Pigmy Owl - Crit and Feedback

[JasonCampbell]

I'm a little too excited to have some direction. I flounder quite a bit on my own.

From Don's description I imagined this guy to be a bit old and loopy, constantly nodding off and falling off his branch, but never really all the way off, he's always got at least one claw hold.

I'd appreciate feedback and thoughts on this first pass.

Thanks in advance.
J.

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=69

[cartuneman]

Dude fun first sketches!

I was going to draw him myself as a pygmy hahahahahahahahah I think I may still! hahahah anyway great work .I like the way you hold him close to on model. which is a must!

if ya get a moment stop by my gallery and let me know what you think of my doodles.

:D

[Regan]

Nice...I can see that owl working very well with the drawing Don posted.

[feliceworkshop]

Hey JasonCampbell, I think that with this first draft you're on the right direction,..... I think the face of the owl has a lot of personality...... perhaps you could work on refining the design of the body a bit more?....keep up the great work!

[lavallelee]

your the first! so is everyone doing a topic for there entry?

[JasonCampbell]

If you want to use this thread to post your image feel free to, not sure how crazy it would get but no reason to start a ton of threads.

[fanimation]

Just one of my early sketches for the pygmy owl character. Crit away please!:)

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww141/fanimation/owl_onecopy.jpg

[JasonCampbell]

Dude, I love the pipe and hat. That cracks me up. Awesome job I want to go back and add that to mine. If iwere to offer any suggestions it would be to start to simplify some of the frills, for lack of a better word, work in some straights against curves and simplify the structure for animating. Good stuff.

[jeremyhopkins]

I like your observations Jason! The drawing of the owl hanging from the tree branch is especially interesting.
fanimation, whoa, that's a huge improvement! I like the extras you gave him like the pipe and hat.

Thinking about the brief I've come up with a few ideas. Old age brings out the true nature of a character. There's not much patience or energy to keep up false appearances so his actions won't really have any subtext. He'll be direct and honest with his thoughts and allow his quirks to shine through. I see him as either a prim and proper, everything organized and highly intelligent creature or as kind of ragged, sleepily dreaming the rest of his life away with no cares in the world. Based on the brief, I feel the latter is stronger. If he was too conscientious about looks, his lawn, anything, he'd be too active. In that case, waking up should be a chore and he won't move unless he absolutely has to do something. He doesn't keep himself in decent shape and his feathers are starting to fall out. I would say he's still very curious/intelligent but he lacks the energy to act on those impulses.

These drawings are still very generic and are a bit too close to the Bambi and Sleeping Beauty owls but its good throw up the mistakes as well. Hopefully these scruffy sketches can help others out as they develop their characters:
Some throw away thumbnails:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/01_05_2009.jpg
Early designs:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/02_05_2009.jpg

[TimothyB]

I don't have much to influence me, and never really designed characters of my own. So my first attempts, they came out very Don Bluth inspired. The first were much darker and scruffy looking. I haven't put as much thought into the character as some of you guys, and excellent designs. I wanted someone elderly, was going to a reading glasses look with patches of feathers.

But anyway, latest drawing on top, rest are random. Ihave to say, I like when I leave my drawing tablet behind and go back to paper, which are the top and bottom images.

http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_1.jpg
http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_2.jpg
http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_3.jpg
http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_5.jpg

[johncbeggs]

great pigmy owls everyone :) their all really cool!

[Moneyguns]

Pigmy Owls only have two toes in the front.

[jeremyhopkins]

That's a really good observation and I didn't notice until you pointed that out. It was a bit unclear in some of my reference:
http://whyfiles.org/shorties/180chickadee/images/pygmy_owl.jpg
http://www.sierrafoot.org/waterford/wildlife/pygmy_hand3.jpg

Ideally I'd like to study these guys in person but the local zoo is limited in its animal selection.

[IzzyS]

here's mine. I brought out the eyes cause he likes to watch, and big roud glass to also emphasize it. few scruffy bits here and there to give a sort of... "friendly old man" feeling
http://www.filesap.com/ro/pygmyowldesignsketches.png

[lavallelee]

wow, everyones owls look great, if i was deciding the winner it would be a hard choice

i need to get my camera back so i can show the one i made :D

[cartuneman]

ok I had to drop into the flock so to speak haha just for giggles what ya think?

