Katherine Bianca Clark

Gifts

2012-02-12T01:19:00.000-08:00

Raden has 2 friends with birthday parties this weekend! This is what I made them:

More Work in Progress for My Film

2012-02-05T13:52:00.001-08:00

FINAL!!!! Animatic

2012-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Link to FINAL!!!! Animatic

Background Animation Test 2

2012-02-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here is an animation test for a background in my film:

Link to Background Test

Life Drawing Inspiration

2012-01-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here are drawings I did today in Life Drawing. I used a lot of my time in class today to get inspired for my film.

1 More Drawing from Yesterday

2012-01-20T14:33:00.001-08:00

Life Drawing Today

2012-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Welfare Office

2012-01-06T13:08:00.001-08:00

These are some sketches I did in the waiting room at the welfare office:

Animatic

2011-12-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

I have finished my animatic for the film I am making this year at Cal Arts - though I know things will be changed during production, as they always are! Click on the below to check it out. Hope you enjoy!

Link to Animatic

Sound Assignment

2011-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

This was an assignment for my sound class with Ben Huff. We were asked to play around with ProTools and make all new sound for a video, focussing on foley. I used a video that my sister created that I just love. This project is really goofy and fun. There are flaws, but I had so much fun with it I want to share it here. Check out the original video that my sister made which is amazing through this: vimeo link or through her website at: clarkinia.com

And now here is the sound project I did:

Workin' Night and Day

2011-11-27T23:51:00.001-08:00

Story Boards

2011-11-27T03:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the storyboarding so far for my movie this year. The first one is complete. The second one is the entire film, but it is missing a lot of boards and needs to be cleaned up. I clean them up so much because I need to think of the visuals of the film. It just seems to be the way I like to work. I have many rough passes of things like line rhythms throughout the film and character placement, but before I can really decide on a shot I need see and develop the look of it.

1st Scene:

Entire Film:

Halloween Night

2011-11-17T18:40:00.001-08:00

I know these are a little late, but here are photos that capture our fun Halloween night.

(Photographs by Regina Clarkinia):

Style Frame

2011-11-14T22:50:00.001-08:00

I am working on a style frame to base the look of my film off of. Here is what has been recently developing as I work on designs:

Great Book and Proud Parent!

2011-11-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

I left the house today with the plan to make a post on this book: Bear on a Bike, written by Stella Blackstone, and illustrated by Debbie Harter. I read this to my son all the time, and it is just a fabulous book. The illustrations are so well designed and fun. Raiden loves the book and reads it to me in his own way. I wanted to share it because it is one of those books that I wonder why it isn't more well-known.

After leaving my house this morning I had a parent-teacher meeting with my son's teacher, and now I cannot contain my joy and have to add more to this post. The meeting went so well! Raiden, my 2-year-old son, is reported to be advanced and will being moving up to pre-school early. His teacher, Ms. Tiffany, told me that I am doing a great job with him and that it really shows. This means the world to me since I am juggling so much. I have been so worried because between the demanding program I am in at Cal Arts and being a single mom I have had to make very hard decisions on what I just can't get done. It has been very hard and disappointing to work so hard, without even the time to get enough sleep, and still not be able to get everything as well -polished as I would like, or even fully completed at times. But after today's meeting I know I am prioritizing the right way. And as it turns out, I am doing pretty well in all of my classes, and I am getting everything done even if it is sometimes late.

I am very proud today. This pushes me to do even better - to have belief that I am capable and that I will do it! Raiden pushes me every day, and has been so understanding of my busy schedule. I am so proud of how well he is doing.

Now, without further delay, here is the awesome book I was telling you all about:

2011-11-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Over the summer I worked on an animated sequence for the opening credits of a new animated series that just came out a couple of weeks ago called My Pussy's Possessed. The web series is about a bachelor who's cat is possessed by his ex-girlfriend.

Benjamin Carrow animated the ghost. Sally Steranko did the title cards. I did the backgrounds and remaining animation, and put it all together. You can follow the series on the official website: mypussyspossessed.com

There was a recent review on the show that I am very excited about which mentioned the animation. Here is a link to the review and one of the episodes:

Link to the Review and Video

1st Design Test

2011-11-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to my first animation test for this year's film. It is just the breakdowns.

