VIGNALI STUDIO

Skanky!

2012-01-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

This poor girl was so skinny, she couldn't even fill out those Daisy-Duke shorts she was wearing. Hah, but she was working it, just ask that kid!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-08T21:04:00.001-08:00

Happy new year everyone, lots of changes!

For starters, I lost my home office space to my daughter. Yes, my office has been boxed up and now resides in the confines of my garage, my former home office has been converted into a bedroom for my teenage daughter. I spent the last week scraping, sanding and painting, and it looks fantastic. She's really happy to finally have her own room.

But, since I've downsized my office, the consolation is that I now have a Cintiq! My office now consists of a small corner in my bedroom with a computer table. Unfortunately, I'm working with Photoshop 7 on a nine year old computer. I'll have to manage to make this work for now.

This is a test I made using my Cintiq.

Conversation with the "Creator" chat at CTN EXPO notes

2011-12-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Todd Hampson has a wonderful blog called Timbuktoon. Todd was also one of the people that attended my "Conversation with the Creator" sit-in chat at the CTN Expo -- and he took lots of notes. If you're intersted in some of the topics we discussed, go and check it out.

Hotel Transylvania: coming soon in 2012

2011-11-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Sony has finally started to show some of the artwork related to our next family feature film, Hotel Transylvania! Or, as we commonly refer to it, Hotel T.

This is the movie I've been working on...throughout the various iterations. I started working on a different version of this film right after Surf's Up, it's taken this long to find the right story. As the production designer for this project, I'm looking forward to showing some of the amazing artwork we've been creating -- I'm really proud of my crew.

The castle in this image was designed by Luc Desmarchelier and painted by the very talented Joty Man Lam. The character design for Mavis was done by Annette Marnat .

See you at the CTN Expo this weekend! Look me up in the schedule, I'll be there all three days.

From the Dusty Vignali Vault

2011-11-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Here's an oldie that's been collecting dust in the Vignali vault!

I think I drew this one for Disney's Atlantis, sometime in 1997. I was splitting my time between Atlantis, and Emperor's New Groove. Only then it was called Kingdom of the Sun.

Just to let everyone know, I'll be at the CTN EXPO! I'll be there November 18-20. Hope to see you there. I'll be posting about it soon.

Comikaze Expo Proof Sketches

2011-11-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple sketches I drew on some Magic proofs. Sandy, the proud owner of these two sketches held them up for a picture. One of Lilo & Stitch, and the other of a faerie.

The Comikaze Expo is surprisingly large and well run -- for this being their first year. Come by and check it out.

I'll be at the COMIKAZE EXPO this weekend!

2011-11-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Comickaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend (November 5-6, 2011). I'll be signing prints, cards, booklets, and drawing commission sketches. You can find me in Artists Alley, at booth 99!

Just click: Comickaze Expo

reMIND, great comic by Jason Brubaker

2011-09-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

When I was at the San Diego Comic Con I picked up Jason Brubaker's reMind, it has to be one of the freshest comics I've seen in a very long time. Jason's artwork and page layout are a refreshing cold glass of water in a tepid sea of status quo comics.

Jason Brubaker has the entire reMIND comic book posted on-line, but I suggest having a look, and then buying this comic. Even his approach to advertising his comic book is unconventional, he'll let you read the entire comic.

My Art Interview -- and my hidden boxing past...

2011-09-07T19:40:00.001-07:00

I just did an interview with Rondal Scott at Fuel Your Illustration.

It's an interesting interview, Rondal asked me about my past in the sport of prize fighting. I came away from boxing with more than just scars and a couple broken noses -- I learned how to be a better artist. Imagine that?

You know me, I'm always more honest than I should be -- enjoy the interview.

By the way, this drawing is one I did for Brother Bear back in 1999. Yeah, I had to dig deep into the archives for this one.

Look at me....don't look at me!

2011-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ever notice those people that cry out for attention, but when you look at them they're surprised that you're looking at them? This young gal had dyed her hair with blue streaks, yet when she caught me looking at her she became nervous and uncomfortable.

Amy Winehouse 1983-2011

2011-07-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sadly, we all knew this day was coming.

For a while I remember thinking Amy Winehouse should get her life together so she can get back to singing. But, as she continued to spiral out of control, I remember thinking she should just get her life together so she can get back to the land of the living.

Even the late night jokes stopped when everyone realized how much danger she was in. It's like we were all watching her die right in front of us, but no one could save her from herself.

In her short life, Amy made a profound impact in the music industry. Few singers are able to transcend the medium of their vocals and allow their voice to become an instrument -- Amy did that -- combined with the raw passion and heartfelt emotion she poured into her music, fans loved her for it.

The great Tuna Bora also did a tribute.

Awakening

2011-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is the first page for the comic I've been working on. It's part of a larger project that the Sony artists are contributing towards. The project is called the Exquisite Corpse, as per an old Victorian parlor game in which people contribute only a part to a larger drawing -- without being able to see the drawing in its entirety. However, the actual title of the comic book remains undecided. I guess we'll have a better idea when all the contributers turn in their pages.

I've already turned in my eight page story, and so I thought I would post page one. Lia Abbate had the story right before me, and she picked the theme with faeries. Since I love the subject of the faerie world, I decided to go along with her last panel. I soon realized I was drawing my own daughters, as they ended up being the inspiration for the characters. The name of my story is Awakening.

Introducing Fil Barlow!

2011-07-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

My friend and mentor, Fil Barlow, has finally gotten off his bony butt and created a blog, and a Deviantart page.

Ever wonder who created Zooniverse? Ever wonder who created the look for the cartoon version of Alf, the animated Starship Troopers, the animated Godzilla, Tutenstein, Igor, Chronicals of Riddick, Heavy Gear, Extreme Ghost Busters, The Real Ghost Busters, the X Files, Eight Crazy Nights? Look no further than Fil Barlow.

Fil is Australian born, and he is the creator of his own comic books, a publisher of his own magazine, a gallery painter, a character designer, a puppet designer and a puppeteer. Fil is also a 2D animation artist, as well as a CG modeler! He's a literal renaissance man, and perhaps one of the most sincere and genuine people in the business.

When I first saw Fil's Zooniverse comic book, I was hooked, and I knew then I wanted to work with him. However, when he showed up in America, I was surprised to discover he was only a couple years older than I was! Imagine, he published Zooniverse when he was only 24 years old!

We worked together at DIC Entertainment in the late 1980s, and he's been my mentor and friend ever since. Please welcome, Fil Barlow.

I'll be at the Combine Prerelease for Magic 2012!

2011-07-03T23:22:00.001-07:00

Yeah, you heard right, 2012! Just to let everyone know, I'll be at the Radisson LAX on 6225 W Century Blvd this coming Saturday, July 9th, 2011. It's a Sunmesa sponsored event, and it's a prerelease for Magic 2012.

This is a Magic prerelease and tournament. I've never been to one of these events, so it should be interesting to see all the gamers duel it out.

Click this LINK to get more information on this event.

Hop-Scotch Ghost

2011-06-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

I drew this for a Christmas gift exchange at work. Why? I have no idea. I guess it just popped into my brain that that moment.

