Illustration Buzz

Jared Atkins

Wed, 09 May 2012 03:27:00 -0400

Last week Jared Atkins joined buzz and set the game afire with his imagination. As bizarre as Buzz characters have been to date Jared’s affect on the site has been likened to us finding another planet in the solar system that is brighter, more menacing and at the same time very enticing as a place to party.

We asked Jared to give us a bit of a tour around this world.

What artists and illustrators in the world would you most like to collaborate with on illustration buzz?

It’d be fun to collaborate with someone with a fantastical, absurdist style like Todd Schorr, Charlie Immer or Dave Cooper. Martin Ontiveros’s fanged, bestial characters would suit this kind of thing well. A Quentin Blake, Paul Pope, Matt Leines combo would be cool.

If you could bring the abomination below that you created with Mike Watt and the mysterious Studrewadoodle to life what would they be like?

I emailed an Astrobiologist who provided this slightly technical description:

“The attached specimen is a silicon based organism typically found in the chaotic, frozen wastelands of Ganymede. It detects prey via wandering gelatinous eyes and paralyses them with venomous slime secreted from fleshy protrusions. The victims are methodically dismembered by a slabulous rasped tongue and fed into its anterior orifice. The divided meat is then digested externally with acidic tendrils. It has no known predators but is susceptible to fluctuations in the ionosphere which can trigger anxiety and prolonged bouts of existential crisis”

Can you share with us any personal projects you are working on now?

At the moment I’m working on a game for mobile devices. It’s about a bunch of sour minded, grumpy balls of flab ( aka walrus ) struggling with an infestation of annoying sealice. Luckily a small pink squid loves squishing these irritations. It’s an adventure / platformer with multiple environments to bounce and float and spin through. I’ve finished a lot of the code and animation so now it’s mainly about tweaking the gameplay. Hopefully I’ll have a demo trailer for it soon, and launch after that. It’s kinda hard to stop myself from adding new ideas though.

What skills are you learning now to help you in the creative freelance industry?

At the moment I’ve been picking up skills associated with creating mobile games. So coding, animation and making sound effects and little theme tunes.

While we were in Ecuador a mate told me about a mobile coding platform called Corona, so I’ve been playing with that for the last 6 months or so in between travel and client work. It has an in-built physics engine so it’s easy to get things happening onscreen quickly, characters jumping about etc. I like the challenge of working with code, it’s kinda refreshing to switch between art and math based problems.

The animation is using Spritesheets. I like animating in a more traditional way, rather than using mostly tweening and puppetry in Flash. Lots of frame by frame, squashy-stretchy body movements and facial expressions.

What “dream brief” would make the most of your personal and professional experiences to date?

The jobs I love the most are the ones where I get to create lots of silly, bizarre characters and then build up a world and story around them. Last year I worked on a few kids game websites for various clients. For one of them I got to collaborate with an old friend in the industry and it was great conceptualizing all the games and environments together. Maybe my dream brief would be creating a new kids brand with new characters, comics, cartoons, mobile gaming, interactive website, toys etc with a great team, endless budget and relaxed open brief.

Where can we see more of you?

Physically, you could see me in Sucre, Bolivia. We’re renting a little flat here while I work on my game and do some client work. School kids might see some of my drawings and animations in the curriculum. I’ve getting more work from the Dept of Ed Queensland lately, which I love. I animate the occasional ad for tv and I have a folio website that needs updating ( like most freelancers ). Hopefully soon you’ll see my game in the iTunes store and think ‘Wow, that looks fun!”.

www.skoodio.com.au

Click here to join illustrationbuzz.com

Chris Wahl

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:39:00 -0400

Chris Wahl, Luke Watson and John Siva’s dapper hulk in radioactive slippers shot up the ranks into second place overnight.

This completed buzz character marks another dream come true for Jon Siva who listed Chris as one artist in the world he would love to collaborate with on illustration buzz.

Chris was also good enough to record his process and post it to our tutorials page for you to gain insight into how he works. Click below to view.

We asked Chris about his smelly hairyness and then a few polite questions about what he is working on. Answers below.

Who in the world would you most like to collaborate with on illustration buzz?

Frantz Kantor, Jamie Hewlett, H.R. Giger, someone who could bring something unique and unexpected to the table.

If you could bring the attached character to life what would they be like?

They’d be someone with anger issues, a smokers’ cough, a pickled liver and radioactive footsies. Someone to steer clear of I’d say.

If there was a monster inside of you how would it manifest itself?

Probably as something hairy and smelly…so not much of a stretch really.

How do you balance being so good at what you do with learning what to do next?

I just remind myself that I still have such a long way to go with my abilities. For me it’s about humility and confidence. Too much of either can be self defeating, but together in small doses they strike a nice balance.

Any personal projects you’ve been working on that you can share?

