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Case Study With AJ Nazzaro: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 2) :: EAJ #22

AJNazzaroCaseStudyP2_PostArt_1280wIn part one of our “Purple Cow” Case Study with AJ Nazzaro, we discussed how, despite getting a late start, his willingness to face any and every creative challenge is why he’s now working for Blizzard and Wizards Of The Coast – his dream clients.

In this episode, he paints a vivid picture of what it means to be committed to the craft…

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Case Study With AJ Nazzaro: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 1) :: EAJ #21

AJNazzaroCaseStudyP1_PostArt_1280wAJ Nazzaro (Blizzard, Wizards Of The Coast) is the kind of person who will, to use his own words, “fight a grizzly bear with a toothbrush.”

Though he got a late start, his willingness to face any and every creative challenge is why he’s now working for his dream clients.

In this first part of a three-part series, AJ reveals the invisible but intense dedication that led to his unique success…

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Staying Strong Through Artistic Struggles

ManuelAquinoThe artistic journey can sometimes feel lonely, overwhelming and directionless.

…which is why creative community is so vital.

In this Staying Strong Through Artistic Struggles series, Chris Oatley and some of our Magic Box Studio Group Hosts Sarah Mills, Melissa Dow and Manuel Aquino will help you stay positive and motivated through your artistic struggles!

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How To Make The Most Of CTN-X: LIVE Q&A

Connect With Industry Pros By Writing Better Emails

OaNow5PostArt-1024x576Have you ever reached out to a creative pro or art hero via email…

…and been completely ignored?

In this Escape From Art Jail lesson, Chris and Edge help you develop your professional network with email tips and examples that you can put into practice right away!

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Sci-Fi Portfolio Review: Color, Scale and Depth with Ashley Dotson

Nick-AhleyDotson-PortfolioReview-900x485

Chris Oatley, Ashley Dotson (Mojo Games) and Juan Bautista critique Nick Jizba’s Portfolio.

Topics Covered:

  • How to communicate scale through texture
  • Sky depth
  • How to avoid lifeless color

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Extended Interview: ‘Korra’ and ‘Dreamworks’ Artist, Frederic William Stewart

BSP-FredStewartExtended-PostArt-1280Frederic William Stewart was the first Background Painter on Nickelodeon’s epic animated series The Legend of Korra and today he holds a coveted role as a Dreamworks Visual Development Artist.

In the podcast version of this interview, we talked about the early days on Korra, pushing the limits of digital media and why a diversity of influences will make your work stand out…

This Extended Interview Includes Over 20 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • The challenges Fred faced while working on Korra.
  • Tracing Lion King off the TV.
  • Jim Henson, Mister Rogers, and the beauty of stubborn optimism.
  • Sensory overload is an inspiration killer.
  • Being nerds in high school.
  • Why Fred ditched mechanical engineering to pursue art.
  • Learning art at the Shrunken Head Man Club.
  • The secret convenience of Voodoo dolls.

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Case Study With Rebecca Black-Gliko: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 3) :: EAJ #20

BekiCaseStudyP3_PostArt_1280wIn part 2 of our “Purple Cow” Case Study with Rebecca Black-Gliko, we talked about her commitment to the craft of stop-motion, and how with deliberate practice, she developed an authentic visual voice which launched her creative career.

Today, our conversation concludes with Beki’s thoughts on improving your craft by thoroughly knowing your tools, seizing opportunities to learn from professionals, and making a habit of experimentation…

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Portfolio Review: Color, Anatomy & Cinematic Lighting with Jenn Ely

Sarah-JennEly-PortfolioReview-900x485Chris Oatley, Jenn Ely (Laika, Google Spotlight Stories) and Amanda Duarte critique Sarah Wright’s Portfolio.

Topics Covered:

  • Should you improve your current project, or start a new one?
  • Notes on color, anatomy and cinematic lighting.
  • Does your online portfolio work on Mobile Devices? (And other formatting tips.)

[Read more…]

Case Study With Rebecca Black-Gliko: Anatomy Of A Purple Cow (Part 2) :: EAJ #19

BekiCaseStudyP2_PostArt_1280wIn part 1 of our “Purple Cow” Case Study with Rebecca Black-Gliko, we discussed how her unwavering focus led to a highly-competitive, entry-level position at Laika – the stop-motion feature animation studio that produced Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.

Today, our conversation continues with Beki’s thoughts on committing to your craft, practicing fundamentals, and launching a career through the development of an authentic visual voice…

[Read more…]

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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.

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