Portfolio Development

[jeremyhopkins]

I posted these in the wrong spot so here they are in the gallery section:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcUmhmKEYI/AAAAAAAAB7o/2ErYSDXSMfk/page01.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcUmpQo1qI/AAAAAAAAB7s/-PHRug7Kw0Y/page02.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcUmxRYMFI/AAAAAAAAB7w/z9cND2puIP4/page03.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcUm9biv2I/AAAAAAAAB70/mUGV_46KqVY/page04.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcVIGoqghI/AAAAAAAAB78/Nv7yTBpbygU/page06.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcVICfUO5I/AAAAAAAAB8A/ksQ_NSoYiDk/page07.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcVIeu2tvI/AAAAAAAAB8E/mYfuXLAlm2o/page08.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcVIQOONFI/AAAAAAAAB8I/erspy0rA1Y8/page09.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcVIa1vCRI/AAAAAAAAB8M/SfQA9AcKlwQ/page10.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcV09U35QI/AAAAAAAAB8U/NLF4anc4yIM/page11.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcV05bh1pI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/8Ys4Mx_OE5Q/page12.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcV1JQbX-I/AAAAAAAAB8c/bPy41oD-0Qk/page13.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcV1fW4qNI/AAAAAAAAB8g/N1GG8LCGG7w/page14.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcV1kXzLNI/AAAAAAAAB8k/7zdO_SAxpk8/page15.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWVRFXNwI/AAAAAAAAB8o/-phhvcBNmiw/page16.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWVYwFziI/AAAAAAAAB8s/EmHRp8JDaaQ/page17.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWVtxGPkI/AAAAAAAAB8w/0SKgx_K4fEk/page18.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWVn6Jq9I/AAAAAAAAB80/m1JxhmpJMoc/page19.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWVipJ2iI/AAAAAAAAB84/jP-KHa-oaWA/page20.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWx_QofVI/AAAAAAAAB88/KJOY2IFj8Nk/page21.jpg

[CanAur]

Very good work. I love their expressions!

[jeremyhopkins]

Please feel free to comment about anything. Everything is open for critiques or suggestions. Even if its as simple as, don't like it. Don suggested I work on my straight against curves which will help solidify the drawing and really refine how I'm leading the viewer's eye in my designs.

[IzzyS]

I love your drawings, they're all so vivid and fun to look at. very neat to see your sketches (especially love the page with the frogs) and everything's so smoothy and curvy, making neat shapes

[JayTea]

Very nice!

I, too, really like the frog study.
You say you want *any* comments so here goes...

There is something about your designs that, to me, make them feel "lumpy".
I suspect it may have something to do with the need for "straight vs curves" as you say Don mentioned.

The only other thing is I believe you are locked in to much to one style. While the above work varies some, there are patterns that pervade. I can't, at the moment, think of names for any alternative styles to pursue.

I think one reason I like the frog study so much is that there are more "lifelike" elements than "design".

[johncbeggs]

nice drawings, very cool
:D

[jeremyhopkins]

JayTea, thanks for the feedback and I really appreciate those comments. Yeah the lumpy style isn't a good thing and it'll make it very difficult if anyone was going to follow my designs to maintain volume and appeal. I see what you're saying about the similar style too. Everything tends to blend together which can work for some artists if the style is appealing but I think its best to separate and draw the individual inspiration perfectly before adapting it. It tends to homogenize the drawing which can lead to the question you're asking yourself while looking at these sketches which is, can I draw anything else? I'll do some research and find some differing artists to study.Thanks for pointing out the difference in the frog studies and I'll make sure to be more clear with my drawings in future posts. Great feedback! Thanks again!

IzzyS and johncbeggs, thank you for the encouragement. Don't be afraid if you see something specific you like or don't like, let me know. Any opinion is valid!

[Terro]

Wonderful work ,Jeremy. Definitely a level of craftsmaship I would one day like to reach.

Very much looking forward to the progression of this thread.

[jeremyhopkins]

Terro, JayTea, John, thanks for the feedback. As always, I'm really grateful for any suggestions! Much thanks!

