that we are creating these seemingly soulless ghouls who are in reality desperate, lonely, hopeless and ill ... and capable of unthinkable random violence.
I have no answer to it. In a few weeks this will be forgotten, except by the fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and friends of the slain, who will live with it forever."

Ruth Neal of Northridge, California : "I think that there are more shootings now because our children are no longer taught to accept responsibility for their actions. Parents and government are both to blame for this. Parents, because they are not willing to put forth the effort to raise their children to respect others and their right to be different. When something goes wrong, the parents will often find a reason why someone or something else is to blame for the problem, never the child. The government enforces the problems by curtailing disciplinary action in schools, cutting school funding, cutting counseling at schools and eliminating after-school programs. We have raised a generation of me-first children who give no thought to anything beyond their own wants and needs. We have become a society where one person's view can take precedence over the majority. We have allowed God to be pushed aside in favor of the minority. We have become the most violent society in the world. Until things change, we can only expect to see more horrendous tragedies in the years to come."

sad.........

but until America says "Enough!"......nothing will change.

What can we do? Stop watching it. Stop supporting those who make crappy television shows, films, music, games.

Support companies/ people that make good content. (not pointless violence)
Elect officials and political leaders who will fight against the crap.

Do it! before its too late.....

-dev

Scary times two....

I think I am seeing double scary......

More scary people...

I'd hate to run into him in a dark alley.... "Hey, Gimmie back my cheeseburgers!"

Yikes....Corky...RUN!

Um.....Corky is cool, but those creeps behind him give me the willies.

More scary people....

Need I say more....?

Things that scare me as an adult...

This has to be real.......I am traumatized by this image....but somehow, in some strange way, it makes sense. I'll keep my crowbar next to my bed in case it gets loose.

Those menacing flying monkeys

These I feared as a child...

Kids are pretty impressionable at their tender young ages. I remember that the "child catcher" from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" scared me to death. And don't forget those flying monkeys from one of the best films ever produced, "Wizard of Oz".

Gorilla brain

Man, I have often wondered if a gorilla is smarter that we think. I mean, look at the size of his skull. He has the capacity to store alot of luggage in there, let alone an intelligent alien brain....

man, it sounds like that could be the start of a very interesting cartoon idea. "Gorilla Brain Alien's from Kolob".

You're Hot if your an Animator!

See for yourself. You're hot if your an animator.

(- sizzle sfx -)

Of course India, China, and Korea already know this.

http://spotlight.encarta.msn.com/Features/encnet_Departments_CareerTraining_default_article_HotJobsinHollywood.html?GT1=10887

Ahhhhh....a relaxing weekend

I did nothing this past weekend. Absolutely nothing. For the first time in 10 years or so, I slept, watched tv, slept, surfed the internet, and slept some more. Of course I am fighting a head cold, so sleeping is really appealing. I never do nothing. It seems like I always have something to do.

BEWARE: Rant ahead

I have decided NOT to renew my Animation Magazine subscription. I have been an avid subscriber for more than 15 years. I'm just not happy with the articles anymore. It could also be the content of shows these days. They basically SUCK. Animation Mag articles swarm around these "junker shows" and basically, I'm not interested in them. I'm really getting sick of the same ol' stuff. The same look. The same formula. The same trends. I feel like no one is setting trends anymore. Well, ok....maybe one show breaks through all the bureaucracy and becomes a surprise hit. Then everyone has to jump on the bandwagon.

These days, producers are following successful trends and scrambling to compete with the new latest and greatest. They ride the coat tails of a summer "surprise" hit. Or they rehash stuff over and over. ("land before time" part 32 comes to mind) Most shows are second rate and mediocre. Do audiences really want pointless folley? 90% action and 10% storyline? I don't think so. (and don't get me started on annoying idiot sidekicks...thats an entire rant that deserves its own paragraph....but we wont go there today.)

Also, this politically correct crap is getting on my nerves. Do we really have to have equal treatment of sexes, colors, ethnicity, cultures, etc? I feel like that issue alone quells creativity when you have to stick to makeshift rules of the television PC police. As John Stossil would say....

Gimmie a break.

Another thing, when Anim Mag made their website a pay subscription, I felt like that was a terrible idea...even though I was a subscriber and was able to read the articles. I would read something that I wanted to share with a co-worker, but I couldn't because they weren't paying subscribers. How lame is that?

So, I made up my mind. I won't be one to give them my hard earned cash for pointless and crappy articles. They can keep their magazine. Ill visit www.awn.com and keep up on the info there.

-dev

Marc Davis

I found a bunch of Marc Davis art online and though I would post a few here and there. He is such a great artist. I love reading about him in the book titled, "The Nine Old Men", by John Canemaker.

http://www.amazon.com/Walt-Disneys-Nine-Old-Animation/dp/0786864966/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202411192&sr=8-1

Marc is one of my favorite Nine Old Men because he was so inlvolved with the innovation of Haunted House, Pirates of the Carribean, America Sings, Bear Country etc etc. He will always be one of my favorite character designers.

Oh joy..It's Tak

Tak originated in Utah at Avalanche Software. Now, he's a Nickelodeon animated IP. I think it's inspiring to know that the ip's grass roots were developed outside of Hollywood. And to think that it's now a regular on Saturday morning cartoons. way cool.

My hero

Walt is my hero. I love working for Disney because of him. I don't think my co-workers have the same affection for Walt and the amazing man he was. Most of them know nothing about him. I do because I have read countless books about his life inlcuding biographies, quotes, his vision for his movies etc etc etc . I value the things that he stood for. He was an advocate for families. His values that he stood for have an appeal families across the world. Sadly, most everything he stood for is trodden underfoot by Hollywood and mainstream america (and that includes some of Disney Co. as it is today).

Still, he will always be one of my heroes.

Treasure Planet 2

Great art.....great potential as a film....but it sucked in story development. As the movie flopped, Disney's head, Michael Eisner, whined, "Those stinkin finicky 14 year old boys don't know what they want". yeah, whatever. This is the same idiot who declared 2d as dead and screamed, "Where's my Jimmy Nuetron!!!!" when it made enormous amounts of money.

what an idiot.

Treasure Planet

Diz...this looks kinda wierd

Is this a dead Disney IP? Is it on hold? Anyone know the status?

It looks like they are going the "Gorillaz" direction. Like a combo of anime and Gorillaz style art. I don't believe we evolved from apes, but I love a good caveman.

I'm not sure if I like it yet , but I must say that I am intrigued.

Buhler...

Buhler.

Model Sheet 5

Model Sheet 4

Model Sheet 3

Model Sheet2

Model Sheet

larger poster

Kermit

When I was a wee little kid, I was a muppet fanatic. I especially loved Kermit and Animal. I still have my old puppets and original Muppet fan club memorabilia. What great memories. Jim Hensen was another one of my heroes.

National Geographic

I know I have already posted my work I did for National Geographic (3d modeling) , but I thought I would post the entire magazine spread. The 3d models are also on the NG website and are interactive. The movie "Seamonsters" is at an IMAX theater near you. M. Leishman set up the i/k rig and C. Acree did the textures. Our credits appeared under The Lair Group.

more...

more...

This image appeared in all the major newspapers and all over the internet.

more...

more.....

More

creepy

more

Another

Godzillasuchas

He looks so cool.

Another

Another National Geographic creature I modeled

I didn't model the shark. He's cool though.

My Henodus in National Geographic

Krono love

Sprite Commercial

I built this little gremlin with my buddy Matt Leishman for a Sprite commercial.

Director's Cut that bit the dust

Oh , we had such fun ideas for this movie. Too bad it never surfaced.

A movie idea that is still an idea

Watch Out

Watch Out for the Wizzy Wigs. These were made for the National Center For Missing and Exploited Kids. I worked on this project for nearly 2 years creating everything from 2d cartoons, to modeling 3d characters, IK rigging, texturing, animation, post production and I even created all the sound effects and music jingles. It was quite the project.