Of all the people that could have gotten the gift, it turns out Glenn Harmon (my good friend and carpool buddy) won it! Good thing I didn't show it to him before hand! Sheesh, I would have spoiled the surprise.

SCANKINESS

2011-06-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for not posting in a while - I guess things have gotten pretty hectic lately. Regardless, here's a recent sketch I did at Sketchclub.

Yep, the temperatures are rising, here in here come the hot-pants. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough of this skinny girl to fill out her hot-pants.

Anaheim Comic Con Update...

2011-04-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

Just to let everyone know, I'll be at table 1114 this weekend at the Ahaheim Comic Con! I'll have prints, and a convention sketchbook for sale. I'll also be signing proofs, doing commission sketches, and talking with all of you.

I'LL BE APPEARING IN ANAHEIM, April 29th-May 1st

2011-04-12T14:21:00.001-07:00

For those of you interested, I'll be appearing at the comic con in Anaheim the weekend of April 29th-May 1st!

Wizard Entertainment has invited me to participate at this year's Anaheim Comic Convention, and I'll be signing my gaming card illustrations, as well as having original art, doing commission sketches, selling prints, and also offering my first convention sketchbook.

In this sketchbook, you'll find thirty-two pages of sketches related to my gaming card illustration work, preliminary sketches, and other fantasy themed sketches - such as faeries.

For those of you that can't make it to the convention, I'll be selling these sketchbooks on-line -- after the event. However, I'm going to be adding a convention exclusive to make it an incentive to come out and visit with me. I haven't figured out what that item will be yet -- but I have a few ideas.

Just to let you know, I don't have my booth number yet, I'll post it when I get it. I hope to see you all there!

The Drawing Contest...

2011-03-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

OK, here's a couple from an entire series of humorous cat sketches.

After my back surgery, my nine year old daughter and I sat around the table and had a drawing contest. We both started drawing cats, and she drew me right under the table! Her drawings were hilarious (I'll have to post some of her drawings). I was drawing one for every three of hers!

After which, I continued with the theme of cats and filled a sketchbook with ridiculous cat drawings.

Maybe a father/daughter book?

More Faeries...

2011-03-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here's another faerie image.

I'm currently putting together a short comic book story with faeries, and I'm also compiling a bunch of faerie development sketches for a small sketchbook.

Luis Vignali RIP

2011-03-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

I just want to let everyone know, my father Luis Vignali, passed away on February 12th of this year. It's one of those inevitable days every child dreads, but arrives nonetheless.

Dad was born in Buenos Aries in 1935, and then moved to the US in 1959. But, in 2004 he moved back to beloved country of Argentina.

I want to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. For those interested, you can see a photo montage of my dad's life on Vimeo. And, yes, you can see me in a few pictures. There's a few baby picturess, and a picture of me sleeping on his back, way back in 1967.

Click this LINK to check out the 10 minute video.

Oh, by the way, this picture was taken of my father in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1959.

My Comic Book Story

2011-02-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm doing a short comic book story. And, this is one of the panels from my story.

The artists here at Sony Pictures Animation are doing a comic book project, much like the books the other studios are creating, such as "Who is Rocket Johnson."

This is not a Sony sponsored idea, but rather put together by the artists -- with each of the artists putting together their own eight page stories. So, my story is about a little Pixie.

I'll have more information for you as we get close to the publishing date. So, enjoy this sneak preview!

Distorted Reality

2011-01-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

This one is from a while back. I was drawing the figure from life, and adding watercolor, all within the five minute mark. And, I was trying to create some distorted proportions to see what would happen.

Nuther one...

2011-01-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know, the JPG is also very small, but this is all I've got left of these images.

Graphite on ledger paper, circa 2001.

Happy New Year! 2011

2011-01-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

I was poking around some old artwork and I found this one. I don't have a larger file of it, or I'd post it. I remember the detail in this piece was a lot of fun -- especially the table with all the food.

The original for this piece was drawn on velum, for a project that went no where -- from my drawing table to some dusty old vault in some undisclosed place in Burbank, I would imagine. I'm guessing I drew this about ten or eleven years ago.

I've got some other files from this project I can post, but unfortunately they're all about this size. These small jpg files are all I have left in terms of copies.

Mary Christmas

2010-12-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, on the glorious birth of Jesus of Nazareth! Hallelujah!

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:14

Have a wonderful holiday and a wonderful new year!

Topper posts some of my drawings...

2010-12-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

Topper Helmers is a friend of mine, and we used to work together at WDI in the early 1990s. As customary for those days -- as the young man in the studio -- I was prone to doing joke drawings for my coworkers. What ever was happening that was current was usually fodder for me. I loved sending these via interoffice mail -- this made boring interoffice mail fun.

Some of the drawings are just roughs I would use to create some of my designs, and some are just doodles I would give Topper when he showed an interest in a particular sketch. And, some where just inside jokes. (Gosh, I had completely forgotten about most of them till I saw them again.)

My friend Topper has posted some of the drawings I gave him on a web site/auction site. And, if you twist his arm, I'll bet he'd even sell a few. He's a huge collector of art, and he's got some amazing artwork in his collection.

You might be wondering why all the red-head jokes, heh...well, he had a thing for red-heads. Topper also kept pressuring me to do a comic book, so I teased him with this sketch.

Go to Topper's Page to check out these sketches from nearly 20 years ago.

I've Posted on Sketchclub again...

2010-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

This poor kid was working hard as a house painter, but who could resist such an opportunity to draw him? He was covered in white paint!

Sketchclub Posting...

2010-12-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Go to Sketchclub to check out my latest memory sketch. I've got the full image posted there.

Heh-heh, you know it's getting cold in California when the scarfs come out.

Look What I Found!

2010-11-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe I didn't find this image in an old book, but it's fun to create images I'd like to find.

This is a rough sketch of a faerie that I superimposed over some textures. I imagined it was an old book plate.

A Sketchbook Peek

2010-10-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a new sketch from my sketchbook. It's similar to the sketches I have on my Sketchclub app.

For those interested, I don't have a sketchbook for sale, but I do have my Sketchclub app, it's pretty affordable at $2.99

This particular sketch isn't on the Sketchclub app -- since it's new. But, it's similar to the ones in my app. Maybe it will make it into a Volume Two?

Captain N: Game Master - Wombat Man

2010-10-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my daughter about marsupials and she mentioned wombats. I told her that in 1988 I designed a wombat character for an animated TV show for DIC Entertainment -- looked it up on Youtube...and there it was! I designed Wombat Man and the love interest in this clip.

I was the lead character designer for this show, having designed many of the main characters. Although, I only worked on it for the first season. As was customary back then they would lay everyone off after the productions ended their season, and in-between seasons I landed a job with Disney.

My friend Fil Barlow also did some of the main characters as well. He was instrumental in getting the contract from Nintendo with his humorous character designs, the difference being the show was going to be about a Paper Boy. Back then there was a video game that featured a paper boy delivering papers, and the Paper Boy was going to be the lead character for the show. Somewhere along the line the Paper Boy idea was dropped and Kevin, as Captain Nintendo, was born. Fil was living in Australia at the time and wasn't around during production as he was with Alf and Alf Tales.