Link to Animation Breakdowns Test

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T00:36:00.001-07:00

This week's assignment for my Animation Layout class. The focus is on silhouette with flat lighting.

click on picture for larger view

Sandcastle for the Sun - Animatic - Take I

2011-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to my first pass at my animatic for this year's film. It is about Bea, a panther, who is working to make a perfect sandcastle for the sunset. She fights the tide, who wants to join in on the fun. After letting go of some control, she gets it done just in time for the sunset. Click on the link below to check it out:

Link to Sandcastle for the Sun Animatic - 1st Pass

Layout Assignment

2011-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some drawings that show the process for how I came up with the final drawing that I turned in for my layout class, from final, to first drawing:

Layout Class - Beach Pan

2011-10-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at a pan (right to left) with a rotating camera. To my surprise I worked the camera pretty well!

(please click on image for larger view)

In-Class Sketches

2011-10-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

Character Exploring For My Next Film

2011-10-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

Dumbo Sketches

2011-10-03T23:36:00.002-07:00

Elephant Sketch

2011-10-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

My Latest Figure Drawing

2011-10-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

I really struggled the day I drew these, but looking back, I got a couple good drawings out of it. I am really trying to work on two specific things: 1. design, and, 2. being more sensitive to my subject. Trying new things always leads me to struggle and a bit of regression, but after I work through it and keep drawing I get even better than before. Then I find a new way to grow, and the cycle continues!

Raiden 's Surprise

2011-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Raiden, my son who just turned 2 in July, has been amazing me all of a sudden with his art! He has always been a little good at it (he always held a crayon correctly, could draw circles early on, talks about his pictures to me) but just recently I have noticed pictures emerging. It started this last week. He uses specific, expressive gestures - for instance, he said he was painting clouds and he was using short, playful strokes, and another time he said that he was painting waves and asked for blue then asked for white and he was making broad, graceful strokes, making a 'swoosh' sound as he did painted. Here is what he has done this week, titled by the artist:

"Beach" or "Sky and Waves"

"Trees"

Last Night's Sketchbook

2011-09-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Classmate Sketches:

Character Sketches:

Tattoo Ideas:

Sketchbook Doodles

2011-09-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Back and Black!

2011-09-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be back at Cal Arts. I started classes last week - the beginning of my 2nd year. Looking around at all the computers - the artwork coming from the students is even better than last year. I definitely feel more excited and confident than last year when I was excited but scared out of my mind - not knowing a thing about animation, and let's not forget the lovely 4-letter word: Maya! In each one of my classes, on day one, I have learned so much already.

My schedule is even more grueling than last year's - with 4 night classes! And Raiden is definitely feeling the change. But we will get through it. I tell him "Mommy has to go to school so we can live in this nice home, please be a big boy and give Mommy a kiss goodbye." I have a great babysitter and daycare so I know he is having a nice, productive time while I am at school.

Last year, before coming to Cal Arts, I made myself finish that 1 class that I had been missing for 5 years in order to get my Associates degree, That felt good. Well, I was also supposed to test for my black belt 5 years ago, but I left my dojo a couple months before I was supposed to test. I had been studying somewhere else over the years, but I returned to my original dojo over the summer and finally got that black belt! And that felt good. I am no longer a person who works hard, but never finishes. I am a finisher!!!! At least today I am.

My Baby Comes to Work

2011-08-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

I had a caricature gig this weekend for a Grandparents' Day event. It's my second year drawing for this event and it was a blast. My son joined me - with the assistance of his Baba, my mom no doubt. They had a lot of fun as you can see below! He was excited to be a tiger in the face painting line, and went down big water slides. Thanks Baba!

My step-dad, Rich Hurley, is the magician of Grandparents' Day,

seen as Pop Pop in the picture below with his grandson:

Oh, and he colored his heart out!

After no nap and 4 hours of crazy fun and work, we still managed to get a picture together,

me and my tiger boy:

Cleansing Flames & Love Light

2011-07-27T16:42:00.001-07:00

Quinceanera Masquerade

2011-07-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing I did after I worked a caricature gig for a quinceanera masquerade party this weekend:

Pre-Party & Post-Party Clips

2011-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

So Raiden had his 2nd birthday party this weekend. It was so wonderful! Saturday was his birthday. I decorated the house before he woke up so that he would know that his birthday was special and fun. We spent the day on I-Chat with the aunts, cousins, and grandparents, opening the gifts they each got him. We also went out for a special dinner at a Japanese restaurant with a rotating sushi bar and koi pond. They sang him happy birthday and he loved it all.

