Dr. Mr. Horse, Hospital Heart Throb
I found a bunch of old model sheets from Stimpy's Pregnant. I thought about spinningoff Dr. Mr. Horse in his own soap opera series....supported by his faithful love interest, Nurse Sheep who worships the stable he trods in. Tears and laughs abound.Girls would eat this shit up, I tell ya.
A Birthday Card For Jesus
The Fire of Christ burst into Keegan McFly's breast last night and impelled him to create this glorious message of peace to share with cartoonists and lesser folk everywhere.Merry Christmas!(thanks to Keegan, Christ, Zeus, Zoroaster, Jehova, Buddha, Clampett, Allah and the rest of the pantheon of immortals)
Popeye Reasons To Be Animated
Obviously, Popeye cartoons use many ingredients to make them so special. Throbbing is one of them.Personality is another, but those are secondary qualities of cartoons. Well, actually maybe throbbing is pretty important since it is hard to imagine live action being able to throb to the beat.But the one creative quality that is unique to animated cartoons is demonstrated artfully in this here
Oswald Impossible Crap
Here's Oswald and his gang doing stuff that works only in cartoons.Here's another common ingredient from all early cartoons, not necessarily essential though:From a Lantz cartoon called "Carnival Capers" I think. Around 1932?
The Ingredient That Made Me Want To Be an Animator
The essential ingredient of cartoon animation is not on this list.I had a great clip reel that Kedz made for me but I no longer can post clips on my blog for some mysterious reason. It used to be easy, but Internet Jesus has changed everything without telling me so the same steps I used to use no longer satisfy Him.You'll have to use your imagination and pretend all these pictures are moving.
Toby and Skip by Harmke
Toby & Skip: Smells like trouble from Harmke Pasterkamp on Vimeo.Here's my pal Harmke's cartoon she made in cute school. She did it all in ToonBoom Animate (which works the same way as Harmony, only is a lot cheaper)and you can find some of her PRODUCTION ART here:and of course there has to bethe TOBY AND SKIP OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGEHarmke has also done excellent inking for me.We would work
Last Bristol Heads I think
It's too bad Eddie isn't here to provide his brilliant play by play caricature commentary.While I'm drawing, he stands behind me and stares at the poor victim in front of me and describes how funny looking they are in vivid picturesque terms.Eddie is a genius verbaturist. His literary descriptions are a million times more pictorial than the cartoons that result from script writer stories.Maybe
There were a lot of mustaches running around Bristol last week, so I asked this one why. It turns out that in Britain, many people celebrate national prostate cancer month by growing a bush under their nose. True!Emma is not celebrating national prostate destruction.Simon's prostate doesn't seem to be causing him any problems.These 2 lovebirds waited forever in line to get a drawing but were
Bristol Zoo
That's Bonnie who is a tour director at the zoo and she gave me a swell tour -and a Pink Panther Bendy toy. More zoo pics coming...
Bristol Festival Volunteers
These lovely ladies are volunteers at the Bristol festival. They are all animators and stop motion enthusiasts.This is Abby who was helping me color today. Unlike me, she can stay inside the lines, so I fired myself.That's Rebecca who is helping me find lumpy jeans with holes in them and patiently listening to me complain about the modern world.This is Claire and I will get her to pose with her
Ideastap
Here's another Bristol article. It looks the same as Design Week and has some overlap but also has some other questions.John Kricfalusi: Animator
More
There's magnificent Magnus who (along with John Kedzie) helped organize all my film clips and crap.On my way to Bristol tomorrow...
Prizes
This is one of the pics we'll be raffling off after today's 4:00 screening.Here's yesterday's winner, Christian.
1st Pics Norway
That fuzzy picture is of Trond, me and Anna in front of the concrete slab of fame.There's Anna and Magnus Robot Fighter.Trond and Anna.Bathroom with no tub.Money with holes shot in it.Familiar money.
Norway Here I Come
http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/fredrikstad-animation-festival-norway.htmlHope to see some of you there!