I’m involved with a movie adaption of the ‘Spellsinger’ fantasy novels, and I’m also taking part in a charity art exhibition in the near future to raise funds for an old comicbook friend’s autistic (and artistic) son.

Robocop told kids to “stay out of trouble”, what do you tell kids today?

Put down that Ipod and pick up a pencil.

For more of Chris’s work click either image below or visit his incredible blog which offers a plethora of process videos and downloadable brushes for you.

Click here to join illustration buzz »

Anton Emdin

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:26:00 -0400

So in a previous interview Jon Siva named Anton Emdin as one of the top illustrators in the world he’d like to collaborate with on illustrationbuzz.com.

Anton Emdin made that dream come true this week and their collaboration went to number one in 3 hours! So we put a few questions to Anton about how he works and whom he would most like to collaborate with…

Jon Siva listed you as someone he’d love to collaborate with on illustration buzz and you made that dream come true for him with this latest Buzz creation from you. What artists and illustrators in the world would you most like to collaborate with?

I’m honoured that Jon wanted to collaborate with me. I love his middle section - it’s very clever!

I generally think more about collaboration with writers, but I’ve always wanted to ink Kaz’s (Underworld) pencils for some reason.

What medium did you use to draw this snotty nosed head for Buzz, and why?

I used brush and ink on paper for the linework, then scanned and worked on it digitally - adding flat green, some extra scanned paper texture, and a dash of pink with a custom watercolour brush from Portland Studios.

If you could bring the attached character you helped design to life what would they be like?

Bumbling arseholes. Sorry, they would be.

Can you share with us any personal projects you are working on now?

I’ve been really busy, so have only been drawing one-off illustrations for myself and friends’ projects. Last week I drew an illo for Phatsville Comix #17 (it’s an underground Aussie comics anthology based in Brisbane) which should be out this month. I’ve got a few other ideas simmering away, but I don’t like to talk about things until they are finished.

What skills are you learning now to help you in the creative freelance industry?

I’m always trying to develop my drawing skills; observation, form and energy. It doesn’t matter what materials or software you use - drawing is at the heart of it - and the hardest to master.

What “dream brief” would make the most of your personal and professional experiences to date?

I feel extremely privileged to say that I get a lot of dream briefs with magazine and editorial commissions at the moment. Generally, they afford me trust and creative freedom, and in these cases I feel that the art has a fun and carefree quality that shines through.

We’re living in fairly conservative times (I mean, is Lady Gaga really the most shocking celebrity we have?) and commercial illustration today reflects this, somewhat. I’d love to work with a major ad agency on a really fun, risky, loose and humorously illustrated ad campaign. Preferably with monsters, please.

Where can we see more of you?

In the pub, but my cartoons and illustrations have been spotted here:

Blorrrg — http://www.blog.antonemdin.com/

Drawing Book page — http://drawingbook.com.au/anton_emdin/

Farcebook — http://www.facebook.com/anton.emdin.illustration

Twister — twitter.com/#!/antonemdin

BeHans — http://www.behance.net/antonemdin

Click here to join illustration buzz »

Trent Lambert

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:23:25 -0400

Trent Lambert is an Adelaide, Australia based character designer and illustrator whose self proclaimed purpose is to bring more joy to people’s lives.

At the time this interview goes live Trent’s collaboration with Mike Watt and James Briscoe is leading illustration buzz with a total of 15 votes.

We were so impressed by Trent’s long legs that we asked him a few questions to get to know him better.

What artists and illustrators in the world would you most like to collaborate with on illustration buzz?

I really love working with the guys from drawing book they come up with some crazy stuff.
It would be cool to see some other illustrators like Travis Price and Karl Kwasny.
It would also be very cool if character designers from Pixar and Dreamworks and stuff would play with me!

If you could bring the attached character you helped design to life what would they be like?

I would say this floral genius would be one of the funnest guys you could meet. He would just hang about in the garden dancing to the sounds of nature,
never without a smile on his leafy face. His favorite food is cow manure (for nutrients)
But if you have hay fever you may have a sneezing fit if you get near his pollen throwing dance moves.

Can you share with us any personal projects you are working on now?

Well I have just really started out as an illustrator finishing my Diploma the end of last year.
just recently I made a trophy for my friend which was a jar of pickles, haha pretty fun to make.
I’m also trying to learn how to paint with acrylic for a bit of fun. I’m using glow in the dark paint in some of it which makes it pretty cool.

What skills are you learning now to help you in the creative freelance industry?

At the moment I’m trying to get back to traditional mediums, spending my 3 years of study in front of a computer was good for my digital skills
but now with a bit more time I’m loving getting back to dirty stuff. and I think it will help me overall as an illustrator.
I am also always trying to churn interesting concepts in my head, thinking of fun things to create.

What “dream brief” would make the most of your personal and professional experiences to date?

Last year I had the opportunity to create a skateboard for my local skateshop. Making a skateboard was always one of those things I always wanted to do
being a skater through my teens that sort of design/ illustration caused me to study it after school.
I have also illustrated a children’s book written by a 9 year old, which is also very cool to do. Kids have the wildest imagination.