On Sunday we had a birthday party with 4 of his best friends. It was so cute and so fun! He loved entertaining and taking care of his guests. We are celebrating with my family this upcoming weekend, and I will put together a Birthday Video Compilation. Until then, here is a pre-party video of when he first woke up and saw the decorations, and a post-party video of him doing everyone's favorite- the Raiden Dance:

Link to Pre-Party Clip

Link to Post-Party Dance Video

My Little Dancer

2011-07-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

So, first off I would like to apologize for the lack of posts recently! I have been doing a lot of artwork, but mostly things I am not able to share yet. I love this blog though because it keeps me on my toes for making my own work that I can share as I please. So that is coming I promise!

Meanwhile my little guy is getting so big! 2 years old this weekend! I got a bike and I pick him up and drop him off from everyday on it. We have a lot of fun. I am testing for my shodan in aikido finally, so I have been going to the dojo every day. Raiden loves hanging out with all the guys there. He has also made 2 best friends, one is our neighbor, and the other lives next door to the dojo. It is really cute to watch them play - best buddies! He is drawing a lot, getting really into the subject and stories of his drawings. What about those terrible 2's you ask? Well, the fits come by, but I handle it by always staying positive and redirecting. It is hard sometimes to always be like that, but the only times he acts up is when I fall out of that behavior. He is also counting things a lot, understanding the idea of quantity, which is exciting. Here is a clip of him dancing this morning:

Link to Raiden Rockn' Out!

2011-06-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

I am working again at Disneyland doing caricatures and portraits 1 day a week over the summer. I am also doing some animation and illustration projects that I am very excited about. - more to come!
I will be taking some classes at the Animation Guild (AAI) and Santa Monica City College.

Being at Cal Arts just 1 year, I feel I have grown so much. I am so happy and focused. I appreciate everyone's individual skills more than I ever did before. And my skills and vision as an artist are definitely stronger. I look forward to where I am going, and do not know the limits of how far I will go!

the Grandma, the Witch, and Gretel

2011-05-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a visual development piece on Hansel and Gretel. I chose the look of the film to be inspired by Dr.Suess. The story is mainly centered around Gretel. I added a good Grandma who has chihuahuas. Here are the character designs that I have so far. Check some older posts as well as upcoming ones to see more from this vis dev project.

The (Good Grandma) & her Chihuahuas:

The Witch:

Gretel:

Land of Hansel & Gretel

2011-05-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the land for my Hansel & Gretel project. If I haven't mentioned it yet - my film design is inspired by the styles of Dr. Suess.

Stages

2011-05-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have been working on the witch for my Hansel & Gretel project, and as I was taking a break I was staring at the computer, and thought it may be interesting to see the character throughout its different stages.

Stage 1:

Stage 2:

Stage 3:

Here are some of the stages for my Gretel character:

Last Assignments for 2D Animation Class

2011-05-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here is are my last two 2D Animation assignments I had:

Ugly Fish & Kissy Fish:

Riki turns into Charlie:

2011-05-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some character sketches for the witch in my version of Hansel & Gretel. I added a couple characters - a grandmother and a chiuaua, which I also started fleshing out. Keep in touch & continue to watch these characters make their appearance!

the witch:

sketches for a character I added - the Grandmother

some more witch ideas:

Gretel and the chiuaua are also posted below.

Gretel

2011-05-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

To go along with my "cute kids" theme this week, here are some character sketches that I am working on for my own twist on the Grimm fairytale, Hansel & Gretel. I am doing this project in my visual development class under the fabulous Lisa Keene.

A character I added, a chiuaua:

Baby Ideas - a Start on My New Project

2011-05-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have decided to push myself by drawing everyday. Each week I will stick to one theme, or style, or subject.

I have been thinking about what I love to do and what I am good at. I am finding that somewhere around children/comedy/cute/fun might be a good fit for me.