Funny thing, I remember Mike Maliani, our executive producer, came by with photos of child actors to play the part of Kevin Keene. I shuffled around the pictures and settled on Dorian Barag. I don't know if I helped his career or sunk it!

Once the show went in production I worked with character designers Ed Lee and Mike Goguen.

Sadly, the character Wombat Man was only featured here as the character Simon Belmont was switching TV channels. One of the production coordinators named Kurt Weldon did the voice for Wombat Man.

Mean Sketches...

2010-09-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was having a conversation about caricatures with my friend Glenn Harmon , and I had mentioned to him that Marlo Meekins has some of the most vicious/hilarious caricatures out there right now.

Glenn suggested we give that a shot -- you know, meanness -- during our Friday Sketchclub get-together. Although no one comes close to Marlo's talent, it was fun to step on the gas pedal and see what viciousness we could come up with on our own.

I typically try to design my characters with appeal and an overall simple shape. I still kept my simple overall shape goal, but some of that meanness seeped into the drawing. This drawing was one among the drawings I did in my sketchbook.

Three Minute Figure Drawing

2010-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a three minute figure drawing drawn on newsprint with a magic marker. It is untouched, just as I scanned it. The scanner copied the image really rich, and I liked the way it turned out.

Sorry for the watermark/huge signature, but with the recent copyright problems, I gotta paste these on the images to protect myself. Hopefully, you all can look past that legality.

Inspiration for Latest Post

2010-09-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

On the last post there was some question to the inspiration to these sketches, I thought I would go ahead and clear things up a bit. The Muppets were the inspiration for these sketches, not Ronald Searle.

I love Searle’s work, but I believe Searle’s work relies heavily on the 2D medium. Nothing wrong with that if you are doing illustrations, but if you’re doing CG animation it can become a stumbling block into a 3D translation.

Having started my career in 2D animation, and now working in CG animation, I've witnessed a learning curve that is taking place with this industry -- and within my own commercial work. I’ve really been learning to appreciate the simplicity of the Muppets for that reason.

There’s another general question regarding “inspiration” versus “copying.” Although I think there is much value in copying when you’re starting out, at this point in my career I think it’s better to learn a lesson and apply the understanding, rather than copy a technique.

Olde Tyme

2010-08-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

Blah blah blah, and then I blah blah blah, with graphite and blah blah blah.

Introducing Ted Blackman

2010-07-30T09:36:00.001-07:00

My good friend Ted Blackman has finally created a blog.

Ted and I go waaay back. When I first started in animation he was already a star talent, but I quickly discovered that Ted was also easy to get along with, versatile, and funny.

Ted was a crack-up to have at the studio, he was always making caricatures of his fellow artists, and drawing funny studio situations -- like when the air conditioner was stuck on FREEZING. He did a cartoon of himself trying to warm himself by using several drawing lamps at his desk.

Ted really opened my eyes about how a cartoonist should see the world. Meeting him had a profound impact on me, thanks Ted!

Please welcome my friend by paying him a visit at Crotchety Comics and leave him a comment.

Open Season

2010-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

We have to go back a few years for these. When I first came to Sony Pictures Animation, I started working on Open Season as a character designer. My job was to develop the Boog character's design -- before the script was set. I did a series of sketches trying to figure out who this nine foot, 1,100 pound grizzly bear was.

Boog was raised as a house pet, and he's sort of a naughty child. The idea here, as Boog attempts to raid the cookie jar, is that he is completely unaware of his size and power.

I did a lot of exploration with the designs and attempted to move him around to get a feel for the way the character would move.

Once I had gotten a good feel for the character, I did some turns. In the end, I gave him fur-like pants that gave him a britches-feel to his fur, and large forelimbs with tiny paws and delicate claws that act like fingers.

Ultimately, my friend Carter Goodrich came on as the character designer, and I took the position of art director on Surf's Up. Despite the changes in the style and design for Boog, I was glad to see the ideas remained the same and made it into the final version.

Jolly the Chimp

2010-07-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid there was this toy called the Jolly Chimp. It was a frightening chimp doll that would bang its cymbals, then bare its teeth while, with eyes bulging out of his sockets. It didn't seem like a kid's toy, and I think that's what the allure was. I never owned one as a kid, but my cousin had one, and I was mesmerized.

This toy has now become sort of iconic in that it's been featured in various movies, Close Encounters, Monkey Shines, and now in Toy Story 3. Ironically I drew this before watching the movie.

(OK, a side note, I'm such a fan of this nightmarish toy, as an adult I've collected and refurbished several of them and have two, mint, still in the box. There, I've said too much already.)

Fourth of July Fireworks

2010-07-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

On the Fourth, I was sitting out by the hotel pool while my kids were swimming. There were a lot of families, the pool was a full of screaming kids.

Then two young ladies, about 17-18 years old, came out to the pool. I over heard one say to the other, "This is boring, there's no one here!" That comment struck me so funny, I guess the mobs of families and screaming kids didn't count.

They only stayed a moment, but not before I blocked in this sketch. Obviously I had to finish it in their absence, but what a moment!

Stealthclub! By Moleskin

2010-06-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just love those little paperback Moleskin sketchbooks. I was going to a fancy banquet and stuffed it into my blazer's inner pocket -- it's so small and flat, no one was the wiser. And, sure enough the moment presented itself and I bagged this beaut! Oh my gosh, I would have kicked myself if I didn't have anything to sketch him with.

The sketch is untouched, other than my added copyright.

Sketchclub Posting...

2010-05-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Go to Sketchclub to check out my latest memory sketch. I've got the full body posted there.

RIP Frank Frazetta (1928-2010)

2010-05-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

This was the first image I ever saw by Frank Frazetta, only it was painted on the side of a van in the mid 1970s.

By 1978 I found out who had painted this image when I stumbled across a Betty Ballentine book that featured much of Frank's artwork. I was about 13 years old, and didn't have the eight dollars to buy the books, so I would memorize the subjects and attempt to draw them at home.

Years later I had the privilege of seeing Frank Frazetta at the San Diego Comic book convention, but he was swarmed with fans so I couldn't get close enough to thank him personally for his contribution to Sci Fi art and his influence on me. It was one of those pinch-me moments, and I said to myself, "There he is."

Not only was Frank an amazing storyteller, painter and designer, but he had a tremendous imagination that always provided a unique perspective about the worlds he was envisioning. Most of all I believe was his imagination that set him apart from his contemporaries.

RIP Frank Frazetta.

I found a great place to do figure drawing...

2010-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

My buddy Israel Martinez has set up a drawing studio inside Graphaids in Westchester. It's uninstructed, so you just show up and draw.

Manchester Space
7280 Manchester Blvd
Westchester, CA 90045
Thursdays 7pm-10pm
$15.00
Israel Martinez 310/702-7163
imartinezis@aol.com

I drew this image in my usual magic marker, but then used photoshop to place it over this aged paper. I think this was a five minute sketch.

