The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling

Extended Interview: Animation Layout & Visual Development Artist, John Nevarez

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In the podcast version of our interview with John Nevarez (Disney, Sony, Illumination, Pixar) he gave us a masterclass in gesture drawing technique and shared his secret to staying sane in this crazy business.

This Extended Interview Includes Over 50 Minutes Of Extra Audio:

  • When is a painting finished?
  • John’s creative influences.
  • Math as the “safer” career path.
  • Seizing opportunities.
  • When you’re afraid to pursue your dreams…
  • Outsourcing and the future of the animation industry.
  • Versatility.
  • Giving life to your drawings.
  • Why and how John left Pixar to be a full-time freelancer…

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DELETED SCENE: Show, Then Tell!

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Once I really started writing in pictures first, it changed the way I wrote.

– Mark Pett

Mark Pett is a former syndicated comics creator and self-proclaimed “Authorstrator” of 5 charming picture books.

In this deleted scene from Stories Unbound #7, Mark tells us how he used to create “talking heads” comics. But after taking a challenge from a friend to make “silent comics,” his writing process changed forever…

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DELETED SCENE: Just Design What’s Right For The Story

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Don’t waste your time worrying about what people think of your work, just do the best you can.

– Ovi Nedelcu

Ovi Nedelcu is an animation visual development artist and character designer (Warner Bros., Laika) and a picture book creator.

In this deleted scene from Stories Unbound #5, Ovi and Shawna discuss the importance of sketching and behind the scenes development of an illustration.

We discuss the very planned and calculated process of Norman Rockwell versus Mo Willems’ simpler style, and why there is a need for both types of storytelling.
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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Q&A With Chris Oatley At Huntington University

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Versatility is making a comeback.

– Chris Oatley

Chris Oatley & Jenn Cooper are hosted by Bryan “Breadwig” Ballinger at Huntington University in Spring 2015.

Inspiring Highlights:

  • Inspiration vs. overwhelm.
  • When specialization is a distraction.
  • Productivity tips for collaborative projects.
  • What will studios look like in the future?
  • What Cloverfield can teach us about creating big projects on small budgets.
  • What LOST can teach us about character and Theme.
  • Why painting matters.

[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.