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7 Upcoming Visual Development Artists Who Impressed At CTN-X

By Chris Oatley

Queen Hazel by Melissa Manwill

I made some new friends at CTN-X 2014.

Today, I want to spotlight seven young visual development artists who visited The Oatley Academy booth and impressed us with their wonderful portfolios and personalities.

These artists are creative and clever but most importantly, they’re humble and full of passion.

Check out their links and share their work if you like it.

…and I’m pretty sure you will.

Melissa Manwill:

MelissaManwill_580w

Melissa Manwill is an entertainer at heart. Her draftsmanship and character acting are among the strongest I’ve ever seen in a student portfolio.

I will not be the least bit surprised to see her character drawings in a major studio’s “Art Of” book within the next five years.

Oh, and she can paint too… Melissa painted the witch character at the top of this blog post.

[ Visit Melissa’s Website ]

[ Follow Melissa on Tumblr ]

Jenn Strickland:

Jenn Strickland’s creative decisions are strange, sophisticated and unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a student portfolio. I simply cannot get enough of her work.

If she had been selling a book of her work at CTN-X I would have bought it on the spot.

Her stylish approach extends to hand-drawn animation as well. Can you imagine an entire music video animated by her? How amazing would that be?!

Someone please make this happen…

[ Visit Jenn’s Website ]

[ Follow Jenn on Tumblr ]

Bosmat Agayoff:

Bosmat Agayoff is a delight. Her passion is inspiring. The character designs and color palettes in her portfolio are beautiful and she’s a filmmaker too!

After watching Reflections (the short film she directed with Alon Ziv) I’m on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what she’ll create next…

[ Subscribe to Bosmat’s Blog ]

Valerio Fabbretti:

Valerio Fabbretti

Valerio Fabbretti’s character design portfolio was remarkable in that every piece of character art told a different part of the story to which each character belonged.

This rare ability to tell a story through character design will create a strong foundation for his future career in animation.

The complexity and control he demonstrates through the image above explains why his career in children’s publishing is already well underway.

[ Visit Valerio’s Website ]

[ Follow Valerio on Instagram ]

Cami Sanders:

CamiSanders_580w

Dig deep into her Tumblr archives and you’ll find the beautiful animal drawings that blew me away when I first discovered the work of Cami Sanders.

Cami and I met during a speaking engagement I did at SCAD last year and it was great to see her again at CTN-X.

Cami seems creatively restless (in a good way). She loves to experiment with techniques and styles. I think it means she’s a concept artist at heart.

[ Follow Cami on Tumblr ]

Nika Rukavi:

NikaRukavi_580w

Temperature shifts in the shadows, surface activity, variation in edges…

Nika Rukavi’s painting choices are incredibly sophisticated for someone so young.

…and when she works from reference, the subjects are very well-observed.

It’s going to be awesome to watch her develop as an artist over the next few years.

[ Visit Nika’s Website ]

Jolein Kirpestein:

JoleinKirpestein_580w

Jolein Kirpestein’s portfolio was one of my favorite discoveries at CTN-X this year.

An “old soul” as they say, Jolein is wise beyond her years. It is very difficult for many students to find a balance between personal expression and commercial viability but she has found it. (Maintaining the balance is, of course, a different challenge.)

I love the wonderful weirdness of her ideas. I love the confidence of her compositions and the way she applies pattern and detail. Most of all, I love the seemingly effortless honesty and humanity in her work.

[ Subscribe To Jolein’s Blog ]

Join The Conversation!

What do YOU like about these artists?

Take this opportunity to post a quick encouraging message for them in the comments below!

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Comments

  1. Henrike says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:07 am

    Oh wow, these look all great!! So much story in each of them (something that I got feedback on a lot during CTNx) I’m really curious about the stories behind these characters and scenes.
    Keep up the great work people! I’ll stalk all your websites, haha. You’ll be going far!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:43 am

      I agree, Henrike! I LOVE the sense of story.

  2. Ania says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:17 am

    Oh, WOW! These are all so great!!!!
    I’ll start stalking these artists immediately! Such inspiring artwork, and every single one of them has their own amazing visual voice. I WANT MOAR!
    Plus, Melissa Manwill has a character named Anya? I’m all in!! 😀

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:44 am

      So true, Ania! Such unique perspectives.

  3. Scott Wiser says

    December 8, 2014 at 4:32 am

    Wow. I also had the opportunity to review some of these portfolios and found myself so impressed by their passion and skill.

    I had never seen the work of Bosmat Agayoff, who just sent my creative soul into convulsions, haha. As a fellow filmmaker, I ache to make something like that. I actually had a project in the works (at my job) that was just as ambitious, but we had to shelve it for something that is simpler and more direct as a marketing piece.