Atari Gauntlet Dark Legacy Game cover

Atari Dark Legacy Cinematic

This was the Sorceress I built for Atari's Gauntlet Legends video game. I also rigged and animated her in the cinematic. I personally wouldn't have made her so top heavy, but Atari kept upping the size. It looks obnoxious if you ask me.

Largest staue in the world

I was fortunate to work on the Maitreya project. This will be the largest statue in the world located in India. And to think I had something to do with it. (in a smaller way)

We had to create it in 3d so that it could be milled out on a gigantic scale.

see http://www.maitreyaproject.org/

Dodge Ram Commercial

Being a self proclaimed "character guy", I dreaded mechanical work when I first started in 3d,.... but I grew to like it. Alot.....Before long, I built and animated all kinds of 3d mechanical objects. I learned that I could enjoy it if I set my mind to it. Now, 13 years later, I value those days building all sorts of 3d objects......mechanical and organic.

Dungeons and Dragons

Remember this film? I worked on the 3d cities. I built Profian's castle.

Another

Old stuff

I found some old renders of some 3d projects I worked on.

DID YOU VOTE?

scupltures to inspire

I like to surround myself with all kinds of toys. (most animators do) I especially like the realistic animal scuptures since I am always drawing animals.

I have thousands of toys, and hundreds of these little animal scuptures.

Don't Forget to Vote!!!

Mixed Bag

The film festival was a mixed bag for me. Some stuff was good, some was crap, and some was sort of boring. Then some excitement came....I was called up in the middle of a premiere (in front of 300 people) to get a message that I needed to call home. I called home, wondering what could be wrong and was told that my son was in the hospital 2 hrs away. He was in a snow mobiling accident. I later found out that he was riding on back with another kid (they are only 14) and went down a 30 foot hole that leads down to a cement colvert. Both kids were wearing helmets...and thankfully, they emerged with somewhat minor injuries. My son got the brunt of it, knocking out a tooth, facial stitches, fractured orbital, concussion, stitches in the lip. We later had to have him in surgery because his muscles that move his right eye were caught between his orbital fracture and wouldn't allow his eye to move. He was also seeing double vision. We hope he is well on his way to recovery. Two years prior, another kid went down the same hole on a snow mobile and died of a broken neck. We are very lucky.

It has been hectic to say the least over the past 3 weeks. I am slowly getting back into my stories and should post more "stuff" soon.

Super Tuesday says YOU NEED TO VOTE!!!!!!!!
Don't not vote...even if you don't like any of the candidates. Vote for the one that is closest to your values. Not voting isn't making a statement....you are only giving power to those you would never want in public office. It's your right to vote. Please use it!
VOTE!

-dev

What Up?

Tonight I'm off to a film festival....no....it's not Sundance, however, I could get to Park City in under 30 minutes....hmmmm. I am going to a local Film Festival where I will go through screenings, seminars, workshops etc talking about film, the future of film, and whatever else they have planned. I really look forward to this each year. (third year attending)
It should be fun. Maybe I will post some pictures.

I must say, I saw a recent animated film that was such a downer to me. You would think that in a world of such fantastic technology, that films anymore would be top notch in every way. But that is clearly not the case. It seems to me, that although the sky has no limit on ideas and creativity, films seem too rushed, too politically correct, too peppered with agendas, and the storylines seem too bland, too much "stuff".
Where are the classics anymore? I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. Instead, I cringed through the first hour...and never made it to the end.

The film I saw was, "Meet The Robinsons". That film was such a waste of creative talent. What is sad, is that we rented the movie as a family...sat down and watched it as a family.....and over time, one by one, each family member kinda slipped out and disappeared. There was an occassional holler from the couch, "This movie is so dumb", and, "Dad, can we watch something else?" but I was determined to stick it out for this family activity....

and then I too looked for my escape.....

I ditched to the kitchen and found something else to do and forgot about the movie. My 8 -year old son was the last man standing. Poor little guy.
I asked him what he thought of the movie, and he said, "it was lame".

He was right.

Again I ask, "Where are the classics?" You know, those are the films you buy and watch over and over with your children? Yes, that is called a "classic". You buy it in every format; vhs, dvd, dvd HD, dvd Blue-Ray, and the "special editions" and whatever other technology comes our way........you even buy the audio cd, picture books, toys, games,.......and the list goes on and on......Then, when my kids get married, they will have children of their own and repeat the cycle.

"Meet the Robinsons" will never be in my dvd collection, my kids will never watch it, nor their children etc. And that is one example of the millions of crappy films we are getting pushed into our lives.

Hollywood needs to get back to the basics. Look at the films of the 50's and 60's. Something was working right. What was it? Smaller teams? Smarter work? It seems to me that this is a mystery worth solving. But hey, what do I know.

This is what I DO KNOW.
-Focus on the story. Just because you can do it in a movie, doesn't mean you should.
-Always remember, families watch movies. They watch them together. They buy your films and bring them into their homes. You are a guest. Family is what keeps you in business. The majority of families want good quality films....void of raunchy humor, rushed storylines, pop culture, hidden agendas, etc.
If you make good films, you will make millions of dollars.
(REPEAT 100 X)

-dev

Temp artwork placeholder

My Children's Show Production Bible

More artwork

Artwork

Artwork portion.

The text/ script

The text portion in my production bible.

The temporary cover

This is the current book I am working on.

Ticonderoga

These are the "coveted" Ticonderoga pencils that I love to draw with....however, even though I buy them by the dozens, they somehow disappear. I realized that my favorite pencil has become the "only" pencil my children will use....arghhhhh.

Devourax presents "The Production of a Book/ Film"

I will post some pics and images of a book I am currently trying to finish.
I hope this may be of some help to someone else who enjoys writing children's stories and or films.

stay tuned...

-dev

I can't wait!

This is beautifully rendered....I just hope the movie doesn't suck.......(you must agree that the grinch and cat in the hat were the worst movies ever made....i bet dr. suess was turning in his grave!)

another goofiness drawing

another

Goofiness

A great character sheet

The art concept

here is the character's rough sketch.

Monster

This is an "in-progress" creature I made in Maya for a website. (its supposed to be shaped like a musical note)

another

I love Marc Davis's art

Marc Davis......one of my heroes.....

I love the film "Song Of The South"

I love these characters. They bring back so many memories of me listening to the LP and staring at the pictures trying to imagine what what going on. Kids don't do that anymore. They get the instant stuff like videos and video games....I'm not sure they have it better though...

 

A New Year

As 2008 is already here, I want to start out the year with some tangeable and attainable goals.

Goal #1 draw draw draw.
- I actually have been drawing alot lately. I am trying to finish up the "Kookaburra Roo" children's book.

Goal #2
- Finish a 7 page script and make it into a short film and enter it in a festival.

Goal #3
- Finish my children's show. Or a segment.

There you go.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas..Christmas..Christmas....(I love that word)

This is such a great time of year. I love this season.
It's a great time for reflection and goals for the next year.
Am I ready for 2008? I guess I'm as ready as I will be.
One of my favorite gifts was some old Soul/Blues cd's from Edgar Winter's White Trash Band from early 70's. I am really digging Jerry Lacroix. That dude can sing.

I still haven't seen the National Geographic film, "Sea Creatures" that I worked on. We have been getting so much snow lately....so when we plan our weekend to go see the film, we end up shoveling and staying at home. Maybe this weekend though.

I had a meeting the other day with a few colleagues about the possibilities of video online/ pod casts etc. I'm not sure where it will go....but I liked alot of what I was hearing. It's amazing to see the capabilities of the internet. I have often thought about creating my own "mini tv station". The technology is here. I sure have enough content to keep it going. I just have to do it.

I have been working on my story, "Kookaburra Roo" alot. I have also been doing alot of character development for my kid's show. (working title "Ice Paradise")
So much to do....so little time.

