This is part two of our interview with Ryan Woodward, animator, story artist and creator of the groundbreaking iPad comic, ‘Bottom Of The Ninth.’
The Paper Wings Show
Interview With Ryan Woodward, Creator Of ‘Bottom Of The Ninth’ (Part 1) :: PWP #24
“I’ve always been kind of an opportunist. You have to be when you’re an artist.”
-Ryan Woodward
Ryan Woodward makes his living working as a story board artist on some of the coolest movies of our time (including Whedon’s Avengers and a couple of Spider-man films) while producing personal projects like his tear-jerking animated short Thought Of You which express and indulge his creative passions and inspire people all over the world.
Most recently, his visionary effort Bottom Of The Ninth gave the field of digital comics a big kick in the pants. Furthermore, Ryan loves his wife and kids and he is highly respected among his peers and fans.
In many ways, Ryan is an ideal Winger.
Interview With Marvel Studios Storyboard Artist Justin Copeland: PWP #23
“You’re not a professional because somebody pays you to draw. You have to turn your mind toward professionalism.”
In this episode, we interview one of Chris’ best buddies in the industry – Justin Copeland – storyboard artist for Marvel Studios.
Justin is working on the new Avengers cartoon for Disney XD.
He tells us the story of his transition to a successful career in animation after struggling in comics for a a few years.
He talks about the differences between working in comics and working in animation and explains why all comics artists should, at some point, learn to storyboard for animation.
“You’re not a professional because somebody pays you to draw.”
He gives some fascinating “behind the scenes” insight into the production of animated, action TV shows and tells some honest stories from his own life that will help to ease the minds of comics creators who hope to become storyboard artists. …right before he lays the smack down.
He shares his passion for filmmaking, SketchUp and the production process and gets Chris so revved up he almost explodes.
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How To Gather Healthy Critique Groups & Collaborators :: PWP #22
The fastest way to an artist’s heart is to criticize their work.
That is, if your intent is to break the artist’s heart.
We all have baggage from failed collaborations and scars from harsh critiques.
But without healthy critiques and collaborators, you’ll never grow – as an artist, as a storyteller or as a person.
Creating out of your own self-contained motivation gets exhausting. And authentic artistic growth is slow (if not impossible) without regular, objective insights from a fellow creator.
But you absolutely DON’T need another failed collaboration or critique group where you can’t let your guard down…
What you NEED is a creative “Circle Of Trust.”
[Read more…] about How To Gather Healthy Critique Groups & Collaborators :: PWP #22
Interview With Brian McDonald: Storytelling Guru, Author of ‘Invisible Ink’ & ‘The Golden Theme’ :: PWP #21
“Everybody’s looking for the elevator. There is no elevator. You have to climb the mountain.”
-Brian McDonald
Brian McDonald wrote the two best books on storytelling that I have ever read. (I have read a lot of books about storytelling.)
‘Invisible Ink’ will equip you as a storyteller. ‘The Golden Theme’ will give you a sense of purpose as a storyteller.
Brian has taught story classes at Pixar, Disney Feature Animation AND Lucasfilm. So though I can’t be 100% certain, I think that certifies him as the coolest guy on the planet.
He’s also written a bunch of comics including ‘Abe Sapien: Drums Of The Dead.’
In our interview, Brian shares some interesting insight about working at Pixar that will cure you of any anxiety you’ll experience about your own story craft.
Read on for more about storytelling, links to Brian’s books as well as some of his own book recommendations…