Comic-con is coming up and once again I am scheduled to review portfolios. It’s a strange ritual. I see the same type of people year after year. Some portfolios are good, some are far from it.
When your showing your portfolio you should really have some idea of what your trying to accomplish. Where your going with it. What is your dream? But realize that you may end up somewhere completely different and just as fun.
At comic-con most of the people want to do comics. No surprise. What is a surprise is how unprepared most everyone is. How little research most everyone has done. They all read comics but don’t actually think about them. Who makes them, how they are made and how they will fit into process.
What are you really trying to achieve and have you really looked at the big picture? Is it really your dream? I reviewed a portfolio of a young gentleman whose work was mostly pencil layouts for comics. He copied the standard characters but what stood out were his backgrounds and layouts. His characters were ok. He was more interested in designing worlds. We ended up talking about game design and movies instead of comics and what game companies he could apply too
Do you really want to write comics or do you want to write movies. Do you want to draw comics or storyboards for movies and animation? Do you want to design characters, animation, 3D or graphics. Do you want to do all of it? Open your options and don’t close doors before you even see them. There are very few real openings in the comic industry so you need to have some other options and realize that they may actually be better
When I look at portfolios I’m looking for someone who shows thought and originality behind their work. Your book should show me all that you can do. I don’ t want to see six variations of the same thing. Show me a rough and then the final peice. Where you started and where you ended up.
It never hurts to have more in your portfolio than you want to show. Have some life drawing in the back that you can show a client if they are really interested. You can even have more than one portfolio. I had four portfolios, an illustration book, a cartooning book, a graphics book and an amusement park design book.
Learn to present your work. Buy a real portfolio to show your work. If you want to be a professional, then present your self as a professional.
Ok, that's enough for now but I’ll have more on portfolios later
Friday, July 18, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
CRAZY IDEAS
I recently attended a promotional marketing function at Universal studios. The speakers filled us in on the programs that they had created for the Simpsons movie. In particular the 7/11 program. They related to us how when they were looking for a hook the twelve year old son of one of the designers said that 7/11 looked like the kwik-E-mart from the show. “Gee mom, why don’t you turn 7/11 into a Kwik-E-Mart?”
In reality Matt Gronig actually modeled the kwik-E-Mart after stopping at a 7/11 in Hollywood.
It had been one of those days and Matt just needed a beer. After searching the store without finding a beer he approached the clerk who was East Indian. He asked the clerk who in the most positive, upbeat manner replied “No beer, no beer, thank you very much, come again!” Matt immediately created the Kwik-E-Mart and Apu.
The designers took a great leap and 7/11 also showed amazing courage and forethought in agreeing to completely change some of their stores into Kwik_E-Marts.
Stop and think about that for a minute. Your goal is to increase brand awareness and identity. Some crazy marketing creative comes along and wants to completely remove all of your identity and change everything in the store. They agreed.
It turned into one of the most successful promotions ever. People came from long distances to go to Kwik-E-Mart. They created special products, Krusty O’s cereals, candy, Buzz cola, special Radioactive Man comics, Duff beer and Homers pink donut with sprinkles. These products and more sold out almost immediately and people ran from 7/11 to 7/11 looking for them. People were even offering thousands of dollars for the employee costumes created for the promotions.
What you need to take away from this is that a creative idea can come from anywhere and from anyone. Sometimes when we do brainstorming sessions for clients we bring in outside people from different professions. In a toy brainstorming session we brought in a plumber. The toy company was a little upset with this.
It quickly became apparent that the plumbers mechanical perspective and knowledge of hydraulics and valves was invaluable. Add this to his own delight at being involved in the fun and being asked to think like a kid again.the session was a big success.
Another thing to learn is to be unafraid. Don’t hesitate to put out those “crazy” ideas. You may strike gold with one of those crazy ideas. You need to be realistic and have those other ideas for the clients who don’t have the courage. But if you want to really have an effect then don’t be afraid to go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
GOT THE TOOLS?
