THIS IS WHERE YOU WILL SEE UP AND COMING ARTISTS

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Joe Dave Torres

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

Any means of communication is fine. On a google search for "leftyjoe" most of my pages come up. myspace.com/leftyjoe or leftyart.blogspot.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

Mostly everything I draw is initially on paper with prisma col-erase
pencils. I do sketch in photoshop sometimes though.
After my sketch, I use adobe photoshop and illustrator. And even the
occasional prisma "color stick".

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

Wow, there are sooooo many cool creative places out there for an
artist, I would love to work anywhere that I can be a part of the
collaborative creative effort that results in any wonderful piece of
art. I'd like to someday know that I've worked everywhere. I hope I
can reach my artistic potential and someday have every studio on my
belt. I can dream can't I. LOL.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Gosh, there are so many great artists, and so many amazing styles,
that it's hard to develop a criteria to compare them all. I love
character design sooooooo much, that I love and respect all styles and
designers. I think the only thing that I don't respect, is straight
up gaffling designs with no attempt to redraw from the original design
that was referenced, and claim that design as your own. I've seen
some of that around. There's nothing wrong with copying to learn a
style, or just to practice, but to later claim it as your own, is of
course....... an aboration.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Some of my most coveted designers, like my absolute hero the
illustrious Mr.Stephen Silver and claire Wendling have the ability to
create and capture such subtle nuances of character in the particular
personality of the being that they are developing, that their talent
and skill drive me wild and send me into euphoric states. Like I said,
there are soooo many others that I love and respect, like Sean
Galloway, who's style theories are incredible. So much to look at and
admire, that I simply admire anyone who strives to sit down and do the
dang thing, and start creating and ever reach for that personal
potential.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

I have always been a very observant human beast. I, for some reason
became very interested in the subtle differences of everyday beings. I
fell in love with archetypes and stereotypes ( positive ones) that
character design allowed me to put on paper all those things that I
noticed. things that were, in real life bellow the surface, I could
bring out and exaggerate and show the world. To surmise, that my
favorite subject to draw , is the uniqueness of an individual,
exaggerating it, and separating it from a sometimes similar group.
showing what makes the individual special from the rest of the similar
bunch, you dig?

What inspired you to become an Artist?

I just kinda never put down the crayons, and I was inspired, as I am
still today to reach a level of technique and style that compares to
those who I respect. the ever growing knowledge and skill that I have
been constantly chasing is what inspires me most.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

No joke, but my most favorite of all related pages, is
this.....http://characterdesign.blogspot.com/ it gives me
everuthing I need to absolutely geek out and revel in. Thank you
Odin, for this wonderful blog. ( btw, i don't really pray to Odin)
LOL.






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Sam R. Kennedy

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

samrkennedy@yahoo.com; http://www.samrkennedyart.blogspot.com/

What type of tools or media do you use?

I love col-erase pencils and markers. They allow me to produce a sketch with early value and color solutions. After that I use Photoshop and Painter to finish a character sketch into an illustration.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I think Bunji would be a fun place to work at, but I'm working at a great placeright now too. Red Storm Entertainment in Raleigh, NC is where I've been sketching and painting for the last few years. I get to do lots of sketching and illustrating for the Ghost Recon series.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

I find myself looking at Francisco Herrera, Ramos, Joe Mad, Jeff Matsuda, and Carlos Meglia. I've got a couple of their trade paper backs, and I never get board with looking through their pages. Each page is a lesson in design and silohette. These guys stylize the character with solid drawing behind it.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen? The hottest thing I've seen lately are the vehicle designs for Tom Clancy's EndWar. (I don't think these are public domain yet, so working for Ubi has it's advantages.) In addition, I like what I see from Tak and Jeff Matsuda's work on "The Batman."

