life. art. news.

"You want ants?! Cause THAT'S how you get ants..."

2010-02-28T17:26:00.003-05:00

Man, oh man. It's been a hot minute since I touched this. A lot has happened in almost a year. Where to start?

Last update, I was interning at Radical Axis studios in Atlanta, GA. After the internship ended, I decided that staying in Atlanta to try to work the contacts I'd made would be a good idea. And it turns out, it was.

Radical underwent a few changes in that month, inviting what used to be studio 7030 (Sealab 2021, Frisky Dingo) under their roof for a new project. Some people who were working on Squidbillies and Aqua Teen Hunger Force were shuffled over to help with he new project. I was invited back to the studio at that time, to fill in those gaps. I worked on Squids and Aqua Teen for about 3 or 4 months, at which point, I was invited over to the new project in the back, which turned out to be Fx's new show, Archer. So I've been on that production since about Thanksgiving, and I've had the time of my life so far.

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I started my internship, and I've learned so, so much, and grown not only as an artist, but as a person. I'm incredibly grateful to be in the position I'm in now, and I appreciate it almost every day. The artists at the studio are all incredibly talented, and super helpful - any time I have a question on something, people are very quick to try and help. It really has been a blast, and with Archer picking up its second season, I'll be able to stay and learn even more from the artists there. It's very exciting.

I'm also going to try and use this more for art updates, as I want to be more consistent with sketching on a regular basis. I've started doing sketches for the blog at work, The Radical Axis Sketch Blog, and I want to keep doing my own personal stuff again. Schedule is busy, but I'mma try.

Till next time.

Life's pretty Radical...

2009-04-22T00:20:00.004-04:00

Been awhile since I've updated, but it's because I've been pretty busy in the last few months, and for good reason! I come bearing exciting news!

Hard work and persistence finally paid off, as I'm currently located in Atlanta, Georgia working a 3 month internship with the animation house Radical Axis. Radical Axis is most widely known for it's work on [adult swim]'s Squidbillies, as well as the short-lived Comedy Central show, Freak Show, as well as the short web series, Window Seat. I've already learned so much, and look forward to the next 2 months as I try to learn and grow even more as a young animator.

The best part of the internship, by far, is that I'm not stuck doing exercises or running to get coffee. I'm actually setting up, keying, and tweening scenes for syndicated television network shows. Production credits people! That's HUGE, and more then makes up for the lack of pay. I hope that in my time here, I can leave some sort of lasting impression, and hope that enough work rolls into the studio that I might get the opportunity to hang around. I've really grown to like the people I work with, as they're all incredibly talented, smart, funny people. It's a great work environment, and I don't really want to think about leaving them in a few months. BUT, such is life, and if it must be, then it must. All I can do is work hard and wait to see what happens.

Other then that, life has been pretty uneventful. Most of my days are spent at Radical, with a bit of freelance or side project tossed in on nights and weekends. I turned 23, which was interesting being so far from home, friends, and family. I suppose that's what happens when you get older and venture farther and farther down the road of adulthood. All in all, though, I can't complain.

Even after just a month at Radical, it's become very apparent what level of animation I need to achieve to make it in the industry. And even though I've only been here a month, I look at my demo reel and think of how much stronger it needs to be. My entire portfolio in general really. I've gained so much confidence and drive by just being in a professional studio (everyone at work would give me hard time for calling it "professional", though I beg to differ), and I look forward to approaching future challenges with a sense of pride and determination. Very exciting stuff!

So that's it, really. If and when some of my work hits the air, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Until then, stay happy, healthy, and continue to do things that makes you smile. Can't really ask for more then that!

"Just lookin' for what's comin..."

2009-02-16T17:32:00.003-05:00

I watched No Country for Old Men this weekend with my friend Morgan, and I really was upset with the ending (as with most Cohen Brother's movies), but with my predictable Cohen-frustration comes a second wind, where I watch the movie again and see what they were trying to say. What I got from it was this - that life happens, and you can't predict what's coming. There's just things in life that you can't undo, and we have to live with our decisions sometimes. We all have to play the hand we're dealt, with no real certainty about how it's gonna turn out. It also touches on points of fate or chance, and how most times, in the end, it's just an extension of you.

Family went to Mexico (minus my brother and myself), enjoying the sun and good times that warm weather has to offer. I'm still plugging away at work and spending my evenings prepping my portfolio for the career fair in a few days. It's funny what I've gotten done since I've graduated - it didn't feel like much, and although it doesn't compare to what I produced taking 3 new classes every few month for school, I did get a handful of new work that shows a wider variety of my skills. So I'm proud of that.

I'm headed back home after the career fair to help a good friend, Dan Edwards, with some storyboard stuff. I really can't thank Dan enough for what he's done for me creatively and personally, as a friend. He's always been supportive of my work, and he's always eager to involve me in projects and career related tasks. I'm really looking forward to getting back to start on this project as well - it's funny and creative, and I've been looking for a project to really flex my acting and staging muscles for animation. I hope it can turn into something, but it has potential to be a great portfolio piece either way.

So I guess that's it for now.
Until next time!

And that's the way/ this wheel/ keeps turning now...

2009-01-12T04:09:00.003-05:00

Life calls for moments in time where you stop, look around, and assess your situation and surroundings. Now I say "calls for moments", because we can really do this whenever we want, at any moment in time, but I think sometimes people are scared, or afraid of what they might find if they stop and look at themselves. But every now and again, we are forced to stop and look.

And what do you see? Well, you see it all..Are you happy? Healthy? Do you have many friends? Is your life enjoyable on a day-to-day basis? It's almost crippling if you answer any of these questions with "No". I suppose life is never meant to give you all of everything at once, but one thing that will never change is that we are in charge of what we want and what we do. So if you're not happy, go and get happy. Whatever that is. If you're not healthy, then go and get healthy. If you've no friends, go out and make some. And if you're not enjoying life - well, go out there and do whatever you need to do so that you ARE enjoying life (I'd say keep it safe and healthy, but we're all allowed to mess up every now and again, so go ahead and make a mistake - as long as you learn from it.)