Every skilled occupation has its tools. The dentist has his special tools, as does a plumber or chef. Why would you think that the creative fields don't need tools? The writer and the artist need tools too. I'm not just talking about the pen or computer for a writer and a pencil or brush for the artist. I'm talking about the real support tools that make doing the jobs simple.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual, the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never know what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers you need.
One amazing resource is the Library of Congress. When I was doing educational products everything had to be accurate all the way down to the eye color of the Presidential portraits I was doing. I discovered that the Library has a full time staff to answer any and all questions.
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One of my favorite programs is called Ideafisher. An exceptional associative brainstorming tool. Another product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Get a notebook. Far to many good ideas and thoughts are lost because we didn't write them down.
Get a calendar. Nothing motivates like deadlines. Set deadlines for yourself if you don't already have deadlines.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual, the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never know what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers you need.
One amazing resource is the Library of Congress. When I was doing educational products everything had to be accurate all the way down to the eye color of the Presidential portraits I was doing. I discovered that the Library has a full time staff to answer any and all questions.
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One of my favorite programs is called Ideafisher. An exceptional associative brainstorming tool. Another product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Get a notebook. Far to many good ideas and thoughts are lost because we didn't write them down.
Get a calendar. Nothing motivates like deadlines. Set deadlines for yourself if you don't already have deadlines.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
GO PLAY
You have to grow older, but you never have to grow up!!!
Keep the spirit of a child and a sense of wonder and that will keep creativity with you forever. GO PLAY!!
Keep the spirit of a child and a sense of wonder and that will keep creativity with you forever. GO PLAY!!
BRAINSTORMING METHODS
There are so many ways to brainstorm and all of them work. Some work better for certain jobs. But brainstorming even the smallest projects leads to better results. Don't just jump into a project and start on the first idea. The first idea may turn out to be the best even after brainstorming. But you will probably improve it by a little brainstorming.
Some methods of brainstorming are the Descriptive, the Associative, The Smash Up, The Random, Mind Mapping. The list is endless and all are interconnected. All work if you use them and all lead to better concepts. By the way, they're FUN.
Often when you are dealing with clients you will come across the classic person who knows what they want but can't articulate it. Maybe you have an idea but can't quite get a handle on it. Here is a form of Descriptive and Associative Brainstorming to help define projects. Clearly define the end goal whether its a character design, logo, product etc. and what will it be used for and how. Now for the fun part. You play a game with yourself or the client. Begin to ask and write down the answers to a series of questions. What color is is? How big is it? Obvious questions but take it so much further. What kind of mineral is it? What kind of animal is it? Who would it be if it was a current movie star? Who would it be if it was an old time movie star? What book or character in a book would it be?
Seems silly to ask what kind of animal or movie star a logo would be but people already have a mental picture of these things. By having them associate and describe there choices you define the object. If they describe their logo as a crane then you can assume they are looking for a graceful, flowing look. If they describe the logo as a bear or elephant then you can push your designs toward the solid and powerful look. If they describe their logo as Jim Carrey then you know that they want an energetic and fun look. The questions are silly and appear to have no relation to your project but will actually tell you a great deal about their expectations.
Keep going and asking questions until you really have a mental picture of what your client is looking for. What kind of tree would it be?What kind of food? What kind of car? A fast sports car or a solid work truck.
As you do this you will see the clients light up because it defines the concept for them. They will feel as if they were part of the process and it will define the job for you. The more focused you are when you start, the better to do the job. This will also save time and time is money. I assume you are in this for the love and fun of being creative but you also need to make money.
More later, Have Fun! The Director of Nonsense
Some methods of brainstorming are the Descriptive, the Associative, The Smash Up, The Random, Mind Mapping. The list is endless and all are interconnected. All work if you use them and all lead to better concepts. By the way, they're FUN.