Happy Night Of Terror
Here's what Shawn Dickinson is wearing tonight, so when he says "Trick or Treat" make him draw you a cartoon for his sugar.It's ok to offer him a cigarette because his costume isHere's demonic voice actor Auralynn swathed in the sweet blood of her latest victim.Here's some really scary costumes thanks to Mike Fontanelli.Here's a mask actually of him.Nothing is scarier than a duck wearing a
Using The Medium - Fredrikstad Seminar
One of the subjects I'm going to talk about is taking advantage of what animation can do that you can't do as well in other media.You can do abstracted designs...You can do extreme exaggeration. This type of gag would just look grotesque in live action.Like this:Although both Jerry Lewis and the 3 Stooges did some similar things, but not anywhere near as exaggerated.People are much more eager to
Happy Birthday Dad
Hey Dad, remember when you looked like a movie star?I love how these 50s Kodachrome photos look. I always wanted to make a cartoon using this type of color and lighting.Here's Dad in the air force. He'll tell you that every kid needs to spend at least 2 years in the service "That way, you'll learn some Goddamn DISCIPLINE!"Here's that hot chick he snagged with his rugged looks and manly jaw.My Mom
Bristol Encounters Festival in England Nov 16 - 20
John K./Spumco Cartoon Screening and Signing Thursday Nov 17 2 PMCome and hang out, shake hands and watch some of my cartoons. I think I will show a nice clean uncut "Boo Boo Runs Wild" that Cartoon Network has graciously given me...and some other rare things..During the signing, you can bring me t shirts or whatever to sign, or you can have me draw you a caricature for a measly 12 LBs! 12 lbs of
Specific Heads, Specific Expressions, Specific Gestures and Mannerisms
At both upcoming animation festivals, they asked me to do a seminar and talk about and show some of my influences. Obviously I'm really influenced by classic cartoons and I love cartooniness and magic - the stuff that the cartoon medium does most naturally and better than other media.But maybe the one thing I do differently than most cartoons is the acting. I'm not that influenced by cartoon
Fredrikstad Animation Festival (Norway) November 9 - 13
Here's my welcoming committee.Highlights:Don Hahn on the 80s-90s Disney RenaissanceDon was production manager and producer at Disney's in the late 80s and through the 90s and will talk about the behind the scenes stories that went on during the making of their animated films. Many cartoonists and animators who are friends of mine or who I have worked with help make these films and I'm sure Don
I Wish There Was a Good Drawing and Inking Program
AN UNFINISHED LOAFI can't seem to find a single drawing program that has all the fundamental tools you need to do good clean finished drawings in it.I have to use at least 2 programs to get a clean drawing done and then I have to spend a ton of time fixing up details. - There oughta be quick and easy clean up tools in the drawing programs.The way I'm doing it now is I import my rough drawing into
Li'l Buggers: Slab 'N' Ernie
Slab 'n' Ernie are real little buggers.They crave trouble and terrorize the other kids in the neighborhood and are a bad influence on all small things.Their uncle George Liquor loves the little buggers and thinks they are the greatest kids in the world. Wet clay that he can mold into God-fearing decent Americans.He steeps them in superstition because he believes that only a big dose of fear of
Simpsons Interview pt 2: Models and Abandoning Inbetweens
CHARACTER MODELSSo I did some character models to give them an idea of how I would draw the characters as caricatures of the Simpsons and then explained that even drawing them that way wouldn’t be enough to achieve what I wanted to do.I’m even bored with the pose to pose style animation we did at Spumco where the only control we had over the look of the cartoon characters’ acting was in the held
Sasha and Brandon's Homer Hallowe'en
Look what they made. Nice job! That'll sure attract the ghouls for some free candy.
Fredrickstad, Norway
Does anyone live there that can tell me where to find some historic sights, buildings etc?
Simpsons Amid Interview-Longwinded Answers pt 1
AMID: 1.) First things first, what's the backstory here? How did you end up animating a Simpsons opening?Matt Groening and Al Jean asked me to do it. They showed me an opening that Banksy did that satirized the animation production assembly line system in Korea and told me it was really popular, so they wanted to do something similar with me.StoryboardAt first they just wanted me to do a
Watch Adult Swim
Click the pic to see the flickassisted by:Jojo BaptistaTommy TannerGeneva HodgsonCG Moon, Stars, FX: Paul GriswoldCamera and tech help: Alex VassilevEnglish voice by Auralynn When, Japanese voice by Hitomi GriswoldThanks to Jason DeMarco and Mike Lazzo...and the helpful folks at Toonboom, Karina, J.R. Ron, BernardI hope I spelled everyone's name right...