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/pygmyowl2.jpg

[Hana]

Wow! Everyone's is so great so far.

jasoncampbell - I love the diamond shape of your owl and his face is just great with those heavy eyebrows.

fanimation - I really like the props you have going on with your owl. He kind of his a old sailor feel to him which I think is a unique take on the character.

jeremyhopkins - I'm pretty much a fangirl of the stuff you draw. Haha. All your sketches have heaps of personality and weight to them.

timothyb - Your owl looks really sweet like a grandpa kind of owl :D Love the beard and the eye whiskers.

Izzy - Yours are too cute ;; I really love the top middle sketch.

cartuneman - You guy is great. Something about him makes me chuckle but in a really good way.

Man they're all looking so wonderful so far. Can't wait to see more :D

[Penumbra]

That's a really good observation and I didn't notice until you pointed that out. It was a bit unclear in some of my reference:
http://whyfiles.org/shorties/180chickadee/images/pygmy_owl.jpg
http://www.sierrafoot.org/waterford/wildlife/pygmy_hand3.jpg

Ideally I'd like to study these guys in person but the local zoo is limited in its animal selection.

There is a raptor rehabilitation center in my town I used to volunteer at, and they have a couple of resident Pygmy Owls. (I believe they're Northern POs, which is what Don posted.) I can easily go up there one afternoon and take some reference photos, if anybody'd be interested. I was going to to that for my own sake anyway, but I'd be happy to share.

[Hana]

That would be really awesome if you could Penumbra! I know I'd really love to see some :D

[DarkWolf91]

Been a little busy, so I've only been able to do a few quick sketches. More to come later! I love everyone's stuff so far by the way, it's awesome!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/DarkWolf91/img001.jpg

[Penumbra]

DarkWolf, your bottom middle owl is my favorite so far out of all of them. ^^

[Hana]

DarkWolf - I quite like that top right guy. Looks a bit startled by something behind him. That bottom guy is cute and really looks tiny. x3

[fanimation]

Pigmy Owls only have two toes in the front.

Thanks Moneyguns for pointing that out about the two toes, I looked at a lot of photos of the pygmy owls and on most you could not even see the toes.

I have been away from my computer till this afternoon and was happy to comeback and see all the new sketches up. Every ones characters are coming along very nice! It will be hard to pick one winner!

John J

[jeremyhopkins]

Thanks Penumbra! If you could get some owl reference, that would be great! Close ups of faces and toes would be really valuable. Thanks!
Izzy, your owl is so cute!
DarkWolf91, your bottom middle owl is my favorite too. I like how he has a cute size but also feels old and scrunched up.

Here's a few more revisions to mine:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/03_05_2009.jpg

[Hammy]

Wowow, I love this thread a lot! Awesome owls everyone!! Nice works.

Izzy, yours is so cute, I would want plush toys of yours. ^^

[JasonCampbell]

I believe I am just about there with my guy...

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=80

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=81

[lavallelee]

man you guys/girls are so good at drawing, i hope i get the pro level too

[Hammy]

http://www.pandanjam.com/hammy/art/Owl.jpg

Here's my first pass of drafts! I'm still trying to warm up some, I'm somewhat getting this scrawny tiny old man personality kind of owl base on what Don described. But I may try and explore more if time permits, or stay with this if it's working and refine it's dimension and anatomy. :)


I REALLY love yours, Jeremy. You have pretty strong draftman skills there.

Loving yours too Jason! I'm liking the expression a lot.

Izzy, yours is so cute! I couldn't stare into his eyes for too long because it's really sucking me in.

Great owls everyone! I will try and comment on everyone's later! ^^

[lavallelee]

i tried to make mine very basic, enough to where you see he's a mean old owl

http://4mchan.org/Forum/gallery/2_04_05_09_7_52_19.jpeg

[JasonCampbell]

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=82

My final submission, should I zoom out of it a bit?

[jeremyhopkins]

Jason, I think that your final is strongest. The way you simplified the face and had all parts flow back into each other will make it really easy to animate. I also like how you left the space between the eye and the eyebrow. Very nice to see your development!