-dev

Thanksgiving and lots to be thankful for

I have tried to post some artwork, however, picasa has been giving me fits lately. I'll have to figure it out. (another techy nerd dilemma....
Thanksgiving has come and gone...but I have so much to be thankful for. We had a great holiday playing games, taking care of our animals, raking leaves, minor yardwork, movies, pie, and just being together. It was really nice.

I love the fall season. It is such a nice time to be outside in 40 degree weather with the sun shining on your face. I am so thankful for changing seasons. I don't miss the California weather because nothing ever changes. I'll take the beach weather when I'm at the beach. I'll take 4 seasons so that it feels like something is changing. Changing is good.
I have spent time reflecting on the things I am most thankful for....God, religion, freedom, family, healthy kids, a home, a great job, friends, and rasberry lemonades!
The list goes on and on and on........

I am starting an "unofficial" Disney story group at work. We will meet weekly with some amazing artists who also write stories. We will work on individual story development for our "personal projects" and share our frustrations, techniques and general feedback with each other. It should be fun.


What do I want for Christmas.....?

There are a few cd's and movies that I would love to have. But honestly, besides my Anatolian, there's not much I want. (I wouldn't refuse a new truck....ha)

I really am content with all I have, and should probably go through my stuff and simplify. I definately have tooo much.

Again, much to be thankful for.

-dev

Updates

It's November. I love the colors that change. I love the leaves that fall from the trees. I love the cooler weather. I am savoring this time of year. If only it would last for another 2 months....

Lots has happened.

I think I destroyed that stinkin alien virus that invaded my computer. I am crossing my fingers that the countless hours I spent gettig rid of those little boogers paid off. It is so frustrating that someone would could wreak such havoc on someone elses life. Mr. Virus man, I surely had better things to do with my time. You dink.

I went to Disneyland with my kids for a week. We had 5 full days of Disneyland, and 2 days at Crystal Cove near Laguna Beach. We had a fantastic time....tiring, but fun.
I need another week for my feet to recover. The fires didn't affect us at all.

If you go to Disneyland, I highly recommend the Desert Palms Hotel. They were great to us. I will surely spread the word at the office....since so many of my fellow co- workers are headed to Disneyland....and why not? It's free for us. (gotta love that Silver Pass....nummy!)

Our Halloween film debuted on television...(i'm not sure how many times)I have heard alot of positive comments about the film.

I am hoping to get my anatolian puppy by Christmas.....we'll see. The breeder isn't quite sure yet if her female is pregnant....

Check out this band
- www.sweeptheleg.com
.... They are called, "No More Kings". I have turned so many people onto these guys...it's crazy. They are super catchy, fun, clever, and dang good.
Now, I am a big Jellyfish fan. I love their creativity that shows through their music. "No More Kings" gives me that creative juice that I crave.....I love it.
Do yourself a favor and check out the video, "Sweep The Leg". It's so funny.
Long live the Karate Kid.

-dev

A wolf in sheeps clothing

Daily rant:

There is a new movie coming out in the next month called, "The Golden Compass". It stars Nicole Kidman. (bleaach!)
The show looks pretty good from the trailers. It appeals to children and adults alike. It reminds me of the recent Narnia series by C.S. Lewis......

However, I have done some research into the film and its author. I have also been to www.snopes.com to verify the truth of what I have been reading and sure enough....this film is a wolf in sheeps clothing. It is written by a man who is a proud athiest who hates C.S. Lewis. He is out to create a movie wherein the child heroes "kill god" in the final book. What? Am I reading this correctly? The children "kill god" in the final book? Yes....

read it for yourself....

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Apparently, the first film is a hook to get kids interested in the trilogy....parents buy the books.....parents buy the movies....but each movie becomes darker, filled with increasing anti religion....until finally in the third movie, the children become adam and eve and "kill god". After which they can live and do as they please.

This film is hateful and wrong. I for one will do all I can to spread the word about the true intentions of this evil trilogy.
Just when I think that this world can't get any worse......

-dev

Hijacked!

My computer was hijacked by a malicious virus! I have had a few times when I had to rid my computer from spyware etc....but this last one was a doozy.
I spent nearly 12 hrs trying to solve it. This little booger disabled my anti-virus software, crippled my OS to the point that I couldn't do anything. Late last night I finally think I resolved it. I can't imagine where it came from....i do know that the last 2 times I got zapped was visiting music-lyric sites, and hairstyle sites. Stay away from those!!!! You can never be too careful.

I can't understand why someone would take their God-given talent and spend their time developing something so malicios...so invading....and so destructive. If these people spent their time combatting bad things, hey, the internet would be a decent place. Instead, the world wide web is full of pornography, hackers, and pirates seeking to harm anyone they come in contact with. If I only had addresses, I would visit them with my crowbar. I could have used those 12 hrs for something good.....sigh.

I would love to post some Disney stuff I have been working on, but can't. Maybe after the products are released next year. In the meantime, I am drawing alot....maybe I'll post some sketches.

dev-

Bye Bye Cafepress

I have had a shop on CafePress for a few years. I just haven't had time to really create and market some cool products. So now it's time to say goodbye. It's been real. It's been fun. But I don't want to shell out another annual fee for something I am not utilizing....so....Goodbye CafePress!

I wrote 2 stories over the weekend. One is called, "Two Foots is a Feet" (working title) which is along the vein of Dr. Suess. (although I don't read much he has written). The other is called, "Following the Leader:when sometimes we shouldn't" (another working title). I drew a bunch of rough sketches. I had alot of fun.

I also read through some other children's stories I have written. "Happy Stew", "Everyone's Gone Plumb Crazy!", and "Until I'm Not ...I am". I have to finish them soon. They are so cute and fun.
........at least my kids love them.

latest

The latest.
I am still working on a bunch of characters. (for 3 different projects) They have turned out really nice if I must say so myself. Just busier than busy.

I bought a fantastic dvd, "Surf's Up" . I LOVE this movie! If you haven't seen it....then you are crazy. This film has some of the best cg I have seen in a while.
Forget that penguins are overdone. That's a lame excuse. How many idiotic dog shows have been made? Go see this movie! The water/ waves are a work of art in itself. I loved this film. I wish there was more "behind the scenes" in the special features. Included on the film is the "Chub Chubs" short film. I wasn't impressed. Too fast paced for my liking.

I have been working on my children's show. I only have a couple hours in a day to do so. I try to spend time with my family after working at the "office". It's in the wee hours and odd times that I can find time to do my "dream" stuff. But I never give up. How can I? lIKE i ALWAYS SAY......"Until I'm not....I AM".

This month is MipCom. If you don't know what MipCom is.... find out. Especially if you are a content IP creator. I will make the show sometime in the future, but I have to figure out not only how to fund my properties, but also find funding to get me and my crew to France with a booth. That can be very expensive. I have no doubt that this is the "must attend" show for me. (mipcom junior too)

I am looking for an Anatolian Shepherd. (a beautiful dog from Turkey) I have been reading up on these dogs for the past 7 or 8 years. I would love to own one. I am talking to a breeder at the moment. (these dogs are not only pricey, but hard to get)

-dev

 

 

 

Update-0-Rama

It occured to me that I have been too occupied in my occupation to occupate my blogger.
So here am I.

I have been busy at work. In the last 4 months I have become a monkey grinding
fool working on the character assembly line.
I have seriously pumped out over 60 characters modeled, and textured. I am a good monkey. It has been fun, yet busy for a monkey.

Have you seen the cool ad for National Geographic Film, "Sea-Monsters"? It will be IMAX-alicious. I did most of the 3d modeling for the creatures, so yes, I will be there when it opens on Oct 5th 2007.

My second film, "Spookey Bats and Scaredy Cats" is now completed and headed toward a theater and outlet store near you.

I have been hum-hawing and digesting thoughts for a new screenplay.... I need to decide whether to move forward with my children's show, or concentrate on a new screenplay....decisions decisions...hmmmm.....

