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Storytelling Resources for Comics Creators, Storyboard Artists & Animators

Notecards for a Comic ScriptProfessional 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...

Tips For A Competitive Visual Development Portfolio (Part 3): Respect Your Characters’ Personal Space

By Chris Oatley

This is the third installment in a series designed to help you understand the responsibilities of a Visual Development Artist and create a portfolio that exceeds expectations.

In parts one and two, you intensified your visual exploration of story and character. I’m also hopeful that you began to think of your portfolio as a storytelling medium in itself…

Today, I’ll share an inspiring character development exercise that I learned from storyboard guru Justin Copeland…

[Read more…] about Tips For A Competitive Visual Development Portfolio (Part 3): Respect Your Characters’ Personal Space

Tips For A Competitive Visual Development Portfolio (Part 2): Be Friends With Your Characters

By Chris Oatley

My good friend Claire Keane gives what is, perhaps, the best advice about Visual Development portfolios that I’ve ever heard.

…and today I’m going to share it with you.

This is part two in a series designed to give you an advantage when pursuing one of the most competitive jobs in animation.

[Read more…] about Tips For A Competitive Visual Development Portfolio (Part 2): Be Friends With Your Characters

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

By Chris Oatley

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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…

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

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

By Chris Oatley

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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…

[Read more…] about “Failing Upward” :: Interview With Animation Story Artist Aliki Theofilopoulos Grafft :: Paper Wings Show #31

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

By Chris Oatley

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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.

[Read more…] about The Winding Road To Laika: An Interview With Jenn Ely (Part 1) :: ArtCast #83

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