First Ride

 Hey there folks!

This painting was quite the doozy, yet all is well. This week the action is going to be downplayed a bit until Megacon. Which is actually tomorrow. Jeez time flies!

Also, just recently got myself wrapped up in Jeff Smith's Bone comic--and wow! Can not put this book down! So I bow down to you Mr. Smith, and all your magical ways of storytelling with line!

Cheers,

-H

**PS Also, you may notice some changes going on. Please bare with me while this blog undergoes some revamping. Thank-you.**

Busy Bee

Hey everyone,

First, I'd like to thank-you all for those who have been following this blog, whether making yourself known or not. It really helps out when you're looking around like a frightened animal who hasn't seen light for what seems a lifetime, and receiving a positive compliment. It makes me feel a lot better, honestly. I'm not aware that my work effects others, since I'm mostly too busy checking out other's work! So, thank-you.

Also, here is the finished pencil drawing of my thesis character, Lily. Paul Felix has made a huge influence on my work as of late, and I tried to emulate it here. His ability to make the unbelievable tangible in his illustrations is mind-blowing, like Milt Kahl's uncanniness to animate. Paul deserves so much more recognition than he receives. So here's to you, Paul!

Also....Go Apolo Ohno!! He's amazing!!

Cheers,

-H

Moment Before

 

Hey folks,

Wanted to show you a finished painting that will be a companion in my senior show come this spring. This has been quite the time for motivation as of late, yet you just have to keep truckin'! Hope you all enjoy.

Cheers,

-H

Balance

 Hey folks, I'm in a bit of a jam and need your help. I've been putting together a storyboard project and do not know the portfolio level it should be shown in a movie format. Here is a frame that has just been drawn to convey the story idea.

Here is a much more touched up version that I would have in the final composite. What do you all think? Too much? Any feedback will help!

Cheers,

-H

In the Life of...

Please forgive the complete Norman Rockwell reference to this image...I could not help but put these two together in this illustration. It certainly feels good just to concentrate on line and familiarize yourself with the characters. There are still a few quirks and kinks that need to be smoothed with this piece, although I am quite happy with the results of the silhouettes. Those are always such a challenge!

Also, I'm in great need of commission work...and I know what you're thinking: "I don't have the money the give you kid." And that's fine, we all could use some extra help in this economic time. Although, soon I plan on moving out to California and have little in means of dollars to make the trip there. Character designs are my specialty, yet I'm very open at this point. Any help you guys can offer would be most graciously accepted.

Cheers,

-HH

All I Want For Christmas....

This week, I thought it would be nice to give you all a treat. All of you have a very Merry Christmas, and warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season!!

Progress

Just a quick update on the progress of the characters as they are melded into their final forms. There's still a bit more tweaking that need to be done to each of them, just to make them easier to animate. The boards are looking pretty tight for this short film story, now the exciting work begins with animation tests! My hand is just itching to flip some more paper again. It's been interesting while creating these characters since it's been an exploration of the self and the deep dark inner workings of a character and why they tick. Thanks to Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston for reminding me what it means to make a character live and breathe.

Until next time!

Cheers,

-HH

Fashion fashion fashion

Hey folks,

Not a whole lot this week. Been really wrapped for time. Here is a recent fashion illustration just completed.

Also, I will be at the recruiting tables at the CTN-X Animation Expo in Burbank this coming weekend. It's going to be the San Diego Con of the Animation world, and it's awesome to be able to make part of it happen. So come on by to say hello!!

Cheers,

-H

Reese & Lily Studies

It's been a bit dusty around here, and once again I apologize. I should promise not to make promises from now on to update regularly. Reverse psychology, ya know?

Anyway, this is not finished/polished work, and soon there will be. There are a few editorial illustrations that I have slowly been collecting, so those may possibly be featured soon. Alas, these are the developments of my thesis characters, Lily, the pastry chef; and our adolescent inventor who is now newly named, Reese. I have many illustration ideas that I've been developing between these two, along with the fanciful 1930's/Steam-punk/Victorian era that they live in. I'm thinking of possibly making them live on this island that has one large mountain that has the entire city carved into it like the Village of Eze. Although, the story is under heavy construction, since it's being remade and torn down day after day. They aren't kidding when they say story is everything!

Speaking of which, I had the pleasure of watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button recently and was completely blown away by the cinematography and heart-touching story. Usually I don't like to advertise, but this certainly is worth the boasting. At least for those who have not or are unsure of seeing it.

Anyway, please give me feedback on the characters. Personally I don't know what to think if Lily should have a braid or a pony tail. What do you guys think??

Until next time,

-H