Wacky Cartoon T Shirts At My Dizzy Virtual Store
Hey if you've bought any of the colorful t shirts in the store and wanna be a model in my next ad, send me a photo of you wearing one.Thank Alex for his wonderful 3d store magic. And thank Ella below, Dad just above and Layla at the top of the page.Here is what we have in stock ready to go:Blen and Kubercheebie womens: 6-M 2-XLBlen and Kubercheebie mens: 1-S, 5-M, 3-XL, 5-XXLGeorge Liquor
Surprise
I'll put some more production art and rough animation tests later in the week.Meanwhile here's an interview about t with Amid on Cartoon Brew:http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/exclusive-john-k-talks-about-his-simpsons-opening.html#more-50701I also have a longer version of the same interview that I can put up.
Do You Have McKimson Bros. Art For a Book?
Hi folksI wrote the forward to a book about Bob, Tom and Chuck McKimson.Does anybody have any original art from their cartoons, storyboards, comics, backgrounds, coloring books etc that you could scan to be printed in the book?You would get an acknowledgment and the world of cartoon fans would owe you everlastingly.
Howie Post Drawing Like Owen Fitzgerald!
HOWIE POST DOES STARLET OHARA STYLEBTW, something fun is happening tomorrow. I'll tell you about it after it happens. Maybe you'll find it on your own.
Here's Something
to tide you overI haven't posted much lately because I have been working on a short secret projectwatch for it soonassistant animation by Tommy and JojoSlick camera moves by AlexStory by Tom Minton and meDesign and animation by meFurry voices by Steve and Auralynn*Explanation of techniques:Adult Swim asked me to do a few short shorts in completely different styles using different characters.So I
Who wants to see THE HE HOG MOVIE?
Here is my totally mainstream family oriented kid's movie idea. G rated. I just pitched it again and everyone laughed like crazy but then worried that it's too edgy, which it's not. We live in a strange world where no one in business seems to want to make money.PROFESSOR MOLE AND HIS EVIL INSECT BMF THREATEN ARMAGEDDON!THE BRAIN THAT PUNISHED A PLANETThis is the brain that almost wrecked a planet
Who Needs To Pay For 2 Whole Eyes?
In an industry that is always looking for cost cutting ways to produce entertaining but efficient product I am happy to show off my latest money saving trick.
One eye is half the price of 2, right? Think of the savings!
Of course, sometimes you need a realistic believable expression and only 2 eyes will do so you can't be stingy on every single frame.
They Say It's an Anniversary
Keegan McFly sent me this nice card he made.
And Scott sent this remarkable piece of street art.I don't know if he made it or maybe his Dad did.
It's HIM
It's the zombie from the primeval algae swamp.Made of loosely compacted ooze, he emits carbon dioxide from his staring false eyes, hypnotizing his prey into a state of benumbed flaccid torpor.The Nightmare From Before Time then sheds his waxy membrane and spews out its hellish living contents. The gleaming poisonous mass engulphs his victim, stinging every nerve ending with tiny dancing
Evolution Of Macaroni
Late 20s, early 30s: Characters are made of simple torso shapes. Limbs are tubes that have no pliability. They are even widths from one end to the other. When they bend, they bend mechanically in the middle, not towards one end or the other.The macaronis can stretch but generally stay the same widths from end to end.They gradually start to loosen up and get more organic.Mid 30s - Getting more
Soon
I have some new theories about animating eyes but someone else is going to tell you about them soon.SALE ON TOON BOOM ANIMATION PROGRAMSI'd recommend the second product on that page "Toon Boom Animate" for $699 if you are just starting. It has great ink and paint tools and it's pretty easy to animate in.
