Character Rigging

I've been meaning for the absolute longest time, to post screen grabs of what the network looks like in Toon Boom Harmony. This is a character rig I built for a personal project. 

For non animators, I don't even know how to quite describe this to you. This is not for hand drawn animation, obviously. This is a character "puppet" rig. For each part of the character, there is a module for that piece and then they all have to hook up to pegs. Then I added a lot more technical things to this to make it work just right. For example, if the arm goes over the body, an outline appears so that the arm doesn't get lost over the body color. I did the same with the flower in her hair and got really crazy with the modules. It's a lot, but it works very nicely! Yes, it's far more technical than Flash, but once you know it, it's far superior! During Christmas break I am hoping to find a few days to animate. Several jobs and potential jobs have been keeping me really swamped. 

Princess Leia

I've been in the mood to draw Star Wars characters lately. You'll find out why soon enough. ;) This is just a quick sketch.

Personal Project Update

I don't believe that I have posted any Toon Boom Harmony animation yet. Here is a shot that I animated last month with Harmony. I love having this fantastic animation program at home. It's way more technical than Flash, but it has far more capabilities and fewer bugs than Flash. In my spare time, it took me two weeks to do a thorough rig of this character. The animation is smoother, and my work flow was a lot faster than what I had previously done in Flash. (Buying a Cintiq also helped a ton too! I have been so much more productive with it.) When I have more time, I'll post a screen grab of the network for this rig. (I just had a spare ten minutes to post this. Look for another post or add on to this later.)

Also, here is a background for that same personal project I'm working on. I really don't like drawing layouts and backgrounds, but I find myself having to tackle it. Here's one that I'm fairly happy with for now at least. 

more later! :)

Another Scottish Man

Scottish Sketches

Character designs for work.

Mermaid Sketch

Happy Halloween!

(Sarah, left. Catherine, right)

After all these years, we finally went for the creepy twin factor for Halloween. We went to a party and really enjoyed seeing everyone's reactions on the street, train, bus, and party. The best reactions were on the bus because we sat in the very back seat in the center. Every person who got on the bus was startled. It was great! This will most likely be a repeat costume next year! 

(Catherine, left. Sarah, right.)

Have a safe and fun Halloween party weekend!

Guardian Angel

This is another version of one I did a while ago.

Fall

Artist Statement

For an art show that I currently have a few pieces in, I had to write a short artist statement. This was the first time I had to share one, so I figured that I might as well share it here too.

As a traditional animator, I gravitate towards graphic, illustrative artwork. I prefer to do my drawings on paper and then do the final artwork on the computer. With this method, I have a greater control over texture, color, and a subtle handling of layers with different opacity. My personal artwork aims to capture the beauty of life through long, flowing lines and calm, peaceful colors. Much of this artwork embraces spirituality, nature, and love. These elements are often missing in many people's lives. My artwork seeks to deliver calmness, warmth, and happiness to the viewer. As time passes, my artwork is growing into the direction of embracing and loving life.

Tribal Fairy