This week I am going for cute kids, and I started tonight - Friday:

Chunks - the Animated Short

2011-05-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

So here it is - After blood sweat and tears I made it thru this year, thanks to much support from my family, friends and mentors. My first year at CalArts has been quite a ride. I feel so lucky to be working side-by-side with so many amazing artist, and under the guidance of such generous and talented faculty.

My son, Raiden, is what keeps me going every day (literally seeing how as he is my alarm clock that never fails). The love that I share with him keeps me motivated and fulfilled. Of course, he is a lot of work too.

My mom, Regina Hurley, has really stepped-up as Super Baba. She provided top care for my son when I needed her during crunch time. Her, and Raiden's PopPop offered many sacrifices to help me get my film done.

My sisters supported me through this whole process. With out their encouragement I would have never made it to CalArts, nor would I have begun making the changes I need to succeed.

The faculty here at CalArts is amazing. The enthusiasm and skill that surrounds us is amazing. It is so important to have a faculty who cares so deeply for other artist, and for the quality of work that will be entering the field in just a few years.

So thank you to everyone for a wonderful year, and an exciting beginning of a new journey.

With no further delay, here is the link to my animated short, Chunks. Please make sure to have the volume turned up, as my son did the voice-overs, and it's just not the same without it:

Link to Chunks

Last Chance for a Sneak-Peak!

2011-03-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Link to your Last Chance Sneak-Peak at Chunks

Its On its Way!

2011-03-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Latest Pencil Test for Chunks!

Latest Pencil Test for Chunks

2011-03-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Link to Latest Video Test

Latest Pencil Test for Chunks

2011-03-13T01:04:00.000-08:00

Link to Latest Pencil Test

Latest Pencil Test for Chunks

2011-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Link to my Latest Progress

Latest Pencil Tests for Chunks!

2011-03-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Link to Chunks Pencil Tests

NOTES TO SELF:
~~JUMP 1: No wing flap; just a double jump (have him go in n out of frame)~~
J~~UMP 2: add a couple frames b/t wing flaps portions on flight up; do not space them dif, just add frames b/t the existing spaced frames~~

~~JUMP 3: - less floaty in beg; just take out wing flapping~~

~~- take out flips at end, just one twist-turn into correct position~~

~~-last frame cuts while bird is still in frame~~

FALL SCENE: introduce Chunks. Take chance to show character. Cute? or, determined?, or glutinous?

LOOKS AT SOUND: hold head tilt frame and add in bird-like double-tilt

Chunks Rough Animation Test #2

2011-02-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

Link to Chunks Animation Test 2

Movie Posters

2011-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-02-20T00:48:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to my mom, Regina Hurley. She has always supported me in every way possible. Loved me better than I could hope for. I have posted these two pictures that I took from my "box" where I keep my memories. I have never shown anyone things from this box, but I wanted to pull them out for the first time to show how much she means to me:

I love my mom:

From my childhood my best memories are those of creating things with my mom, from oatmeal to clay! I always hold this image in my heart of us cooking oatmeeal together:

My mom has also inspired me as an artist. She is an accomplished artist, and I follow in her footsteps. She has shown me how to stay true to my art by putting what she love into her art:

(I helped make the clay for this sculpture, thanks to her)!

This awesome sculpture is now in the famous Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. Go Mom!

You are my Life. I love you. Happy birthday.

www.reginasart.com

First Pass at Animating Chunks -revised-

2011-02-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

I am so excited as I have started animating Chunks. I am about 1/3 of the way through my film with the roughest of rough animation. Here is what I have so far - my first pencil test. I feel pretty good about it seeing how as before I would have to draw right next to the pencil test to have anything start to work.

LINK to Chunks Pencil Test Take 1

Sketches & Movie Posters

2011-02-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some sketches I did the past 2 days I thought I'd share with you. They aren't my best, but I thought I should show you guys more of my personal sketches.

Sketches of Raiden, and some by Raiden as well:

Sketches in story class with the wonderful Jennifer Skelly:

Movie poster thumbnails for my short, Chunks:

Chunks is on it's Way!!!