    Every single one of these artist is so unique, they all inspire me to be more bold as I continue to explore. Thanks for sharing, Chris!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      Sorry to hear your film got shelved, Scott. Fortunately, your ideas never stop ; )

  4. Britny Arnett says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:06 am

    Wow! These artists are so breathtaking! I love Nika’s circus menagerie and Cami’s take on Thumbelina! Bosmat’s film nearly made me cry. I was yelling at the main guy “don’t conform! Don’t do it!”

    Valerio’s work is really magical! Melissa’s work reminds me of Disney. The expression and movement of hers are really great. Jenn’s work is wonderfully weird and captivating, as is Jolein’s!

    Ah, what a great way to start a Monday morning! Thanks Chris!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:47 am

      Thank you, Britny, for sharing. So good!

    • Nika says

      December 8, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Britny! It truly means a lot! 8D

  5. Stephanie Leonard says

    December 8, 2014 at 6:10 am

    Whoa, go Melissa! She’s my classmate, and her Candyland senior show was amazing! Made me want to up my game for my senior show this spring 😉

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:47 am

      Oh sweet! Yes, Melissa’s work is fantastic. I look forward to seeing your senior show develop, Stephanie! I’m sure it will be great!!!

    • Melissa Manwill says

      December 8, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Thanks Steph! And I can’t wait to see your show. 🙂 Make sure to let me know when it is!

  6. Valerio Fabbretti says

    December 8, 2014 at 8:33 am

    Thank you so much Chris! I really appreciate your words! It was a real pleasure meeting you at CTN! You are amazing!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Thank you, Valerio! You’re awesome, buddy.

    • Scott Wiser says

      December 8, 2014 at 10:08 am

      I can’t wait to see where your work goes from here, Valerio. I enjoyed meeting you!

  7. Pat Marconett says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I had the privilege of having a sit down review with Melissa at the Disney booth. Her work was fantastic & she had a wonderful personality. I gave her a high review rating, so hopefully Disney grabs her up fast. These other people look great too!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks so much, Pat. I bet you give fantastic portfolio reviews.

      • Pat Marconett says

        December 8, 2014 at 7:27 pm

        Thanks Chris,
        Ya I enjoyed it a lot & a few people told me I was really helpful. I actually tried to follow some of your tips and give people actionable steps they could take instead of the very common: ‘just keep drawing’ & ‘put more storytelling in’.

    • Scott Wiser says

      December 8, 2014 at 4:19 pm

      I also had the very same thoughts on Melissa! I wish we could have spent more time chatting. I also really enjoyed looking at your blog, Pat!

      • Pat Marconett says

        December 8, 2014 at 7:36 pm

        Thanks Scott!
        Wow just looked at your site, your ‘vanishing ink’ project looks really cool! I’m kinda blown away you could write & illustrate your own novel. I’m also hoping to do a illustrated book, but I’m taking it really slow.

        • Scott Wiser says

          December 12, 2014 at 7:49 pm

          We’d love to see you do an illustrated book. Keep at it!

    • Melissa Manwill says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      Wow, thanks Pat! It was fun meeting you and getting your feedback (he does give good reviews, Chris). 😉

      And it was also fun meeting you Scott 🙂

      Everyone at CTN was just plain awesome.

      • Pat Marconett says

        December 9, 2014 at 10:07 am

        Thanks Melissa!

  8. Alexis C. says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Oh! Haha I was at the booth when Jenn was there too. Such awesome work. 😀

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      Indeed! Thanks, Alexis!

    • Jenn Strickland says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      Ah, awesome! Were you the folks from Indiana? Am I remembering that correctly? Either way, super cool and thank you! C:

      • Alexis C. says

        December 11, 2014 at 4:14 pm

        Yep, that was me!

  9. Abigail Platter says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:04 am

    Not surprised about Fabbretti- that piece is ready for print and perfectly suited for children’s publishing!! Thanks for the spotlights and the insight, Chris!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:29 pm

      Happy to share, Abigail! They deserve the attention.

  10. Mandy Milliron says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Awesome! These are some amazing works. I wish all seven of them the best of luck and also hope I can save up for the next CTN-X.

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:29 pm

      Thanks, Mandy!

    • Jenn Strickland says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:39 pm

      Ah, thanks so much, Mandy! I wish you luck too! CTN was a wonderful experience, even if you can only go for one day.

  11. Jolein says

    December 8, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    I love all the other artists in this post. And I will be following them closely from now on!! It was so great meeting you Chris! And thank you so much for the nice words!! CTNX has gotten me crazily motivated and even more in love with drawing. So I hope I will get the chance to go again next year. Maybe I’ll get the chance to meet the people in this blogpost in the flesh.

    Thanks for featuring me!

    – Jolein

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      Happy to share, Jolein! Love love LOVE your work! If you do a book I will be first in line!!!