My focus is applying some of what JayTea, Don and others have mentioned about building on solid shapes and pushing myself to show more range and styles. Again appreciate the feedback!
updates:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWyAO57QI/AAAAAAAAB9A/9Q2X2s8KJDk/page22.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWyINlaNI/AAAAAAAAB9E/e_pwbttVVDI/page23.jpg
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/page23.jpg
I need another life drawing session before this page is ready:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TJcWyE2eXzI/AAAAAAAAB9I/REQaghbCCpI/page24.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/page26.jpg
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/page25.jpg

Here's some work from the version short project I'm working on:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/background_small_v2.jpg
I6y_E3gRc_Q
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/bearfilm_shot_completev2.mov

Also here's some very early development work on the rhino. I have no idea how these things are built so I'm going to do some more research during the week and work on the structure some more. Most of these sketches are based off of Google and yahoo image searches since we don't have a local zoo that has Rhinos.
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/03_04_2009.jpg

[fanimation]

I like the way your rhino sketches are going. You really captured the weight and power of the animal in them. Can't wait to see your final design!

[cartuneman]

coooool stuff man






cart:D

[dmgctrl]

That's just great stuff. I'm really looking forward to your bully rhino!

[johncbeggs]

cool rhinos,

[jeremyhopkins]

I've decided to make my bully rhino the protagonist which should lead to some interesting challenges to keep him feeling likable as a bully. Age, weight, size, etc are still unknown. He has to have some hook as the hero of the story that makes him interesting and most likely will have a change of heart. Most bullies I remember from childhood treat people poorly for a reason either because they love to see conflict, they have bad home lives, or have an inferiority complex and want to bring down others to make themself feel better. Bullying and egotism seems to go hand and hand though some seem to enjoy torturing others for pleasure as well. I think the most relatable bully is one with a bad home life and doesn't want to act poorly. That's where I'm going to start for this guy.

I'm still not sure how the rhino is put together exactly but I'd like to be specific as much as possible and study the differences in anatomy and movement between the 5 different kinds of rhinos before doing the final caricature:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/10_04_2009.jpg
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/04_04_2009.jpg


These are a collection of warm up sketches over the week:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/9_04_2009.jpg
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio2/misc/8_04_2009.jpg

All feedback is welcome. Thanks folks - I appreciate it!

[johncbeggs]

P and N are the best
but N kinda looks like a dolphin :)

[jeremyhopkins]

Heh, yeah, it looks less rhino more bizarre creature :P Thanks for the feedback John!

[johncbeggs]

Well don bluth does say stretch your limits and test youreself and I think those ones are really different :) but still cool at the same time

[WillW]

you have some really awsome work here! keep up the great work c:

[WhisperPntr]

I really love your caricatures. It's one thing I need a lot of practice on if I make it into art school. As for the lumpy situation I think blocking out the forms is great. I got a lot of help for animal forms but using ken hultgren's book as well as vilppus (siq).

I think switching up your current beautiful style with that one will diversify things a little.

Otherwise no complaints! Love what you've got!

[Mithmeoi]

Great character design! I really like the style you have going here. I admire your skills at designing cartoon humans. That little animated short was nice too. :)

[Amourwolf]

Wow! These are great! :)
I love the silouets in the first post.

[jeremyhopkins]

WillW, Mithmeoi, Amourwolf, I appreciate the feedback. Glad to know something is working for you in my drawings.

WhisperPntr, thank you and I've checked out some of Hultgren's work. Animals are a sore point for me and I don't draw them nearly as well as I should. I especially enjoy your beautifully drawing animal drawings. Thanks for showing me how it's done. As for the lumpy situation, yes, I think keeping in mind basic forms, straight against curves, negative space, proper structure will help improve the quality of the drawing.

Below are a collection of drawings over the past few years. They're different from the styles I've posted before so I'm working on improving the breadth of styles. Many of these are old drawings and poor construction or posing is glossed over with color or detail. These wouldn't be included in my portfolio but they serve as reminders of how far I have to improve or what improvements I've made or simply they were done for fun :P
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio/07_05_2009.jpg
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio/08_05_2009.jpg

These were some studies from Lawrence of Arabia that were done some time ago. I had a lot of fun with these:
http://www.xsheet.net/pictures/portfolio/09_05_2009.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

Below are throw away color boards for a book project I was working on with a Japanese reporter. She wanted to thank John Lasseter for the interview he did with us and explain the unique feelings that some Japanese have for disney films. My initial sketches were done focusing more on her looks and I tried to push away from some of anime or disney look. She wasn't happy with me emphasizing the slanted look of her eyes which is considered to be not as appealing. These were the intial boards that ended on the chopping block.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/SxR9jEZasRI/AAAAAAAABkU/PR4dsZXD6JY/04_02_2009v2.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/SxR_I86K1XI/AAAAAAAABlA/82fHMBE00BY/09_02_2009v1.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/SxR9jUFrKzI/AAAAAAAABkY/RRt_X2zX1Tg/06_02_2009v3.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/SxR-ElO8bmI/AAAAAAAABkw/YW8ST9QKXGc/16_02_2009v2.jpg