2011-02-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

I have figured out my character design and background for Chunks! I still have to make models sheets and clean-up the backgrounds though. I haven't uploaded my character designs yet, but here is the main background so far:

Edward Muybridge

2011-02-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE LARGER IMAGE

Here are some links an animated sequence of drawings I did in Steve Brown's life drawing classing a couple weeks ago. In the class we talked about Edward Muybridge as well as artist who have showed his work in different ways. One way was animated his photo sequences. The animated clips I have posteed were drawn from the model and animated based on these views:

3 frames per frame

1 frame per frame

Chunks - Take 8

2011-02-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

click here to see Chunks short!

Notes to Myself:
eye direction during contemplation
zoom direction higher

OK, yet another take...Almost There Though!!!!

2011-01-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

OK, here is my animatic yet a little more tweeked! Click on the link below to check it out:

Chunks Take 7

Notes to myself:

lengthen breath, shorten ins and outs on cherry throw.

switch tongue out face with other happy face during contemplation.

more time/shots on happy eyebrows at ending.

title page, credits.

Chunks - Take 6

2011-01-31T00:45:00.000-08:00

I put this animatic together the past few days. Now I feel I have a clear idea, and this animatic will be my map while I am animating the film.
Enjoy!

Links to CHUNKS - TAKE 6

Chunks Model Sheet

2011-01-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Hello and sorry about the dry month! I have not posted anything since December, due to all the fun and traveling, and end-of-semester-mega-migraine! But I am back in action. Over the break I saw a Pixar show at the Oakland museum, which was amazing. I really love the bay area and I have decided to focus my attention on the studios up there. I am 2 weeks deep into the Spring semester at CalArts. Las semester was all about finishing; this semester I am focusing on digging and diving. My film is really coming along - I am finishing up my final animatic TONIGHT! and here is the model sheet I just finished for Chunks. I have the main idea for the baby, but the model sheet won't be done until tomorrow. Then it is on to animating and finishing my backgrounds!

Click on image for larger view

Chunks - Take IV

2010-12-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

So here is another take at my Chunks idea. I want to start animating asap during the winter break. I might start with this one, then move on and do the other one that I just posted. Click below to check out my latest Chunks animatic. The other idea is linked in my last post.

Link to Chunks - Take IV:

Life Animatic Take I

2010-12-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

So I want to give a shot at 1 more film idea before I start animating. This one is completely different then the one I have been working on this semester. Check it out by click this link:

Link to My New Animatic

My 1st CG Walk_final ; )

2010-12-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

So here is the walk I did in Maya in my CG Animation I class with the wonderful Robert Domingo. He studied fine art at Art Center and is also an awesome background painter. It is inspiring to have a teacher who started out in drawing and painting and is now doing cg animation; it lets me know what is possible.

Click on the link below to see my 1st CG walk:

Link to My Final 1st CG Walk

A Step Backwards

2010-12-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

This was where I had my first CG walk before I went in to class tonight. It was done in Maya. Thanks to the help of my teacher, Robert Domingo (a great teacher and a great guy!), I was able to better understand what I was controlling in the curve editor. I have a smoother version after tonight's class that I will post soon. Click on the link below to check it out!

Click Here - It's a Link to my First CG Walk!

P.S. Maya is so complicated! I would never think that I could understand it, but now that the semester has ended, I feel it IS possible! I am starting to navigate smoother and understand it better - or at all for that matter! At first it was so incredibly difficult, but I can see alight now! Thank you Robert and Andrew!

Chunks Character Design

2010-12-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some character design sketches I did of Chunks, the main character of my film. I will show them to Rik Maki tonight in our character design class to get feedback:

Chunks Animatic - Take 3!!!

2010-12-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

Here is my 3rd pass at my animatic for the film I am doing by the end of the year. I still have to clean up a lot of the ideas I have in it, but it's on its way!

Link to Chunks!

Finals week...day I

2010-12-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

So, its final's week, Raiden is sick, and I had an emergancy to take care of that took away a few nights of working on my projects - so I have had no sleep for over 24 hours now, and I don't plan on getting any until Tuesday night, then I plan to go on another sleepless run until Thursday night. Here is my second pass at a walk that I turned in to wind-up the semester in character animation:

Walk #2

My Favorites

2010-12-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

These are drawings some of my favorite pieces from this semester's life drawing class with Steve Brown:

One of the best models we've had, though that is difficult to say, because they all have been absolutely amazing and unique in their own way. These were done with pen and ink, and ink wash:

The model had a crazy wig and an even more bizarre baby doll...