BGs From Boo Boo Runs Wild
Layouts by Eric Wiese, Vincent Waller and me.Painted by Richard Ziehler-Martin
Warm Shower Environment
If this had been painted in the 80s, it would have been a lot harder to read. Each major object (Rocks,Wall, Lockers, Furs, Benches) would have been painted harsh and clashing primary and secondary colors.Colors straight out of the Cartoon Color cel paint tubes. - like the paintings I posted a couple days ago.This BG uses more control to guide the eye and focus the viewer on what is important.It
80s Pre-Wonk
Here is a color key painted by the very talented Vicki Jensen in 1984 or so.It's from a layout I drew for a cartoon show presentation called "Rockin' At The Rim". It was a show concept created by some rich guy's kid and his swarthy lawyer. These two guys ran into cartoon writer Charlie Howell at a bar and told them their idea for the greatest show in the world and asked if he would develop it. He
Beautiful People 37
I'm a little out of practice but I just had to comment on the ever changing standards of beauty in American culture.Have you noticed that low hairlines, beetling brows, thunder thighs and balloony buttocks have become the latest fashion in female beauty? It's like the cavewoman is back in style.Of course there is the alternate beauty ideal: the grizzled beef jerky look.Standards in male charisma
The Adult Swim Talking Eyeball Mascot
Imagine my delight when Adult Swim approached me and asked if I could create a talking eyeball for them.I was experimenting with animating various ways in Harmony, sometimes using keyframing and digital tricks but it was more fun drawing the animation straight ahead like this.Once I had my rough layout poses registered in Harmony, I just went ahead and drew each animation drawing one at a time.I
Happy 4th From The Ultimate American
Not me, but George Liquor who represents the highest pinnacle of iconic Americanism.George is my tribute to the American spirit and culture that I think was at its most influential and impressive in the mid-2oth century.He is an ultra conservative that enjoys the freedom, innovations, easy living and cultural achievements of a nation forged and built upon by generations of radical thinkers,
Don Martin a Cartoon Original
Don Martin has to be in the top 5 most original cartoonists in history.One of the reasons I started my blog was because it was depressing to see how inbred modern cartoons had become and I figured if I started posting a wide variety of cartoon styles that had life, individuality, humor and skill that maybe the next generation of cartoonists would have a wider assortment of inspirations that just
Happy Father's Day
Detective Story is my favorite movie , I think because Kirk reminds me so much of my Dad. Full of morals, worry, stress and manliness all in the hard act of trying to do the right thing against the evil forces of weakness all around him.Happy Father's Day Dad!Love,John
Need Some Tech Help Part Time
Here's the kind of crap I do.full of sap and pathos and subplotsHey thereif you are good at using computer programs, building websites etc and want some part time work on a current project, let me know in the comments. I need someone who is organized and detail oriented.PhotoshopIllustratorHarmonyFinal CutSound RecordingWordpress/BloggerMayaetc.Gimme a clickable link in the comments to your wares
Irv Spector Pretty Girl Comics
Here's an Irv Spector treat.Spector is the same guy who draws the beautiful Coogy comics.He blends appealing traits from a lot of different styles all into one.http://irvspector.blogspot.com/2009/12/comic-book-interlude-farmers-daughter-1.html
Inking Jim Smith
I'm Jim 's biggest fan. He has a way of drawing funny and solid at the same time.I have tons of his rough sketches and caricatures and thought I would attempt cleaning one up in illustrator.It's very tricky trying to pick just the right lines to make thick and thin. I try to make every line mean something, not just float around inside the silhouette of the forms.So for each line I ink, I look for
Happy Odds and Ends
Do you remember when mustaches grew above the nostrils?Have you seen "Puppy With Bee"? There was a whole "with bee" line of toys in the 60s. Puppy without Bee is no fun at all.I wish Woody would be with bee. With penguin is ok though.Flintstone with melted crotch shreds. He must have sat on a piping hot pizza.These are a few of my favorite things...Beatings used to be regular happenings in the
Ed Love: Connecting Held Poses
From :"Drooler's Delight":Ed Love is great at varying how he connects his bold and clear poses. Here's a real simple general way:STRETCH WOODY'S NECKHere are the 2 poses we see and feel in the animation. They are holds. They are drawn with perfectly clear negative spaces, contrasts and lines of action. The action happening between them is visually obvious. Buzz stretches Woody up. The action is
Methodical Study
My pal Jojo is a young whippersnapper who is constantly improving his skills.I suggested he study some Tom and Jerry animation and copy some of the basic actions.I have noticed over the past few years that students who study and even copy old animation do not in turn always apply what they studied to their own work.So I suggested to Jojo to animate another character doing the same action as a Tom
Lichty, a Real Man's Cartoonist
Look at this great drawing and technique.LOTS MORE LICHTY at the ANIMATION ARCHIVE
For Eddie: Dabbing
This is some really important shit. Stop drawing and study animation mimes instead.You'll want your cartoon characters to act like this if you want true believability.Ask Eddie what it all means.Clips:MEET MYSTERY ANIMATION ACTING MAN, ED HOOKSTHE MIMESIMPROVE YOUR CARTOON ACTING WITH "DABBING"
Meet Jim Smith In The Raw Flesh
And buy some of his cartoon art! He likes man hugs by the way.FACEBOOK ANNOUNCEMENT MYSTERY PAGE
Rubber Buddies
There are some characters that have such an inherent iconic quality that regardless of whether their cartoons are hilarious or not, they just look good in rubber.Doesn't this Peabody toy make you imagine it must be from a fantastic cartoon?This Tom looks good too, but is not quite so distinct or iconic as the Jay Ward characters - even though the cartoons he's in are much more animated.Some fans
More Milt Stein
Cartoons and dinosaurs: 2 eternally cool things.Here's some more amazing Milt Stein cartoon art.He's obviously an animator but also influenced by the graphic looks of such comic strip artists as Herriman and Sterret.So cute and so stylish at the same time. A rare combination.And great backgrounds too!Milt understood the graphic power of stars.Not only did he draw nice star shapes (not easy to do!
