It is time!

Sketches from Japan everybody! I really need to re-figure my template here...until then enjoy the exotically patterned set up of thumbnails on a grid too small.

Storyboards and Life

Storyboards for the next film are looking so good! And I did them all digitally!! Which....while not particularly impressive it's a big step for me in wrapping my brain around how to do digital art.

Lots of down shots. As far as life stuff goes, I was going to make a post about art and feelings and all the internal frowns that are going on, but you know, things are going pretty awesome. Not perfect, perfect will probably never be achieved. The point of perfect is to strive toward it, and in doing so get better and better all the time no matter how slow-going it might be. Let me tell you: it is excruciatingly slow going. All the time. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Swingy swing with griffins on the side

Trying to get back into updating once a week again. It got pretty bad here for a bit, with only occasional updates...

My boss has asked me to design a kids menu! I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am about this!! When he told me I just wanted to screech, but I didn't because I work in a quiet place and I'm supposed to be sophisticated there. Nevertheless! Look forward to some coloring pages soon. I'll want to see colored submissions from everyone. This will be a menu for our Ship Tavern featuring a young girl griffin named 'Elly' and she will be searching for treasure, that's what griffins love to do. Search it and then guard it.

A-Sketching We Will Go!

 Apologies to every for, yet again, the loooong pause in-between posts. I find that if I get stuck in my film everything else tends to come to a slow halt as well, and these backgrounds are certainly puzzling me. Scenery, perspective and all that was never my strong point. Still going to draw away at it. I'm absolutely loving my new apartment, the scenery nearby makes for some awesome doodling.

French Bull Dogs are just lovely! I've been seeing one as I walk to work in the mornings...but he's not quite as happy as this one.

 

Mayhaps I'll be back with more soonish! I really need to get these backgrounds out of here and then I'll be able to sketch more and with extra gusto. I think for my next film I'll be outsourcing the layout bits...

P.S.- Not digging this new blogger layout too much. I mean, maybe I just need to get used to it and all, but just all feels needlessly complex to me? Ionno. Still love the blogger.

Dancing Goats!

Sorry for the radio silence that's been going on for so long. I just moved to my first apartment and it took a little bit to adjust. That, and I don't have any internet set up, so things might be slim for a little bit. But, in the mean time, Goats!

I'm so happy to have finally finished these guys! It's based on a poem and accompanying illustration in the Mary Poppin's Comes Back book. The stars and planets put on a show for Mary and the children. These are the The Three Kids. I had a few blips with painter, but I can't wait to do more digital coloring

A griffin based on the wallpaper at my job.

I think....this is a contortionist tiger?

News and Set Backs

Oh man! I was so looking forward to posting a nice finished digital piece, but now my Painter12 program decided it doesn't want to allow me to paint anymore...So instead here are some sketches...

I took a trip to my local museum to do some goat studies. They also had an exhibit featuring live lizards and snakes! The geckos were extra awesome.

Also.......I have a confession to make. I love drawing girls with huge heads in profile. Every time I doodle I feel the need to do at least one.....giant noses and eyes are my favorite



Now, as for the news bit, I've got to let everyone know the next three upcoming festivals Thistle will be a part of!

Savannah International Animation Festival

Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival

Boston International Film Festival

If any of these neat festivals are near you, check 'em out! If I can swing it I might try to make it to one....times are expensive. Hopefully Painter will be up and working again for me soon and I can get back to regular updates. I have an exciting fun illustration project I want to be posting about :3

Dreams and Goats

I had the most wonderful dream last night. I was at an Asian Market type place and they were selling the CUTEST Daruma dolls. The best part is, I remember exactly what they looked like, so now I can do my best to replicate them! Just a little goat sketch today and soon more hoofed animals to come.

Thistle update: it'll be showing at POWFest this March! If you're in the Portland, Oregon area go check it out!! It's going to be a super neat festival
www.powfest.com

Skoodles of Doodles

Woah yeez! 'Tis the season for doodles! I just got my new Bamboo in the mail and soon I'll be getting Corel Painter and THEN I shall finally get to honing my digital art skills. Starting with background paintings.

Close up of a little Scissors/Hammer doodle <3 They're besties

postin' it

Little random sketches and my new favorite moth girl <3
Thistle had its festival debut on November 5th! It was shown at both the 13th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival and the Ferndale Film Festival. So exciting! ....even if I wasn't able to attend. These are the first two of what I hope to be many many more. I'll keep everyone updated as I hear from other festivals.