-dev

Latest

I now work for Disney as a character guy. What a great opportunity for me to stretch. I was feeling a bit stagnant at my last job. My heart just wasn't in it. I am so used to driving a project and putting my heart and soul into it....but when your heart isn't in it....your passion isn't either. Actually, I am so busy that it is nice to have a change of pace.

I will probably approach this blog as mostly artwork and minimal yappings. I talk too much and have too many rants and soapbox tangeants....and basically, no one reads this blog, so I might as well ignore the text and enjoy posting monsters, and wierdness from my cerebral carcass. Even if it is for my own enjoyment.

Wheres my pencil?...Wheres my brain?

later-

Slow Down

These past couple of weeks I have tried to slow things down a notch. I took my family to Wyoming for a week. It was a time for visiting and just taking it easy.

There isn't much to report. I have been tweeking some stories, and have been drawing more characters.

My computer is screaming for some upgrades. I'm thinking of getting a couple of new wide screen monitors. It's amazing to see where technology is taking us. I can't wait for the day when memory, and speed is a thing of the past. I can't wait for the day when the computer works as fast as a mind can think. No chugging, calculating, or choking. Man, I can't wait....and that time is probably within 5 years.

I watched the movie, "That Thing You Do" with Tom Hanks the other day. What a great film. One of my favorites. I also watched the old Disney classic, "The Parent Trap". (my girls love that show) I was suprised to finally see "Toby Tyler" on DVD. I snagged it and really enjoyed watching it with my family. These are great films that will stand the test of time. (isnt that what films should do?)

Political Rant: I was watching some of the presidential candidates get grilled for various issues. I was quite suprised to see americans bashing presidential hopeful Mit Romney over his religious beliefs. In an era of "anything goes", I would think most americans would want somebody to lead us who has a basic belief in Diety. Some might disagree with how that is defined, but the basic principles and values that come with someone who believes in God is really important..and should be an important factor....otherwise everything goes to crap. And we are definately headed there.

I for one, wouldn't want an athiest leading our country. I would vote for someone who has faith in God as did our forefathers. If they don't, then I ask where are they basing their principles and values? I am so sick of reading the crazy things that are going on in the world. Freedom is defined as doing whatever anyone wants, whenever they want to. Then we all ask, how did things get so bad?

I read the other day about a new trend called "Bum Bashing". It is where a group of teenagers find homeless people and beat them to death. I don't understand that kind of mentality. One of the boys said that he felt like he was in a video game and couldn't stop himself from beating an old defenseless homeless man with a bat. He said that it felt like a dream or a fantasy world.... Like he had done it before (which he had many times in certain video games). After the homeless man died, and the boys were sent to prison for 17 years, this kid still couldn't understand why he did it. He still thinks it was like a dream.

Are these the types of values we want for our kids? We need leaders who stand for good. We need leaders who have faith and hope in better things. If we elect bad people, it will only hurt the future of our children.

I for one want my children to live in a safe and peaceful world...

my 2 cents and the end of this rant......

January Update

Well, it's already a busy year.

I finally finished with our musical cd! I can't tell you how great that feels.
This is a major milestone in my life. It's only taken 10+ years!!!!
We actually have "some tweeking" to do (just a little) and then mastering the cd's. We will have 3 cd's (soundtrack, minus track, minus vox + underscores)featuring 17 songs, 17 songs in sheet music, and an updated script by the end of the month.
The next step is to produce it in a theater......cough cough.

I learned that our Christmas film aired 18 times before Christmas on most of the major channels. Very cool.
Halloween is just around the corner to start animation. I may post a pic or two.

I am going to finish up a couple of screenplays that I've been working on for some time.
First will be, "Auckland Island". It's a story about a Maori boy who tries to fit in among the Pakeha's (white people) that invaded his native island.
The next title I am keeping secret because it is so dang interesting. It's based on a true story in the 1920's and is so facinating that I need to keep it "top secret". But, I will say this...the film will be for families (total family friendly) and will be a very fun adventure.

I have also begun on my children's pilot. I am tweeking the brand and developing the characters. I can't wait until this get's in high gear. This should be a fun ride.

weeeeeeeee!!!!!

Christmas DVD

  

Merry Christmas!

Almost another year has flown by. I can't believe how fast time can pass you by. This year has really been tough, but I can look back and be proud of my accomplishments. I have been in writing and developing mode for kids ideas, shows, musicals, music, etc for so long. This past year I have accomplished so many things such as transcribing music to paper, publishing stories, written 2 films (one which has aired on television a handful of times on various stations), recorded a 17 song musical in 3 different cd formats, won some animation awards, started a new business and much more.

I am expecting wonderful things for 2007. I have a lifetime of work ahead of me. My biggest obstacle is time.

Merry Christmas to all.

See ya in 2007!

Updates

Some cool stuff is happening in my neck of the woods.
Our Christmas film will play on nearly every station at least 5 times
before Christmas. It has sold thousands of copies and has a presence on Amazon, and in many retail stores.

My musical soundtrack is nearly complete. We are making a couple of small changes and moving forward with mixing. It should all be completed within 3 weeks. There is alot of potentially good stuff happening here. Can't say much at the moment, but this project looks very promising.

I am switching into children's animation gear. By the first of the year, I will be actively developing my kids shows.

2006 has been great. We have accomplished alot! It has been very busy for me. But 2007 looks like even better. (hopefully not busier!)

I welcome a new year full of challenges. (and hopefully some small suceesses)

Happy Holidays to all!

Film Premiere

We had a mini film premiere last night in a mammoth theater. Kids and crew were invited. It was quite fun to see the film on the big screen in its almighty 28 minutes of animation glory.

It's quite an amazing feeling to see something you helped to create entertaining a theater full of people. I kept thinking about all the hard work involved in creating a project such as this, and how discouraging all the little details can be. It is really a monumentous task to have a dream, and see it fulfilled to the very end.
Not many make it, but some do....and when they do, it's an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

We will have our big premiere on the 28th of this month.

Television

Fox 13 and KJAZZ 14 will air our Christmas film 3 times before Christmas. This is great news! We are having 2 theater premieres in the next 3 weeks which promise to be a great evening. This Christmas project has turned into such a wonderful and worthwhile project. Hopefully, we can keep chugging along and get our Halloween film on television too.

Look for it!
Let me know what you think!

-dev

Latest

We are finishing vocalists for our CD project (musical) this week. I flew a guy in from L.A. to sing his heart out. We have a total of 8 singers singing 17 songs.
We will move to the mixing stage next week, and will finally be done! Whoo Hoo!
I'm holding off on doing a full stage production until I get a small mental break from the project. Seriously, this project has consumed all my energy the past 3 years. (hardcore)

I thought I would have more time to get my children's shows going this year, but I have put them on hold til I wrap up a few other projects. Next year will be the "year of the Dev" when it comes to my children's books, online stories, and children's pilot. ha. (we'll see huh)

I get to do a video presentation tonight of my month trip experience to Africa for a group of youth kids. It should be fun.

I need to get my site revamped.....but first I am getting my musical site ready. (before my much needed mental break)

Keep on keepin on.

-dev

My Web Site and other stuff

You know...I have really been itching to revamp my entire website. I want to redesign it, add new stuff (yes, there are lots of new goodies), and simplify it too.
It basically boils down to time. And right now, I am short on time.
I am trying to get some projects out of the way... and when things simmer down, I will hop on it. I hope.

I was able to watch our Christmas film in all it's finished glory. All the sound effects, music, computer fx.....everything was in there. I must say that I really enjoyed it...and I'm sure we will sell a million + + copies....
It really is a good film. It's great for children.

Look for it in the stores and online. Buy it as a Christmas present.
(how fitting)
It's called, "The Light Before Christmas".

rough sketch

 

This took me approx 20 minutes......I need to work on the hair and colors....maybe if I get time, I will xpend some time cleaning this up.
For now it is only for fun. 

Bizzy!

