Summer plans!
Hey guys! So sorry for all the text posts recently, but I wanted to give you all a heads up for what you could expect this summer from this tumblr.
Now that my film is finished, you’ll be seeing a lot of random work- doodles, life drawing, occasionally something more finished. My goal is to upload every day to this tumblr.
Another goal is to purposely draw things that I’m not comfortable drawing. I’d like to really tackle weaknesses during the summer and also this next year. So you guys might be seeing stuff that you don’t normally see me upload- things like humans, mechanics, props, etc. I’d like my daily drawings to revolve around these things.
You also might potentially see some animation.
I’m hoping to watch one movie a day just to get a better all-around knowledge of films. If you have a suggestion for something please feel free to reply!
So that’s what you can expect from me during the summer and this next year. This is the last text post I’ll make for a while I promise!
-Melissa
venussurlaterre-deactivated2012 asked: Your style is wonderful. I'm curious, which part of a character/animal do you usually begin to draw first ? I was thinking about it when I saw the pokémons you did :).
Thank you! I don’t have a particular part I start with first- generally the first thing I draw is a certain shape that may come to mind when seeing the animal. After that, I start adding smaller shapes to compliment the larger one, and then details. =)
GUYS.
I think I just got an idea for my next film. And it includes TIME TRAVEL.
ysera asked: GOSH WOW more compliments about your art (it is so amazing and I literally cannot words??) I was wondering if you had any advice about CalArts/would you recommend it/anything about pursuing art as a career in general? I've heard really good things and I'd like to go to CalArts!
Thank you so so much! I’m so happy you liked it! =)
CalArts is a great school, especially if you’re hoping to get into hand-drawn animation. There’s definitely a lot of CG classes now, but I feel CalArts is still very traditional with how they teach animation (and this is a great thing, since anything you learn about animation can transfer to any medium). However, if there’s one thing CalArts really excels in, it’s atmosphere. All of the students are so driven and talented that everyone sort of leaves an effect on each other. As much as teachers and classes count for learning about art, I feel that I’ve learned more through my peers.
If you do decide to come to CalArts, it’s a wonderful school! My one suggestion would be to try taking community college before coming, just to get general education/critical studies units out of the way. That way, when you come to CalArts you’re able to focus only on animation! =)
adventureswithhobbits asked: I loved your film, Taking Flight! I will be starting in animation next year for a BFA and seeing your work got me even more excited! :') Looking forward to see more of it! I will be needing it for moral support haha.
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Animation is an amazing field to get into, there are so many different possibilities for what you can make. I wish you luck in your education, and hope that you post some of your work so that we can all enjoy it! =)
befriande asked: Hey! So I just watched "Taking Flight" (which was amazing, by the way) and I was just curious if you were inspired by anything in particular for the storyline?
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed my film! =)
As for the story, it sort of evolved out of the characters. Over a year ago I drew a page of deer characters designs and people really responded to it, so I thought I would start there. It took about 3 months to develop the look of the characters, and from there I sort of tried to figure out their stories.
Oddly enough, the story used to be a lot more dark than the current version. The original took place around the deer instead of the bird, and involved a more parental message of “letting go”. The bird could already fly- it was much more centered around the deer being overly protective and not wanting to let the bird go. Unfortunately the deadline loomed so I had to make changes in simplifying the story- now changing focus to the bird and the thought of “growing up”. Definitely a lot more simple to board story-wise with the concept of flying, but it let me focus on designing the visuals and having fun with shapes.
To be more personal about it, I feel like the story could reflect anyone who has ever graduated high school, college, or has just simply taken a big step into the world where they weren’t sure they would succeed. I know that when I was animating the bird I thought a lot about my current situation of moving into my first apartment, and the worries that come with being on your own. And hopefully, people who watch the film will be able to relate to it in a positive way with their own experiences.