Hammy, your guy made me laugh. I really enjoy the extra beak fat under his chin that you gave him and how made his hair almost like a skull cap. Nice work simplifying the features too. This guy would be a hoot to animate - no pun intended.

Lavalle, great idea keeping things simple. Simplicity is difficult so I respect that you're challenging yourself. I like how you described his emotion with only a few lines!

Still working my way from a generic owl to something more specific that will fit the show. Here are a few old man studies that I've used to apply that feeling to the owl:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/04_05_2009.jpg

[JasonCampbell]

Jeremy, thanks for the kind words. I must say I do so enjoy looking at your line work. The contouring you use to describe the form is always spot on, never too much always just enough, what can I say, I have envy.

Hammy, I can't look at your drawings without seeing him move in my mind. I can feel the weight in his aching bones giving him little reason to do much more than sit there bored, until of course our fox and rabbit bring him some entertainment.

lavallelee, The emotion is definitely there, if I could offer any suggestion it would be to perhaps think less of the outside shape of the owl and more about the internal geometry of the drawing, what shapes make up the head and the torso. When you start to animate with pencil and paper you get into a rhythm where knowing these foundation shapes becomes paramount to successfully moving the form across the paper, a sphere for the head, a cone for the torso perhaps, drawing those shapes first allows you to build on a solid structure, massing out the rest of the form.

It's all shaping up nicely, I can't wait to get started!

[TimothyB]

Just a random attempt last night to refine my last drawings. Still not sure it's where I plan to go with it. I've been kind of busy with something else for now, so I haven't tried to sit down and focus on the owl. But these owls are sure fun to draw here and there. The chest might stick out too much here.

http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Sketch_6.jpg

You guys all have such amazing works. It's hard to pick one as a fav. They all make me feel like I've got a long way to go.

[Hammy]

The funny thing is, I'm already doing a fox chasing a rabbit animation in my current class, except I think the story should be very different and Don Bluth's version would be much more interesting than mine, given a 3 minute length there should be a lot of fun things going on than my rushed 1 minute one. Haha! Thanks for the feed backs too on my owl Jason and Jeremy! :)

Jason, Wowow, you REALLY have some skills there with your drawings. I would be surprised if you aren't already working somewhere as an artist. It makes me realize I have so much more to learn! I think the old man on the top left looks a bit more sinister, probably due to the expression. I'm liking how your owl is coming along though! It's exciting to see more coming from you!

[johncbeggs]

Sorry guys Ive been really busy lately I spent all yesterday drawing up pictures for a childrens book based off "of Mice and Men" another project from school:(. poor poor Lennie! didnt get to live offa the fatta the lan'.:(

Anyway, heres a quick sketch I did to get the feel of the pygmy owl
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu41/johncbeggs/owl2.png

[Hana]

Wow more and more owls keep pouring in. These are all so awesome. Keep up the good work everyone :D

Well I have two sketches now that I thought I'd just add onto this post.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb249/picormdwe/dbforums/owlcomp1.jpg
I got the dreaded artist block.

[TimothyB]

Some more sketches from last night:

http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Sketch_7.jpg

[Regan]

TimothyB, I like the one at the bottom-center. He looks like he loves to just sit and watch things. I like how the position of the wings make him look hunched over. Very nice work!

[TimothyB]

TimothyB, I like the one at the bottom-center. He looks like he loves to just sit and watch things. I like how the position of the wings make him look hunched over. Very nice work!

Thanks for the comment. It's so hard to decide which direction to go when you can only post one drawing, so getting a second opinion helps. Yes, I was kind of going for that hunched look since he'd be watching things on the ground all day. So I'll explore this guy more. My other owls always seem carry an attitude, when they really shouldn't should show any opinion besides a slight rise of interest to some commotion.

[Regan]

Thanks for the comment. It's so hard to decide which direction to go when you can only post one drawing, so getting a second opinion helps. Yes, I was kind of going for that hunched look since he'd be watching things on the ground all day. So I'll explore this guy more. My other owls always seem carry an attitude, when they really shouldn't should show any opinion besides a slight rise of interest to some commotion.

Yeah, in my mind I see the character as sort of a gentle, quiet old man with a pleasant disposition...like the old guy in The Straight Story. I think you've captured that feeling with your design.