      • Jolein Kirpestein says

        December 9, 2014 at 2:34 am

        You’ll be the first to know then!! 😀 Haha. Thanks so much!!

    • Melissa Manwill says

      December 8, 2014 at 6:46 pm

      We’ll just have to meet up at CTN next year 😉 Great work!

      • Jolein Kirpestein says

        December 9, 2014 at 2:34 am

        Yeah I am definitely saving up to go again!!
        Bit expensive coming all the way from holland, but so so worth it!! 😀
        Can not wait until next year !

  12. Cami Sanders says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Thanks so much for featuring me, Chris! It’s always a pleasure getting to talk with you at CTN, and I can’t begin to say how much I appreciate your kind words and support. I’m so inspired by you and these stellar artists. You guys all rule!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks, Cami. You’re awesome!

  13. Nika says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Thank you again, Chris!
    It was ridiculously inspiring to be able to receive feedback from you and Jennifer! I am so pumped to be making more stuff now, especially looking at all the other ones! haha!!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      You’re a true painter, Nika! And yes, Jenn gives fantastic feedback. We’re lucky to have her join the OA team. Can’t wait to see your new work!

  14. David says

    December 9, 2014 at 3:25 am

    Wow, first of all I really love the rather unique styles of all of them. My favourite, as a matter of taste, is Jolein Kirpestein’s work.
    I am glad to see so much creativity at once today, as it makes me to remember all the possibilities and the importance to experiment with unusual approaches (per example styles or tools).

    My deepest respect to all of you and your work, thanks for sharing it today.

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 9, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Wow, David. That is a *great* point – it’s so important to look at all kinds of different images to (as you say) remind ourselves of all the possibilities.

      Great stuff, buddy.

  15. Tom Bancroft says

    December 9, 2014 at 6:46 am

    Thanks for posting these Chris, they are ALL incredible. You’re right, there isn’t one here that won’t have many opportunities (made by themselves or given by others) in the near future. Choose wisely, young ones, but know that there are no mistakes since you can learn in any situation- and you’re YOUNG, so who cares? I think I only met one of these at CTN, Nika Rukavi, and she was great and passionate. (I think you sent her over to me Chris.) All of these artists are wonderfully unique in style also, which is really refreshing. Not a Corey Loftis or Brittney Lee mimic in the group!

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 9, 2014 at 2:29 pm

      You nailed it, Jedi Master. Glad you got to talk to Nika. She’s so great.

  16. Kevin Cameron says

    December 9, 2014 at 7:20 am

    Super bummed I missed CTN, but as always you bring back some great highlights from the show! 😀

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 9, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      We missed you too, buddy! Next year!

  17. John Middleton says

    December 9, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Wow Chris you attract some of the most unique and interesting artists. I really enjoyed all of them, but Jolien stood out. On her blog she says that she thinks there need to be way more scary kids stories and I think I agree with her. Kids want to be challenged and they learn to be brave and they can also find courage when real life looks scary.

    • Chris Oatley says

      December 9, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      Nice to meet a fellow Jolein fan! 😉

      I agree completely, John.

      Have you read this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307739635/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307739635&linkCode=as2&tag=chrioatl-20&linkId=2UME637J2X4XBUWF

      • Jolein Kirpestein says

        December 9, 2014 at 5:53 pm

        Btw Chris, I am so getting that book too!! Looks like an awesome read.

    • Jolein Kirpestein says

      December 9, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      I completely agree John!!! Haha that’s exactly how I explained my work to one of those overbearing parents that visited my showcase earlier this year. He was so weary he had a look of dread reading it to her. She loved it though :). My book is all about trying to show children that they can overcome their fears, and stand up for themselves. :))

      I’m so glad you like my work!!! And thanks for Reading my ramblings around the pictures aswell!

      – Jo

  18. Mike Roy says

    December 9, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    Thanks for profiling these fresh and creative people, Chris. Looking forward to seeing their stuff in the future!

  19. Gunja Bhaidva Bhatt says

    December 11, 2014 at 12:52 am

    I must say thanks Chris… For sharing such fabulous artists with us. They all are awesome and having own style.. I’m gonna follow them for sure..! Wish all the best for future to all of u..!! 🙂

  20. Katie Bratcher says

    December 24, 2014 at 7:49 am

    Wow! All I can say is after looking at these amazing portfolios I need to find my sketchbook and draw. Their creativity is amazing! Great job everyone!

  21. Megan Crisp says

    December 27, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    I met Melissa (who was very nice) and actually got to peek over her shoulder at the time you guys were talking. Her work was just as beautiful in person and she definitely has a bright future ahead of her!

  22. Arjo says

    November 21, 2015 at 10:21 am

    wow they are all impressive! Well thought out!

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