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

By far my favorite subject is the human body, mature men and women. I grew up reading comics and watching cartoons where characters could fly, fight, and move without the law of gravity applying to them. That had so much appeal that I'm always trying to capture that sensation of action through my drawings.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

It was really my college illustration professor. He's the first one who told me one could make a living doing this stuff. Before that I thought you were either born with the ability of Frank Herbert and Ollie Thompson or you were a "starving artist." Although I drew a lot as a kid, I never had a real art class until I got to my college's design department. Even the Fine Art classes I had taken several years before failed to teach me anything useful and left me with the impression that I couldn't make a career as an artist.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

http://comicartcommunity.com/gallery/
http://www.conceptart.org/?artist=marc_taro









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Valerie Schoman

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

http://vhsartcraft.blogspot.com/ <-- features my most recent doodle farts, and I may be contacted through PurpleTsuyoi@gmail.com What type of tools or media do you use?

I usually default to the oft-used three-step process of 1) roughs done in blue pencil (preferably mechanical), 2) ink renders using any combination of Hi-Tec-C 03, Micron 01, 03, 05, 08, and/or brush pen, and finally 3) scanning and coloring with Photoshop. However, perhaps my greatest downfall (or is it greatest joy?) is my insatiable interest in medium experimentation. I love pencils, pens, paints, you name it I'll try it! I think, for me, color is the key.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I am currently having the very fortunate experience of interning at Nickelodeon Animaton Studios. I am still finding my place in the kooky world that is art, and my cares lay more in what I do rather than where I am. Right now I am very interested in breaking into storyboarding for television animation because I'd like to apply my knowledge of composition and character and learn more about storytelling.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Goodness gracious... there are so many! I particularly admire the work of Claire Wendling, Terryl Whitlatch, Eric Canete and Jasen Strong... may I please go on?

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

If it weren't made overly clear by my response to the last question, I am always impressed with well-designed animal characters, particularly stylized ones done for animation. I also loved the unique designs done for "Les Triplets des Belleville", Disney's "Mulan" and "Lilo and Stitch", as well as characters from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Invader Zim", just to name a few. I get a kick out of trying to understand the approach of various designers, because even those styles that are not remotely like mine hold a lesson.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

Most favorite would probably be animals. I suppose animal drawing is simpler for me, in a way, because I can see such obvious personalities and/or symbolism in them, which are the most basic elements for great characters!

What inspired you to become an Artist?

When you get down to it there were two things that started me on this path: discovering drawing tools and the encouragement of family and friends. I honestly don't believe I chose to become an artist. In fact it is something I've tried running away from unsuccessfully in times past. What I can tell you is that from the time I was able to hold a Crayola crayon in my hand up until the present moment when I was holding a Crayola crayon just before filling out these questions, drawing is the only thing that I have ever felt an absolute consuming need to do. And, through experience, I can also say that I am not the same person without it. That's not to say that I'll ever be any good at it, but I will never stop trying.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

A couple:
http://www.claire-wendling.net/
http://kahnehteh.blogspot.com/
http://alinanimation.blogspot.com/
http://themonkeymind.livejournal.com/
http://chuckpyleart.blogspot.com/

... Enjoy, and thanks for considering me!







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Ishen Kalawan

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

ishen@disrupt.co.za

What type of tools or media do you use?

hb pencil, blue red coloured pencil when & sketching and 0.5mm pilot fineliner when inking. Wacom tablet in photoshop and coreldraw when adding colour. (pc)

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

Any major feature animation studio, preferably Disney feature animation

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

I've always been a fan of Glen Keane, Mark Henn, Andreas Deja and Chris Sanders

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Most of Glen Keans work as well Chris Sanders designs on Lilo and Stich.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

I would have to say the female form or female characters and animals

Why? I find it a bit more of a challenge drawing women, but that's what makes it fun. When it comes to drawing animals you can have fun giving them human characteristics and personalities, you can play with their facial expressions and body language. Disney animated features have done that for years, all their lead animal characters, have quirky personalities and a lovable quality to them.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

