The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling

The OA Backstage Pass:

Available exclusively to students, The Backstage Pass includes our Escape From Art Jail series, live portfolio review sessions, hour-after-hour of extended interviews from The ArtCast, The Paper Wings Show and MORE!

DELETED SCENE: How The Pixar Art Department Works

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I call the work at Pixar “aggressively collaborative…”

– Noah Klocek

Noah Klocek is an Art Director at Pixar Animation Studios by day, and a picture book creator by night.

In this deleted scene from Stories Unbound #4, Noah talks about his role at Pixar and provides some unique perspective on their collaborative process.

Inspiring Highlights:

  • The differences between concept artists and Art Directors.
  • How the Pixar Art Department works.
  • Collaboration vs. personal projects.
  • Why Pixar isn’t everything.

[Read more…]

Your 24/7 Art Rep (Part 2) :: EAJ #7

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In part one of this series, we talked about how artists become discouraged and overwhelmed by a lack of response from their followers on social media.

But by holding fast and adjusting your expectations, you will slowly build momentum that will benefit your career long-term.

We’ll help you take your first step today…

[Read more…]

Your 24/7 Art Rep (Part 1) :: EAJ #6

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Have you ever posted your art on a social media platform only to be disappointed by the lack of response from your followers?

…have you ever been tempted to just delete your account entirely?

Maybe it’s an audience problem…

…or is it an attitude problem?

In this episode, we will help you use social media to discover, understand and reach a potential target audience.

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Armand Serrano (Part 2)

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In part one we heard the story of Armand’s long road to success in the animation industry…

Now, the conversation with Armand gets spiritual as we discuss “pure creativity,” the role of Armand’s faith in his career and creative process and how many aspiring artists are working backwards…

The conversation then spins around 180 degrees to focus on technique and workflow.

Jose-Luis Segura joins me as guest co-host.

This Extended Interview Contains 20 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • How Armand overcame his doubts about fitting into the animation industry.
  • How Armand got his job on Surf’s Up.
  • Being brave enough to let go of opportunities that don’t suit your path.
  • What would your career look like in an alternate reality?
  • Armand’s return to Disney and his reunion with Paul Felix.

[Read more…]

Extended Interview: Armand Serrano (Part 1)

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Armand Serrano‘s inventive compositions, visceral line work and story-rich environment designs have made him a living legend in the animation industry.

From humble beginnings as an illustrator for a telegram company, to creating iconic layouts for classics such as Disney’s Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, Big Hero 6 (and numerous other varying films and productions), Armand has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.

This Extended Interview Contains 8 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • Armand’s lifelong determination.
  • How the amazing Paul Felix helped Armand break-in.
  • How Armand’s math and engineering background informs his art.
  • Would you move to the other side of the earth to pursue your dreams?

[Read more…]

Designing An Adaptive Portfolio For Conventions & Recruiting Events :: EAJ #5

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Many artists are under the misconception that “the portfolio” is a fixed, finishable thing…

This misconception can be particularly restrictive at conventions, job fairs and other recruiting events where you get frequent feedback from industry pros.

In this episode we share a strategy that will help you design a physical portfolio that can adapt to the feedback and unexpected opportunities you’ll encounter throughout the event…

[Read more…]

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…]

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.