Reflection is good. Makes us stronger. Gauges what you're really made of, based on how hard you look, and what you do about what you find. You gonna continue to walk over the dirty pile of laundry strewn about over your minds floor, or are you finally gonna pick it up and put it away?

I've been able to reflect over this holiday break, and I've realized that I'm going to make one, if not several, big decisions soon. I have a few loose ends I need to tie up where I am, but then I need to get out. Out and away. I want to go and get lost in the world again. It's what I did when I came to Savannah for college, and now it's what I need to do for life after college. I've been waiting for job opportunity to find me, and I'm waiting on life to happen to me based off the idea of a no-name job falling into my lap. But now it's time for a change.

I think I'm heading back to my home town in a month or so to help my friend with a big project, but after that, who knows. I'm setting the limit so high up, I don't want to see the top.

Update on life

2008-12-13T16:44:00.003-05:00

For the last 2 weeks, I've called the couch of a good friend's family in Atlanta, home. They have been absolutely wonderful hosts, and I feel like a lazy slob spending most of my day working from their couch. I'm going to have to get them a nice, little Christmas something.

So this Sunday is pretty exciting - my old professor and good friend, Jason Maurer, is having his feature film, Delgo, released nation wide. Unfortunately, I'm in Atlanta, so I'll have to see it here, but won't be able to see it in Savannah, where Jason is planning on seeing it with everyone. It doesn't feel like a huge deal, which is odd. Perhaps it's due to knowing Jason on a personal level. In reality, though, it's hardly the case. This is huge for Jason and the Fathom Studios team. Working as hard as they did to make this, it's good to see their persistence and dedication to the film has finally paid off. Knowing what I do about major distribution (which is honestly very little), I know how hard it can be to get your film noticed nationally like that. I hope Jason and the rest of Fathom Studios gets some well deserved street cred, or some returned profit income.

Anyway, life moves ahead for me. Still working contract on advertising projects, applying to animation and storyboard studios around the country and abroad, trying to work my film into various festivals and showings, and dealing with corporate America and the ever tightening belt of economic recession. But, post-college awkwardness can't last forever, right? Right.

You know it's bad when...

2008-12-08T14:43:00.005-05:00

...Australia is taking jabs at the US.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7771002.stm

I found this to be very interesting, and reflected how we as Americans, more often then not, feel a compulsive need to be the best, the greatest, the grandest. It's a simple article about drinking in Australia, and how bad it's gotten.

The BBC reporter asks the following question to a British migrant:

BBC Reporter: "As a British Migrant to Australia, where does this country get its boozey reputation from?"

British Migrant: "Western Culture. Western Culture, isn't it? Western Culture...you gotta be doing things in excess. You gotta be assumed to be having the best time, the greatest time, the biggest time - the best weekend ever."

I mean, he's absolutely right.
"Can I get that super sized?"
"This is gonna be the best birthday ever."
"Give it your best shot."

Why not just give it a "shot" sometimes? Why do we always compete in this country? Land of opportunity, sure, but how many college students end up in the hospital with stress related sicknesses ever semester?

It really gives you that knock in your stomach - that awful, guilty feeling. It's like being associated with that kid who causes trouble in school, even though you know deep down he's got good intentions. But what's that saying, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions"?

Aniboom Continues

2008-11-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

I'm not entirely convinced that these Aniboom Awards are judged correctly. Whether it be a flawed voting system, or just the general publics sense of taste, many great films are going entirely unnoticed. It should also be said, that if you're looking for top-notch films and fair play in judging, this is most definitely not your venue. But the simple fact that someone's class exercise is outranking some wonderful short films is appalling to me. So, I guess in taking action and doing what I can about the situation, I thought I'd share some films I think deserve to be in the top ten.

*Note - none of these films are even in the top 30.

Aniboom Awards 2008

2008-09-24T02:26:00.003-04:00

Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom

I've decided to show my finished senior project at the 2008 Aniboom Awards. Hopefully this will help get a little exposure while I try to find some bigger venues for the film.

There is a "viral video" aspect of it, with a grand prize of $25,000. Although the prospect of $25,000 is appealing, it's not quite enough for my to nag and bother everyone I'm connected to on the internet for votes. Never cared for it in the past, and not much has changed.

So anyway, if you've not seen my film yet, It'd mean the world to me if you'd take just a few minutes and check it out. If you've already seen it, there is a completely new soundtrack mixed to the film, courtesy of a Mr. Andrew Miller, so give it a listen.

9/11: 7 years later

2008-09-11T23:35:00.002-04:00

And so here we stand, 7 years later, from what cannot be denied by anyone as a moment in history that should not be soon forgotten.

Perhaps it's something in my current nature, or perhaps it's something else entirely, but I will not pretend that I have not questioned the legitimacy of that attack. Was it Al Qaeda? and if so, how did they attack us? Were they helped? How could we not prevent this from happening? Admittedly, I have asked more questions after seeing the documentary, Zeitgeist. I would also recommend that people view it, not because of what it says, but because it inspires a reaction. It cannot be full truth, as seldom things ever are, but it does raise very interesting points that I have yet to find answers for on my own.

But I digress.

I am not here to persuade one way or the other. What people choose to believe is their own agenda and nothing more. What I am here to say is that we should all unarguably recognize one thing: On this day, innocent people were intentionally attacked.

I read a quote that quelled troubled thoughts I had, that perhaps humanity was indeed dying in this troubled world. And I will leave you with it as I go to bed and sleep these thoughts away.

"It is easier to accept natural or unintentional tragedies; it is the intentional loss of life that makes us fear that some people have lost their humanity."