A love for comic books and animated movies. I really appreciate all that goes into making these movies, especially the animators and concept artists that come up with these characters stay in peoples hearts.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

www.deviantart.com

www.skottieyoung.com

www.comicartcommunity.com

www.theartofglenkeane.blogspot.com

www.chrissandersart.com








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Rafael Rivera

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

E-mail : rrivera112@gmail.com or visit my site www.woundedlamb.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

I like to start off with pencil and pen sketches, scanned in ,
cleaned up and colored in Photoshop and Corel Painter

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

ILM , I am a big fan of many of the concept artist there and the
projects they work on as well.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

here are so many. I like the old Tex Avery and Chuck Jones designs.
The newer stuff coming out of Pixar , Blue Sky, and Dreamworks is
always great. My favorite creature designer of all time has to be
Carlos Huante.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Again the old cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Popeye, The Hulk etc,
simply because they started it all and they stand the test of time.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

My favorite subjects are Pin-up girls. It is fun to design a sexy pin
up , plus early in your art career, women are the toughest to master,
so once you feel you got it down, you show off a bit.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

Growing up in Brooklyn, the Graffitti around me was a big influence.
As a kid I had alot of comic books, watched tons of Godzilla and
Harryhausen films. My uncle owned a printing shop in Long Island, and
he would give me rolls of tracing paper and boxes of copy machine
paper, so it only felt right to fill them all up with doodles.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?


www.animationarchive.org
http://paullasaine.blogspot.com/
http://www.carloshuanteart.com/
and of course www.woundedlamb.com







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Shane Corn

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

shanecorn.blogspot.com
maizekid74.deviantart.com
maizekid@gmail.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

I started out using traditional media.. I Love the way a pencil feels,
Copic Markers are wonderful and I was trained in watercolor for a
year. I also spent 6 years doing Kids Room Murals so I have a special
place in my heart for acrylics. I've recently started using flash and
photoshop

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

Id have to say Pixar. Even if I just got to intern and never work
there I think the experience alone would be nothing short of
wonderful. There is an amazing amount of talent to learn from up
there.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

There are so many.. My favorites as of lately have been Sean "Cheeks"
Galloway, Harold Speirman, Genndy Tartakovski, Craig McCracken, Ricky
Nierva, Ralph Eggleston, Peter Sohn,and Tony Fucile, Lynne Naylor, ..
I also love the old animator designer guys like Chuck Jones, Tex
Avery, Bob Clampett, Mary Blair, Tom Oreb, Ed Benedict, and Ward
Kimball... There are just so many

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Any from Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom, I think the design work in
Samurai Jack is Brilliant as well, I really cant pick a single
character I like.. I'm a huge fan of animation across the board so, ..
too many

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

MONSTERS.. fun silly monsters. The appeal of having no limits to what
you can do with a monster is really nice. 5 arms, 3 feet, 50 eyes ..
whatever you want. I also like drawing animals these days. I'm
learning a lot by doing so.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

I was one of those kids who sat in front of the tv and didn't move as
long as there was a cartoon on. I Love the old Warner Bros stuff and
Disney. I later found a lot of inspiration in Hanna Barbera style.
Nowadays I'm finding that comics from France and other places overseas
have a LOT of great line and appeal.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

cartoonbrew.com
drawingboard.org
cartoonretro.com







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Kan Muftic

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

My e-mail is: info@streamatica.ch and the homepage is: www.streamatica.ch

What type of tools or media do you use?

Anything that'll do the job. If I'm about to make some mature, high-detailed concepts, I'll probably go with pencil on paper. That way, I can achieve the greatest amount of detail. But if I need to conceptualise various versions of the same character, I'll probably go all digital. For Moodboards or illustrations, I always go digital, from beginning to end.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I guess I found it: I'm hired at NC Soft Europe in Brighton ( UK ) as Senior Concept Designer.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Simon Bisley, no doubt. None can combine caricature and violence like him. And those wonderfull colors, yami... Besides Biz, definitely James Hewlet. I mean, the man is a legend. Tank Girl, Gorillaz... Beat that.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Teletubbies. Really. It's a design that was / is adored by kids all around the globe. And that means something. Besides that, I dig every single sketch made by Calum Alexander Watt, known as "Salaryman".
And even though it's not really a humanoid character, the "EVE02" from Neon Genesis Evangelion makes my heart go bonga-wonga.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