CALGARY COMIC EXPO

2010-04-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo in Canada this weekend. So, if you're in the area, or are making the trip, please come by and say hello.

I'll be at the Expo talking about animation related topics, such as Creating a Portfolio, on Saturday April 24th. And then on Sunday, April 25th, I'll be talking about Character Design for Animation.

Most of all, I'll be walking around enjoying the Expo and meeting all of you.

The Amazing PAUL WEE

2010-04-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

My longtime friend Paul Wee saw my drawing of Hellboy -- and was inspired enough to do an ink and color. I just had to post it.

Both Paul and I went to art school together, and it was he who turned me onto Mike Mignola. We started collecting a comic book title called Rocket Racoon waaay back in the day, and were impressed by Mignola's design sense -- even before Mignola discovered his distinctive graphic design look that he is now famous for.

Paul is an amazing talent, and he's teaching again after a four year hiatus. If you have a minute, go check out his blog.

Sketchclub at the DOG PARK

2010-04-15T15:19:00.001-07:00

On special request I'm posting the sketches from last week's Sketchclub outing.

We went to the dog park in Culver City last week, where the Sketchclub crew laid down a flurry of dog sketches. Kendra really enjoyed my dog page and requested that I go ahead and post it. I hardly ever post my sketches, but on special request here it is in all its glory -- uncut and uncensored -- right out of my sketchbook.

I'm also adding a couple of the sketches blown up so you can see them in a little more detail. I really had fun drawing these little dogs more so than the big ones.

There was the little mean walleyed dog that wanted to pick a fight with all the dogs coming to the park.

And, a small skittish dog that looked like a Weasel.

If you are interested in seeing the "mark" for that day, go to Sketchclub.

Smokin'

2010-03-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

OK, I feel terrible about this, but still trying to protect my images with a watermark. It probably won't make that much of a difference to someone with photoshop knowledge -- an easy fix -- but rather a nuisance to would-be bootleg printers.

OK, that disclaimer out of the way, here's an image of a figure done with marker on paper. I like it when the marker starts to dry out just a bit, because then it allows a little bit of modeling. I'm not as bold as Marcos Mateu! who can knock-out his beautiful sketches with a fully loaded marker. If Zorro had a drawing counterpart, it would be Marcos.

WARCRAFT packaging art

2010-03-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago I did some packaging art for World of Warcraft. The package was released last summer, but I never got around to posting this. I was flattered that I was asked to do the cover illustration for the packaging art. It was very much like a jacket illustration. I had to accommodate the type, do a front and back cover, and added an image that would show up on the spine.

I ended up seeing the final printing of the package but wasn't that crazy about it, the knight's colors seemed blown out. Maybe it was just my print. That's the thing about printing, unless we're there to supervise it, we never really know how it's going to show up in print. Still, it was fun.

The characters are not my designs, but rather I was given game resolution-images of their existing designs to use as reference and embellished them in this illustration.

Hellboy Commission

2010-03-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

I've never drawn Hellboy before, but have always been a big fan. I had a commission request -- and so I took a crack at it.

I didn't want to do go the Mignola approach, so I thought I would approach it from the aspect of, "What can I add to this character in order to make it recognizable as Hellboy, but my version of Hellboy?"

COLMAN on your iPod

2010-02-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

My good friend David Colman has also put together an iPod App! If you are unfamiliar with Coh's work, you're in for a treat. Best known for his animal character design book, this exclusive App provides a drawing collection of both animals and people. The best thing about this new technology, if you have an iPhone or iTouch, it's all right there at your fingertips.

What's really cool is that David has included a step-by-step "how to" tutorial section where he shows how he does his watercolor field sketches.

Once again, thanks to Bobby Chiu, you can find this App book at: www.artistsketchbooks.com.

SKETCHCLUB on your iPod!

2010-02-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

The official Marcelo Vignali, SKETCHCLUB, sketchbook is now available as an iPhone/iTouch app. For those of you that have always wanted a peek at my sketchbook to see how I handle the subject of characters, here's your chance.

With this convenient format you can load it up and take it anywhere -- especially when you go sketching. For those that have always wanted to go sketching with our Sketchclub, but live too far away to join us, this is the next best thing because you can load up your iPod with this app and take me with you. These are not studio sketches, these are field sketches. The images in this app were originally drawn from life with a pen, a brush and marker.

Thanks to Bobby Chiu, you can find my book at: www.artistsketchbooks.com. This is the first time my work has been available outside of Disney or Sony making-of books. For only $2.99, you get 30 images from my sketchbook -- that's less than .10¢ per page. I can't imagine a more affordable, or convenient, way to offer this book.

I hope you enjoy it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

As some of you may or may not know, but I had a serious spinal operation on December 11th of 2009. I'm recovering well now, and am looking forward to 2010. As it is I spent a month a way from work trying to build up my strength and heal, and am only now returning to the office.

I had quite a bit of hardware surgically implanted into my back. In total I have seven screws, one titanium plate, cadaver bone, and two titanium rods. Suffice it to say, I was laid out on my back during Christmas and New Year. I did some sketching, and I drew this chap on New Year, imagining those days of yesteryear when men would dress up in Tuxedos to welcome the new year with lots of pomp. Why? I have no idea, it was just fun. I almost filled an entire sketchbook with lots of doodles.

I also got to spend quite a bit of time with my family, which was a tremendous blessing.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Joy to the World

2009-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Being that we are on the eve of Christmas, hence a pregnant Mary.
--Marcelo

Joy to the World
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

My Interview

2009-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

Click Here to view the recent interview I did with Bobby Chui of Schoolism.com.

It lasts about an hour.

I'm going to be in Culver City

2009-12-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Craig Harris we will be having the last Nomad Gallery art show of the year this Saturday Dec 5th. See my link in the margin.

It will take place from 5-9pm at the
Los Angeles Event and Meeting Center
located in Culver City.

10601 W. Washington Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90232

I'll be there, so come on by and say hello. Let's talk art!

I was there at the CTN EXPO!

2009-12-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

I did a demo on Sunday, and my friends Mark McDonnell and Nicolas Villarreal were kind enough to take some pictures. This shows my initial lay-in when I'm doing a figure drawing. I begin with long flowing lines, and build my shapes up in terms of design and not anatomy.

(I should also note that these drawings were done out of my head, and no model was present for this demonstration.)

I begin to build my shapes by focusing on the rhythm of the pose.

At this point I probably stopped to blather on about something, fortunately long enough for Nicolas to take a picture without my arm being in the way. These drawings don't take more than about five minutes (maybe seven minutes including my talking), so Nicolas had to be quick.

I continue building the shapes, but this time using my understanding of anatomy.

I have to say I was very impressed by the number of people that were interested in my approach to figure drawing. My approach makes sense to me, and it seemed to resonate with the people listening. I was heartened to see such eager minds taking an interest in something seemingly so perfunctory -- but a necessary part of design.

Here's a screen shot from the overhead video camera. It was squashed in perspective, so I had to unsquash it to present it to you here -- hence there is still a little bit of distortion. Now, this isn't the same drawing I was working on in the photos above, but I managed to give three demos during my presentation, and this was one of the other demos.