Lazy

2008-08-23T06:27:00.003-04:00

Procrastination

2008-08-21T18:03:00.005-04:00

A short film by John Kelly.

This accurately describes what can happen when you're hit with "possibility paralysis".
I do it. You do it.

As a matter of fact, I bet you're doing it right now...
Now back to work with you!

How do you animate lightning again?

2008-08-15T23:46:00.001-04:00

Oh yea.
That's how.

The 2008 Olympic Games

2008-08-09T06:33:00.002-04:00

I am relatively excited about this years Summer Olympics. I think it highlights a lot of great things for our global community, and reminds everyone in the world, even if only for a moment or two, that we're all in this together.

Not only do I enjoy that the Olympics bring about this universal awareness of each other, but I enjoy the progression of the games as well. The opening ceremonies were gorgeous, and I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get to watch the first 20 minutes. BUT, with the wonder that is the world wide web, not only can I catch recaps and highlights of the ceremony, but I can, at any given moment, log into the 2008 Bejing Olympics homepage and watch an event going on, streaming live, free of charge (right now I'm watching women's soccer, Japan vs. US - earlier it was men's badminton and women's Judo) But events that I never cared about (interestingly enough, all the one's that got crap coverage on the t.v. stations) are now pumped with a new life, because it's given it's own moment in the sun via internet. Just fun, fun stuff.

The games really are a wonderful thing, and I think we'd all do well to take a moment and remember that they are just that - games. Medals, pride, and stiff competition aside (though that IS the lifeblood of these events) they are just games, and what we're really doing is coming together, for maybe a few hours at a time, looking someone else who doesn't speak a lick of your language right in the eye, and squaring off, to essentially say, "Hey, look - we both enjoy doing the same exact thing."

Then comes the excitement. Thanks to this streaming coverage deal, I tune in to every event going, "I wonder if the US has gone yet," and find myself twitching with sophomoric giddy when I see a US contender. I mean, in a day and age where it's almost shameful to admit your American in a global setting, it's nice to have something to root for. It doesn't make me hate politics, or wish things were different. It's just nice to ROOT for the US instead of cringing for it.

Either way, these games will be a refreshing few weeks of entertainment at least. Plus, the night owl in me greatly appreciates the around the clock coverage. haha.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T15:33:00.004-04:00

The Dark Knight Delivers

The Clown Prince of Crime steals the show.

I'm sure everyone has heard the buzz surrounding Heath Ledgers performance in this movie, with talk floating in the air about Academy Award nominations and Oscar worthy acting. Perhaps all of it is nothing more then polite commentary after his tragic passing only months after the films shooting ended. Either way, I was eager to see it for myself, and I can honestly say that it lives up to every bit of the hype.

Any good comic geek can tell you that The Joker is Batman's antithesis in regards to morale justice and integrity. The yin to his yang, as it were, but what REALLY makes the 2 characters so much bloody fun to watch is that the line between the 2 characters is unimaginably thin.

The Joker has always seems watered down outside comics. Not quite campy, but not quite raw enough. The Dark Knight nailed it. The Joker is supposed to be messed up - I mean, REALLY screwed up in the head, and Heath Ledger's portrayal marks him as the best Joker of all time. It can easily be argued that The Joker steals the show, because every moment that he's not on screen, your waiting (and at the same time, silently dreading) the next time he will appear. He's eerie and mystifying, and every bit as messed up as The Joker should be.

I also bow down to Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard, because they gave this movie the mood and feel that Gotham City deserves. The absolutely chilling violin crescendo, that eerily creeps louder and louder, adds to the tension and uneasiness of the characters and the film overall. Just wonderfully enhancing, chilling, and driving.

The areas and themes explored also oozed tension - self doubt, sexuality (separate loves), and the all endearing pure psychotic glee, to name a few.
The viewer is forced to watch as The Batman is helpless to stop this psycho path in fear of losing himself to the same madness. And The Joker IS mad. Completely mad. You feel utterly ill watching The Joker parade through Gotham City unchecked, like a cancer slowly digging its tendrils into the heart of the city. Dark, dark, dark - this movie is gritty as hell. It transcends the pulpy medium it was born into and rises it to an entirely new level.

This movie is real. It will resonate within every movie goer on some level. The second I knew this was going to the kind of movie I'd hoped for was when The Joker did his "magic trick" at the beginning of the film. That just, totally fucked up moment of humor that you know you're going to hell for laughing at, but all the while realizing that you're only laughing to easy the tension - you're actually not really "laughing" at all. Because you know that it's not funny. It's wrong. THAT'S why The Joker was so good. Excellent writing. Excellent acting. Excellent execution.

If EVERY Batman story were told with this kind of attention to character detail, it would be my favorite series hands down. I eagerly await the chance to see this movie again.

Site's Up!

2008-06-14T05:29:00.002-04:00

Check it out if you have a second.

http://www.adamtoewsonline.com

Guy Who Has No Idea About Baseball Calls The Game

2008-05-20T01:03:00.001-04:00

John Mayer calling a Red Sox Game during his stay in Japan.

Don't worry John - you'll always have music.

The 47 Ronin and my visit to the Sengaku-ji Temple

2008-05-09T09:52:00.006-04:00

I feel very compelled to reflect on something that I think I took for granted - an experience I didn't actually feel as honored to have had when I had it.

I recently went to Japan this past winter, and it fulfilled me in more ways then I can accurately describe. The culture, it's people, it's history - all things that I've wanted to experience and feel since I first learned about Japan.

Now, it's not to trip that I feel I took for granted, but a place that we visited on the very last day of our 2 week trip to the island. That trip was to Sengaku-ji Temple, to burial site of the 47 Ronin, Lord Asano, and Lady Asano.

If you've no idea what or who the 47 Ronin are, this might make little sense as to why I feel so ashamed as to have taken so little time to acknowledge my visit. To me, we were just visiting another tourist site, but it is so much more. Let me share just why by giving you a brief introduction to the tale.