I guess it would be the Post-Apocalypse. Ever since I left my bosnian homelands in fire and ashes, I feel like a piece of a post-apocalyptic society myself. So that could be an aspect of my personality that comes through in my designs.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

Since I grew up in a artistic family, it didn't appeal to me at all until I went to art school in Sarajewo. Then, all of a sudden, it just came over me and I drew 12 hours a day. Then, the war came and I had a break of about ten years. I became a visual effects artist and film director after a while. But after drawing a storyboard for one of my videos, flames turned on. I then discovered conceptart.org with it's amazing designers and decided to let all go and get back to drawing and painting. That was about two years ago. Now I'm drawing for one of the biggest video game companies in the world.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

Needless to say, it's surely conceptart.org. Specially the "Sketchbook" section; scary! There are also CG Channel and CG Society as the main bookmarks for anyone involved in this business.







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Patricio Oliver

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

http://www.patriciooliver.com.ar/
http://www.fotolog.com/coshicabuto
http://www.fotolog.com/killermodels
po@patriciooliver.com.ar

What type of tools or media do you use?

Adobe Illustrator

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I would love to do covers for marvel comics, since Im a comicbook geek ever since I was a child,
working with guys like Genndy Tartakovsky or Craig McCracken would be amazing too since they show me when I was younger a new style of cartoon more related to what I like and enjoy.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Edward Gorey, Mike Mignola Tim Burton, Bruce Tim Hayao Miyazak

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Mike Mignolas Hellboy universe is amazing it has this mix of Gothic terror, humor and Scifi that I love. Tim Burtons The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories is incredible, strange bizarre children with terrible fates are mesmerizing for me Most characters from Foster House for Imaginary friends are cool too. I can help loving Eduardos design.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

As I said before everything related to Victorian culture, war, freak children and horror has a great appeal to me.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

Comicbooks and cartoons for sure, I love superheroes, but everything change while I was studying graphics design and Tim Burton Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, Edward Gorey and Mike Mignola appeared in my life. The animated style of bruce Tim streamline characters gave me a new perspective in cartoon and superheroes.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

http://www.redmagicstyle.com
http://www.kidrobot.com/
http://www.edwardgoreyhouse.org/
http://www.popcultureshock.com/timm/
http://www.hellboy.com/






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Richard Gaines

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

You can contact me at rgaines326@yahoo.com.

What type of tools or media do you use?

It depends, really. Since I have a habit of doing character sketches, U usually use blue col-erase pencils or and H-B mechanical pencil. Just recently, a friend of mine introduced me to Tombows, which the Warner Bros. animators used. As soon as I used one, all the generic 2-B's and H-B's went out the window. It was like drawing with butter comparitively.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

The place I would most love to work at would have to be Disney, Warner Bros. or any similar traditional animation studio of that ilk. If not animation, I would also enjoy doing storyboards or character design at Pixar, Dreamsworks, etc.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

There are so many character designers that blow me away! Of course you have Glen Keane, Andreas Deja, Florian Satzinger, Uli Meyer, Sergio Pablos (Tantor rocks!), Dave Coleman, Steve Silver, John Nevarez (king of storyboards), Mel Milton....just to name a few.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Well, I'll have to say the styles that have most influenced me have been Don Bluth (to the chagrin of many--don't know why), Walt Disney's style between the 60's through the 80's which were largely influenced by Milt Kahl and John Lounsbury, and course the animal designs in Balto. I only wish they would make cartoons like this again!