I'll Be There...

2009-11-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be at the CTN Expo.
On Saturday I'm going to be doing a discussion in a forum called the "Line Kings." And, on Sunday I'm going to be doing a demo. I hope to see you all there.

My Artwork For Sale at...

2009-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

My good friend Craig Harris has just started an online gallery that also makes periodic (brick and mortar) appearances throughout the Southland -- hence the name Nomad Gallery. He has invited me to participate as one of the featured artists in his gallery, so if you are interested in purchasing some of my artwork or just want to find out when the next show is going to happen (December 5th), please go to the Nomad Gallery.

I am selling a print of this faerie image, so please visit my friend Craig Harris at the Nomad Gallery.

Craig also has a tremendous roster of artists that reads like a who's-who in the animation industry's LA area.

This One's for MAC...

2009-10-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but MAC pestered me and eventually shamed me into posting something -- thanks bud!

I have to admit, I'm so old school I like drawing with the centuries old pen nib and ink. I trained this way years ago, and at one time in my various past lives as a freelance artist I used to do ink drawings for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate -- with my drawings appearing in over 52 newspapers throughout the country. But, that was back when Prince first crashed into the music scene, and Nintendo had just come out with their first games. So, as you can tell that was a long time ago.

But, let's face it, who wants old school illustrations -- right? So, I decided to push this drawing into the technological world of the 20th century and add a little color using my Wacom Tablet and Photoshop 7.0.

Doodle Discovery

2009-08-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was going through a folder filled with odd sketches and came across this one. I can't remember why I drew this, but it looks like a Planet of the Apes inspired sketch -- or just a samurai ape.

This sketch was drawn on bond with graphite, and obviously from imagination.

2009-07-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

I have just posted at Sketchclub. If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub.

Noelle has also posted her version of this mark too. Come and have a look.

One from the Sketchbook

2009-07-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

I drew this one out at lunch today. You'd never guess this guy was watching the soccer game in an Argentine restaurant. (I'm going to guess his team was losing.)

'Nuther One on Sketchclub

2009-07-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have just posted at Sketchclub. If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub

EXTRA! Andy Gaskill Blogging!

2009-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Animation Legend Andy Gaskill is now blogging. Please go and welcome him to the world of bloggers.

Best known for being the writer and art director for Disney's Lion King, here's a list of only some of his film credits I say "only" because he doesn't even have the Fox and the Hound listed in his IMDB credits.

Sketchclub Sketchbook Page

2009-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

I rarely post my sketchbook drawings during our Sketchclub lunches, rather we typically post our memory drawings at sketchclub.blogspot instead. So, here is a page from my sketchbook during one of these Sketchclub outings.

A whole bunch of us had gone to the local skatepark and drew some of the kids there. Ya gotta draw fast to get these weightless action poses! They're more like gesture drawings.

I have posted again on Sketchclub...

2009-06-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would let you know that I have just posted at Sketchclub.( I know, it's been a while.) If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub!

Next week we're going to draw at a local skatepark.

Land of the Lost Gameboard

2009-06-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was a huge fan of the 1970s television show. So you can imagine two years ago when I found the DVD for all three seasons being offered online, I bought it. My kids and I will often sit and enjoy the show: I reliving my memories; they creating memories.

We would often play LotL with my children and their toys, but it wasn't the same. And, since there are no Land of the Lost games or toys based on the 1970s television show being offered in the stores anymore, I decided to make a game. We found some LotL crystals being offered on eBay, bought them and have made them part of the game. We also use different colored buttons for our characters.

Wanna play? You'll have to be familiar with the show in order to understand who the characters are.

The object of the game is to pick up all four crystals and make it to the end without getting stuck in the circular vortex, or captured by sleestaks. The catch is, no one gets left behind -- we have to move through the game like a family. Having all four crystals allows you to reenter our world.

The dice allows only one of four choices. Move one space ahead, move two spaces ahead, move three spaces ahead, and try again. Three try-agains in a row moves you four spaces forward.

The pylons allow you to move backwards in the game, but not forward. Unless you have the Enik card and happen to land on the red pylon. At which point you can go anywhere in the game. Enik also allows you to escape the sleestaks. Otherwise, you're stuck.

The Pakuni card allows you to take a short cut into the cavern, and gets you unstuck from the vortex -- theoretically by going for help and getting the mirror.

Each time you play the either the Enik, Pakuni, toothpick or torch card, you have to put them back. Unless of course you re-land on that space again that allows you to pick up the card.

The vortex: is like a turnabout. You go round and round unless you can land on the square that allows you to leave the vortex. There is another square that traps you with the vortexes lazer. To escape, you'll need to get the mirror. The mirror reflects the vortexes deadly lazer and allows you to escape, and if a family member is stuck you must retrieve the mirror, and then use one of the pylons to go backwards into the game and attempt to land on their space to rescue them. Once you have the mirror, you keep it.

Sometimes everyone gets stuck in LotL, but usually you can find your way out.

I had the kids draw up the cards. You'll need red, blue, yellow and green crystals, an Enik and Pakuni card, and you'll also need a toothpick, mirror and torch card. You might want to draw up some cards for the crystals too.

The gameboard is watercolor and ink.

(And, yes, I was very disappointed with the new LotL movie. When I saw that Will Ferrel was staring in it, I knew I couldn't take my children to it -- too raunchy and crude for my standards.)

Postcard from Argentina II

2009-06-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another postcard from Argentina...that actually made the journey. This card went out to my friend Richie Chavez.

I had just gotten off the airplane after a 17 hour flight, took a bus ride into BA, walked through the park, and jotted this one down before heading off to my hotel.

Postcard Roulette

2009-06-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

I gambled and I lost. I think out of the six hand drawn postcards I mailed from Argentina, only three arrived to their destinations. Even the hand drawn postcard I mailed my daughters never made it.

They're lost into the ether of that great void between memory and imagination...or in some postman's collection.

I only had the sense to take this picture of one. I drew this while in a restaurant in Buenos Aries. I believe it was intended for Paul Wee.

Alas, what can I say, I'm an art adrenaline junky.

More Brother Bear Mammoths

2009-05-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here's another design I did way back when I was doing character design and development work for Disney's Brother Bear.

This sketch was originally drawn on heavyweight vellum with wax pencil.

Kitchen Drawing

2009-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here's one I did about ten years ago. The original was drawn on regular 8.5 X 11 bond paper with graphite. Nothing fancy.

I wish I had a better jpg, but this is all I got.

RIC ESTRADA February 26, 1928 - May 1, 2009

2009-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ric Estrada has passed away. He declined rapidly over the past week as a result of advanced prostate cancer, to which he no longer responded to treatment. This had been an ongoing battle for Ric. Nearly all his children were by his bedside as he crossed over yonder to where the tree of life is in eternal bloom.

I met Ric while living in St. George Utah, and have been living in the riches of having met him. He was truly alive, in every sense of the word, from the sparkle in his eyes to that warm smile he embraced everyone with.