The 47 Ronin were what was left of over 120 Samurai who served Lord Asano, the county lord of Ako. Lord Asano was sentenced to death after striking at a man, Kira Kozukenosuke, who insulted his family name. The strike left Kira severely wounded, but not dead. Shortly thereafter, Asano's land was seized and his family now cast from the record books.

Oishi Kuranosuke, the retainer of the remaining Ronin (lordless Samurai), vowed to take revenge on Kira for insulting their late Lord and the name Asano. The Ronin were, unfortunately, watched very closely by Kira and the House of Uesugi, who had adopted Kira into their ranks. Oishi was watched particularly close, with a spy stationed outside his house for nearly 2 years. It came to the point where, in order to even get the chance to strike at Kira, the Samurai had to soil their respectable names by pretending to be farmers, peasants, and even woman chasing drunks, in order to convince the ever watching forces that they'd given up in trying to pursue any thought of revenge.

Like a true samurai, their dedication and discipline paid off, and the spies were recalled. Shortly thereafter, nearly 2 years after the death of their lord, the remaining forces gathered in Edo (what is now Tokyo for the most part) to plan their actions. Only 47 samurai were left to launch the attack on Kira, which happened on December 14th, 1702. The battle itself lasted only a few hours, but once Kira was defeated, with only 6 injured, the Samurai marched, I believe some 14+ miles, to Sengaku-ji Temple, where Lord Asano was buried, and presented the severed head of Kira to their deceased lord.

After much debate, 46 of the Ronin (excluding one of the youngest, who was sent by Oishi to Ako to tell the people of Kira's defeat) were sentence to sepukku (honorable suicide) and buried next to their lord. The one remaining Samurai (17 at the time) lived to be 75, and was buried with his fellow samurai at Sengaku-ji temple.

I justed finished reading The 47 Ronin Story by John Allyn, which mainly details the based on real fact story of Oishi Kuranosuke as lead retainer of the samurai. After reading this story, I've come to realize the true power and sacrifice this story displays. Assuming that the true facts and details towards the life stories of a lot of these men are lost to history, one true fact remains - the men made the ultimate sacrifice for a goal and purpose, and followed it through for honor and justice. Reading the book seemed to put it into perspective just how historically important these men were. What they stood for. What they accomplished.

And I was there.

well, in a sense. I walked on the same ground they did. Saw the same pool they washed the head of Kira in. Looked at the same grave site that Oishi did where his Lord was buried.

I inadvertently wandered up a small hill while at Sengaku-ji temple, not really knowing what I was looking for. Something about the area though - it seemed to call me towards it. It was inviting, and peaceful. At the top of the hill was a small gravestone that was fenced off from the public. I stood and stared at it for a good 5 minutes. I can't to this day tell you why I did. I just felt compelled to stay there and not move. I took a photo of a fenced off grave and turned back towards the group, not really giving it much else thought.

It wasn't until I finished the book, and did a little research online about the grave site that I realized the importance of that gravestone. I found this picture online, and it was labeled, "Oishi headstone. Sengakuji Temple, Tokyo, Japan"

Knowing that I went to the grave site at Sengaku-ji, I scrolled back through my pictures, and noticed that the grave I found on top of that small incline was none other then Oishi's grave.

(picture I got by holding the camera up over the top of the fence)

Anyway, I guess what I wanted to say was this:
Looking back on what these men did, and the sacrifices they made makes my trip to Sengaku-ji temple all the more powerful. The fact that they have been there, and preserved for over 300 years is a feat in itself, but also tells a lot about the respect and honor the Japanese people have for these fallen warriors. I wish I could go back and see it again, knowing about them what I know now.

Perhaps I will one day. Go back to the land of the rising sun, and visit this ancient warriors one more time, and truly honor them in the fashion they deserve.

Weather the storm

2008-05-06T03:30:00.003-04:00

I've touched upon how hard the last few months have been, with so much bearing down on me and not enough arms to hold them all up. Picking and choosing priorities has been tough, as I usually end up trying to please everyone. But I've gotten better at it, and really organized myself. Unfortunately, I find myself sitting here with a budding cold that's left me with even less energy and focus then normal. The stress, it seems, has finally penetrated my defenses, and left me with a dizzying headache, a cough that could wake the dead, and a voice scratchier then Barry White during allergy season. I can partly thank my post-surgery vocal cord paralysis for that, coupled with a sore throat and a constant clearing of the throat. This has lead me to stay away from the animation building in fear of passing this lovely gift on to anyone else.

But back to work related topics - Every day this weekend, I've managed to crank out a pretty large chunk of work, but the beginning of the next day I'm presented with the still mounting workload that needs doing, crushing any semblance of a good mood I might have been lucky enough to receive that day. For example, Friday (when the cold hit) I managed to get a fair amount done with clean-up on my friend short film, coming steps closer to completing that scene. Saturday, I spent almost all day (a short soccer game aside) doing a 12 source bibliography, a brief abstract of the paper, and a sentenced outline for the final draft to come. I wanted to make the outline pretty in depth, so as to make the actual writing of the paper fairly simple (keep in mind I'd done NO research on my topic, Alberto Giacometti, prior to the bibliography or outline). Afterward, with the little time I had left in the day, I attempted to catch up on some portfolio work which was due last week. Sunday was home to most of that, and other work that had missed deadline, including an in depth paper of 20 prospective companies and a general outline for a flat book that is due (fully printed) by Thursday. Afterward, it was on to creating the groundwork for a website in Flash with a limited knowledge of action script. I dove in headfirst, and found myself regularly surfacing for air as the illness took its tole on me.

Finally, not any more then an hour ago, I'd managed to piece something together to resembled what I'd envisioned. But as I turn to head to bed, I look at the still seemingly impossible workload before me. I'd not touched my friend film in 2 days. I have a flat book due Thursday that I've not even touched, and 3 pages of finished pencils due on the same day. I've also got to find time to jump through the paperwork hoops to get the classes I need for the summer, as well as attend to some Flash files for work.