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

My favorite subject to draw is usually animals and animal-based characters. A lot of my friends say I tend to draw a lot of canine characters. Lately, though, I've finally managed to get back into life drawing. It's a breath of fresh air and you feel like you are beginning to pick
up on things you either forgot about or overlooked in hindsight.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

The prospects of being an artist has been a life-long passion for me, even though I got serious about it a bit later in the game. What was most influential for me was watching classic cartoons and going "I wanna do that!!" Oftentimes, I harkened on these imaginary crusades of trying to reverse the current trends in animation and overrunning the "market-influenced" pageantry with more fun cartoons. John K. has a similar agenda and I fully reward him for that!

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

Some great websites would have to be Animation Nation, Cartoon Brew, Concept Art and Drawingboard.






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Randy Siplon

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

randysiplon@yahoo.com, http://rsiplon.deviantart.com/

What type of tools or media do you use?

Staedtler Mars pencils, Pigma pens, Photoshop and Flash.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

Any animation studio or game company that lets artists truly be creative.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Jeff Matsuda, Bruce Timm, Glen Murakami, Genndy Tartakovsky, Dave Johnson, David Williams, LeSean Thomas, Jim Smith, Jorge Gutierrez.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Samurai Jack, Venture Brothers, Metal Gear Solid, Star Wars, Hellboy.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

Women. I find the female form to be incredibly intriguing, and always a challenge.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

Reading my brother's comic books as a kid. And of course cartoons from my childhood like Transformers and Thundercats.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

http://www.deviantart.com/
http://www.conceptart.org/
http://www.drawingboard.org/
http://www.tencentticker.com/projectrooftop/






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Mark Jarman

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

I can be contacted at marknrose@mstar2.net or www.jarmanart.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

I use photoshop and a wacom tablet

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I really don't have a preference, I've worked in so many markets, kids books, video games magazines, and still enjoy these assignments. But I've never had a chance to do movies, and would really love to give it a try.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Wow, there are so many very talented artists, some are virtually unknown. But the big guys I like best are Iain McCaig, Armand Serrano, Simon Rogers, Terryl Whitlatch, Ovi Nedelcu. Some illustrators I really like are Doug Frazer, and Sergio Martinez, and James Christensen and the guy who did Dinotopia, can't remember his name just now (oh yeah, James Gurney). To name a few.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

I just bought Ovi's book and I just love his stuff. . . again there are so many tough to make a list.


What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

People and animals. Because I do them best. Want to get a lot better at perspective and environments.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

My friend John Wallace, back in 3rd grade. He was an awesome artist. But I don't think he is doing it anymore, I've lost touch with him. . . .

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

Oh I don't know, you've already got a comprehensive list, not sure what I could really add to it, sorry.






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David Wolter: World's Tallest Cartoonist

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

davidwolter@hotmail.com, davidwolter.blogspot.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

Blue Col-Erase and Photoshop

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

Pixar no doubt.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Silver, Satzinger, Moshier, Marlet, Balistreri, and Goodrich

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Ego from Ratatouille is pretty phenomenal.

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

Characters I loved as a kid, trying to recapture the magic I guess.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

God, my mom, and the Thundercats.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

None that would be new to anyone familiar with your blog. I check
CartoonBrew like, twice a day, and sevencamels.blogspot.com is a great
resource as well.






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Frank Hague

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

n/a

What type of tools or media do you use?

Charcoal, pencil, brush, chalk pastel, pen, and watercolor

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

First choice would be Spain but am willing to work anywhere depending on the job.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

n/a

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

bernard the bear, tarzan , the iron giant

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

my favorite subjects to draw would probably be landscapes when using watercolors and when playing around with other media i like to draw from a model

What inspired you to become an Artist?

cartoonists that i saw in the newspapers inspired me to draw, after that i was inspired by a documentary i saw about the making of the Lion King.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

http://aodhanscribbles.blogspot.com
http://paulinabrinck.blogspot.com
http://gushughes.blogspot.com
these are friends i studied art with that have character designs on their websites.