[Mithmeoi]

Tis a shame she didn't like them. I think they all look rather nice, great expressions. :)

[jeremyhopkins]

Research:
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=379

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=378


http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=367

[jeremyhopkins]

Don gave me this suggestion:
A good process in your work would be to write the script or comic line on the paper where you're doing your sketch. Make sure you focus on what your character is feeling/thinking. This will help bump your drawings out of the "nice" sketches category into something more entertaining

So I've been studying Bill Peet's and Will Eisner's work and trying to make sure my characters are put in a situation so storytelling and entertainment can happen naturally. The drawings below are my attempts and I'll continue on with this for a while:

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=78&pictureid=377

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=78&pictureid=376

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=78&pictureid=375

[lavallelee]

man, i wish i could draw like you

you sir are an elite artist :)

[arif]

Jeremy..

good to see you in the gallery section..(hahahahhaha:laughing::laughing:)i am writing you again as you have deleted your previous thread.....you are a unique artist and you have a nice style too.....i really like your drawings and seems like lots of things here for learning....


Regards,
Arif

[jeremyhopkins]

i am writing you again as you have deleted your previous thread
Yeah, I only need one thread with my artwork and I don't want to confuse people. Just cleaning things up a bit.

[dlpwillywonka]

Love them all Jeremy. Alot of this is going in my reference morgue. You have some great drawings in here. The bear animation looks like it'll be great.

[Rodney]

Very nice and expressive Jeremy! :)

So I've been studying Bill Peet's and Will Eisner's work and trying to make sure my characters are put in a situation so storytelling and entertainment can happen naturally. The drawings below are my attempts and I'll continue on with this for a while:

I remember when I first started drawing having an incredibly hard time drawing hands. It wasn't so much that I didn't understand the construction (although that was part of it) as much they were just just objects placed somewhere in the air.

Setting up the scene and refining the situation/storytelling really helps as it provides a logical flow for everything that is drawn there. If it doesn't fit logically/naturally its probably better not to have it there.

I think the breakthrough for me was the introduction of a prop for the character to interact with. The props may not always be in the hand but they do tend to be around there somewhere. I've found having a purpose in mind really helps to refine the gesture.

This is evident in your latest sketches.
- Hands holding/hugging another person. (If not for the girls leg I'd say the guy is the more affectionate there)
- Hands holding cards or moving chips (Nice contrast with the elbows on the table "I got nothing in my hands" character!)
- Hands (and arms) uplifting and rather unenthusiastic pet (nicely emotive expressions!)

Very nice Jeremy.
(and great artistic inspirations for everyone to study; Bill Peet and Will Eisner)

[Mithmeoi]

I love all your sketches, the posing, facial expressions and everything are just great. You inspire me sir!

[annelp18]

awesome drawings! what kind of graphics did you use? it looks really like you works for the studio already because of your talent.:confused::D

[jeremyhopkins]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the support.

awesome drawings! what kind of graphics did you use? it looks really like you works for the studio already because of your talent.

For most of the linework and color I used a cintiq with autodesk sketchbook and photoshop. I've worked for several years as a television animator and while your comment is much appreciated, I'm far from a brilliant artist. A lot of student work out there is far better than my stuff so don't believe just because someone gets paid to animate that they're better. I just got lucky.

I'm doing a lot of bear research and working towards making a distinction between polar, grizzly bears and black bears. Most of this research is to discover unique poses for bears that are anthropomorphic in nature but still feel bear-like. I'm very inspired by TS Sullivant, Heinrich Kley with the emotional line quality of John Singer Sargent. Most of this research will go into my next book dedicated to bear studies and act as support material for my short film.

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=157&pictureid=737

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=157&pictureid=736

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=157&pictureid=735

The film doesn't share the same style but I feel it's important to study and know the character first but knowing the original anatomy and bear feelings.

Animatic now with music. Music will play a bigger role than expected and I will have to go back and retime some of the poses to match the beats:
http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=270

[jeremyhopkins]

Once I finish the bear film, my plan is to work on some dialogue shots. Most of these are studies of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Ideally I'd like to do something that mixes a Lemmon and Matthau situation but with push it with a Searle & Will Eisner style. Fun!
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=81&pictureid=738

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=81&pictureid=739

[arif]

awesome and amazing drawings you have Jeremy!!!....wow!!! and you did all of these by cintique...not paper and pencil???...but...your drawings seem like done by pencil...nice pencil texture they have..all of them are done by digital?

Regards,
Arif.

[jeremyhopkins]

and you did all of these by cintique...not paper and pencil???...but...your drawings seem like done by pencil...nice pencil texture they have..all of them are done by digital?