Just talking with family and friends, I've concluded that I am indeed just in a sad place right now. There is a lot of negative energy around me, and this cold seems to be amplifying it. At a time where graduation is supposed to bring some type of joy or excitement for something new, I find myself sulking and dragging my behind towards just piles and piles of never ending work.

But the kind words of my father and mother help to put things in perspective.

"This, too, will pass."

Whether I want it to or ask it to, this will eventually come to an end, and a new chapter will start. Will it be on the foot I'd hoped for? Ya never know, but like life, you can bet it's not gonna be exact.

Pick and Choose

2008-05-01T07:24:00.001-04:00

Found this really interesting fan-made video on aniboom of the Gorillaz song "Latin Simone". It's the original UK release of the song, which happens to have lyrics. After hearing this song now with lyrics, I'd have to say that it shoots up to one of my favorites by the band. And I gotta say, the video does it justice. Better then "Rock It", that's for sure.

Anyway, like I was saying about the added lyrics, it's amazing what 1 added element can do to something. Before, with just the beat and synths and horns, it was ok. But just ok. With the lyrics - I dunno, something just clicks with it all, like it was meant to have those all along. And how like life, and art in particular, where you're just not feeling something all the way, and then BAM - you add one little thing and the entire thing falls together.

Anyway, enjoy the song and video for what they are. Good stuff. I'm back to drawing Bartman, looking up prospective jobs, and hopfully getting a few hours sleep before classes.

I've never felt this stressed...

2008-04-24T04:04:00.003-04:00

I am experiencing an unbelievable amount of pressure. Never in my life have I felt this forced to the edge. I'm sitting now, looking over at a half inked Batman page, and it's just looking poor, poor, poor. All I can think about is how I have a flat book layout due at 2 p.m. tomorrow which I haven't been able to start because of this batman page, and the 3 assignments for work that need doing cause they've sent me an e-mail asking if I'd made any progress since last time. Also in my e-mail was a reminder that the senior film I have been kept from by other classes and obligations, is wrapping up in 4 1/2 weeks, and I feel awful that I've been able to do so little on it thus far, ESPECIALLY since she worked so hard on my senior film last quarter. I really feel just awful and terrible and crummy about my lack of dedication to that film, and I have no one to blame but myself, but even accepting the blame isn't enough, because if her film doesn't hit deadline, it's partially my fault (though I'll feel as if it is entirely my fault - I should be working on her stuff, not mine). I've still not recorded final sound for my film, or added shadows, or been able to do a final clean-up pass. My girlfriend has been under an unbelievable amount of stress with family related deaths/sicknesses, which has in turn transfered stress over to me. I still have a handful of projects to finish for my portfolio to strengthen it, and all I'd like to do is sit in open model sessions this Friday to bulk up on the 50 pages of figure drawings that are due at the end of the quarter for penciling and inking. I've yet to do any of the reading this week due to 3 or 4 other projects for my online art history class, and I have test due before Friday, and I'm rather sure a rough draft of a research paper due before Sunday.

When you know that you can't possibly do you best work in order to hit deadlines, not only do you suffer mentally, but when you hit critiques in class, everyone just thinks your work is bad, when it's simply a matter of priority. So you shake it off, knowing you're doing the right thing - putting your attention where it matters, but the harsh criticism lingers, because you blame it on lack of effort. When in reality, you're working harder then ever before.

This is not real life. How can it be? I'm not trying to make excuses, but it's honestly not fair. Life isn't fair, I know, I know - how can it be, but I'm just feeling freaking abused right now. And I'm getting no sympathy, which again - awww, poor baby. Suck it up, right? But I'm reaching the breaking point, and I'm gonna need to start making some serious decisions and commitments to certain things and let the rest of the chips fall where they may. I hate, hate, HATE that idea - not trying or even attempting certain things in order to hit deadlines of other things, but I honestly have no choice. My career as a professional, industry artist FAR surpasses my career as a college student.

Well, time to face my rushed and messy comic page in hopes I can touch my flat book before it's due later today.

Sleep and Music

2008-04-22T08:02:00.002-04:00

I don't much care for sleep these days. It's not that I don't like sleep, because sleep is the first thing I think about when I wake up. And as much as I love a good 10 hour session watching eyelid movies, I can't help but feel detached from everything that happened the day before. Whether it's for better or worse, every time I go to sleep, I reset myself. I suppose it all comes down to a matter of perception, but if it were up to me, I'd love to carry over the feeling of accomplishment after a hard days work, or the inspiration you get from seeing a great piece of work. But at the end of the day, you close your eyes and you start completely new again. I suppose it's moments like that, coupled with the resetting each day that makes those moments so nice and memorable.

Either way, I thought I'd introduce something to the blog that I've been doing on my own time. Taking a song or piece of music, and writting about whatever it inspires me to write about. So here goes:

"Assault on Precinct Zero"
This song is supremely catchy. Created by the guys who wrote the soundtrack to a favorite animated movie of mine, Tekkonkinkreet, done by Studio 4c, I'd have to say that this is one of my favorites by them. If artist Koji Morimoto had a theme song, this would be it. If my inner child had a theme song, this would be ONE of them (because I see my inner child as amorphous, or constantly changing, so it would need more then 1 song). The most fun about this song though, is that it tells a story. A beginning, middle, and end, as most songs should have, but this story is fun, and pretty evident. A story about a hero, who conquerors evil, but doesn't for a moment lose sight of his own innocence. A little deep there, but you get the point.

Well, that's it for now. It's been a long night with no sleep, and I need to put some finishing touches on a 1 page spread. Till next time then.

Prophet - Forerunners Decent

2008-02-27T02:34:00.001-05:00

Here's a clip from my upcoming film, which should be done sometime within the next couple of months.

