Moon Juice

This piece is dedicated to my pal, Michael. Without his imagery and introduction of this song, I wouldn't have created it. The song I'm talkin' bout is by a local artist called, "Thriftworks" who kicks ass. It's called "Moon Juice", and you can listen to it here. Make sure you listen to the rest of his music on bandcamp especially if you like spacy, silver and blue waves of textues flowing through your ear holes. K.

I drew this illustration in pencil first, getting as much of the tones and detail in, then adjusting the pencil color to a cool violet-blue.

Next I added some color, mostly on multiply layers, except for the night sky which was on a normal layer.

Lastly I overlayed some textures, tweaked the levels, and some scattered some "moon juice" on the dreamers. Moisturizing their mind. Yum.

Obsession

Listening to my favorite podcast and drawing. This is what comes out. Check out the subreddit. People are going nuts over it. Because it's THAT GOOD.

The servant girl.

I was thinking about the idea of servitude the other day. I used to hate the idea of serving anyone because I wanted to be a free woman. The idea seemed religious, it seemed belittling, and it seemed too humble.

I've grown up since then.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” ― Rabindranath Tagore

We've heard it before... because it's probably true.

Even in marketing they tell you to consider your demographic. If you don't know who your demo is, you don't have a product. As an artist, it's a little vague, yes, but you do indeed have a demographic and you do have a purpose. Your purpose might be to love and nurture a community through your comics, help kids feel empowered by your murals, or show developers they matter and help them create amazing things that change the world.

Samwise carrying Frodo and the ring.  Did you cry when this happened?  I sure did.

If you really think about it, Sam from The Lord of the Rings was as important (if not more than) the protagonist, Frodo. When all Frodo's strength was lost, when he essentially quit, Sam pulled all his strength for the nth time and made sure Frodo got the damn ring to mount doom. His purpose was to serve Frodo and help him accomplish amazing things. Sam's strength, endurance, and kindness, paired with Frodo's....uh....big blue eyes and dumb courage...kicks major evil ass.

Yes, I'm more of a Samfan than a Frodofan, can you tell?

Perhaps our purpose is more humble than we had wanted...

So what? Our society puts too much emphasis on celebrities anyway. Social media and the ever growing pressure to have "followers" doesn't help, either. But let's take a few minutes today and really think about who and how we can make a difference. Ask yourself, how can I help using the best of my abilities?

I challenge you to seek the answers. Share your answers- we'd all like to know. Let's stop aspiring to be famous figures and istead go forthright with our tools in hand, smiles on our faces, and determination to make a difference in the best way we can- whether anyone notices or not.

By the way- I came across this startup while doing some research for this post and I had to share. Hahah!

You're always learning

I wanted to share a project I've been working on lately. It started back when I had just finished college and some friends of mine wanted to produce an animated short to pitch to the networks in Burbank. It's amazing how long the team has been at it, even though life's obstacles tricked us and we stoppe running. Somehow this project keeps getting picked up thanks to the passionate man who started it all- Xavier. I think the only think that sets anyone apart in the entertainment industry (and probably in life!) is endurance.

A title card I've been working on for the short.

It's beena great project for me in many ways. I can't say I'm contributing my best work because it's been a huge learning process, and you can't always feel great about what you produce when you're tripping half the time.

Lessons I'll take with me:

1. Don't forget the sketch! It saves you time.
2. Don't fret over it being perfect. What matters in the end is that you finish.
3. Do be as communicative as possible. Keep the project at a top priority and schedule chats so you stay emotionally involved. Note: there is a reason why you started the project in the first place, and when you talk to the creator you'll remember why.
4. Do your research.
5. Have fun always. Make it your biggest goal and the rest will become a LOT easier to accomplish.
6. Eat your Wheaties.

Opening title card.  Will eventually have the title of the short above.  I've going for a graphic approach with the warm Disney style of the 50's.

I look at these slides and I see good things and things I'd want to change. In fact- feedback is welcome!

Regardless, I'm happy I am to be a part of a project that's depended on the passion and love for animation, executed by a team of some of my dearest college pals. In the end that's the best part- I get to share it with people whom I admire and love to death.

A friend is a gift you give yourself.
-Robert Louis Stevenson

Thanks Marilyn Scott-Waters for reminding me of that awesome quote.

Here's to creating amazing things and being the best you can be!

Love,

Annie