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Teuvo Heikkila

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

http://shambolic-art.deviantart.com/
shambolic.art@gmail.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

-STAEDTLER 780-Bic GEL intesity BLACK-cannoscan 5200-WACOM intuos 2-Photoshop 5.5-

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

valve, bungie, id, madhouse.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

-Katsuya Terada-Yasuhiro Nightow-

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

-gungrave-yotsuba-

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

destruction. mechanical things & monsters. and girls, tho im not good at the last one :p

What inspired you to become an Artist?

i was obsessed with gijoe toys, then gijoe comics and that lead to spirits of vengeance comics and from that point the comic floodgates opened :p

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

n/a






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Bryan Ballinger

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

bryan@breadwig.com, www.breadwig.com, www.bryanballinger.com

What type of tools or media do you use?

2d tools: black sharpies, post-it notes, Photoshop, Painter, Alias Sketch. 3d tools: Maya, Mudbox.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I currently teach digital art at a small college, and do freelance illustration on the side, and I enjoy both.
I would love an opportunity to work on something that uses my looser, more cartoony 2d style.
Most of the work I get is for my 3d characters. And I love that, but my 2d work is a closer link to my soul.
For instance, designing characters for a cartoon in my 2d style would be a blast.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Pixar certainly has a lot of great character designers.
Other specific character artists I like a lot include: Michael Gagne, Jeremy Vanhoozer, Doug TenNapel, Phil Foglio, and Hiroshi Yoshi

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

The characters in Michael Gagne's Frenzied Fauna are fabulous.
http://www.gagneint.com/Final%20site/books/fauna/Fauna_fullbook_1.htm

These 3d characters by Hiroshi Yoshii are just so great:
http://web.mac.com/hiroshiyoshii/iWeb/Character/CharacterWorks.html

And recently there are two artists who's characters I find to be some of the most charming ever.
Paintmonster (Marty Mito): http://web.mac.com/hiroshiyoshii/iWeb/Character/CharacterWorks.html
And Muffin (Mette Johnsen): http://mettejo.blogspot.com/

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

I thoroughly love drawing dogs. Probably because I love dogs in general, but also because dogs come in such a huge array of sizes,
proportions, etc. And they all have so much personality.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

My best friend starting in 4th grade, Heath Gordon. He was so talented and an amazing cartoonist even in grade school.
That and my love of comics, specifically B.C., Tumbleweeds, and all my old Mad Magazines.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

www.drawergeeks.com, http://www.drawingboard.org/index.php, http://www.drawn.ca ,
http://www.cgchar-animation.com/ http://www.flightcomics.com/forum/






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Joseph H LeDosquet

If people would like to contact you, how would you like to be contacted? (Email, Webpage)

porpitude@gmail.com (website is www.porpitude.com)

What type of tools or media do you use?

Predominantly Digital (Photoshop), but I still do a lot of traditional ink, watercolor, and acrylic work.

Where is the place you would like to work or be an Intern if you had a choice?

I would love to work with Pixar, but my dream is to become a director and have my own studio similar to Tim Burton.

Who do you think are the top character designers out there?

Top Character Designers: I don't know, it really depends on what style you are looking for. Tim Burton isn't really thought of as a character designer, but he designs some off-the-wall characters for his stop motion movies. On the other end of the spectrum, I also really liked the character designs that Iain McCaig did for Star Wars.

What are some of your favorite character designs which you have seen?

Favorite Character Designs: Hands down the most wonderful character designs were the early ones done for The Incredibles, simple shapes and fabric patterns developed into those characters...sheer brilliance (from Pixar I would expect no less).

What is your most favorite subject to draw? And why?

Favorite subject to draw: Weird people. There are some freaky looking people in this world (big noses, no chins, crossed eyes...) I love drawing them.

What inspired you to become an Artist?

What inspired me: I'm not sure that anything in particular inspired me, I just always drew to communicate.

What are some of your favorite website links that would be relevant to this Blog?

Favorite website links: www.porpitude.com (shameless self promotion), www.mikelaughhead.com (friend of mine who does illustration), Iain McCaig's site www.iainmccaig.com (coming soon).







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