Asakuska, Ghibli Museum, Ueno Earth and Science Museum, and more...

2007-12-08T06:19:00.000-05:00

Hey guys.

So, I've been very, very busy. Between everything I do here each day, I have very, very little time to do much of anything else. You walk around all day, looking at everything you can, and then when you hit the room at night, you crash.

Tonight, though, I'm staying in to show everyone back home the sights. So, I'm gonna run through the basics quick, and then get into the visuals. I'll try my best for you though.

So, on day 3, we met with Phil Craven and Kazu Kibuishi. I forgot from their pictures in Flight that they were so young, but age aside, they are both super talented, and equally as nice and funny. Having them here has been really, really great. Unfortunately, I've no pictures of either, but check their websites I linked up above for more information of both of them. You most definitely will not be sorry.

So, that afternoon, it was the Ghibli Museum. Again, no pictures allowed, but the walk to and from was really pretty:

That evening we went to one of the coolest shopping malls I've ever been in - Nakano Broadway. One feature of the Japanese culture is that they have this uncanny ability to shove shops, outlets, and restaurants into the tiniest places, and every corner of every area has something in it, and something to offer. Didn't spend much time taking pictures, but I did get some:

The next morning (4:30 a.m. to be exact), we woke up on the bright and headed down to the Japanese Fish Market. I got 2 words for that: Controlled Chaos. There was so much hustle and bustle, but like most of Tokyo, everything that was crammed in there had a purpose and a place. After we'd looked around, Samantha, Andrew, Kirsten, and I ventured up to the top of a parking garage to watch the sun come up. That was really something. A wonderful morning overall:

After the Fish Market, we went to another morning session with Phil and Kazu. Phil gave a great presentation on his process at Dreamworks, and how he goes about getting, starting, and finishing a sequence assigned to him. Kazu gave a piece on some of his methods of warming up, and his take on using perspective. Really informative stuff - I'd be understating if I said I didn't take a lot away from either one of those sessions.

Afterwards was Asakusa Shrine. I don't remember much about how or why it was built, but I do remember that most of it was breath taking and beautiful - the gates themselves was torn down and rebuilt a number of different times. It stuck me as odd as to why a culture would do that, but soon realized it was to show that each generation was respecting the last generation by continuing the tradition of creating something monumental and beautiful, and displaying to the world the power they held, forever leaving their mark on history.

Still want more? You got it.

Next day, we moved on to yet another morning session with Kazu and Phil. Everything these guys have to offer seems to help, even if you think it's mundane or stupid simple. After a great session, we packed up and headed back to Ueno Park, but this time, to go to the Museum of Natural Science and Robotics. It was freakin' nuts inside. More stuff then you could ever hope to see in the time we had alloted. It reminded me of the Museum of Science in Boston, only bigger, and way nerdier (in reference to the rows and rows of Gundam action figures they had in the beinning.) It was great walking around and looking at everything, and I took way more photos then I know what to do with (hello reference). After the museum, we went to a toy store we spotted out our first time to Ueno. Seven stories of all KINDS of toys. It took most all I had not to buy the place out. Video games. Baby toys. Kid toys. Movies. Books. Puppets. Trading Cards. Toy models. Music. Stickers. Patches. Memerobelia. Almost anything you could imagine. I grabbed a figurine of Kuro (Black) from the Japanese anime, Tekkonkinkreet. I just about peed myself when my buddy Rezan said they had one. For those that don't know, most of the world outside of the United States is far less touchy or sensitive when it comes to sexual content. So, as you're walking up and down the asiles, looking at the Dragonball Z figures, and the Naruto Trading cards, you suddenly hit a section full of post cards with naked woman on them, or figurines of half-naked woman in seductive poses. And next to these things you see men, women, and even some kids, just browsing - not embarrassed or nervous. Just looking. It struck me as interesting, as I'd never really looked at that aspect of society and seen it as so casual and liberal. Interesting to say the least.

The next day, we split up during the morning between Phil and Kazu. I was in Phil's group - he went over some of his boards from the upcoming Dreamworks film he worked on, Kung Fu Panda, which looks amazing. Later, we went to Kondansha Publishing Company. Unfortunately, no cameras allowed (and I also ended up leaving my camera in the hotel to charge). But we spent the afternoon talking with the editor of this publishing company about Japanese Manga, and its growing popularity. Interesting stuff. Afterwards, we were just allowed to hang out for a little bit, which was nice. A few of us even went out and experienced Japanese Karaoke first hand - definitely a night to remember.

The day after that, we did another splitting of groups in the morning, extended edition. This time, we were with Kazu, and he demoed how he works digitally with computer coloring. It was one of those experiences that would humble any great artist - he made everything he did look so easy and natural. Really amazing stuff. And if I've not said it before, we couldn't have asked for nicer guys to accompany us on this trip. That afternoon leaked in evening, as we had a few hours to hang out, and then we went to go see the Chinese Acrobat Team. I think one of our professors, Ray Goto, put it best: "Who wouldn't want to see small, flexible asian women jumping around on stage?"

And jump they did.

That brings us to today. With our special artists heading out in a little over 24 hours to head back to the states, we did not have a morning session with them. Instead, we headed out to the Imperial Palace to see some of Tokyo's oldest buildings. They were really something else. Just reading about a few of them made you scratch you head wondering how they'd survived this long. The was an especially beautiful garden in the back that was probably the prettiest thing I've seen in Tokyo yet (though we're planning to his some rural Japan on our free day Monday - fingers crossed.) After the Imperial Palace (which was odd - I didn't see 1 damn Palace. haha.) We decided to go check out the Final Fantasty Store, Squre Enix. Long story short, we ventured out completely on our own (as in no previous knowledge as to what part of town we were heading into, or how to get there) and to be honest, the trip was far more rewarding then the actual arrival. The store was no joke, 2 rooms wide (but packed full of all kinds of fancy stuff). But overall, between pricy clothing and toys, there wasn't a whole lot to get. I picked up a few things, and gambled on a small character box (the Japanese are in love with the idea of chance, and leaving luck to certain choices, so half the things you buy here, you don't even know what you're getting until you open it.)