Oh man, I have been very busy these past few months.
I have been very involved in the Halloween film. I have revamped the script 3 times.
It has been extrememly draining. But hopefully, it will be worth the pain.
Production has begun. Now we move from Christmas mode to Halloween mode.
The Christmas film was actually completed today. (sound) It will be on the shelves in the next month. Look for it in Wal-Mart!

I have been very busy finalizing songs for our music cd. Producing is very time consuming. You have to really envision the "Big Picture" in all you do. Sometimes you make great decisions, and sometimes, you get caught off gaurd. So far so good.
We have extended offers to potential vocalists. I have heard from 3 (3 yes's out of 8). We will get the final word this week. We will start recording again next week.

I have been working on two screenplays. Both are very fun. Very family oriented and very clever. I'll give more info at a later time. I have also begun preliminary work (4-5 songs) on another musical. I'm not ready to jump full bore, but just getting it ready.

When will I get to my children's books and stories? Soon.......
It's all about time. I have years and years of work ahead of me.

I just bought the "Davey and Goliath" series. What a great show. I haven't seen that show since I was a kid (70's). I just got the series today, and I'm already enjoying them. Art Clokey was a genius in his time.

Children's content

I think back to my many influences as a child. I have had some major influences that have directed the course of my life and led me to where I am today. Some of those influences include shows such as . . .
- Twlight Zone
- Krofft Super Show
- Muppet Show
- Sesame Street
- Electric Company
- SchoolHouse Rock
- Munsters
- Pippi Longstocking
- anything Disney
- Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island

Some other influences have been . . .
- Mad magazine
- Awesome All Stars monster baseball cards
- King Kong, Godzilla, Rodan, and all those cheesy monster movies
- Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein, Wolman, Dracula, and the Mummy
- music from my moms old 45' collection (paul anka, elvis, neil sedaka, and others)
- Jim Hensen, Walt Disney, Tex Avery, Rod Serling, The Nine Old Men, Bob Dorough,
Sherwood Shwartz,

I grew up in the greatest age of entertainment and television. Nothing now can come close to what I watched every Saturday on the Saturday Morning cartoons. I worry about what my kids will watch. I worry that entertainment is corrupting our kids.

so I create.

For the past 15 years, I have been in creation mode. I have written story after story. I have individual binders for each idea, project, animated show, and storybook. I am now moving into a producing mode, where I am moving forward with the production of these ideas.

I am more than ready.

I want to provide good, clean and memorable entertainment for kids. The kind that I enjoyed growing up watching.

They deserve it!

My latest pitch

 


Here is one of my latest pitch projects. Whether I get any bites from co- production partners, it really doesn't matter. I think I have a fun/ clever show idea that is worth pursuing. So I am already moving forward. It is hand drawn in 2d, but since I have over 11 years of 3d experience, I am mixing the mediums. It will primarily be 3d with lots of 2d elements. If the ad doesn't comminicate that there will be plenty of fun and clever humor, than I just may catch a few off gaurd, because it is a fun show.  

and so it goes

I read an article today about a new clinic that is opening up to help people who are addicted to video games.
man......I just don't get it.
I mean, I like a good fun video game challenge once in a while...but to become addicted?

http://www.theparentreport.com/resources/ages/preteen/kids_culture/130.html

what is our world coming to?

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-03-01-no-sims-for-swedes_x.htm

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/health/14747219.html

Now, I am not anti games....however, just like anything......we should use things with control and with moderation. Kids need chores, rules, and time to develop talents. What is that kid going to offer the world when they are out on their own? What will he/she offer to their family when they get married?

A talent ay killing mutants? I don't think so.

Animation Nation

www.animationnation.com is my daily shot in the arm. I get the best animation url links, advice, exposure, etc from this wonderful web site.

Members of this site range from teens starting out in the animation to the major pros all over the world. Companies are represented such as Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, Warner, Sony, Weta and many others. If you are looking to mingle with the best, then this is the place to start.

-dev

Twilight Zone Classic b/w and BBird

I was watching the Twilight Zone this weekend with Rod Serling. Wow.
I am not much of a sci-fi guy....but I do like a good story. These vintage episodes are absolutely amazing. Storytelling at its finest. Rod Serling is an absolute genius. If you get the chance to watch these, I have found the entire series at the library, or you could buy it for approx. $350 on Amazon or Ebay.

I bought a book this weekend called "The Wisdom Of Big Bird" by Carrol Spinney. I have quite enjoyed it. Since I am a huge fan of Jim Hensen, and children's television, this has been a great read.
I have found some amazing video archives of some very influential television people such as Fred Rogers, Sherwood Shwartz, and Carrol Spinney available on http://video.google.com . Just do a search for "archive of american television". There are alot of interviews full of wisdom.

enjoy.

Blurring life

You know, it seems like the weeks are flying by in my life.
I go to work, work on my side projects, spend as much time with my family.....Before I know it, another weeks is shelved and I'm moving onto another week.

It seems like life is moving way too fast and everyone is struggling to keep up.

Before you know it, the kids are grown, your hair is grey, and you find yourself relating to your life as, "Back when", or "In the olden days".....ha. (and Im only 36!)

I want life to be meaningful, ...not rushed. I want memories that aren't merely blurs in my life. Work is not that important. Is it?
Status, keeping up with the Jones', or prominance are simply a facad. It's catering and succumbing to "the world". I have been to Africa among people that have absolutely "NOTHING", yet are the happiest in the world.

Don't you think that we can learn something from people that are happy, yet have little material wealth?

Devourax' list-

- Life is meant to be enjoyed. (that doesn't mean in idleness, or doing whatever you want whenever you want)
- Relationships are to be strengthened.
- Living well is making lasting memories.
- It's about "time".
- Being passionate.
- True spirituality is overcoming the natural man.
- Gaining life experience. (you can't teach experience)
- Understanding who you are, why you are here, and where you are going.
- It's understanding the spiritual nature of things.
- Making a better you.
- Giving something back.

To Do Or Not To Do

Ya know......alot of people like to talk. and talk.......and talk. But there are the few who "walk the talk". There are those who not only dream, but act on those dreams.

Many know that in order to do something great, there is always some sort of risk involved that you have to take along your path. There is always sacrifices to be made. Anyone who is anyone will tell you that this is absolutely true.
When you have that deep down gut feel beckoning you to do that crazy thing that you feel is in your destiny, ...then you better do it.

Otherwise you will regret it. And you WILL regret it.

I have learned alot about "walking the talk" this past year. So often I ask myself, "Why in the heck am I doing this project?" So many times I have felt like I am adding unnecessary stress to my life that I don't need. However, I know all too well, that if I don't do something with my ideas, and dreams, then not only will someone else do it, but I will be sad if I don't.

There is an absolutely great euphoric feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal.
Once you get that feeling, it's hard not to keep going. You feel good about you, and what you can offer this world. You've just risen above countless of millions of hopefuls out there who dream, but will only get to those dreams after they conquer the 33rd level on Amped3, or after they finish their favorite television shows, or after they finish wasting countless hours in their chat rooms.......

The world needs dreamers who act upon their dreams.

so do it.

NOW.

5 min sketch

  

biz biz eeeee

I am very busy these days. When will I slow down? Maybe when I'm 70 or 80. As far as I can forcast my future, I have work that will last me a lifetime and beyond.
(maybe kids can further my ideas and stories)
I have been doing some freelance lately, not that I need the distraction......I am trying to farm some out....however, I have found that farming out too much work can really backfire. If anything goes wrong, your integrity is on the line and the client is not a happy client.

We are currently talking with a "very big studio" (can't disclose yet) who has been around long before my time. They are very interested in our Holiday series (7 films).
The talks are actually going really good.

I will be in the recording studio next week tackling 2 songs. I need to get a website going for that project asap.

Our team won a couple of awards for some animations this past year. We won a gold, silver and bronze in 2005. This year in 2006, we have won 3 awards again. I'm not sure which metals we won yet, (June), but we are excited.
Video ipods for everyone!