[lavallelee]

Wow more and more owls keep pouring in. These are all so awesome. Keep up the good work everyone :D

Well I have two sketches now that I thought I'd just add onto this post.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb249/picormdwe/dbforums/owlcomp1.jpg
I got the dreaded artist block.

i really like how his brows cover his eyes, if we do a user vote, you have my vote!

[fanimation]

This is the final design I submitted. I guess I like the way it turned out, but it's still not simplified enough. I tend to put in to much detail in my designs which would make it harder to animate, It's a habit I am trying to break! All the designs are looking good! Good luck to everyone!

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww141/fanimation/final_pygmy_owl_drawing_scan.jpg

John J

[Moneyguns]

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww357/masnrag/Hoot.png?t=1241661133

[Hana]

TimothyB - I'm definetely liking that bottom guy with the pants :D He seems I dunno a bit more tired and worn but not grumpy.

lavallelee - Thank you a lot :D It means a ton. I'm still working on him though so the rest of his body emulates that kind of sloping heavy look of his brows.

fanimation - I really liked your guy to begin with and if he's picked I don't think he'd be too hard to simply into the matching style.

Moneyguns - That hat is brilliant! I can't stop smiling when I see it.

[Penumbra]

Here's my first round of concepts, a bit awkwardly thrown together unfortunately. I'm still learning how to edit my drawings with a graphics program. ^^

I realize that some people have already submitted their entries. Wouldn't you know it, the past four days it's been pouring rain here and I haven't been able to get those photos for you guys. Oops, sorry about that. I am still going, and hopefully people will still find the photos helpful for the final design. And, for those of us who haven't submitted our entries yet. :)

I'm trying to keep my design simple and concise. A common volume in animation is a sphere, yes? I've tried to limit the amount of shapes I'm working with, and a combination of circles and Vs has been my favorite so far. It's difficult to make a square-shaped bird! Though I was having some success playing around with diamond and triangular shapes for the body and wings.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/sezzafish/owlscopy.jpg

I'd love some really honest critique. I have shaky hands, and I have a tendency to really press hard with the pencil out of insecurity I think. I'd like to know what's working, but I really want to know what's -not- working, and I'd like to know why.
This is all so nerve-wracking, I'm so not used to sharing my stuff! XD

[Regan]

Penumbra, those are great..I like the loose lines. My fav is the larger one towards the bottom-right...the one with the circles on his back. I might get rid of the stripes on his tail feathers...it seems a little designy for the style. Maybe replace the stripes with a few indications of feathers.

[Julian Wilbury]

Figured might as well give this a shot-- after all, a friend and I decided that owls often make the funniest faces ever. Although I dunno how well I did with that. >.O

http://pics.livejournal.com/julian_wilbury/pic/000qf5x7
First batch of concepts. Uhm...yeah, I learned what NOT to do here.

http://pics.livejournal.com/julian_wilbury/pic/000qgrz7
Second page. The smaller eyes helped. A LOT. The top right and bottom are what I'm leaning toward for now...as in before I have any new ideas.

Lovin' the stuff I'm seeing here. Such great stylizations! I admire people who can really push the design and overall style of a character. :>

[cartuneman]

what can I say?...............WOW!!

You all are great artist.

Penumbra I love all the different ways of looking at your owl. but I have to agree with Regan. The stripes hummmmm? I'd have to do more research. But I really like the lower left owl, I like his stance.

Moneyguns , I love the hat and his look but loose the pipe....maybe a cane or a vest ....simplafy the props a bit.

fanimation
I have to agree with what you said about the detail.....even though the art is really great. One of the things I used to teach myself simplicity was the ole flower sack diddy.....if you can draw a flour sack and make it have emotions and animate it .....you will succeed.

Hana I love the stylized look Hana...it is really cool and it would animate so easy......

TimothyB
Wow I really love the lil guy all the way to the right ...the one where he is kinda leaning back and looking...as if to say ..."Well now, ....would you look at that!"

Julian Wilbury
These are really cool first ups....I really like the eyes.....I can tell you are having fun with this. My fave of yours so far would be the first page of owls they all look great!


