The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling

Extended Interview: Jason Brubaker :: Dreamworks Visual Development Artist & Creator Of “reMIND” (Part 3)

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In the first two parts, Jason Brubaker told us the story of his unexpected success at DreamWorks Animation and provided fresh perspective on the power of persistence.

Now, in part three, we discuss his career-defining graphic novel reMIND, his record-breaking Kickstarter campaigns and the broad appeal of deeply personal work…

This Extended Interview Contains Almost Half An Hour Of Extra Audio:

  • Jason explains the origins of his comic ReMind.
  • His list of “things comics should do,” but he didn’t see happening.
  • Jason’s transition from B&W to color.
  • He discusses his strengths and weaknesses in art vs. writing.
  • Jason explores his experience with Kickstarter, Patreon, and WebToons.
  • The financial pressures of doing an independent comic and how he navigated that.
  • How Jason’s faith drives him forward in making comics.
  • The soul search and evolution of his reasons for creating art.

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Jason Brubaker :: Dreamworks Visual Development Artist & Creator Of “reMIND” (Part 2)

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In part one of this interview, my good friend Jason Brubaker and I discussed his first big break, midlife crises, the brevity of life and the desire to create work with meaning.

Now, in part 2, he tells the story of his unexpected success at DreamWorks Animation and provides fresh perspective on the power of persistence.

This Extended Interview Includes 12 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • Jason’s secret to completing projects.
  • How his construction job motivated him to pursue his career in art.
  • Jason regales his various car mishaps as he worked freelance all over California.
  • We realize how fast of a storyboard artist Jason really is!
  • Personal projects only happen when…

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Claire Keane

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Claire Keane is a brilliant illustrator and visual development artist, who has helped to develop numerous immersive worlds, including Tangled and Duet.

After leaving Disney, she released her first illustrated children’s book: Once Upon A Cloud. It’s a beautifully rendered, heartwarming story about family and following your dreams.

This Extended Interview Contains 15 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • When characters start writing themselves.
  • Revealing characters through moments.
  • The big question in developing Rapunzel.
  • Once Upon A Cloud.
  • Getting lost in the illusion of a story.
  • Making the kind of marks you want to make.

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Eric Canete: Animation Storyboard Artist & Co-Creator of “Run Love Kill”

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Eric Canete‘s unique drawing style demonstrates layer upon layer of artistic mastery: Anatomy, character, caricature, composition, storytelling…

After 20+ years of trend-setting work in story, games and comics, his style is as distinct and intense as ever. So you might find it hard to believe that such beautiful work was once rejected by industry gatekeepers.

This Extended Interview Contains fifteen Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • Eric describes how his art was fostered by competition.
  • The key is healthy obsession.
  • The premonitions of professionalism.
  • Moving to the U.S. with the help of James Bond.
  • The Little Mermaid was a game-changer.
  • Uncanny X-Men to Aeon Flux.
  • Eric discusses Run, Love, Kill and working with friends.
  • Three fascinating things about storyboards…

[Read more…]

OA Student Spotlight: SulaMoon

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Failures are nothing more than attempts. Attempts are what we need to get to a successful piece of art.

 

 

Oatley Academy student Ursula “Sula” Dorada has been doing work for awesome clients such as DC Comics…

[Read more…]

OA Student Spotlight: AJ Nazzaro

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Pursuing mastery is what keeps me awake at night, and the first thing on my mind when I get up every morning.

 

 

AJ Nazzaro now has more clients than he can handle including Wizards of the Coast… [Read more…]

Extended Interview: Jimmy Gownley :: From Self-Publishing to Scholastic

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Since he was 15 years old, Jimmy Gownley has never stopped breaking the rules of self-publishing.

He went from selling self-published comics in the hallways of his high school to huge publishing deals with both Simon & Schuster AND Scholastic.

This Extended Interview Contains 40 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • It all started with Peanuts.
  • The Dumbest Idea Ever.
  • The rise of independent comics in the 80’s.
  • Jimmy shares about getting Amelia Rules published.
  • Understanding how story works.
  • Challenges of being a writer who draws.

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Jenn Ely :: The Winding Road To Laika (Part 2)

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In part one, Jenn Ely regaled us with tales of alligators, emu burgers and art school…

Now, Jenn talks about her time at The Savannah College Of Art & Design (SCAD) as well as her mentorship with Dreamworks Production Designer Kathy Altieri.

…but most of the episode is, as promised, about her time at Laika.

This Extended Interview Contains Almost Half An Hour Of Extra Audio:

  • What drew Jenn to animated film rather than games.
  • How she connected with OA and Visual Development..
  • Jenn explains her need for a mentor who would not hold back..
  • It’s important to recognize the roadblocks, not just the “good parts.”.
  • Look for people who understand you and want to invest in you.
  • Is your fear bigger than your desire?
  • Consider what others need from you, rather than what they can do for you.
  • Jenn gives detail of the creative process she experienced at Laika.
  • Life comes full circle as she joins OA to teach!

[Read more…]

Connect With Us:

Whether you’re pursuing concept art, illustration, character design, storyboarding, comics, animation or children’s books, The Oatley Academy will help you become a professional Visual Storyteller. Please reach out! We would love to connect with you.