The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling

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…

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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…

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Extended Interview: Jason Brubaker :: Dreamworks Visual Development Artist & Creator Of “reMIND” (Part 1)

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My friend Jason Brubaker has achieved impressive success in both the mainstream entertainment industry and as an independent creator.

He held a coveted Visual Development position at DreamWorks Feature Animation, broke Kickstarter records with his original graphic novel reMIND and now makes his living entirely from personal projects.

This Extended Interview Includes Half An Hour Of Extra Audio:

  • The consequences of getting too attached to your work.
  • How Jason’s early influences informed his art at Dreamworks.
  • How John K’s failure led to the birth of Ren & Stimpy.
  • Jason’s obsession with weird cartoon cats.
  • The Moose-Bird.
  • Jason’s first impression of The Matrix script (before it was cool).
  • Chris and Jason’s earliest memories.

[Read more…]

Visual Development Portfolios: Original Or Reimagined Story? (Part 1) :: EAJ #1

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The term “Visual Development” is typically associated with the animation industry.

…but whether you’re a visual development artist, concept artist, illustrator, comics or children’s book creator, your job is to develop stories visually.

…and one of the best ways to demonstrate that you can develop a story visually is to… …well, um… Develop a story visually!

Most aspiring Visual Development Artists base their portfolios on fairy tales or popular novels.

…but would it be better to write your own original story and develop that?

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Q&A With Chris Oatley At The Ringling College Of Art & Design

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Almost everybody is wandering around at the base of the mountain, bumping into each other wondering why they’re not on the mountain. The majority of good artists are running up the mountain. Just the decision to start climbing the mountain sets you apart.

– Chris Oatley

Hosted by Nick Burch at the Ringling College of Art & Design in 2012, Chris answers student questions about breaking into animation.

Inspiring Highlights:

  • The best way to build an online following.
  • How Chris kind of accidentally became a Visual Development Artist.
  • How to curate a more professional portfolio.
  • The animation industry’s “back door.”

[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.