Storytelling Resources for Comics Creators, Storyboard Artists & Animators

Professional visual storytellers draw inspiration from art, history, their own personal experience and the experiences of others to craft meaningful, emotional stories.

But the broad scope of even the shortest stories can make the craft completely overwhelming.

Here you'll find resources for comics creators, storyboard artists and animators - designed to help you find focus and clarity in the chaos...

Interview With Eric Canete: Animation Storyboard Artist & Co-Creator of “Run Love Kill” (Image Comics) :: Paper Wings Show #32

By Chris Oatley

Eric Canete‘s unique drawing style demonstrates layer upon layer of artistic mastery: Anatomy, character, caricature, composition, storytelling…

After 20+ years of trend-setting work in story, games and comics, his style is as distinct and intense as ever. So you might find it hard to believe that such beautiful work was once rejected by industry gatekeepers.

In this interview, Eric discusses what goes into his drawing process, the line between arrogance and confidence and why he has to find a personal connection to his professional work…

“Failing Upward” :: Interview With Animation Story Artist Aliki Theofilopoulos Grafft :: Paper Wings Show #31

By Chris Oatley

Aliki Theofilopoulos Grafft describes her career as “failing upward.”

She broke-in during the TV animation revolution and saw the beginnings of Cartoon Network, Adventure Time and Frederator.

Though she lacked a clear sense of direction early-on, Aliki has since accumulated numerous impressive credits including: animated series creator, director, storyboard artist, writer, emmy-nominated songwriter and voice actor.

Join us for a conversation about the benefits of being a misfit, the heartbreaking work of pitching, balancing work and family and why your most important next step might be the scariest…

The Winding Road To Laika: An Interview With Jenn Ely (Part 1) :: ArtCast #83

By Chris Oatley

Like the design of the world of The BoxTrolls, Jenn Ely‘s life is full of quirky twists and turns.

Her wonderfully bizarre childhood involved multiple encounters with emus and alligators.

…and at an art school where students were jumping into giant cupcakes she had to find and fight for her identity as a commercial artist.

With stories like these, it’s no wonder she eventually got a job at Laika.

Interview With Adam Westbrook, Creator Of The ‘Delve Video Essays’ (Part 2) :: ArtCast #82

By Chris Oatley

In part one of this interview, Adam Westbrook told the story of how he left his career as a radio journalist, moved from England to Paris and created Delve.tv…

…an ongoing series of short, snappy documentaries that challenge creative people to deepen their understanding of craft and culture.

Now, in part two, we’ll talk about becoming a lifetime learner, the storyteller’s responsibility and how social media can confuse your creative process…

After the interview, I’ll introduce a new segment called The Student Spotlight where you’ll meet Jessica Doll and Reggie Rock in a firey discussion about the power of visual storytelling…

Interview With Adam Westbrook, Creator Of The ‘Delve Video Essays’ (Part 1) :: ArtCast #81

By Chris Oatley

Leonardo Da Vinci was a LOSER.

This radical proposition was so intriguing, I had no choice but to click “Play.”

What followed was a brilliant video about the nature of artistic mastery and how the digital culture is actually making it more difficult to pursue.

With the authenticity of Ken Burns and the roguish efficiency of the Freakonomics authors, Adam Westbrook’s “Delve Video Essays” inspire us to explore the depths of our craft, our culture and ourselves.

In today’s interview, Adam and I discuss the dangers of your creative comfort zone, facing our fear of failure, how to communicate complex ideas in clear and compelling ways and what’s to love about the struggles of storytelling…

Storytelling Resources for Comics Creators, Storyboard Artists & Animators

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