-dev

Happenings

I thought I'd give an update. I am still in the studio recording the soundtrack for my musical. I have hired a top notch producer, and studio musicians, so we haven't had too many bumps so far which is a good thing. I am anxious to record the vocal tracks just because I want to hear the finished song. However, right now, I have to settle for the music. Vocals will come at the very end.

I am still brushing up the Halloween script for the Halloween film. We are talking to many studios about this project. It is peaking alot of interest. Many investors are coming out of the woodwork. It's exciting.

As far as the 3d world, I am staying busy. I am working on a multi million (almost billion) court case. It will keep me busy for the next month. Working for lawyers is painful. You get first hand arrogance, cockiness, holier than thou, greedy, condescending attitudes all day. (It might be time to break out my crowbar)
Sure, they pay my bills, but it's not worth any money they can pay. I could use some choice words for them, but since I am trying to stay in the G-rated world, I'll leave it at that.

dev-

Monster Holiday

 


Hee is a rough drawing of some monsters for the Halloween script I am writing. 

So, Where's The Artwork Dood?

I know...I know......You like my site so much that your dying to see my artwork updated, slapped and posted, spanked and exploited etc....all over this blogspot....all 1 of you out there in bloggerland.

My plan is definately to post more artwork...Just because it isn't displayed for your viewing pleasure (I really should say "MY" viewing pleasure), doesn't mean I'm not drawing at the drawing table, or that I have a lack of art to post thereof.
I'm just really flippin- freekin busy.

So, since I am talking to myself, and making my own deadlines, .......I can slack a little teeny weeny bit.

- slack boy....

Current Projects

I just thought I would update the status on my personal projects.

The animated Christmas film I have been working on this past year will be finished by June and on the shelves by October/ November at your local Wal-Mart. It is called, "The Light Before Christmas". So check it out!

I am currently working on the next film (2 of 7). It's a wonderful Halloween film for kids.(adults will like it too) The script is really coming together and turning out really cute. (very Pixarish)

My musical project will also be recorded by June. This project has kept me very busy. I should have in my hot little hands a cd of 15 songs, a minus track cd complete with lyrics and even underscores for the die hards. I will have a website complete with songs samples, scripts, lyrics, images....the works. I am keeping it a bit hush at the moment....but I'm sure I will post more info at a later date.

My new animated project should pick up steam in the next month. I just got new $funding$ which should flow in my bank account by next week. I hope to have a finished animated short ready for film festivals by fall. I surely have my work cut out for me. Watch for my stuff!

I will post some new images soon.

2d or not 2d

2d or not 2d...that is the question.

For the record, I never questioned the 2d medium. We all love cartoons don't we? I think the issue really isn't between 2d vs. 3d....it has always boiled down to stories and the quality of the stories. 2d never died as an art form. The storytelling is what died.

When Jimmy Neutron came out, rumors were that Michael Eisner was screaming, "Where is MY Jimmy Neutron!" Thus with the success of that show, and the emerging new technology of 3d, Mr. Eisner declard that 2d is dead. This is coming from the same man who sanctioned cheap-quals, and low quality hack jobs from foreign countries. If anyone killed 2d, is was probably Disney.

I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons. My brothers and I would wake up at 2am-3am and turn on the television. (we had no comprehension of time) We would stare at the snowy screen, or the color bar and wait and wait. One brother would stand guard and let us know when the cartoons came on, the others would sleep. We would take turns until finally, the cartoons fed us our morning bowl of a long awaited television fix. Mmmmmm...those were the good ol' days. That era has come and gone. Whatever happened to Saturday morning cartoons? Where did thy go wrong?

Now we get live action shows with teens and their teeny bopper problems. The shows are boring, unappealing, and idiotic. My kids will never understand that wonderful age of television.

Let's bring back that Saturday morning magic.......

somehow. somewhere.

baboon bootay's

Ok...So I love apes. I love monkeys. I have been ape crazy for primates since I was a wee lad. In fact, alot of my ideas will have at least an ape character, or reference to an ape. I guess that's what I get for wanting to be a primatologist as a child, then turning out to be a computer monkey. (ref to a primate)

My kids always crack (no pun intended) up at the baboons in the zoo and their big ripe blue bums full of rainbow colors. What a strange thing to have a beautiful rainbow butt.

I grew up watching apes in cartoons and movies. From King Kong, Curious George, Mighty Joe, Gargantua, Magilla Gorilla, Grape Ape, Bonzo, Tarzan, ...I loved them all. It seems lately that everyone is ape crazy since King Kong came out....and Curious George. This must be the year of the monkeys (apes).

After all, doesn't everyone like a monkey?

Competition and India

Competition. Yesss. The world thrives on competition. As consumers, we like competition. Why? Because it drives the prices down. It keeps business on their toes. It really is a good thing. There is surely enough pie for everyone.
But alas, what is happening in our world? This is the era of big business buying big business, thus making big businesses....gigantic businesses. Buying the competition.
What does that mean for us as consumers?

To me , it means as a consumer of product, I get to spend more money. To me, it means Corperate Monopolies. To me, it means less customer satisfaction.

Let's shift gears into a similar subject.

I am an animator. I animate. I feed my family by animating. I have over 10 years experience, and consider myself more than a novice in the industry.

Enter India.

The company I work for just bid out a large project the other day. It would end up being a $60 k job. The client took the same project to India. Their bid came back at $1500 ....Fifteen Hundred Dollars???????? There is absolutely no way that we could ever do the same job for that amount of money. So, the client took their project to 2 different India companies. The company paid them each approx $1500 and decided to go with the one that works the best for them. What could they lose for 3 k?

Man oh man.

I understand that cheap labor equals bigger profit margins. Somehow I think that between the communication gaps and the difference in cultures, that the India experience won't necessarily be all it's cracked up to be. I am a little concerned that this is a new competition where American companies will never be able to compete.

However, the work coming out of India is getting better and better. Most of the big well known animation houses are already using them. They are being trained by the best. (Disney etc)

To me this is very discouraging. I either compete with them, or hire them to work for me if I continue to stay in this industry.

Family Entertainment

What is considered "family entertainment" anymore?
The way I would describe family entertainment, is to sit down with kids of all ages and watch a show without any objectionable content. You can relax, and feel confident that the show you are watching will inspire, teach, uplift and entertain.

You have been there many times. The kids want a movie night...you cringe at what is out there. Whether you decide to watch television, or rent a new movie, you hope and pray is will be free from the crap stuff. The movie starts.....you can hardly enjoy it for fear of the borderline language, sexual innuendos, risque dress etc etc etc.
You finally decide, before it gets worse to turn it off.

It's not worth it.

Your children are what they eat. They are what they watch. It's a fact. Proven through the ages.
Why would we ever want our kids to act like Hollywierd? Or to be taught by them?

Absurd!

Do yourself a favor. Do your family a favor....Turn OFF the crap.... Get it out of your home.

One day.....sometime soon in the near future....Devourax will have an alternative to the garbage.

So stay tuned.

Pixney

Wow........big news......Pixar, the mecca for animation is bought out by Disney.

Am I really that suprised?

No.

Now, I know that Disney has ben floundering and grasping for a smash hit animation film for the past 10 years. They were pumping out crappy movie after crappy movie. I think the last Disney movie I bought was....was.....Tarzan. But then there was the cash cow, Pixar who was everything Disney wasn't. Disney was riding the coat-tails of Pixar with the 5 contracted films they partnered with them. And Disney was even so desperate for a hit that they threatened sequels and more sequels. Michael Eisner and his "cheapquel" legacy. Pixar basically edged them out. Hands down. It was artists against greedy executives. The artists mentality won. You can see it in the films.

Then Michael left the building amid cheers of "das boot". Everyone loved to see him go. And animation would hopefully get back on track after his departure.

Well, one could only dream.

Then steps in Bob Iger. What would he do to pick up the pieces left by Eisner?
First on the agenda....repair relationships with Pixar.

In comes Steve Jobs.