Well, that's all there is to share for now. Hopefully, I'll get another evening to kinda just sit and relax for a few hours, so I can hit you guys with another update on things in the far East. Until then - Saiyanara!

oh, this is fun, something I recorded in Ueno the second day, so I'm sharing it with you guys. Heh:

Welcome to Japan - Smells Like Death...

2007-12-04T05:43:00.000-05:00

So, here it is. First post in awhile, but trust me, this one is well worth the wait. Aside from being super busy the last few months with a film, I now currently find myself in - come on, give it your best guess (check the title in case you're stumped). That's right - Tokyo, Japan! It's absolutely amazing, and by far one of the coolest things I've done in my adult life (learning to walk and talk are right up there, but that's why I added 'adult life'. ahem. anyway...)

I'm sitting here, at the end of my 3rd day, and all I can think about is how psyched I am that we have 11 more days here.

So, enough talk - let's get to the pictures, eh?

Japan - Day 1:

Needless to say, I still had the energy to be excited once we landed, even after 15 hours in the air:

The group outside the hotel, and then a funky picture from our welcoming dinner:

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The next day we awoke on the bright at 8:00 and ventured out to a City Bank to grab some Yen (which is surprisingly simple to use - the U.S. should take notes). After that, we got on the Tokyo Subway and headed out to Ueno Park. It is described best by my roommate, Andrew Miller - "It's like Central Park on crack" Perhaps a bit extreme, but you get the point...

We eventually went to the Tokugawa (probably butchered that spelling) Exhibit, which was showing a bunch of old Shogun goodies from way back when, like armor, tea ware, scrolls, and so on. It was really inspiring, and almost surreal to see all of this stuff just sitting inches from you. The highlight of the museum, though was definitely the Tea Garden - everyone should have one of these in their backyards. It was relaxing, and comforting, which seems to be the theme of the trip - I've yet to run into anything in Japan, from the people to the surroundings, that looks or feels rushed.

Anyway, enough talk, more pictures:

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After Ueno, some of the animation crew (dubbed Team 911 - Go!, after the room number of our professors room - the surley Jason Maurer Sensai) grouped with some sequential kids and hit up an Italian Japanese restaurant. Language barrier, Shmanguage barrier...we got food just fine.

Here's what I had. I know, you're jealous..
(I kinda lucked out, cause I had NO idea what I ordered)

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So, I think that's gonna be it for now. I'll update tomorrow, when I'm.....less.....exhausted? Yea, who am I kidding? But today WAS a long day, as we got up at the crack of ice to...well, I'll save that for tomorrow. Gotta leave you guys coming back for a reason, don't I?

SOUR 半月

2007-08-03T04:03:00.001-04:00

This made me smile. The song is catchy after a few listens too.

A little test animation for today too. Crude, and basic. Took me a little under 15 minutes.

http://www.adamtoewsonline.com/animation/arm_test.swf

A Long, Hard Summer...

2007-07-16T04:41:00.000-04:00

Observation of the day - You have a LOT of free time in the summer.

Actually, let me rephrase that. You have a lot of time that needs filling in the summer. Some people have no problem with that. They take what needs doing - work, school, sports, relaxation, socializing, etc. - and put it into its proper place and time, no looking back.

I, however, find it much tougher to put things into a set schedule. My job aside, trying to schedule school, my upcoming project, and my free time gets jumbled (and it almost pains me to admit I have a LOT of free time)

What's wrong with this you might ask? I don't like free time. Well, TOO much free time anyway. Too much free time turns on me REAL fast, and I get this ugly feeling in the pit of my stomach - like I just ate a 2 pound tub of mayonnaise - and the world starts to drain of color, flavor, spark; the world ceases to hold too much meaning. You're simply puttering around, wasting time.

Don't get me wrong - I'm getting things done, just, not as much as I'd LIKE to be getting done. And I guess that might have been the case for as long as I can remember. I need to start changing the way I think, and instead of focus on how much I'm not getting done (cause let's face it - if I focus on how much I don't get done, I'm only gonna continue to not get stuff done) I should be focusing on what I DID get done and try to build upon that each day. Seems logical to me anyway.

For now though, enough rambling. How about some nerdy fanart? An Orc Warrior from WarCraft:

I just realized I got a lot of stuff to scan in, but it shall get done!

Life in a pocket

2007-07-07T15:19:00.000-04:00

I find myself worried from time to time.

I guess it's really only natural - I AM only human.

But to be at a time in my life when I'm supposed to define who I am, and I look around and I see such good art, I find my sense of who I thought I was starting to blur, and I forget that I CAN draw, and I AM good at what I do, and if I stop worrying so much about what other people's art looks like, and starting believing in what it is I can do, I gaurantee that I would be much more productive with myself.

so that's what I've been doing the past couple days.

and it feels good.

Anyway, I've been on a big Marvel stint this week - drawing wolverines, spider-mans, venoms, captain americas, iron mans .I have bc to thank for that. Looking at work from Ramos and Romita, jr.

I guess just a quick sketch and that'll be it for this one:

In the words of the late 70's rock groupd Boston: "Don't stop! Believin'!" You get the idea.

New Website

2007-07-03T03:57:00.001-04:00

Coming soon.

http://www.adamtoewsonline.com

Rock Out With Your...Tablet Out?

2007-07-01T18:41:00.000-04:00

hey guys.

long time, no post. I've been kept busy for the past couple weeks with homelife, adjusted living, and too much free time. I'm a glutton for punishment, and I procrastinate like a mad man when I'm presented with the oppertunity to do so. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I've been forced back on track with upcoming assignments and a big project on the horizon.