I could probably go on and on about every ones owls. I know it will be fun for Don to choose.

well here is my lil owl any crits will be enjoyed but I submitted him anyway ...I like him. Best of Luck to you all


My choice so far is ..........


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/newoldmanowlwithshadowreducedcopy.jpg

[Moneyguns]

All in favor of NO PIPE?
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww357/masnrag/Hoot.png?t=1241661133

[WhisperPntr]

Damn! I saw this thread after I submitted mine! :/

I was not sure what personality we're going for either... but luckily i can edit the post. whew

First submission when I had no idea what I was doing
http://www.wildfuryx.com/personaltemp/pygmy.jpg

Second one. Better but not sure if it fits the style.
http://www.wildfuryx.com/personaltemp/pygmy2.jpg

[WhisperPntr]

Jeremy: reallly wicked designs there!!!!! Extremely nice and detailed but simple at the same time too!

[feliceworkshop]

I'm really impressed with what has been popping out so far throughout this thread, it has definitely inspired me to push forward, I really want this to be a learning experience for me regardless of the outcome.

Moneyguns: I really like the design of that hat, I think it's consistent with the storyboard designs of Don Bluth...it plays well with the idea of this story taking place in the country.

Penumbra: the round body of your owl definitely sets it apart from the majority of the other submissions in this competition, I think you're on to something there.

Cartuneman: I don't kwow how you do it!... your stuff is always sharp and cracks me up.

Jeremyhopkins: great designs ....I definitely see that you're trying to push yourself beyond the pretty drawing and reach for those feelings that Don keeps mentioning throughout his tutorials.

johncbeggs: I really like the expression in the owl face, tons of personality from this guy just as well!

Hana: I'm trying to be as politically correct as I can....but for my money, your owl design -above all others- is what has been etched in my retina for its originality. How did you come up with those crazy eyebrows?

TimothyB:I have to agree with Regan, I also like the one at the bottom-center...

Hammy: incredible!....first pass, really? (..give me a break) I'm looking foward to seeing how much you're going to push this already great design....

IzzyS:...that owl is so darn adorable!... should deserve a cartoon series just for himself.

Sorry if I have forgotten somebody...but I do not wish to hog any further this thread with my reviews....
...so here it goes, my first pass.

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=14&pictureid=83

..arguably, still a bit to fixup & work on: first and foremost to keep trying to avoid the stereotypical Disney owl design....Archimedes from the Sword & the Stone keeps popping out throughout each one of my attempts!
Critiques and comments of course are always welcome.......

[WhisperPntr]

http://pics.livejournal.com/julian_wilbury/pic/000qgrz7


Julian I really like your top right owl here. Overall a very nice happy grandpa feel I am gettign from your owls :)

[Hana]

WhisperPntr - I love both the drawing you have there. I do feel the second one is probably more appropriate for the character.

feliceworkshop - Wow thank you! He's actually kind of based on a guy I saw on the train. Unfortunetly I was on the train and I saw him walking away but he struck me with inspiration. :laughing:

I'm loving your eye. The moustache is just a wonderful idea. I really love the bottom right one :D

[johncbeggs]

I like the owls alot expecially the bottom ones feliceworkshop their very cool :)

[cartuneman]

just goofing tonight ...

Hey there feliceworkshop I absolutely adore the guy at far right bottom he's your ticket!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/qwlcopy.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/owl4copy.jpg

[feliceworkshop]

Hey cartuneman I love the attitute in your sketch at the bottom but I adore the props in the top one.....Owls with hats are cool! :laughing:

Thanks Hana & Johncbeggs for the feedbacks, I really appreciate!

[Hana]

Finally got some more sketches done.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb249/picormdwe/dbforums/owlcomp2.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb249/picormdwe/dbforums/owlcomp3.jpg

I'm personally like the longer brows more and I always trying to play with the idea that his wings are a cloak but it kind of looks more like his head it twisted around 180º.

[Regan]

There's so many great designs in this thread. I haven't even started mine yet. :eek:

[lavallelee]

There's so many great designs in this thread. I haven't even started mine yet. :eek:


i agree, im starting to think i should of tried more

[TimothyB]

Todays the last day. here's some more I did just now before work. I may have to choose one of my sketches since while I'll be home by 11:20pm. I might not make it by the midnight in whatever timezone. Like the upper right one in the below image. But it might of lost what everyone liked in my last post.