Family Memorial Donation Suggestion
Ric loved every person he ever met and all people. He believed in the possibilities for all of his friends, those he had met and those he hadn't met yet, desiring to help all to improve their circumstances. For any who wishes to do so please donate to the humanitarian fund at http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/. 100% of the funds go to meet needs worldwide. Be sure to indicate that you are making a donation to the humanitarian fund so that your contribution will be used solely for humanitarian needs. You may also indicate that this a memorial donation for Ric Estrada.

Postcard from Argentina

2009-04-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before, I like to play the postcard game. This is where I send hand drawn postcards to my artist friends, with the hope they will reciprocate in kind. It's a way to collect art and share art with friends in a fun and playful way. I figured I'm usually doodling anyway when I travel, why not do it on a 4X6 card and mail it.

I guess I'm an art nerd, I have to admit I get exited to see how these little pieces of art travel, to their destinations -- sometimes with smudges and creases. And, sometimes, they just don't make it! (I guess the mail man is playing the postcard game too.)

So, naturally, while I was in Buenos Aries, Argentina, I managed to drop off a few cards to some friends. This card went to my good friend, and talented artist, Noelle Triaureau!

I'll try and post some of the other cards when I get copies.

Brother Bear Concepts for Humans

2009-04-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

These images were created for Brother Bear.

I had been charged with the task of creating some concept sketches for the animals in this world, as well as some of the humans. In this case here I've drawn one of the younger human members of a hunting party.

This was interesting because when I drew this image the Disney Studio remarked that they were interested in the graphic nature of the skin cape, as well as the uniqueness of the bone goggles. I was looking forward to seeing something like that in the final film -- but it was not to be.

Part of my job here was to do as much research as possible about the stone age implements, tools and tailored hide clothing. So, in that regard, the clothing, stitching, and crafting of tools was very accurate. But, the Inuit make really elaborate outfits, but I had to actually draw them in a more primitive manner so as to fit the feel the studio was looking for.

When I was doing research the bulkiness of the clothing was one of the things that stood out to me, as well as the way in which the leather skins tended to fold -- being that the fur was kept on the inside of the clothing.

All but the top drawing were drawn with Prisma Pencil on newsprint. It looks to me as though that one may have been drawn on vellum.

Obviously, all of these are drawn without models -- this is where figure drawing and sketching in public really pays off.

Updates...

2009-03-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, I've been a lousy blogger. I just haven't been going around to see what everyone's been up to, nor have I been posting new images.

I did get an account on Facebook. Not so sure I'm going to keep it, the jury is still out.

Charcoal pencil in an 8x10 sketchbook.

Surprise!

2009-02-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

Isn't it fun to discover artwork that you did, but can't remember doing?

Obviously a speed painting of a pirate, but aside from that the history is lost to the ages.

SKETCHCLUB in 3D!!!

2009-02-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

You'll need to see this sketch with the ol' red and blue 3D glasses, not the fancy amber and violet ones.

I had tried this before, but it didn't work. This time I figured it out -- with the help of some of you in the blog-o-sphere. Thanks for the tips.

Life Drawing...

2009-02-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

I thought this drawing looked like one of those black velvet paintings, so I went ahead and inverted the image using Photoshop. If you want to see what the drawing looked like, you'll have to revert the process on your end.

I felt it was something you could find in Jim Kelly's apartment, with Isaac Hayes singing in the background.

I have posted at Sketchclub!

2009-01-27T15:10:00.001-08:00

I just thought I would let you know, I have just posted at Sketchclub. If you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub!

Come take a look and compare the sketches.

Golden Starbux

2009-01-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

Bobert D. Ballard found the Titanic, Howard Carter discovered King Tut's treasures, and I have found the treasure trove of places to sketch!

There's a coffee shop not far from my home that happens to be right in-between a suburb, a college and a trailer park -- not far from the beach. Oh, the faces, the costumes...the tattoos!

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to any persons living or dead is not only coincidental, it's also accidental.

'Nuther Handdrawn Postcard...

2009-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Since we're on the theme of hand drawn post cards, here's another one I did just recently.

A friend of mine here at work, Omar Smith, recently went to Mexico. So, I managed to talk him into sending me a card from there. And, in return, I sent him this one.

It's ink and marker.

Hand Drawn Postcard

2009-01-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a hand drawn postcard I drew out for a friend. I drew it with ink and marker.

Years ago I used to play this game with my art friends where I would mail them a hand drawn/painted postcard, and they would return in kind. I figured it was a way I could trade art with my art friends, do something productive with my doodles, and have some fun in the process.

Alas, it worked great in theory, but as time went by I realized I was the only one playing. Some would just get busy with life, and the cards would stop coming. A lot of other artists were so self critical, they felt intimidated that their work wouldn't be as nice as what I mailed them, and this would cause them to procrastinate and never send a card. That was the biggest shame, because that was never my intent. I never wanted this game to cause anxiety -- but heck we're nutty artists, I guess we all have hang-ups.

I didn't mind that some cards would get damaged, that was part of the fun. I considered it the patina of having traversed some great expanse. These banged up cards really felt like they had travelled. And, some cards would never get to their destination! Lost in the mail! Or, part of a postman's collection somewhere.

Some cards arrived from far away places, while others were simply from where ever these artists lived. I managed to send a few out while I was on vacation, but most were sent from where ever I was living.

The fun part was mailing cards with different sizes. I got a wooden postcard from one friend. It was hilarious. The simple fact is, if you put enough postage on a rock, you can mail that too!

The postcard game was fun while it lasted. This particular thank-you card was an opportunity to hand draw out a post card like the ol' days, and send it along. This time, no game -- just a thank-you.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

And happy holidays!

I snuck out solo for Sketchclub and tried to take advantage of the "real" weather in order to draw some wonderful wardrobes.

Seeing this woman braving the drizzle and 55 degree weather was comical. It looked like she was ready for some subzero Lake Michigan winds to blow in any minute. The only give away were the tiny dress shoes. Heh-heh, very Los Angeles! Since we don't get snow here, this was the closest thing.

Have a wonderful holiday my friends. I'll see you all in the coming year.

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:14

Journey to Bethlehem

2008-12-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's my daughter and I at last year's event.

Hello everyone. It's that time of the year, and my church has built Bethlehem in our church parking lot, and yours truly and one of his intrepid daughters will be participating once again as shepherds as we give praise to our Lord and Savior.

So, come experience the Christmas story in an interactive town.  It is a hands-on experience for you to walk through the city of Bethlehem during the time of Christ's Birth.  This town has a cast of over 150, live animals, music, dancing, wares, trades to try, a petting farm, and a visit from the angels.  I would like to invite your entire family and friends to come and tour Bethlehem. Admission is FREEE, in fact- they give you a handful of shekels to spend in town.  Reservations are not needed and groups are welcome.  Please dress warmly since this is an outdoor event.  3 Nights in MB and 2 in Bellflower (5 nights total): Manhattan Beach - Dec. 5-7 (6-9pm) 1243 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Bellflower - Dec. 13 & 14 (6-8:00pm) 17456 Downey Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706  Its Amazing, You don't want to miss it!!!  For more info visit: www.journeytobethlehem.org

I have posted on Sketchclub!