Where can we see more of you?

you can check out my website;
trentlambert.com

Nomis the animator

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:44:00 -0400

illustrationbuzz.com has a tutorial page where members can post “how to” videos related to the mediums they choose to express themselves in. There’s plenty to learn, but also plenty to be entertained by. As is the case with Nomistheanimator’s extremely charming unravelling of a very tall tree. Click the image below to view it for yourself.

We asked Nomis to share a little more about himself and the way he works for us all to appreciate.

Thank you for posting your animation of the very tall tree in the tutorials. We loved it! Great way to keep people engaged with your work online. Can you tell us more about the process behind the piece?

I used Photoshop to draw the entire piece, recording the screen as I went, basically making it up as I went along.

I sped the video up using after effects, and added sounds that I though were appropriate.

Its terribly good fun just to start with a few blades of grass and see where the illustration takes you.

What do you dig the most? Creating characters or animating them?

Animation is my first love. To bring one’s illustrations to life is fantastic. I get a Kinetic thrill from animation, but I also find it interesting to record my illustrations and watch to see how my feeble brain pieces everything together. It’s quite an odd experience.

What artists and illustrators in the world would you most like to collaborate with on illustration buzz?

Everyone seems awesomely brilliant! It’s great to see such a high quality of work in the game.

So much fun! As for the entire world, I would love to get Salvador Dali, Michael Leunig, Hayao Miyazaki and Kim Nelson (http://www.kimnelson.com.au/) in a room and see what we all could come up with.

Plus there would be some great conversation!

What skills are you learning now to help you in the creative freelance industry?

Hmm….I have learnt that one shouldn’t take heed of anyone’s promises until you’ve signed a contract, and even then be careful who you work with.

I’m sure this is just bad luck and everyone else doesn’t have such a horrible time freelancing. Hmm Maybe dont put that bit in….

I’m learning to work quickly and take breaks. RSI is a big problem for me and allows me only to work for short bursts at a time.

Don’t let your body fall apart! Take Breaks and go for a walk!

What “dream brief” would make the most of your personal and professional experiences to date?

“Please animate a large turtle walking into a beautiful forest clearing whilst Baby Forest Spirits dance and play on his back.

We’d also love you to eat this entire lasagna for us. And you have 2 years to complete.” - The Client

Where can we see more of you?

Come over to

www.animatedillustration.com

and my youtube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/nomistheanimator

and my portfolio site:

www.nomisanimation.com

Thanks !!

To join illustration buzz.com click here.

Jon Siva

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:44:33 -0400

The above david and goliath scenario was illustrated by illustrator Jon Siva as part of his latest collaboration with Mike Watt and the mysterious Studrewadoodle on illustrationbuzz.com. We put a few questions to him regarding his personal and professional experiences in the industry to share a little more about him and his work.

What artists and illustrators in the world would you most like to collaborate with on illustration buzz?

Jon Siva: I have so many artists who I respect and admire who I would love to collaborate with. I suppose it would be pretty cool to play buzz with my more recent influences and fellow aussies Chris Wahl & Anton Emdin.

Further than that, my dream team would probably be Paul booth & H.R. Giger. There would definitely be some dark stuff coming out of that collaboration

If you could bring your latest character you helped design to life what would they be like?

What would a giant cyborg Vinnie Barbarino be like in real life?… I

couldn’t begin to imagine, but if it ever happens, May god have mercy on us all…

Can you share with us any personal projects you are working on now?

I’m currently working on a couple of projects for local advertising

agencies (signage artwork etc), book cover for a local fantasy author which is out the door by the end of this week, and I have a pretty decent sized public artwork, that if it goes through client approval, will be pretty cool and challenging to work on. But personal art wise, nothing at the moment…

Although I’ve just been keeping up doodling in my sketch books when I have the free time. I do have an oil based caricature of the dalai lama that needs finishing off at some point… Soo much to do, not enough hours in the day :)

What skills are you learning now to help you in the creative freelance industry?

Currently I’m pushing myself to develop a better understanding Adobe illustrator; mesh gradients and other bits and bobs. Im naturally a Photoshop guy and love brushing my images, but I also love the look and sleekness of a lot of vector art out there and want to have a play :) As well as this, picking up some slight html coding for my website and further mastery of after effects for on going post production projects.

What “dream brief” would make the most of your personal and professional experiences to date?

My dream brief would be to work on an animated film or game doing concept art. Or as a Comic book artist… But my absolute dream of a brief would be to work on my own graphic novel; script, pencils, inks and colour.

Where can we see more of you?

You can see more of me on my website, jonsiva.com , Or on

jonsiva.deviantart.com , on illustration buzz, twitter JonSivaDesign or my facebook page - jon siva design & art. I don’t update these half as much as I should, but im getting better :)