No sorry, I mean the inked drawings were done on a cintiq. All new drawings are done with pencil because my cintiq broke. Most of the drawings on the first page are cintiq drawings.

[arif]

Jeremy..

just watched your demo(sorry, missed it first time)...its cool...and is it only 49 seconds or it will be longer more....??

Regards,
Arif

[jeremyhopkins]

just watched your demo(sorry, missed it first time)...its cool...and is it only 49 seconds or it will be longer more....??

No, it's not my demoreel, it's just an acting test/simple short film. It'll be between 45 & 60 seconds but no longer. I want to keep everything simple so I can focus on acting and the relationship between the two characters kind of like a Charlie Chaplin film.

Once the film is done and I've added a couple more dialogue shots to my demoreel, I'll upload that as well. There's really no point now, it's full of flash work which is not the type of work I want to do. My animation reel is typically no longer than a minute or two anyways. Nobody wants or has time to sit through more than that unless it's absolute brilliance.

[jeremyhopkins]

Updates:
Bear character studies including some Sullivant bears:
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=157&pictureid=741

Bear motion studies:
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=157&pictureid=740

More children studies to find unique expressions:
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=159&pictureid=744

[jeremyhopkins]

Planning thumbnails for the golden poses:
http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=159&pictureid=743

http://donbluthanimation.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=159&pictureid=742

New update to the animatic. Lavalle had some suggestions to make some of action more clear. http://www.donbluthanimation.com/videos.php?showvideo=271

[arif]

Hai Jeremy...
excellent study of the bear.....and your analysis of the thumbnails are also great....thanks for posting of these..as to see that one can easily get understand how to study for the scene planning......i have little suggestion with humbly for the children study if you dont mind....i think, you missed basic children face shape of your children character....that is why..they look more grown up face rather than cute children.......
just finished watching your show reel.....i am not expert of animation...but,i wish that if i could share my thought with you.....like,in my thought, you need to readjust timing from one spot...from 21 seconds,the big bear needs to more anxious pose rather than sad mood....and he needs run for the exit scene as he is so worried for what he did and his son up in the sky....he needs to come back for the solution quickly.....

Regards,
Arif:rolleyes:

[madanimator]

Jeremy, your drawings and paintings are so wonderful! I really love your style! What are you doing that your work looks so perfect! :D
Did you study anything?
Keep posting!!

[lavallelee]

great thumbnails jeremy, you really have a good understanding of acting and emotion

[OwenWelsh]

Jeremy I love the animatic! I liked seeing all the thumbnail sketches in there as well. Very cool.

[johncbeggs]

Hi again Jeremy, I like the new character really cool :)

[jeremyhopkins]

Hi again Jeremy I was wondering if you are stuck in a certain way of drawing? I am not saying anything negative towards your artwork because it is really nearly perfect in straights vs curves and design!

But I have noticed for the character design competition you have drawn A new fantastic character but looks really similar to most of your other drawings!

like I said I dont know if this is intentional or unintentional but Im interested in seeing a more cartoony design from you!

Im not posting to sound rude :laughing: Im just really interested in what you will respond to me with!

Hi John, I'm going to post your original quote here - part of the benefit of being a moderator - hope you don't mind. You have some really insightful things to say and I want to encourage you to speak your mind.

I was wondering if you are stuck in a certain way of drawing? I am not saying anything negative towards your artwork because it is really nearly perfect in straights vs curves and design!

Yes, you're right. My drawing and design skills are somewhat limited and I end up reusing long held cliches. Research is very important to me and I do try to address these issues but it is a weakness caused by imitation rather than observation.

But I have noticed for the character design competition you have drawn A new fantastic character but looks really similar to most of your other drawings!

This is also very fair note. You're right, there should be something unique and I believe, as Dnethery addressed in another thread, in principals rather than style. It's unfortunate to fall into the trap of cliche drawing.

like I said I dont know if this is intentional or unintentional but Im interested in seeing a more cartoony design from you!

This is intentional. My goal was to push the inner feelings and depth of the character rather than the outward design. I had to design in a way that was comfortable to me otherwise I'd be worried about making a perfect drawing. As your previous comments noted, it should be both and it's an unfortunate limitation.

I'll finish off by saying that my strengths are my passion and tenacity for animation not my drawing or design skills. Your observations are correct and I hope they can help benefit you when you sit down at your desk. If you can see and avoid my mistakes, then it'll make you a better artist and that's all the reason I need for posting. I will add your comments to my list of notes and I'll do my best to address them.