Milt Stein - a perfect funny animal man
Here's a cartoonist I like a lot. He's a drawing textbook for all the cartoon skills and techniques I promote.His basic style is generic 40s animation funny animal. He has all the principles that add up to that look almost perfectly. On top of that he has his own unique stylistic finish.His most amazing skill is his ability to organize all the principles and design elements with a scene and
Little Iodine and The Cartoon Rule Of Starched Skirts
aI like this style. It's sort of a cross between Jimmy Hatlo and Chic Young.Compared to animation of the same time period it's a bit stiff, but it has other attributes:Great linework, interesting detail and a gritty man-on-the-street sort of outlook.I like the perception of the world that many strip cartoonists had ( as opposed to Disney-influenced animation designers). They pictured everyone
Real Animation
Here is my favorite run cycle from a Clampett cartoon:I think it's Scribner. It's interesting how awkward (and sloppy) the individual frames are as opposed to how magnificently smooth and powerful the motion is.There are 6 drawings on ones for each step.The rest of the scene is great too. Such amazing force!Full ClipYou can buy this set of rare Snafu cartoons on Amazon. This is the best set there
quick peek
Clip 4I animated this in Harmony using both straight ahead traditional drawing and some tweening Flash type tricksof course you couldn't get lines like this in Flash-not easily anyway. Once I got the whole scene set up and the main drawings done, most of the rest were drawn clean in 1 shot with no real roughing neededI moved the head up and down using the camera peg in Harmony on a 12x beat. the
Inking In Harmony
I roughed this character's body on 2 layers1) Body2) arms (because I wanted to overlap the timing of his arm with his bodyThen I made another layer above the 2 rough layers, just for my cleanupsYou can turn off individual layers and just see the clean up. I go back and forth to check everything. One problem is that the layers underneath are just as dark as the layers above so it makes it hard to
Last 3
I think I may have an animatic of this scene that Eric Bauza made. I can't remember if Mike Pataki did the voice. He must have...
More Wilderness Adventure Layouts
The reason to do layouts here (in America or your homeland) is so you can create custom acting.By "custom" I mean creating original poses and expressions that only fit the particular scene and story you are working on.If you are just gonna use stock prefab model sheet poses and expressions, then there really is no reason to do layouts in the country. You might as well just send the script
Storyboard To Layout
Here are a handful of storyboard panels from "Wilderness Adventure", one of the firs Ren and Stimpy stories written. The cartoon was rejected 3 times in a row by hippie ladies who hate Republican men.people ask me sometimes what the difference is between storyboards and layouts. These few storyboard panels turned into 34 layout poses.Here are the first few.Layouts are where I tighten up the poses
The Magic Of Magic Slates
Whoever came up with the Magic Slate must have been a genius - or a witch.Remember the thrilling sound it made when you ripped your drawings into oblivion?Somewhere behind a black hole at the center of the universe are a billion drawings made by children around the world. I hear their ghastly moans in my dreams.Do you think it's odd that the largest Christian civilization in history encourages
Previews Of Some Work I am Doing In Harmony
Here is a clip from a station ID that is airing on Adult Swim.Elephant Pencil Test, animated by animation giant, Mike KazalehWhen we first started using Harmony, we animated on paper and scanned it in. This was somewhat helpful in making the transition from what we were used to, to animating completely on the computer.Elephant Final, tweaked in HarmonyOnce some of the paper animation was in
Bob Clampett Hand Drawn Maps of Warner Bros. Cartoon Studio
Rob Clampett, (Bob's son) generously gave me scans of these interesting maps Bob drew of the Warner Bros cartoon studio.I haven't totally deciphered everything on them yet. I like all the little anecdotes Bob added of where funny stuff happened and what stars peered in the windows.I'm guessing Bob drew these to help Mike Barrier and Milt Grey for the research they were doing for a book about the
Ride Mickey's Ass
Here is the most beloved cartoon icon of all time.I wonder what he does with that stick. Are those gears?I like that his reproductive equipment sticks out of both sides. Very efficient.