EDIT: If it's midnight May 15th as deadline, then that means 1 minute after May 14th 11:59pm, right?

One of these came out female looking, and many rough designs:
http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Sketch_8.jpg

[Amourwolf]

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss343/Amourwolf/PigmyOwlEntrycopy.jpg

Here's my entry. Feedback?

[TimothyB]

Here's my entry. Feedback?

I'm not one to give advice. But if you haven't submitted it, a lot of us were told this type of owl only has two toes in the front. A lot of us put 3 at first. Otherwise your is more on the realistic side, but for a character that doesn't need to speak, I like that for the face, makes him more mysterious as to if he'd would just watch or try to help someone. At least that's how I look at this.

That was something that was bothering me with my works. He always seemed too kind looking, caring, which wouldn't fit someone that would be entertained by someone being chased, or not lend a helping had, as far as we know so far.

So here's my last attempt that I submitted. Since he doesn't speak, I made sure it was just a beak, with a beard in the way to help hide the rest of the mouth and give a sense that he is silent at first glance. Then his fatigued eyes shows he watches all day, but old and can't take the time to help everyone that he sees, but shows some worry, or interest from a boring day. I also had to put some clothing item on him, since most the story animals have some.

http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Sketch_9.jpg


EDIT: Once I saw the thread wasn't instantly locked at midnight, and I had a few more moments, I decided to clean the drawing up and bit at refine it. For a quick sketch above, I like it, but like in one of Don Bluth's videos, you can be happy with something at one moment, then take a look again later and want to throw it away. I mainly felt the eyes were flawed, and needed to blend with the beak better. So this one below is a little more refined, but I won't mess with it anymore.

http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Sketch_Final.jpg

EDIT2:

They eyelids were bugging me in design, so I got rid of them in this shot below, which I also added a thicker darker brow that follows the hairs that stick out.

http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_Final3a.jpg

I also tried a chubby old guy again, and tested to see if he can still be tough if needed:
http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Owl_Sketch_Final2a.jpg

[Amourwolf]

I'm not one to give advice. But if you haven't submitted it, a lot of us were told this type of owl only has two toes in the front. A lot of us put 3 at first. Otherwise your is more on the realistic side, but for a character that doesn't need to speak, I like that for the face, makes him more mysterious as to if he'd would just watch or try to help someone. At least that's how I look at this.

That was something that was bothering me with my works. He always seemed too kind looking, caring, which wouldn't fit someone that would be entertained by someone being chased, or not lend a helping had, as far as we know so far.



Argh, I knew I should have done more research. I'm not sure if we're allowed to edit our submissions once they've been submitted. :\

Hmm, I took Don's advice about 'asking yourself about the emotion you want to generate'. I said 'watchful' and tried to capture that in his expression. ^^
But thanks for the feedback, it was helpful!

[Dave]

Argh, I knew I should have done more research. I'm not sure if we're allowed to edit our submissions once they've been submitted. :\

Hmm, I took Don's advice about 'asking yourself about the emotion you want to generate'. I said 'watchful' and tried to capture that in his expression. ^^
But thanks for the feedback, it was helpful!

By all means...
You're free to change your submissions up until the deadline of the competition. Put your best drawing in the mix.

Good luck.

[cartuneman]

This guy was fun to draw but I for some reason didn't think he was worthy of submitting......so what did you guys reject? I'd love to see.:D

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/owlgrouping.jpg

[feliceworkshop]

Honest to God man!....you're nuts. Where do you find the time and the ideas to come up with so many different cool designs? I must have seen so many different versions from you....and each one of them could have been very well elegible to qualify as a final submission....included the one above! :laughing:
Great idea about creating this post I'm going to upload some of my aborted attempts tomorrow....It's kinda late right now I need to catch some Z's...

[jeremyhopkins]

Cartuneman this a great idea but do you think we could add these to this thread (http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171&page=7) instead of starting a new one? That way all the owls are together. Thanks!