Now I understand Steve Jobs to be a bright man. I questioned whether he would sell to Disney. But as soon as I heard what he was being offered out of the deal, I knew he would take the bait. Call it a gut feel....or call it a great opportunity (wouldn't anyone leap at the change to own controlling shares in Disney stock...not to mention almost 4 billion dollars richer). And Apple possibilities under the Disney arm....hmmmmm.......expect big things in the Apple pipleline.

Now we have "Disnar", or "Pixney". Circle 7 (the cheapquel dept) is on shakey ground. Lasseter is head of Creative. Where would this take Disney now?

In my opinion, it couldn't get any worse for Disney. In fact, I think this move saved Disney (as time will surely tell) I am excited to see what lies ahead.

I wish Jobs, Lasseter, Catmull and Iger the best.

Bring back 2d while your at it. 2d was never dead. It was the stories that died....not the medium.

Congratulations Pixar and Disney! May this be a great chapter in animation history.

And to Eisner, .....may a thousand fleas infest your armpits....forever.

Story is "always" KING

You know it, I know it.......heck, we all know it.
So why is Hollywood cranking out the crappy films.
Ok...lets narrow it down a bit....

Valiant- Under the guise of Disney, Vangaurd managed to create a visually wonderful film. I liked the animation, renders, environments, lighting, colors etc. I think the character design lacked and was short of original memorable characters. Overall, it was a snoozer. The story was really really really boring. My kids were even begging me to turn it off. That says alot doesn't it? Aren't kids supposed to love anything animated? sheeesh

Madagascar- This is chalked up to the film that could have been. I love the designs, animation, characters etc. I am not a fan of pop culture, and especially pompous star power behind characters. (instead of paying 20 million to a movie star, put that 20 mil to the picture!!!!) The casting for voices was as lame as lame can get. Chris Rock, Focker???? oh man.....And the story.....oh, the story.....in a nutshell, it all sucked coconuts.

Hoodwinked- Do you even want to hear my rant here? I surely don't want to waste your time....and my time. One phrase describes how I felt about this film, "Sad Attempt at Polishing a Turd".

Willy Wonka- Why...oh why.....??????? The original reigns King. Sorry Johnny and Tim. You made it into a freak show.

And the list goes on and on.

I think the freshest film I have seen in recent years is "Napolean Dynamite".
It wasn't tainted by Hollywood. It was new and refreshing.

Even effects and CG wizardry nowadays can't replace a good story. Look at the effects in the Wizard of Oz. They were fantastic and revolutionary for the era, yet because the story was so strong, it has become the most successful films of all time.

Hollywood isn't creating new films. It's all redo's and sequels. They are chasing fast money.

Indies are on the rise....watch out Hollywood.

We know a secret.

Story is always "King".

Elle-Phant

 


Here is a pic I drew in about an hour the other day. I think it's fun. Not perfect by any means....any comments welcome. 

Wizard Of Oz

I have been quite intrigued this past month with the life of L. Frank Baum. I just bought the 3 disc box set of "The Wizard Of Oz" and have enoyed every minute of every interview, biography, documentary, and of course the film.
L. Frank Baum was a genius. The impact of his stories have affected generations and will affect generations to come.

I have asked myself, "Why isn't Hollywood making pictures like this anymore?"

Well, for one, I think Hollywood anxiously pumps out anything that will make a quick buck. They also want to entwine political and social agendas in all their pictures. They are trend followers instead of trend setters. They goop in gore, violence and sex where they don't belong. These are just some of the reasons. I am sure there are many more.

L. Frank Baum wrote a classic that will surely stand the test of time. It stands as one of the greatest films ever made.

ROBIN MITCHELL INTERVIEW

ROBIN MITCHELL INTERVIEW

Amazing Movies

So I finally got to see two movies this weekend that I have been drooling over since they were released. I am proud to say that I saw King Kong and Narnia.
Let me first say that the benchmark in CG has been set so high, that for any of us indies to compete is nearly impossible without those huge budgets.

I loved Narnia. I loved the story, the script, the characters, the actors.....especially Aslan. All I can say is, "Wow". It was very child friendly and will definately be in my dvd collection the moment it is released.

Kong was great too. I must say, I heard alot of hooplah surrounding the length of the film and the glutenous self promoting Peter Jackson chiseling a chunk of Kong for himself. I myself didn't think the film was too long. There were a few script flaws that I didn't care for, and I thought the jungle scene was cheated by being way too short....but I still enjoyed the film. It was chalked full of amazing ape action. The gorilla was supurb. I also enjoyed Ann Darrow. She was perfectly cast. The least favorite line was "It was beauty killed the beast." Lame!!!!!!!

Any, it was still great fun. I will be excited to see them again on dvd.

Happy New Year

I hope y'all have a great New Year!

A few things on my 2006 resolution list - (not in any particular order)

- continue excercising every day (going on for over two years now!)

- draw more

- post more drawings

- finish a few children's books! (they are so so so close!!!)

- increase spirituality

- build stronger relationships

- finish my musical cd / sheet music booklet

- motto "happiness is in the journey, not the destination."

Super Duper Blogs

I came across some wonderful artists here on Blogger.
wow.......
http://shawnscott.blogspot.com/
http://www.rajeshindulkar.blogspot.com/
http://bobbychiusubwaysketchgroup.blogspot.com/
http://amiga-team.blogspot.com/
http://andreiriabovitchev.blogspot.com/
http://ericsthomas.blogspot.com/
http://aurelieblardquintard.blogspot.com/
http://tanyalyon.blogspot.com/
http://alcornstudios.blogspot.com/
http://gogeckogirl.blogspot.com/
http://lionsong.blogspot.com/
http://lorrainealvarez.blogspot.com/
http://geenpool.blogspot.com/2005/11/huddle-and-gene.html
http://eddiepittman.blogspot.com/
http://bbinitials.blogspot.com/
http://hansranum.blogspot.com/
http://www.eddiepittman.com/
http://www.saltysugar.com/
http://hansranum.blogspot.com/
http://www.navone.org/
http://www.shaneglines.net/
http://stephensilver.blogspot.com/
http://markmcdonnell.blogspot.com/
http://www.andyice.com/
http://www.peterdeseve.com/
http://mad-t-party.blogspot.com/
http://ulimeyer1000.blogspot.com/
http://desoluz.blogspot.com/
http://reynoldsben.blogspot.com/
http://ryansmithsblogspot.blogspot.com/
http://brentgordon.blogspot.com/
http://john-nevarez.blogspot.com/

Christmas

This is a great season for Thanksgiving.
I have so many blessings to be thankful for.
This year has been a wonderful year celebrating many projects I have worked on.
(some have been years in the making)
I received a gold award for the MMA "In Awe" animation award. And a silver award too!
A script I wrote is in full production. (stop motion animation)
I was selected from 300+ plays to receive a special award. My musical was performed in a beautiful Assembly Hall for two nights. And if that wasn't enough, my musical may be performed in two theaters next year. And if that still wasn't enough, I am teaming up with a famous producer who has worked with Barbara Streisand, George Bush, Osmonds, Senator Hatch, and many more to help produce my cd.
My dinosaurs I worked on for National Geographic made the front cover, and filled the pages.
And so much more.

I am so appreciative of all the wonderful blessings given to me this year.

2d 3d Minion

 
 

The nine old men....who are they?

Ok, if you really need to ask who the famous 9 Old Men are, um...then you must not be an animation enthusiast.

Walt Disney's most talented group of animators ever assembled were dubbed "The 9 Old Men". These men were extremely talented not only in the art medium, but also as directors. Their contribution to the animation world is incalculable. They have touched millions of lives. They were truly the pioneers of animation as we know it and emulate today.

There must have been a synergy when these men got together that pushed them and inspired them to excel. Will that ever be duplicated? So far, I haven't seen it in the films pumped out year after year.

Some of the best films that ever came out of Disney Studios were from under their direction during the memorable "Disney Years". Looking at the slough of so called Disney films to surface over the past 10 years makes you wonder, "Where did things go wrong?".