[Moneyguns]

What is a cliche drawing?:)

[jeremyhopkins]

A cliche is something that has been used so many times that is no long original. The original idea may have been interesting but it has become so over used that it's considered dull or boring. Cliches can be cultural or personal. What I'm discussing here is more of a personal cliche that is unique to me. Cliche poses tend to happen as people become more experienced and find things that appeal to their eye and are no longer observing or studying the real world. In short it is imitating from the past, either personal work or other artists, rather than observing and presenting new ideas.

[Moneyguns]

Thanks for telling me that. Thats a really good thing to know.

[jeremyhopkins]

A few thumbnails and studies:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S8eCG7vsBgI/AAAAAAAABuE/A2E7ZwTCwuQ/15_04_2010.jpg

Blocking for a cg dialogue test:
6A2DHhvFqeY&hl
It cuts off at the end for some reason.

[jeremyhopkins]

A few rejected drawings that I did for a design test:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S8eGMuFipNI/AAAAAAAABuI/Lr-UFbMgILo/Girl_Designs_6_by_jeremyhopkins.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/S8eGNKVqIUI/AAAAAAAABuM/yNwdb1S2nYI/Girl_Designs_7_by_jeremyhopkins.jpg

[johncbeggs]

Jeremy you always surprise me with how perfect your drawings look, expressively with the girls!

Jeremy how do you go about drawing the face or even just roughing it in?
- I am begging to stop using circles when designing characters faces without even knowing! - Is this a bad thing or a good thing? I feel restricted to certain sizes and shapes within the circle!.

- thankyou Jeremy if you get a chance to reply.
:D

[Richard Willimot]

Awesome stuff Jeremy I really like the face studies.John,if I may i'll take a shot at answering the circle for a face question. To me just like the bouncing ball for animation using a circle to start the head is just a starting point. Once things,the features, are set then you can work the circle into any shape you want to make the head and face you want.

[OwenWelsh]

Jeremy, great looking drawings even if you didn't like the design. You have a very interesting style :-)

[arif]

How perfect they are!!!...and how could be they rejected!!!!

Arif

[jeremyhopkins]

Jeremy how do you go about drawing the face or even just roughing it in?
- I am begging to stop using circles when designing characters faces without even knowing! - Is this a bad thing or a good thing? I feel restricted to certain sizes and shapes within the circle!.

I don't see it as a problem. You have to decide what's best for you and the saying that there's 'only tools no rules' applies to your situation too. My reason for starting with the basic structure for the head is because it helps keep the drawing solid and acts as a guide for the rest of the body. I agree that just using the circle shape for head can be limiting but you can create shapes based off the circle.
Tony Fucile used some unique shapes in Iron Giant but they were still solid and well constructed: http://ultimateirongiant.com/model/57b.jpg
Sergio Pablos is another really great draughtsman who is inspired but not limited by Milt's designs:
http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/animation/watch/v782800zqRythMz
http://sergio-pablos-interview.blogspot.com/

Jeremy, great looking drawings even if you didn't like the design. You have a very interesting style :-)
How perfect they are!!!...and how could be they rejected!!!!
My test was rejected because I couldn't match the studio style. It's cool, stuff like that happens all the time. I'm grateful that they considered me at least and that another talented artist found employment. I'll just add another rejection note to pile, improve my work and try again.

[johncbeggs]

thankyou Jeremy for the reply! and that Sergio Pablos looks like hes an interesting artist aswell!

[jeremyhopkins]

Some storyboards:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TEIqOJCmyVI/AAAAAAAAB2o/OXpQRhGOoVY/s1600/page1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TEIqH8TOALI/AAAAAAAAB2g/v2XRLST8gNE/s1600/page2.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TEIqBwLAtxI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/uq0MLDbea3g/s1600/page3.jpg

[jeremyhopkins]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TE_IYAlds4I/AAAAAAAAB3o/wIf-pmlp8f8/s800/IIPP1PP2.jpg

Don suggested that I add more depth and watch out for tangents that flatten the composition. Here's what I've done so far:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TFPU4Yn-WqI/AAAAAAAAB4E/VVASPC84qQM/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg

If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!

[arif]

wow..Jeremy!!....first of all ..Thank you for sharing your stuff after a loooooooooong time.............and yes, after putting the grid line on the Bg...it has created really some depth of field.......and Please, dont hide yourself for a long time......i am always learning from your sketches all the time........:laughing:

[jeremyhopkins]

Thanks Arif but I don't always post here. If you want to keep up to date with my work, I recommend checking my blog: http://animatedthoughtprocess.blogspot.com/

[Rodney]

Very nice Jeremy.