[IzzyS]

have to agree with jeremyhopkins with this. sorry <:)

awesome owls, cartuneman, haha, I think I'm feeling a little envious

[Regan]

I drew an owl, but I didn't submit it. It turned out looking sort of like C.D. from Walker Texas Ranger...which is NOT what I was going for. :o:laughing:

[dreamnanm8or]

Wow! Great designs everyone!

[loszhor]

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll126/loszhor/RCaballeroOwlConcept.jpg

This all sounds so very useful, I wish I had more time for the internet. Although, some of my drafts had him really wrinkly and old I chose this look because I think he's more appealing without them. My brother says he looks like a Kiwi, ha! If I build him in 3D and was going to rig him I would think of his body like the sack of flower in how he would move. And in case your wondering about the feet, pretend he is clutching a branch.

[TimothyB]

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll126/loszhor/RCaballeroOwlConcept.jpg

This all sounds so very useful, I wish I had more time for the internet. Although, some of my drafts had him really wrinkly and old I chose this look because I think he's more appealing without them. My brother says he looks like a Kiwi, ha! If I build him in 3D and was going to rig him I would think of his body like the sack of flower in how he would move. And in case your wondering about the feet, pretend he is clutching a branch.

Cool guy, well, his shape reminded me of the Dan Halen character from Squidbillies, the wings kind of look like that character's hair and the shape is similar, but your guy has a larger head.

[loszhor]

the wings kind of look like that character's hair and the shape is similar

If you mean the "wings" on the way top that was supposed to be hair. His wings are the big ones one the sides of him. Are they blending in too much, you think?

[TimothyB]

If you mean the "wings" on the way top that was supposed to be hair. His wings are the big ones one the sides of him. Are they blending in too much, you think?

I'm sorry. The character I mentioned has hair that goes all the way down the side of his entire body.

Maybe you'll see the similarity in body shape and silhouette in this still from the Cartoon Network show, Squidbillies (bottom left guy):
http://premium1.uploadit.org/TimothyB//Van_Halen.jpg

The clip is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi8fPTl0Ux4

[loszhor]

OH! Now I know who you are talking about. Ha! They do look alike. I never got into Squidbillies. Most AdultSwim shows put my off with all the bad drawings.

[BrioCyrain]

That owl seems interesting, I could see it as a character in a video game.

[cartuneman]

he's a very well drawn and stylized owl but at first I couldn't find any determinable break between hair line and wings. His wings to me first looked like huge sideburns then I realized it was his wings. post up some of your other sketches please.

[CanAur]

loszhor

Your owl looks like a big head ))))))

[Lifed]

Loszhor's owl gives me nightmares. It's a very strange design. But good. Haha.

[cartuneman]

I'm doomed, I know it, I'm doomed, I can't get owls outta my head!!!!!!!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/oldmanowlin3stepcopy.jpg

I just drew this and colored not more than an a half hour ago.........It's like a tune I can't get out of my head...............................:eek:

[johncbeggs]

another cool owl :D

[johncbeggs]

I knew my owl was different and that he will either stand out or make me look like an idiot :laughing:.

I tried to not go anywhere the disney type owls went maybe that was a bad idea too:laughing:


anyway Great job on the owl Spookaboo :D

[IzzyS]

I knew my owl was different and that he will either stand out or make me look like an idiot :laughing:.

I tried to not go anywhere the disney type owls went maybe that was a bad idea too:laughing:


anyway Great job on the owl Spookaboo :D
don't be so hard on yourself D:

[Nanook123]

I don't think that any of us did 'disney' type owls, if that makes sense. For me personally I looked around at owls, I observed the thread for crit and feedback and tried a whole bunch of different versions. I think I drew about a dozen or so before I settled on the one I did. I didn't post them here because I didn't want to over think it. I wanted to draw what came easiest into my head.

I believe that Don would know better the type of character he was looking for. As for the difference in owls, there were SO MANY different ones, I don't even know how he narrowed it down to the one he actually chose!

CONGRATS SPOOKY!

[TimothyB]

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3659&postcount=38

http://photos.toonguru.com/bluth/Owl_Hurray_001.jpg

[johncbeggs]

I don't think that any of us did 'disney' type owls, if that makes sense. For me personally I looked around at owls, I observed the thread for crit and feedback and tried a whole bunch of different versions. I think I drew about a dozen or so before I settled on the one I did. I didn't post them here because I didn't want to over think it. I wanted to draw what came easiest into my head.