For the time being, though, I thought I'd show you what has been taking up most of my time as of late:

Highway Jackson, a buddies band of mine is fast approaching their cd release date. How do you describe Highway Jackson to someone? Well, imagine a band that grabs great old rock & roll groups like Led Zepplin, Lynard Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and The Velvet Underground by the balls and runs with it. They say their the bastard children rock left behind. I gotta admit - there's not many bands out there that can take the sound to TRUE old rock and roll, mix it with modern day funk, and make it sound true to its roots. These guys got it. For sure. "Smothered" sings of old love, featuring some great vocals by Lead Singer Kris Rogers. "Train Comin After You" features some blistering guitar work that would make any "Guitar Hero" grimmace, punching forward with a quick bass line and furious drum work that all syncs up better then any locomotive out there.

So, give em a listen anyway. Their CD release date is July 10th. I know it's gonna be jam packed with rockin tracks, and if you're in the new england area, and you manage to catch a show of theirs, be sure to grab a t-shirt, sticker, or other Highway Jackson schwag with yours truelys logo on it.

Support the cause, right?

Until next time.

2007-05-24T04:50:00.000-04:00

*Disclaimer*
Please, do not taking the following too seriously. They are just words; rambling from my own head. They are not aimed to offend or enstrange.

Song of the moment: "Icky Thumb" by the White Stripes

Overheard an interesting bit of conversation today at Montgomery.

It was in reference to going out to bars and drinking.

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Guy: So, did you get the beers? Yea? Ok, cool. We'll head back after this. You comin'?
Girl: Yea. I'll go. But I don't drink, so...
Guy: Whatever. [pause] Dude, remember those [chicks] we met last weekend? They were funny as hell.
Guy 2: Yea man. They wouldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious.
Girl (interjecting): People you meet drunk aren't really friends. You can't make friends drinking.

awkward silence ensues for just a moment

conversation picks back up as normal. Guys leave to drink. Girl follows shortly after.

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So, in a round about fashion, that was the conversation, and brings me to the point of this blog: How can someone judge something if they haven't done it themselves? My personal philsophy (via ms. fiona apple) - "Make a mistake." You will not learn more about yourself then in the midst of a well made mistake (or perhaps in the throughs of deepening depression enduced by the violent end of a relationship.) It's when you're staring disaster in the face that you look at what you have and what you've become, and then, and really only then in my opinion, are you allowed to judge yourself. You've earned the credibility; the ability to say, "Trust me. I know. I've been there..."

Now, it's a dangerous game to play, and I'd advise anyone out there reading this to save your mistakes for your late teens and early 20's. Don't think you're gonna make a mistake and then turn back around and be all set. It's like burning yourself with a hot nail to see what it feels like. Yea, you learn what it feels like to be burned with a nail, but the scar you get from it is gonna be there forever. Or maybe you don't burn yourself that bad, and aviod a scar. Either way, how you choose to view your experience is up to you. You're the only one in charge of your actions. Take responsibility for your mistakes.

So, to end, I'd like to state that I've made some great friends via alcohal. You don't want to choose to create friendships based solely on alcohal (that would be a BAD idea), but you shouldn't knock it just cause it's "not your thing". I'm not stating that you'll never fully experience a night of fun with people you've never met all via alcohal, cause that's just my opinion, and cause it's your choice live sober and it's a valid choice too - completely and totally. Just try to understand others - that's all I'm sayin.

Ok, now to the art:

Just about done with the animatic. Supposed to have some character design done by 11. Here's to another 5 hour push.

productivity was set to 0 today...

2007-05-23T07:15:00.000-04:00

I didn't get enough done today. You know how some people will give you a sigh, and look at you with a dejected frown, and go, "yea. ya know, I just didn't get much done today as I'd hoped. I really had big plans for today..." Well, I'm above and beyond that. I'm in serious crunch time, and instead of getting down to buisness like I should, I waste my time with irrelevant kiddy stuff. The worst part is - I know that I'm slacking. Man, I need a nanny to watch over me during times like these to just grab me by the ear and go, "Back to work young man!"

That's not to say I didn't get anything done:

The timing of the animatic is nearing completion, but I still need a solid, concrete ending. Think I'm close though.

Here's to a better tomorrow.

Music drives the world...

2007-05-22T05:49:00.000-04:00

The next 2 weeks are gonna be a whirlwind. Several doubts linger in the back of my mind that I won't be able to get everything done I wanted to, but I never call it quits till I'm staring doom in the face.

Finshed writting a short screenplay today. A nice little bit of writting overall. Here's the opening bit:

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EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

A massive, AGED TREE sits isolated in the center of a clearing. Several strands of light shine through the canopy of trees. Small, brilliant lights float carelessly near the massive roots.

The lights stop moving, and the sound of wood constricting and straining is heard. The floating lights fade from view.

A BLIND MAN wanders into the clearing. He holds the appearance of a man who has spent a life tortured and taken advantage of. Scars and impurities litter his bare skin and clothing. A worn bandanna is wrapped over his eyes. His attention is fixed on nothing in particular. He carefully picks his steps into the clearing towards the tree.

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Getting used to new programs and sorting all that out, but those are just tools. The art of storytelling is fundamental in itself. If there's anything I've really learned in the last few months, it's that storytelling isn't taught. You can tell a story, or you can't. Whether or not you actually tell it well is a completely different matter all together.

Also managed a few bits of character design today as well for my upcoming short film. Wanted to finish up thumbnailing for the animatic, but I need an expert opinion on my ending before I leap into that mess.

Nothing definate yet, but I like the design of the eyes on the face. Definately feeling like I'm gonna incoorporate that into the design, whatever it ends up being. Don't want to give too much of the story away, but the main character needs to have a certain feel to him. Gonna be tricky squeezing this process into the next few weeks.

Either way, until next time.