Often when you are dealing with clients you will come across the classic person who knows what they want but can't articulate it. Maybe you have an idea but can't quite get a handle on it. Here is a form of Descriptive and Associative Brainstorming to help define projects. Clearly define the end goal whether its a character design, logo, product etc. and what will it be used for and how. Now for the fun part. You play a game with yourself or the client. Begin to ask and write down the answers to a series of questions. What color is is? How big is it? Obvious questions but take it so much further. What kind of mineral is it? What kind of animal is it? Who would it be if it was a current movie star? Who would it be if it was an old time movie star? What book or character in a book would it be?
Seems silly to ask what kind of animal or movie star a logo would be but people already have a mental picture of these things. By having them associate and describe there choices you define the object. If they describe their logo as a crane then you can assume they are looking for a graceful, flowing look. If they describe the logo as a bear or elephant then you can push your designs toward the solid and powerful look. If they describe their logo as Jim Carrey then you know that they want an energetic and fun look. The questions are silly and appear to have no relation to your project but will actually tell you a great deal about their expectations.
Keep going and asking questions until you really have a mental picture of what your client is looking for. What kind of tree would it be?What kind of food? What kind of car? A fast sports car or a solid work truck.
As you do this you will see the clients light up because it defines the concept for them. They will feel as if they were part of the process and it will define the job for you. The more focused you are when you start, the better to do the job. This will also save time and time is money. I assume you are in this for the love and fun of being creative but you also need to make money.
More later, Have Fun! The Director of Nonsense
Friday, July 4, 2008
The right Tools!
Every skilled occupation has its tools. The dentist has his special tools as does a plumber or chef. Why would you think that the creative fields don't need tools? The writer and the artist need tools too. I'm not just talking about the pen or computer for a writer and a pencil or brush for the artist. I'm talking about the real support tools that make doing the jobs simple.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never no what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers to the things you
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never no what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers to the things you
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Spark your Creativity!!!
Creativity can be learned! Sparked! Nurtured! "NEVER" wait for inspiration to strike. You'll starve! Learn how to start creative fires
Brainstorming!
I'm surprised at how many people think that brainstorming is just sitting down and coming up with an idea. Brainstorming is an art in itself.
When you think about things your brain makes connections. These electrical connections form paths that then become like little roadways in the brain. People tend to get lazy. The mind tends to get lazy, so it will run along these same pathways. This leads to the same old ideas.
Think of it like the brain is a jello mold and your pouring water down on it. It begins to form channels in the jello. The more hot water, the deeper the channels get. You need to jump your brain out of those channels and into new sections, new pathways and new ideas.
There are lots of excellent techniques for brainstorming and I'll address those later but for now lets talk about how to get started. People ignore some of the basics. Research what your going to brainstorm. Do a quick google search, word and image search. First really identify what it is and what your trying to accomplish before you start. What is your end goal? A new concept? A new product? A new art piece? Whatever!
Also do not edit yourself. In early brainstorming there are NO bad ideas. As my boss says, "These are babies, allow them to grow. You never know what they could grow into."
Now that you have a goal then do a "brain dump!" With a blank piece of paper write down everything you can as quick as you can about your subject. What this does is get all the obvious things out so you can really get a fresh look at your project. This works whether you're trying to create a new slogan or a new image to paint. You may hit something, some "gold" in your brain dump which another reason to write it all down so that it doesn't get lost.
Now you can examen your list to try to make new connections to lead you to new creative concepts. Look at your list to see if there are stand outs. After you identify some of those stand outs ask why do they stand out?
Just the act of doing a brain dump, of describing and quantifying will lead you to new directions and creative concepts. This doesn't need to take a long time but will go a long way to expanding your creativity.
Now you can really begin your Brainstorming. I'll post later with brainstorming techniques to help your expand your creativity.
When you think about things your brain makes connections. These electrical connections form paths that then become like little roadways in the brain. People tend to get lazy. The mind tends to get lazy, so it will run along these same pathways. This leads to the same old ideas.