Walt will never be replaced. In my opinion, neither will the visions of the 9-old men who worked with Walt under his direction and continued his vision after his untimely death.

The nine old men are . . .
Les Clark
Marc Davis
Ollie Johnston
Milt Kahl
Ward Kimball
Eric Larsen
John Lounsberry
Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman
Frank Thomas

A book written by John Canemaker called, "Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation" is available on Amazon and well worth getting.

Greatest Family Films according to Devourax

These are what I consider to be the finest family films to ever grace the screen . . .

Ok, most Disney films via the Nine Old Men are considered among the greatest...in fact, while Walt Disney was alive, I would say every picture under his direction was "family gold".
Here are some more...

- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder version)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Chroncicles of Narnia
- Pippi Longstocking (dubbed versions)
- A Christmas Story
- Sound of Music
- Wizard of Oz

Family Film Criteria According To Devourax

The criteria for a great family film in my book is as follows . . .
- must stand the test of time
- avoids pop culture references
- is family friendly
- no cuss words including "Oh My G**"
- is G rated (maybe PG)
- easy on the "scary" factor
- isn't bound by demographics
- makes trends...not follows trends
- original and fun characters
- characters we can relate to
- endearing and sweet
- has a moral...but not in your face morals
- isn't afraid to reference God or religion
- the underdog always wins
- avoids agendas
- avoids violence
- portrays respect for people and elders
- avoids sex and risque content
- avoids cigarettes and drinking

So what films fall into these catagories?....hmmmm.....

What do You think?

I'll post my favorite family films soon.

Christmas list

So, with Christmas around the corner, I am going through my wish list.
I'll only mention a few...
- Frank and Ollie DVD (I have the vhs version)
- Chuck Amuck DVD (I have the vhs version)
- King Kong DVD (ape crazy)
- Twilight Zone Collection 4 and 5
- Rob Thomas solo cd
- Celtic Woman cd
- Flight issue 1 and 2
- Spectrum (any)
- Brady Bunch season 4 and 5
- Gilligan's Island (all)
- Land of the Lost (all)
- Took
- A rasberry lemonade, tunes, and a tan on a deserted island......

Sweet Bidness

Some great books and sites I came across recently in the animated / art world.....

How To Write For Animation
http://users.adelphia.net/~getjeffrey/HTWFA.htm

Digital Character Design and Painting
http://www.seegmillerart.com/

Mike Kunkel
http://www.animationartconservation.com/herobear.html

Spectrum Book
http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com

Nice tutorial
http://www.sofos.com/adi/

Must see DVD

If you are a fan of Walt Disney, like I am, you need to check out the dvd titled "Walt Disney: The Man Behind The Myth". It is so enthralling and informative, that I couln't even take my eyes off the screen.
Walt Disney is my hero. A man who was driven by his dreams. A man who overcame obstacles of all sorts and emerged as an icon and a legend.

Anyone who can take a mere $40, and turn it into a multi billion dollar dream is a story worth listening to. He was a man before his time....I only wonder what could have been had he not died so young.

Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Stork Sketch

 

Here are some more creatures I modeled....

I modeled these creatures in MAYA....

and yet more.......

sweet.......

More National Geo

fun stuff!

National Geographic

The December issue of National Geographic is chalked full of the dinosaurs I worked on and modeled. The Dakosaurus or, "Godzilla", even made the cover!

It's a pretty sweet spread with a poster included. Above is my Kronosaurus.

neato.

Artwork

I will be posting some new stuff soon.

I will post caricatures and sketches.

So keep ypur eyes peeled..........

Toy collections

Yes. Most animators adorn their office space with toys galore. I am no exception.
Why?
Because I believe we are surrounding oursleves in a creative world. I personally love the disney maquettes. I also enjoy the cartoony looking toys.

Tonight I went through boxes and boxes of vintage toys I have collected since I was a kid. (30 years ago!) I am quite tempted to find new homes for all of it. It doesn't do me much good having the toys sitting in boxes. Plus, I could take the money and treat the family to Disneyland or something cool like that.

I am really talking boxes and boxes of stuff (20 boxes) ...opened and unopened. I have alot of Spawn, Bump in the Night, Star Wars, Johhny West, Playskool, Muppets, Planet of the Apes (70's stuff), Alien, Disney, Nightmare berfore Christmas, Dinosaurs, Jurassic Park, Toxic Avenger, Kiss, and more and more.......

Children's entertainment

I have been working on various forms of children's entertainment for over 15 years. I am now starting to test the concepts in the entertainment world. I will have some of my children's stories on my website. I am also moving forward with a television pilot.

This past year I received a big response from a musical I wrote. There are many doors that are opening for me because of that.

Overall, 2005 has been a year of many accomplishments. There have been a few highs, and a few lows. But I keep on keepin on.

Isn't that all we can do?

comments on 3d?

feel free to comment

My 3d work

Here is some 3d work I did for National Geographic....

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0512/feature3/multimedia.html

have fun!

Bring back Cartoons with stories for all

What happened to the Cartoons we used to love?

I find myself buying many box sets of old cartoons I used to watch. Looney Tunes, Fat Albert, Schoolhouse Rock, Tex Avery, Walter Lantz, etc.

The Tex Avery collection was released on laser disc. I paid a pretty penny to have them transferred to dvd. They turned out awesome. The funny thing about these cartoons, is that the audience is so general. They are basically, great stories for all. Kids love them and so do adults. You don't get that anymore in cartoons. Writers and producers have target ages they seek after.

Why not go back to great stories for all?

Animation Inspirations

Lat night I was interviewed by a kid (animator) who I once taught in an art class when he was 9 yrs. old. It got me thinking about who inspired me when I was younger.

I remember being into animation since I was a kid waking up at 1am just to catch Saturday morning cartoons in the 70's. (Ahhhh...when cartoons used to be good)

My inspirations are across the board. From animators, to creative minds, children's television producers, puppeteers, etc.
There are a few key people that have really made an impact on me and what I do today.

Walt Disney - He is my hero. No one can compare. I have watched "The Man Behind The Myth"
many times. I am so inspired by him like no other.
9 old men - These men are the pioneers of animation. They have brought me so much joy.
Tex Avery - Edgy, yet fun. He took cartoons to a new level.
Fred Rogers - My television friend. Kindest, most sincere man on tv.
Jim Hensen - A gifted creator and dreamer.
Frank Oz - Wonderful director and talent.
Mort Drucker - The best caricaturist that ever lived in my opinion.
Sid & Marty Krofft - I watched these shows every day. Crazy, goofy, and fun.
Sherwood Shwartz - He produced some of the best family shows that have been on air for years.
Astrid Lindgren - Pippi is such a wonderful character. (english dubbed versions)
Rod Serling - I lived and breathed Twilight Zone as a kid. Great storytelling here!
Schoolhouse Rock - I love these mini cartoons....especially Bob Dorough's songs and voice.
Hal Roach - I have watched the Little Rascals over and over. Innocense never to be had in kid
actors nowadays.

Maybe one day, I can give something back like these inspired creators have done for me.

-dev

Intro

I'd like to introduce myself.
I am a 3d animator that has been in the 3d industry for over 10 years now.
My expertise is across the board from storyboards, concepting, story development, pitching, script writing, 2d, 3d, character design, 3d modeling, rigging, texturing, animating, post, sfx, jingles, music composition!
My passion is children's books and stories. I am currently developing some stories for my website and a children's television pilot.
I have written an award winning musical that may be performed in two theaters in 2006. So I am excited about that. (as well as keeping very busy)
My favorites places to visit are, Leo Carillo beach, London, Kenya, and Montana. (love Idaho too!)
My favorite websites I frequent are . . .
www.animationnation.com
www.cgtalk.com
www.animationmeat.com
www.devourax.com

I will be posting random pics here and there. Feel free to drop me an email or comment.

 

Devourax

a happy place.....