2008-11-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. I've got a couple new images on Sketchclub, so if you would like to see the rest of this image, go to Sketchclub!

Also, a very talented young recruit named Glenn Harmon has joined Sketchclub! He has paid his membership fee and his dues in advance, gone through the rigorous/brutal initiation ritual, and will return to Sketchclub once the swelling goes down.

We also have a new sketch by Paul Shardlow posted there.

Water Color Figure

2008-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

First I'd like to apologize for the intrusive watermark/copyright. As you can see, I'm concerned that our artworks may be detached from our copyright, and become "orphaned." So, I'm adding my signature in a manner that can be removed by the "dedicated," but not by someone trying to quickly do it.

Moving on, this is a watercolor I did a while back. I was drawing these drawings in my sketchbook using charcoal, and then hastily adding some watercolor. For the most part, this was probably a five minute sketch, so I would draw out a gesture drawing as quick as I could, and use the remainder of the time to add the color.

The Prodigal Pumpkin Boy Returns

2008-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Several years ago we purchased this pumpkin scarecrow decoration for our home. It was a huge hit with my youngest daughter, she dubbed him "Pumpkin Boy."

Sadly, we lost "Pumpkin Boy" when the sewage in the home we were renting backed up and flooded our home. (Apparently a tree root had managed to get inside the pipe, and when a toilet was left running, it eventually backed up and flooded our bedroom.) Poor "Pumpkin Boy" was hiding in the closet, and absorbed all the water like a sponge. We had to toss out a lot of things, shoes, clothing and anything else that was contaminated. It was a mess -- I even lost a sketchbook I kept under my bed that I would use to draw my dreams, or other moments of inspiration.

The next year, "Pumpkin Boy" didn't return, and my daughter was distraught that "Pumpkin Boy" had forgotten her. She made the declaration, "He was probably busy, but I know he'll come back next year." What was I to do? I tried in vain to look for this decoration, but alas it was not to be.

Fellow blogger and friend Shuku had offered to help me make one, and she sent me some patterns to make the pumpkin shape. I bought a different scarecrow decoration of about the approximate size and removed the head -- then, stitch by stitch I hand sewed Pumpkin Boy's head -- trying my best to match the original, thus bringing him back from the abyss.

The day before Halloween last year, my daughter discovered "Pumpkin Boy" hiding in the bushes at night.

This year, "Pumpkin Boy" returned once more during our full moon, so I thought I would post a picture of the original "Pumpkin Boy", and the new "Pumpkin Boy." This picture was taken last year, right after she discovered "Pumpkin Boy" hiding in the bushes and we brought him inside.

Orphan Works Dead On Arrival

2008-10-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you that wrote letters and contacted your congress persons. I believe it made the difference.

Shame on Senators Leahy and Hatch for trying to sneak this by. Write them a letter and let them know how you feel.

http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/09/orphan-works-co.html

Orphan Works Update (Important!)

2008-09-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I thought perhaps our politicians might just be busy with the collapse of our banking and mortgage system – but I was wrong. When ever you hear them talking about how busy they’re working, it’s a sham because they always find the time to take advantage of situations like this to give themselves cover -- and we lose either more of our hard earned money or more of our rights.

While everyone is busy watching them reach into our pockets to pay for their mismanagement of our banks, they’re busy trying to pick our pockets with their other hand! (For those of you that didn’t believe this would happen, go back to sleep.)

Here’s a letter from the Illustrator’s Partnership of America. Read it, and make the appropriate calls and write the appropriate letters. Remember; be respectful.

Marcelo Vignali

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLUSTRATORS ' PARTNERSHIP OF AMERICA
Orphan Works: The Devil's Own Day
Never Too Busy to Pass Special
Interest Legislation
9.28.08

As lawmakers struggled Friday to clean up the mess on Wall Street, sponsors of the Orphan Works Act passed more special interest legislation. Their bill would force copyright holders to subsidize giant copyright databases run by giant internet firms.
Like the companies now needing billion dollar bailouts, these copyright registries - which would theoretically contain the entire copyright wealth of the US - would presumably be "too big to fail." Yet it's our wealth, not theirs, the scheme would risk.
Small business owners didn't ask for this legislation. We don't want it and we don't need it. Our opposition numbers have been growing daily. So Friday, the bill's sponsors reached for the hotline.
What is Hotlining?
Critics of hotlining say "that lawmakers are essentially signing off on legislation neither they nor their staff have ever read."
"In order for a bill to be hotlined, the Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader must agree to pass it by unanimous consent, without a roll-call vote. The two leaders then inform Members of this agreement using special hotlines installed in each office and give Members a specified amount of time to object - in some cases as little as 15 minutes. If no objection is registered, the bill is passed."
- Roll Call, Sept 17, 2007
In other words, a Senate bill can pass by "unanimous consent" even if some Senators don't know about it.
The Devil's Own Day
Senators Leahy and Hatch hotlined the Orphan Works Act twice last summer. Each time came at the end of a day, at the end of a week, near the end of a legislative session. Each time lawmakers were distracted by other issues and other plans. Each time artists rallied quickly and each time a Senator put a hold on the bill.

Friday the Senators found a new opportunity.

With lawmakers struggling to package a 700 billion dollar bailout to avert a worldwide economic meltdown, with the rest of the country focused on Presidential debates, with Washington in chaos and Congressional phone lines jammed, they hotlined an amended bill. On short notice, even the legislative aides we could reach by phone said they didn't have time to read it. And so, while we were rushing to get out a second email blast to artists, the bill passed by "unanimous consent" - in other words, by default.

What better way to pass a bill that was drafted in secret than to pass it while nobody's looking?

Since Friday, artists have been conducting bitter post mortems on their blogs. That's understandable, but it's not time yet.

The Senate passed their bill Friday, but the House hasn't. There's still time to write, phone and fax your congressional representatives. Tell them not to let the House Judiciary Committee fold their bill and adopt the Senate's.
- Brad Holland and Cynthia Turner, for the Board of the Illustrators' Partnership

TAKE ACTION: EMAIL CONGRESS TONIGHT
Tell the House Judiciary Committee not to adopt the Senate version.
We've supplied a special letter for this purpose: http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11980321
Please post or forward this message immediately to any interested party.
________________________________________________________________________________________
For ongoing developments visit the Illustrators' Partnership Orphan Works Blog:
http://ipaorphanworks.blogspot.com/

Over 70 creator organizations are united in opposing this bill in its current form. Illustrators, photographers, fine artists, songwriters, musicians, and countless licensing firms all believe this bill will harm their small businesses. Read the list: http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/01_topics/article.php?searchterm=00273
The Capwiz site is open to professional creators and any member of the image-making public. Sample letters have been provided. International artists will find a special link, with a sample letter and instructions as to whom to write.
If you received our mail as a forwarded message, and wish to be added to our mailing list, email us at: illustratorspartnership@cnymail.com Place "Add Name" in the subject line, and provide your name and the email address you want used in the message area.

As Per Request...