Think of it like the brain is a jello mold and your pouring water down on it. It begins to form channels in the jello. The more hot water, the deeper the channels get. You need to jump your brain out of those channels and into new sections, new pathways and new ideas.
There are lots of excellent techniques for brainstorming and I'll address those later but for now lets talk about how to get started. People ignore some of the basics. Research what your going to brainstorm. Do a quick google search, word and image search. First really identify what it is and what your trying to accomplish before you start. What is your end goal? A new concept? A new product? A new art piece? Whatever!
Also do not edit yourself. In early brainstorming there are NO bad ideas. As my boss says, "These are babies, allow them to grow. You never know what they could grow into."
Now that you have a goal then do a "brain dump!" With a blank piece of paper write down everything you can as quick as you can about your subject. What this does is get all the obvious things out so you can really get a fresh look at your project. This works whether you're trying to create a new slogan or a new image to paint. You may hit something, some "gold" in your brain dump which another reason to write it all down so that it doesn't get lost.
Now you can examen your list to try to make new connections to lead you to new creative concepts. Look at your list to see if there are stand outs. After you identify some of those stand outs ask why do they stand out?
Just the act of doing a brain dump, of describing and quantifying will lead you to new directions and creative concepts. This doesn't need to take a long time but will go a long way to expanding your creativity.
Now you can really begin your Brainstorming. I'll post later with brainstorming techniques to help your expand your creativity.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
creative challenge
My blog is really about being CREATIVE. I myself an an illustrator and designer. I work for a company that is considered a creative think tank. The majority of our work is entertainment related and kid oriented but you never know what kind of assignment will come in. In this blog I intend to put down some tricks and insight into working in the creative fields.
As an illustrator in school I remember being told to pick a style and develop a portfolio. Pick a look! The reasoning was that when you went to an agency they could look at your book and know what type of thing you would bring in. But when I went into the world and when I review a portfolio I'm looking for a range. I want to see not a book of the same thing. I'm looking to see if they think and can do more than one thing. Todays world moves to fast and clients come in with all kinds of odd projects. A one trick pony gets real old.
I have a friend who works and teaches how to draw comics. He has a beautiful style. But just the one look. He is having a hard time because his look is somewhat dated now. Styles change. Talent will allow a person to adapt. You must never stop learning and trying new things.
To that end here's a challenge, pick up the latest Workbook or Directory of Illustration. Open the book randomly to any page. Now sit down and try to copy that style. Don't copy the work, copy the style. Try to match what ever page you hit on and make something that looks like the same family.
Remember that what your copying is someone's work and heart. ALWAYS respect others copyrights but try to learn from them. Don't just copy it but try to figure out what makes it special. Is it the color or the way they shade or the flow of the line. Try to learn and expand your own style.
As an illustrator in school I remember being told to pick a style and develop a portfolio. Pick a look! The reasoning was that when you went to an agency they could look at your book and know what type of thing you would bring in. But when I went into the world and when I review a portfolio I'm looking for a range. I want to see not a book of the same thing. I'm looking to see if they think and can do more than one thing. Todays world moves to fast and clients come in with all kinds of odd projects. A one trick pony gets real old.
I have a friend who works and teaches how to draw comics. He has a beautiful style. But just the one look. He is having a hard time because his look is somewhat dated now. Styles change. Talent will allow a person to adapt. You must never stop learning and trying new things.
To that end here's a challenge, pick up the latest Workbook or Directory of Illustration. Open the book randomly to any page. Now sit down and try to copy that style. Don't copy the work, copy the style. Try to match what ever page you hit on and make something that looks like the same family.
Remember that what your copying is someone's work and heart. ALWAYS respect others copyrights but try to learn from them. Don't just copy it but try to figure out what makes it special. Is it the color or the way they shade or the flow of the line. Try to learn and expand your own style.
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