Bags O' Fun VS Anguished Souls in Torment
Y'know, there are a lot of cartoon characters who may have been in godawful shows, yet they still make swell lookin' bags.This is a sure sign of good character design if they hold up under your own gas.I'd love to have this semi-inflated handsome Ricochet Rabbit sack. Check out his rude and inflamed olfactory unit.Aren't you dying to blow up Mighty Mouse to see what his bag looks like? He seems
Mighty Mouse Pitch circa 1994?
Here is some presentation art from a pitch we did at Spumco in the mid 90s. I wanted to get Paramount to let me revive the Terrytoons characters. I would have shown some of this stuff earlier but it had all suffered water damage. But now, thanks to Alex, Jojo and Tommy, some of it has been restored through the magic of insufferable digital technology.These guys here are "The Catnip Gang" who
Flintstone Secrets
Barney lives under a mushroom. How did I miss that in the cartoons?I also missed his handsome nostrils.This is before they warned girls about what can happen by riding dinosaurs.This must be why Flintstone's lineage stopped after one child.Coming soon...
Rojankovsky Fairy Tales
Rojankovsky combines just plain great drawing with highly stylized compositional techniques.I love the juxtaposition of his rough-hewn and ogreish Russian human characters with the highly intellectual compositions, hierarchy and stylized forms.MORE CLASSIC ILLUSTRATORS
Dialogue Wisdom
Sometimes bad cartoon writers (who write cartoons with scripts rather than drawing them on storyboards) justify their silly procedure by pretending to be above cartoons and aiming more at live action procedures.I found this next passage about writing dialogue from a screenwriting book for live action movies and television.NOT EVERYONE CAN WRITE GOOD DIALOGUEI have found this equally true in
Makinita by popular demand
Boy, he really digs around to find the most obscure stuff.Here's a real diamond from Eddie's masterpiece.
Writing For Character, rather than plugging characters into a generic plot
Write For Character I’ve always found that it’s much easier to write for characters that have strong distinct personalities – iconic characters. Some cartoon writers like to begin with a high concept, (“Let’s start the picture by shooting the protagonist’s mother and then the son goes on a magical adventure to search for a replacement mother figure, but then finds out through trials
even more HB Toys
sorry I haven't put any thrilling posts up latelyI'm kinda burnt out on cartoon theories for the moment-or at least writing about themhowever, I always love when Mike Fontanelli sends me these wacky toy images, so I just put 'em up in case anyone else likes funny toys tooI would love to be in the board meeting when someone says "I got it! We'll make a line of Yogi toys where all the characters
Dedication
Boy, here's a fan who doesn't fool around.These are all by Makinita and they are just the tip of the iceberg.Here's everyone's favorite cartoon personality, Wilbur Cobb.You gotta admire the dedication of a guy like this!Want more?
Funny Fan Art
Here are some color pictures that some of you folks did from my drawings and characters.I forgot who did what, so if you remind me in the comments I can credit you appropriately!Thanks
Doggie Mommy Suckles His Young
Mother Nature is amazing.The mammalian teat is such a utilitarian and beautiful piece of equipment.As are other things.
Jim Tyer Comic
Mykal Posts a lot of great old comics and here're some previews of a story from "Ha Ha" featuring your favorite Jim Tyer character, Pete the Parrot.I wonder how Tyer developed this drawing style?It's so unique - and a more elaborate variation of his animation style.This issue of "Ha Ha also features a black and white page of a Dan Gordon comic.http://www.bigblogcomics.com/2011/01/
Wonderful Cartooniness
I found a treasure trove of Dan Gordon comics at Greatest Ape.What I like most about Gordon s that although he has an obvious animation background, he resists following exact inbred animation formula in his posing, design and composition.His scenes exude raw energy and life. It reminds me of storyboards that were drawn for classic cartoons. It has a sort of coarse unfinished look to it - but only
That Lovable Wife Beater Popeye
Boy, they sure don't make cartoon characters this mean and tough anymore. Lookit the angry mug on him.One thing you got in Popeye cartoons that it's hard to imagine you could do today, is woman beating. Although I imagine they probably do it on Family Guy without the loving animation.Popeye used to beat the daylights out of Olive and that was part of the fun of the cartoons.Of course, as crusty
A Rare Treat
Bill Wray sent me this nice scan of one of the first Tweety models drawn by Tom McKimson for Bob Clampett.