I believe that Don would know better the type of character he was looking for. As for the difference in owls, there were SO MANY different ones, I don't even know how he narrowed it down to the one he actually chose!

CONGRATS SPOOKY!

Sorry dont take it the wrong way :), I just meant as in body shape!

[fanimation]

Nice job Spookaboo! He is a great design. I can't wait to see him animated!:)

[OwenWelsh]

Congrats all! There were many honorable mentions. I think everyone had a unique take on the owl. I can't wait to see Spookaboo's owl in the story boards! :)

[OwenWelsh]

I'm doomed, I know it, I'm doomed, I can't get owls outta my head!!!!!!!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/cartuneman/oldmanowlin3stepcopy.jpg

I just drew this and colored not more than an a half hour ago.........It's like a tune I can't get out of my head...............................:eek:

I like this design and the colored version. He looks very old and tired.

[fun4mickeymouse]

I had so much fun with this picture. I took Don's advice and what I did was before I drew the character I did some research to get the feeling of the owl and tried to design the character around its personality. Then when i had the design down that is when I went into detail. Good luck to everyone who entered.

http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs43/f/2009/132/d/0/Pygmy_Owl_Character_by_fun4mickeymouse.jpg

[fun4mickeymouse]

there were so many great entries, I have a feeling it is going to be close

[Lifed]

there were so many great entries, I have a feeling it is going to be close

They already chose a winner! It's Spookaboo. Congrats. And by the way, I like your owl, but it seems more like a random bird. Maybe you could have added more of an owl feel by enlarging the body and adding some rounded feathers on the wings? Haha I'm not sure. I like it, but it just doesn't feel owlish.

[johncbeggs]

congradulqations to the winner and all the others involved :D

this was a great contest and hope to see some more fun ones soon:D

[cartuneman]

A Great Big round of Applause for everyone who drew an owl and for all those that placed and to Mr. Spookaboo!!!!!!!!:D

[johncbeggs]

where is spookaboo :D the guy wins on his one and only post :laughing:

great job on the owl!:D

[Penumbra]

Oh hey, I got an honorable mention! Neat! :D

Congrats, Spookaboo. Your design is really great!

[Hammy]

Congratulation to the winner! I have to say! That winner design is really wicked and well deserved it's place! :) My holiday has begun so I am looking forward to working on the Cyber Garage project.

[Don Bluth]

I like your observations Jason! The drawing of the owl hanging from the tree branch is especially interesting.
fanimation, whoa, that's a huge improvement! I like the extras you gave him like the pipe and hat.

Thinking about the brief I've come up with a few ideas. Old age brings out the true nature of a character. There's not much patience or energy to keep up false appearances so his actions won't really have any subtext. He'll be direct and honest with his thoughts and allow his quirks to shine through. I see him as either a prim and proper, everything organized and highly intelligent creature or as kind of ragged, sleepily dreaming the rest of his life away with no cares in the world. Based on the brief, I feel the latter is stronger. If he was too conscientious about looks, his lawn, anything, he'd be too active. In that case, waking up should be a chore and he won't move unless he absolutely has to do something. He doesn't keep himself in decent shape and his feathers are starting to fall out. I would say he's still very curious/intelligent but he lacks the energy to act on those impulses.

These drawings are still very generic and are a bit too close to the Bambi and Sleeping Beauty owls but its good throw up the mistakes as well. Hopefully these scruffy sketches can help others out as they develop their characters:
Some throw away thumbnails:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/01_05_2009.jpg
Early designs:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/02_05_2009.jpg

You have a great feeling in your drawings, and appeal. I could easily write a profile on how this character might think. The sketches go beyond mere graphics.

Keep a hoppin"
Don

[Don Bluth]

I believe I am just about there with my guy...

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=80

http://www.donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=81

Hi Jason, This is a great little owl. I really like the idea that he keeps losing his place, dozing off, and nearly falling off of the branch - very funny. Let's put that gag in the boards. It will be a great contrast to the frantic chase going on with the fox and the rabbit. Good show.

Thanks,
Don