Here’s a nice series of videos going over different animation concepts:

Brendan Body has a nice post about working during crunch on Legend of the Guardians. Click the image to check it out

Outside of Chris Sanders awesome designs, I’d say the best part about Lilo & Stitch for me is the water color backgrounds. Here’s a few pages from the book, “Collected Stories From the Film’s Creators,” where artist David Wang talks about his painting techniques on the film. Very cool stuff.

Here’s a couple of lists that compliment each other nicely. The first one is on being miserable. It comes from Keri Smith’s, “Artist Survival Kit.” A fellow student at AM was feeling down about his work, so I showed him this list and it made him feel much better. I thought it may help some of you too. I’ve got this printed out and stuck to my wall beside my workstation.

How to Feel Miserable As An Artist

1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists
2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on
3. Base the success of your entire career on one project
4. Stick with what you know
5. Undervalue your expertise
6. Let money dictate what you do
7. Bow to societal pressures
8. Only do work that your family would love
9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks
10. Set unachievable/overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow

Bit of a wake up call hey? Reading that list, it’s apparent I’ve done at least…all of them. This list is just a small part of the aforementioned Artist Survival Kit which I urge you to check out. Click the image below.

Eric Fortune just posted a nice list (a great compliment to the one above) on staying focused and being consistent as an artist. Developing a good work routine, being organized, and staying healthy are all things I strive for to stay focused and inspired. Working out and eating right gets me better sleep, lets me sit in one position to work longer, and even makes me think more clearly. I suggest you develop your own routine like Eric. Check out his post on Muddy Colors.

Someone is being mighty generous out there. Download this amazing resource while you still can.

Animation Insiders is a book dedicated to animation. AI book is a compilation of know-how, experience and anecdotes from 13 talented animators (from Dreamworks, Pixar, Illion and other studios). Animation Insiders is aimed at people who are passionate about animation, those who are looking to surpass their limits and acquire new techniques. Every book of this amazing series will explores a new theme.

Found @ Les Shamans

Lots more here!

Arnie Fenner just posted some great advice on the Muddy Colors blog that I think everyone should read. I think the first rule should be shown to a number of animation journalists online. This video is mentioned in the post, and while it’s quite heated it cuts straight to the point, and can be applied to any artistic medium freelance or not. As new as I am to this industry, I’ve already experienced some of what he’s talking about.

Hey guys, Peter Driscoll here! I’m going to be contributing to On Animation for a while, which I’m very excited about! I work in the animation industry here in the UK and I’ve been very lucky to have worked at some really great studios during my very short career so far. I hope to be able to make posts from our wonderful animation community, and share and learn with you all!

I thought my first contribution would be to post a much fuller copy of the Disney Sample Portfolio Notes (these guys really know where to place lines!) These are a little bulkier than before: 89 pages long and with some notes! I’ve spent some time cleaning up the pages so that they are a little clearer to look at. I’ve also included a PDF download here. So far, all we know is that the notes came from sometime in the early nineties, and that these notes in particular, possibly came from the Paris Studio. If anyone knows anymore info, I’d love to hear it. Enjoy! Pete