Holland Fashion Greetings
Here's Mitch and Harmke, Holland's most glamorous models showing off their new t shirts.At John K's Gifts and Sundries is where I do all my shopping! Christmas may be over, but the thrill of giving cartoon t-shirts is the international expression of love.
Is Popeye The Best Design for Toys?
I'm torn between Fred Flintstone and PopeyeThis one here is bending me towards PopeyeThis has to be the best posture I have ever seen on a toy
When Shoe designers Take over Industrial Design
Does anyone remember when they first saw shoes looking like this?It's as if 5 different high school grafitti artists handed in some scribbles and the company layered each set of veins, pimples, scales and chaotic lumps all over the shoe.LUMPS ON WHEELSIt's strange enough that people would actually want to wear shoes covered with veins and scars but I never thought this design theory would start
Here
Boys were built differently in the stone age.Ed Benedict told me that a lot of animators didn't like animating "UPA" style characters because they couldn't turn them around.But there were some excellent toy sculptors who didn't seem to have any problem doing it. I love how these designs of Ed's are so full of subtle angles and carefully designed asymmetry - and the sculptor caught it all! Today
Russian Space Stamps
Airbrush shadow behind chicken = approval.My Mom and Dad collect stamps and I used to pour through their books looking for color ideas and paint techniques.I used to love the clever ways the artists figured out how to take advantage of limited color printing techniques. I really like the Russian space stamps.I always knew Santa was an Alien commie spy.
Thanks For The Great Response
I am looking at everyone's links (the active ones first). I won't be able to respond to everyone, but have already contacted a few of you talented folks.All the stuff I'm looking for is very cartoony (obviously!) and I especially would like to find animators nearby who would like to do some silly stuff that breaks away from the usual stuff.If you love Fleischers or 40s Warner Bros and have always
Help Wanted
Hey, I'm doing some short station IDs for your favorite network and need some freelancers to help outI would especially like to hire some folks who can use Harmony/ToonBoom.If you can:AnimateInk and PaintPaint BackgroundsAre cartoony and stylish and like stuff that is exaggerated and slightly nuttyput a link to your stuff in the comments.I especially would like to find a couple animators in the
Too Much Glory
If this doesn't give you a pisswillie I don't know what will.I wonder if there is a display like this for Mr. Ranger woolen underwear? The itchy kind.They're Goddamned Lanolized too! I can just feel that slippery lanolin smoothing down my callouses as I operate heavy electric saws and power drills.What a glorious feeling to gun down some ornery cuss in a saloon with these handsome gloves.
A Universal Truth
If there's one thing I learned from skulking around in the paperback section of my local drugstore when I was kid it was this: ALL THINGS EVERYWHERE CRAVE OUR WOMEN.I don't care what race, species or genera you are, whether you are living or dead, animal, vegetable, mineral, fungi or bacteria - your first thought upon each aching waking morn is how to steal our women.And who can blame you? Look
Words and Pictures: Nicholas Ray pt 2
"it's an entirely different world when you get away from the typewriter..."This totally applies to animation. I've written things I thought were good, and then when I tried to draw them, found that they didn't work or weren't practical and had to change them to take advantage of what was actually possible.
Pretty Girls by Rasmusson
Hal Rasmusson is a cartoonist who I only know of from the Walter T. Foster cartoon books.He draws pretty girls like a sonuvabitch.It's nice of him to explain some of how he does it too.He's got some real common sense advice. No hippie teacher mumbo-jumbo.I used 2 different editions of the same book, because some of the pages overlap. The older edition (the skinny pages) has slightly better
George Scarbo Funny Animals
Here's a real find: The Comic Zoo by George ScarboI don't know anything about him except that he has a really unique and appealing style.It's cute but bold and aggressively confident.I love the way he draws eyes.This pussy reminds me of the little cute one in Kitty Kornered. I bet Clampett was a fan of Scarbo. I wish he was around to ask.I only knew about Scarbo at all because of couple of his
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