I see you put Don's suggestions to good use.
...and what a difference your implementation makes!

One of the questions I might have asked about your story you've answered with the appearance of the white wolf. That would have been, "Why tell this story with animation when it might be served just as well by live action?"

I will rephrase that question a little but trust me, in seeing your storyboards I'd like to see this short film hand drawn.

"Would you ever consider having the human characters played by live actors?" (obviously the wolf would still have to be fx work)

Wonderfully expressive artwork.

[C. Siemens]

The floor grid, the floor grid. Certainly one of my Achilles' heels. I was doing storyboard clean-ups some weeks ago, working from another guy's very rough scribbles, and I concentrated so much on bringing the characters on model that I completely threw the scenes' perspective off.

The giant wolf/dog sketch really demonstrates how much more dimensionality a drawing gains when not only the character constructions are solid but also done within the three-dimensional plane indicated by the grid. I think especially TV animation loses a lot of that feeling by working so extensively with graphic, flat characters whose feet are always moving along the same vanishing line (which also more often than not run parallel to the horizon). In shows like Dexter's Lab, Foster's and Samurai Jack that actually works because the graphical elements make skilful use of limited perspective, but on a lot of those shows' lesser copies it only throws the flatness of the characters into sharper relief. Although I'm no big animé fan I think this is one of the things we can learn from the better Japanese shows - that proper staging of scenes can make up for a lot of limited animation.

So, yadda, yadda, yadda, bottom line: good job on the dimensionality and thanks for reminding me to focus less on just designs and also a little more on how they work with their surroundings.

[jeremyhopkins]

Very nice Jeremy.

I see you put Don's suggestions to good use.
...and what a difference your implementation makes!

One of the questions I might have asked about your story you've answered with the appearance of the white wolf. That would have been, "Why tell this story with animation when it might be served just as well by live action?"

I will rephrase that question a little but trust me, in seeing your storyboards I'd like to see this short film hand drawn.

"Would you ever consider having the human characters played by live actors?" (obviously the wolf would still have to be fx work)

Wonderfully expressive artwork.

Thanks for the observation Rodney. Yes, it does stray closer to live action sensibilities but I would prefer to see it in hand drawn animation in kind of a Miyazaki, Iron Giant kid meets mystical creature sort of way. What I'd like to borrow from live action is the shot placement, editing, grounding the character with real world peril, design and staging from classic films. What hand drawn animation brings is simplicity and sense of wonder. My drawing skills can't quite match the wonder in my imagination but it's worth it to keep trying. Thanks again for the thoughts, it's very much appreciated!

Although I'm no big animé fan I think this is one of the things we can learn from the better Japanese shows - that proper staging of scenes can make up for a lot of limited animation.

So, yadda, yadda, yadda, bottom line: good job on the dimensionality and thanks for reminding me to focus less on just designs and also a little more on how they work with their surroundings.

I know exactly what you mean. It's really like switching brains going from tv work to thinking about features. I'm glad you find some enjoyment and it's really good to know this helps your work too. Don always shares one or two things that helps me every seminar with my work and I'm happy to share with others.

[Rodney]

Thanks for the observation Rodney. Yes, it does stray closer to live action sensibilities but I would prefer to see it in hand drawn animation in kind of a Miyazaki, Iron Giant kid meets mystical creature sort of way. What I'd like to borrow from live action is the shot placement, editing, grounding the character with real world peril, design and staging from classic films. What hand drawn animation brings is simplicity and sense of wonder. My drawing skills can't quite match the wonder in my imagination but it's worth it to keep trying. Thanks again for the thoughts, it's very much appreciated!

I'm running something of a gap analysis here.
On the one hand I want to see this film made!
But I also want to give you an honest assessment.

The reason I bring up live action is that from what I've seen thus far of your story it lends itself to the nuances and emotional content (dare I say this?) not easily captured in hand drawn animation but often delivered with a high degree of fidelity and an enduring resonance by live actors.

There is only so much emotional depth you can draw out of a 2D plane and even if taken to 3D (which is certainly an option these days) this might not deliver that same performance as it would on a live stage.

This isn't to say hand drawn animation can't rise to the challenge. It can.
But (I imagine) in most cases investors will see the medium as being intrinsic to the story. They need compelling reasons to follow your lead.

So I would challenge you with this: "Why should this film be created in a hand drawn medium?"
Demonstrate compelling reasons.

At this point only you can answer this question and the thoughts that follow it because you have the benefit (curse?) of being the only one at this time to see the film. As your storyboards are further refined we get a further glimpses into what you are seeing. That imagery inspires us and will ground us into filmmaking reality.