...crazy shoes too!

These are of my favorite model, who I have known for years. His name is Richard Marchetta abd he is also a musician. Sometime he plays his guitar for 20 min or so while we draw him, that is what these drawings are from. They are done with pastel on black paper:

This guy was great. He had such a femine quality; I never had a model like him before. This was done in watercolor:

For the following drawings I used Raiden's mini baby-sized Crayola markers...

click on pictures to see a larger image

The Last of Caricature Day

2010-12-08T02:27:00.000-08:00

Walk Cycle

2010-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to my first walk cycle:

Link to Walk Cycle Clip:

Various Drawings

2010-12-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some life drawings from the past few weeks:

...Even More Caricatures!!

2010-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

More caricatures from Caricature Day!

War Horse

2010-12-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 different designs for a war horse from this week's character design class with Rik Maki:

Horse #1:

Horse #2:

Horse #3:

Life Drawing in Pen & Ink

2010-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my life drawings from a couple of weeks ago:

click on picture to see larger image

More Caricature Day!!

2010-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pics from Caricature Day in my life drawing class. I will continue to post more from that fabulous day!

Lovely Wig

2010-11-29T20:57:00.001-08:00

Life drawing in Steve Brown's class a couple weeks ago. I love that class:

Flower Sack #2 - Discovers Life

2010-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the second flower sack assignment we had. I might throw in a background if I have time. This clip is sequenced like Star Wars - this clip actually shows the moment the flower sack was given Life.

Flower Sack Link

Caricature Day!!!!

2010-11-28T23:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jonny Gomez, who is one of the life drawing teachers at Cal Arts, I got to do a caricature day! His class that day was all about caricaturing the model, whom were made up of all the students in the class. It was so much fun. It was such a great release from all the stress we have been under.
The caricatures I did were all done on 18"x24" paper with charcoal/pastel, as if I were just drawing the figure. I have never done caricatures that size before or with charcoal, it was really great. Plus, I haven't done any caricatures for a while, so it was all fresh. After working at Disneyland doing caricatures for so long it was easy to get stuck in formulas. And I have been learning so much about design and drawing, it really made a difference. It was so nice to just do crazy caricatures without worrying about the product.

Here are some of the 1st caricatures I did from the beginning of the class, there are more to come:

(Thanks Tom Law!)

(Thanks Nick!)

(Thanks Eusom!)

(Thanks Sangeun!) (Thanks Hyojin!)

(thanks Benjamin!)

Stories

2010-11-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here is the work from my last weeks assignment for color and design. We were asked to tell a story through 2 pictures and restricted pallets.. The first one is black and white, with a little red. The second is using blue and orange. I decided to use the story from my film that I will be doing this year. In case you haven't seen it at all, here is a link to my most recent animatic:

Happy Bird Animatic

I will be taking out the brothers/bullies however.

Self Portraits

2010-11-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

These are from my series of self portraits that I painted for an assignment last week for my color and design class with Brooke Keesling. I have done so many art school and fine art self portraits, and I wanted to do something different. I didn't look in the mirror for any of these, and I decided to expose my awkward feelings.

Represents feeling crazy and dirty in public:

Those times I am caught laughing and looking goofy:

The awkwardness of Disneyland portraits:

(I have worked for over 6 years as a portrait and caricature artist at Disneyland)

When I feel pitiful and ashamed; when I feel like giving up:

If I where a super hero:

Flower Sack - The Ditch

2010-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hi guys. Here is a video of my flower sack animation. I really enjoyed doing this animation. Flower sacks have great weight - it makes it easier to animate. The assignment was to have a flower sack jump, or attempt to jump, over a ditch.

Flower Sack Video

Silhouette Cut-Out

2010-11-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the silhouette project I did for my color & design class. We each had 5 sheets of paper to put together and cut a silhouette out of, meanwhile telling a story. I told the story of my search for love and happiness, which I ended up finding when I had my son. The figure was taken from drawings I did in the past representing my struggle to find happiness.