2008-09-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here's another one from my sketchbook.

The medium is ink, and magic marker.

Sketch

2008-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when the Surf's Up crew went to do some research at a surfing contest near San Diego, I brought along my sketchbook. I did several sketches, one of which was this one.

The medium is ball point pen, a brush pen, and a white pen.

Figure Drawing in Pen

2008-09-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm back, sorry for the delay in posting.

This has been a sad summer. My father-in-law lost his battle with cancer a couple weeks back. Most of this summer had been dedicated to him, as my wife made frequent visits with him (as well as the whole family). We knew his cancer was terminal, and so we tried to soak up as much as we could before it was his time to be with our Lord.

He was a loving family man, a Christian, and a playful grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Astro Boy in 2003

2008-08-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

In 2003, when I had first arrived at Sony Pictures Animation, I was given the assignment of doing some visual development work for Astro Boy. It's hard to believe it's been five years.

Being fans of the original series, it was a dream project for Richie Chavez and I. We created some designs together, and I put together a poster for an inter-corporate mid range planning report. I used one of Richie's small robot designs, and I tried to create a look for Astro Boy himself that was new and different.

Richie and I had also written a treatment for the story that was never seen because the fragile deal with the Tezuka family and Sony corporate unraveled during this same time. The deal with Sony fell apart; for us it was too-little-too-late, and we missed out on a tremendous project.

The project has since moved onto Imagi Animation Studios. Good luck guys! I can't wait to see the film next year.

Atlantis Escape...

2008-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone!

Sorry I've taken so long in posting anything. I got swamped with life stuff. Unfortunately my posting may continue to be a little sporadic for a little while, but I'll try and keep posting when I get a chance.

OK, here we're going back ten years ago when I was doing some work for Disney as a freelancer. The project was Atlantis, and I did several pencil drawings for them as I tried to explore what this world looked like.

There is a great book on the project called Atlantis, The Lost Empire, The Illustrated Script.

--M

Open Season Pencil Drawing

2008-05-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

This drawing was done during a testing phase for the Open Season Project.

We were in the process of creating a prototype version of our film in CG, in order to test out the style of the film. We did a crane shot of the camera moving over the landscape, trucking through the trees, and then camera moves over a hill, and finally we reveal this shot. So, the entire drawing was done in various levels like a 2D film, with trees in front on an overlay, meadow and hillside with bushes and rocks, and then the finale with the waterfall and and old saw mill.

We put it all together using Maya like a multiplane camera with my drawings placed on cards. We completed this exercise, but we never completed a CG version of this shot as we had originally planned.

The drawings were done with graphite on animation paper.

Orphan Works Act Update

2008-05-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a few comments that seem to suggest this isn't happening, or that it isn't even being talked about at the federal level. I provided links in my previous post to make it easier to follow this story. Please, just follow the links my friends.

Go to GovTrack.us and you'll see the Bill S.2913 has been introduced to the Senate on April 24, 2008.

As the Full Report link in the previous post will show, this has been presented to the both the house and senate. This is the first step in the legislative process, which means it is being deliberated, investigated and revised before it enters into the general debate.

If artists don't get motivated about this, or believe this is a hoax or an internet rumor, then be prepared to lose the copyright protection you currently have. Make your voices heard so as to add balance to those who want to create the Orphan Works Act. Now is the time you should be giving your testimonies. Politicians have no idea what it is to be an artist, educate them. Or else we may lose the copyright protection to spread our pixie dust across the bloggosphere.

Orphan Works Act

2008-05-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

If this law passes, this may be one of the only ways to protect our artwork when we post online. Essentially, I would be rendering my artwork useless with a watermark to would-be users seeking to use my artwork without just compensation. But this watermark protection isn't a guarantee, because anything printed or reproduced without your copyright will now be subject to theft! (That's not to say your copyright wouldn't be purposefully stripped for the purpose of theft.)

Right now, anyone can download my artwork, but no one can legally profit off my artwork without just compensation to me. This is all about to change with this new bill being proposed. S.2913 and H.R. 5889.

Seeing a great big watermark is not a great way to blog or to show samples of our artwork on our websites, but this may be one of the only real protections left to us should this become law.

The Orphan Works act works like this. Is someone finds your artwork on the web, or printed elsewhere, without proper copyright and registration (or with the copyright stripped off), they can register it -- after a “reasonable and diligent search.”

What is a “reasonable and diligent search?” Our artwork would be posted somewhere within the dozens of privately owned registration houses, and it would up to us to find our artwork and claim it.

There will be dozens and dozens of privately owned registries, and billions of images throughout 100 years to sort through. Rendering the process of claiming our own images as nearly impossible. If, on the off chance, you find that you have been ripped off, your infringement claim is only limited to, “reasonable compensation.” (As per their actual literature on page 115 in the Orphan Works Full Report.) What is reasonable compensation? Well, it would NOT be the current compensation of $150,000. worth of protection the current law affords us. Fair compensation means there will be NO penalties for copyright infringement. But, if you catch them, they'll pay you what a court deems is a reasonable usage fee.

Now, if you want to protect your images from being ripped off, you would need to register your images with all these privately owned registries. How much will cost? Who knows? How many images to do you draw per year? I just registered one script idea with SAG, and it cost me $20.00.

As a commercial artist the Orphan Works Act puts the burden of copyright protection and enforcement on the artists, while at the same time giving a pass to the users. We have to register with all the registry houses, and they only have to register with one. This is a bad bill that seeks to undermine the government's long-standing legal protection for artists.

Who are these registration data bases that are going to profit from this? Microsoft, Google, Corbis ... to mention a few.

Whenever I see both Democrats and Republicans come together, get ready to grab your wallet! Such is the case with the Orphan Works Act Senate Bill S.2913 and House Bill H.R. 5889. Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA),Howard Coble (R-NC), John Conyers (D-MI), Lamar Smith (R-TX), (Chairman and Ranking Members of House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property and Full Judiciary Committee Chairman and Ranking Member respectively) and Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

Please get active and protect your copyrights, or be prepared to lose them!

Read the act, testimony or full report
Go to the Illustrator's Partnership Resource Page !
See the Brad Holland video about this act
Government contacts and sample letter!

BROTHER BEAR character sketches

2008-04-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

When I was working on Brother Bear for Walt Disney Feature Animation, part of my job as a freelancer for Disney was to design a world of characters. So, I sharpened my pencils, and drew up a bunch of different North American mammals, in this case the musk ox.

The drawings were, again, old-school. I drew these out and colored them with marker.

Surf's Up Props

2008-04-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here's another prop from Surf's Up.

There was a scene during our film when our characters were going to be at a luau and banquet. The scene was storyboarded, a prop list was made, and we designed the props (and in some cases the props were painted and modeled in 3D), but the scene was later cut from the film. Even still, I thought it was a fun idea and a drawing worth sharing.

This little guy is playing a bamboo drum, similar to the PVC drums. Since the penguins already have flippers, the instrument would be easy to play. Watch this video to see how it would have sounded. Just click here to listen!

He also had bamboo chimes and coconut cymbals to accompany his drums.