My final thought is that the medium whether through live action, hand drawn, CG, stop motion, stageplay, finger puppetry, etc. must always serve the story. How is this story best served by the animation medium?

You are a champ for sharing your vision of the initial stages of this film with us. Your insight into that is greatly appreciated. Thanks for being patient with me as I delve the depths of these things.

[jeremyhopkins]

I agree that the old animation conundrum is to try and find things that live action can't do but now there's not much at all that live action can't do with cg effects. Some live action films today are more cg than they are live action at times. The only push back we can offer in animation is simplicity and design. Yes, humans are a pain and I know some say they shouldn't be animated at all but if they are caricatured to match their personality and become visual metaphors, then they're a bit more interesting. Caricatured characters can have bigger acting moments or tinnier more stylized movement than live action. If all of this relates to the character as a visual metaphor that progresses the story in a way other mediums can not. I'm thinking of stylized acting like the food critic from Ratatouille or Bob from the Incredibles, granted those are cg films but you get the idea. The big difference that hand drawn animation has versus other animated media, when done right, simplicity can be elegant and beautiful. Hope I can draw it :P
All in all, it is a fair criticism and maybe the end result would work better in live action. I'll do my best to avoid the more realistic Grave of the Fireflies look and dig for something unique that no one has seen before but connects with a general feeling of nostalgia.

[johncbeggs]

Jeremy the story sofar from what I can tell is great! I recognized a few names in their aswell :D!

but I couldnt help but notice names!okasan Otosan
- I have not heard these names before but they sure sound japanese! sorry for me asking but how did you go about naming these characters?

either way your still an awesome artist! very unique aswell! :D

[Rodney]

John, the answer will astound you.
But it's best for Jeremy to tell the tale. :)

Fun stuff.

[johncbeggs]

okasan = Mother
otosan = father

im guessing this becuase I took a year of japanese but forgot most of it!:laughing:

[jeremyhopkins]

Yeah, that's right John.

Animation from rough - color done over the weekend for a pitch to the local football team. The mascot is Gainer the Gopher (http://www.sasktourism.com/whats-happening/sasksecrets-newsletter/june-2008-home/june-2008-trivia):
NSnEmbf2pxs
The clean up and color is rough around the edges but it was the best I could do in a day or so.
MjG29NeUdio

[arif]

cool Jeremy....

which software did you use for your animation and clean up...seems like it is done by Digital..

Besides, are you engaged with the TV animation in Canada now?..which Studio are you working for? and what do you do there?

Regards,
Arif.

[lavallelee]

wow! that was some awesome animating! you do such great lines and coloring too

[jeremyhopkins]

which software did you use for your animation and clean up...seems like it is done by Digital..

Besides, are you engaged with the TV animation in Canada now?..which Studio are you working for? and what do you do there?

Ahh, the rough out part was done on paper and it was cleaned up digitally. For the most part I work in television here in Canada but I've been self employed since 2008. There's a lot of competition right now and my work doesn't measure up to top studio standards at places like Pixar Canada so I'm not employed at any studio right now. This is a test for place that does billboard animation and if I get it, I'll be doing a lot of ad work.

[lavallelee]

what program do you use for digital clean up?

[jeremyhopkins]

The gopher test didn't go so well for obvious reasons and I didn't get the job.

Here's some new work for another client who runs a game store. They had a standard logo and my advice was to choose a mascot for brochures that support the main logo and helps humanize the company. The final version was derivative of the Starcraft Ghost character (http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.richterscale.org/images/20050606-StarCraft-Ghost-Statue-E3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.richterscale.org/index.php/weblog_articles/2005/06/&h=467&w=350&sz=69&tbnid=WE0WsJs6h2hTrM:&tbnh=259&tbnw=194&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstarcraft%2Bghost&hl=en&usg=__J5nIN8ZkaLh7pFwGFiM3b2VhM9Y=&sa=X&ei=ynZnTJWIGIXFnAf85KjBBQ&ved=0CCQQ9QEwAQ). Roughed out on paper with clean up in photoshop.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TGd1fqwhusI/AAAAAAAAB5E/kVnfKzvzQsU/Untitled-1.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TGdxgymY6NI/AAAAAAAAB4o/NduP5sXBcqk/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TGdxhMpMt8I/AAAAAAAAB4w/G0F0isoqIcw/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg

[arif]

wow..Jeremy!.....again, your rough drawings are sooooo cool as usual....my point is that in your color version it lost some feelings(my humble opinion)......and it is really tough to keep the same feeling in the cleanup drawings.....but,.....how the others people do that!!.i am just curious....

i love the Pig most.......it is so nice and unique in design..:D:D

Regards,
Arif.