Randal as a Human

2010-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here is this week's assignment from Rik Maki's character design class. We were asked to make a human version of Randal, from Monsters, Inc., as well as a sidekick for him. I have some stuff that still needs to be put up - a silhouette cutting, some cool life drawings, and some animated clips. I'll get them up this weekend. Meanwhile I am working on some work in all of my 9 classes. I don't really know how to show my CG work since it's done in Maya - its difficult enough for me figuring out how to start a new project!

Well, take care, and here ya' go:

Randal:

Sidekick, Bob:

More Randal:

"Happy Cherries" aka "Chunks" Animatic Take II

2010-11-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a moment since my last post. I have been working really hard on my animatic. It is my 2nd and 2nd to last pass on my animatic. I changed the story a bit from the first pass. I am showing it in class tonight. I was up until 5:30 am this morning. And, of course, Raiden decided to wake up at 6 am! So glad it's ready to show in class now, though there is no sound yet. Let me know what you think, feedback of all sorts is very much appreciated!

Enjoy:

Link to "Happy Cherries" aka "Chunks" Animatic

Halloween Night!

2010-11-03T00:39:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun taking Raiden on his first Halloween - I just had to share these photos. We went to our home town and trick-or-treated at his Baba's house.

Examining the collection:

Post Candy:

Grim Ghouls

2010-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

For character design we were asked to create ghouls in honor of Halloween, based on Tim Burton's style of artwork. So, here they are! I actually brought Raiden to class with me because it was the babysitters birthdady, and it seemed like she really wanted the noght off. Rik Maki was so sweet with him. It turned out to be a lot of fun for Raiden. Can't wait to take Raiden trick-or-treating! I am not sure what he'll be yet though.

Life Drawing, mixed media, 10.07.2010

2010-10-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

These are drawings I did in my life drawing class on the 7th. I used india ink for most of the pieces, but sometimes I added watercolor crayon, or charcoal as well. I am really enjoying opening up as an artist again in this class. We study anatomy in the morning and more personal expression in the afternoon. It works out really well.

The model had a crazy wig and an even more bizarre baby doll...

...crazy shoes too!

click on pictures to see a larger image

Character Design

2010-10-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

I was a little nervous today while finishing up my work for character design class. 1st there was the issue that I have been where I feel like I am not focusing or committing to my work, and 2nd was that Raiden was having a bad day yesterday - he's sick again, carrying a bit of a negative attitude, and he decided that fake hitting is cute.
But while working I just kept reminding myself to focus with each pencil stroke, and my work, I feel, turned out better! Then, I put myself on a 2 minute break before I picked up Raiden from daycare where I told myself to stay focused on being positive no matter what - calm and assertive, (not to steal quotes from the Dog Whisperer)! Raiden and I had a great afternoon together! It was so much fun. I also changed his dinner to an earlier time which really helped things.
So, with no further delay, here is the work I did for the character design class today:

We had 2 assignments, the first an ostrich:

My teacher, and animation guru, Rik maki's critique explained that the beaks were drawn wrong on this page, and to look up Preston Blair's book for a good example of how to draw beaks properly:

He liked the reaching bird, and sort-of liked the bird on the far left, for their silhouettes:

...And for the 2nd part of this week's assignment was to draw an old person based off of a simple shape:

Rik liked the size/character comparison here:

He liked the top 2 on this page:

Links to My Animation Assignments

2010-10-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

...and, by the way, Raiden can catch a ball! ...and, to add to his words via signing, he pats his chest to sign that he needs help with something :) ...brings me his socks and shoes when it is time to leave, and gets a cookie from the bowl to bring to the neighbor's dog when we go. I could go on and on, but hey - that's what mom's are for, right!

Here are the assignments that I have posted so far:

2D Character Animation:
Assignment #1: Vertical Bouncing Ball
Assignment #2: Horizontal Bouncing Ball
Assignment #3: the Flag

(previously posted):
Story:
Happy Bird Animatic
This is also the 1st animation I ever tried:
Dog-Wolf & Bird

Life Drawing with Raiden's Mini-Markers

2010-10-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

These were done a few weeks ago in Steve Brown's glorious life drawing class. I used my son's set of mini-baby-sized markers.

Life Drawing in Pastel/Conte

2010-10-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

These drawings were done throughout my 5 weeks at Cal Arts. I am really enjoying the class. It is taught by Steve Brown. Well, the proof is in the pudding, right?