[johncbeggs]

jeremy the warthog and the guy beside him is awesome! great designs man! :D

[jeremyhopkins]

my point is that in your color version it lost some feelings(my humble opinion)......and it is really tough to keep the same feeling in the cleanup drawings.....but,.....how the others people do that!!

Yeah I agree and that's why I have so much respect for talented clean up artists. Guys like Dnethery maintain the vitality of the drawing all the way through clean up. It's very easy to zone out and lose focus which is what I've done here and added a similar line weight to all areas. There are some fantastic color artists that make excellent color choices that reflect mood and emotion. Then they apply a unique brush stroke style that enhances their choice and keeps the drawings and storytelling alive. In the top drawing, I have done neither which is probably why it feels lifeless to you. Breaking down the problems with these drawings I'd say they lack thought, reason, storytelling and feeling. Add that to the multitude of design element problems, focus, appealing shapes, unique visual pattern, ect and the end result is dull and cliche. Applying all of this knowledge to graphic design and branding work is a unique challenge and again speaks to value of understanding good design principals and knowing how to draw. Neither of which I know or know how to do particularly well so it's my homework to improve while on these assignments. These are my long standing struggles with drawing. Thanks for the feedback and if there's anything more, let me know!
jeremy the warthog and the guy beside him is awesome! great designs man!
Those were the most fun to draw- Thanks John!

[NateHorsfall]

Hey Jeremy, I just realized that I never actually commented on your gallery before.. despite seeing it many times and just jaw dropping. You do incredible work, man. If there is anyone on this forum that I feel should be doing 2d features right now, it's you!

And hey.. when I went to go check out your gallery to make this comment, I saw the starcraft stuff.. which, well look at that! it's my favorite art from you! Which is quite a high mark because you do such great work. I just love the designs here. I'm not even that much a far of starcraft- though I think blizzards ART is insanely awesome. But these are just great. The ghost drawing really grabs my attention :)

Sorry to hear you didn't get that job you were after. But keep at it.. there is no way this talent will go unrecognized for long.

[Richard Willimot]

Great concepts Jeremy I really like the superhero one :)

[lavallelee]

every character you have here, i can see potential cartoons for

very good stuff jeremy, as always

[WillW]

fantastic work! clean up is something I so need to look into practicing to prepare myself for the animation I want to make, that and I need some stronger drawing skills lol!.

keep up the awesome work : D !

[jeremyhopkins]

Thanks for the feedback guys and after all that, I did get the job! It's pretty darn awesome too.. probably best job I've had so far! Here's some of the promotional work, I've been given to develop:
Kerrigan from Star Craft 2:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TIek3zT0F5I/AAAAAAAAB7A/53VZU2l8-7o/s1600/08_09_2010B.jpg

A Heroes of Newerth Character.. don't remember his name:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_scS0_SUMtO0/TIek074HNYI/AAAAAAAAB64/lAnkyYU0gu4/s1600/07_09_2010A.jpg

Many more to come as I turn them out at work.. and hopefully some with stronger posing. Bit too tense when I was doing these paintings.

[arif]

wow!!..Jeremy..Congratulations on your getting Job......which studio are you working now??''

Great stuff as usual..:D

Regards,
Arif:laughing:

[jeremyhopkins]

Uhh.. it's not a studio, it's a local lan(gaming center) and I'm managing the media so it includes everything from drawing to animation. Thanks Arif and it's nice not having to fight for my lunch for a while.

[andrew sharp]

Rats cant see your images Jeremyhopkins mabey its my computer

[andrew sharp]

Found them and they are super Jeremyhopkins your characters all have nice intresting animatable shapes:D

[jeremyhopkins]

Whoops, my hosting provider expired so I have the fix the links on the first page. Thanks for the heads up!

[Rodney]

Yes! Congratulations Jeremy.

We should be congratulating the company that hired you though. They are the really fortunate ones.

Go get 'em!

[NateHorsfall]

Hey awesome! congrats after all! :)

at first i was about to flail at you for posting stuff you're working on.. something that can get you fired.. But, since it's just a gaming thing., theres probably zero worry there. congrats man. have a blast!

[jeremyhopkins]

Thanks for the support guys!


at first i was about to flail at you for posting stuff you're working on.. something that can get you fired.. But, since it's just a gaming thing., theres probably zero worry there. congrats man. have a blast!

For sure, and just for the record, I have never done that and I don't see it happening in the future :) Thanks for the heads up and I'm glad you're looking out for everyone!

[frankenart]

i really dig your work.awesome eyecandy,man.