I Will Make Myself Do Better!

2010-10-14T00:40:00.000-07:00

So things have been going great with Raiden. I spend nice quality time with him and still teach him to be a great little helper. We have a lot of fun. Unfortunately in school I feel my work has been below par. I spend the time, but I don't think I am committing to it like I should. So I am going to work on being more focused on understanding what I am doing in these assignments. But I still continue to post through the good and the ehhh.

Here are more of my sexy girl shape drawing for my 2D character design class with Rik Maki:

These I also posted earlier in the week:

Color & Design Characters

2010-10-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

In my color and design class we were supposed to create 3 characters out of inanimate objects, using color. I don't know why I struggled so much with this assignment, but everything came out so stiff. Here is the end result of the struggle:

I was going to have all 3 in each character's shot, but I wasn't liking how it was turning out:

A Little Song for a Little Guy

2010-10-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

I added a quick soundtrack on my animatic. Its a little more entertaining now. I am starting to like the story more and more. I am excited to continue enhancing it with all the different attributes of an animation and story.
Be A Happy Bird

Sexy Girl

2010-10-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

So I have really been struggling - for years - to create a character that can move and turn. After my character design class with Rik Maki on Wednesday he told me for my homework to just make simple shapes for characters instead of working on the original assignment of a completed sexy pirate woman. That night the angels sang as I started to understand while sketching at home! Thank you Rik Maki!!! Here are some of the sketches, they aren't much but for me they are everything because it is the beginning of a turning point for me:

Happy Cherries Animatic

2010-10-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

So all the students in my group (including myself) have been running around with no sleep trying to get all the classwork done. In particular we had a big project due last night in our story class. We had to have an animatic for our film! Enough talk, here it is:

Happy Cherries

(sound yet to be added)

...and I am going back to work!

BFA1 Character Animation Group Photo

2010-10-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a group photo of the CalArts 1st year character animation students, taken during our orientation.

Thanks Maija!

So, can you find me?

the Pressure Begins!

2010-09-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

So I have had a bit of a crazy week-and-a-half. Raiden was pretty sick 3 times, and I caught his illnesses. Things in general just got pretty hectic, but I did some adjustments, to both my schedule and how I was handling Raiden. Things are so much better now! I told myself 'I knew this would happen,' shook it off, took a breath, and figured it out.

Classes are great. I am starting an independent study with Scott Wright now too.
Here are some projects I have done this week:

Color & Design:

Character Design:

(Rick Mackey still has the full-body turn-around)

2D Character Animation:

A shot from my bouncing ball assignment.
(I will post the whole bounce when I finally teach myself an animating software this week!)

Wrap-up of the First Week!

2010-09-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel so satisfied. I love all of the classes I am taking. I feel so inspired and productive. It feels unreal that I will be making a film by the end of the school year, but after this week I feel that it actually is possible. In fact I created my very first animation in just 2 1/2 hours today! You can follow this link to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJaCoa2uLJM

Raiden absolutely LOVES going to daycare! He doesn't even care whether I am there or not when I drop him off - and he is normally a big-ol' mamma's boy! He hasn't been getting enough sleep however. Which also makes him restless and sleep less at night, but at least he is having fun.

Here are some sketches from my 2D character design class. This class got my heart beating because I have more experience in it, but I need a good mentor to learn from. The teacher is amazing - Rik Maki, and I am so happy he is my teacher. These sketches are from in-class, and from a homework assignment that I started:

Here are some sketches that I did today in my skill enrichment class. I was very upset when I first signed-up for this class because it was a last-minute requirement to add a 9th class to my schedule. I am so happy that I am in it now though! The teacher, Maria Vaslikovsky, relates to me as a mother and an artist. She really pushes us to be creative and exploratory. I absolutely LOVED our first class! I made my very first animation, which can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJaCoa2uLJM

It was such an amazing experience to animate for the first time. It took me a while to dive-in and realize that I could make a character move and live on the page, but once I realized it - well I still couldn't believe it! I might add more to it next week, so check back! Here are the sketches from class:

And, lastly, here are some of the homework assignments that I have started for color and design, and for digital methods, though he said to just bring in random hand-drawn pictures:

(Me and Rai)