The Man Behind "Monsters, Inc."

I'm assuming most of you know who "the man" is, but if you are one of the few that don't, he is Pete Docter. I mentioned him in one of my past blogs not long ago, but he deserves another mention today. Why? Well, because he sent me a few things that inspired me, and I want to share them with you. As you know, Pete's credits with Pixar start with Toy Story, and he has directed both "Monsters, Inc." and "UP". He is a Pixar superstar, yet he still find the time to write to his fans and send out sketches. I truly admire this man, and hope to one day be working beside him- what an inspiration that would be. Thanks Pete, I really appreciate it!

What Happens When Buzz Lightyear and the Terminator cross paths?

Peter Clute will tell you. You get "Buzzinator". I came across Peter's website today, and I had to share it with everyone. I think his pieces of art are pretty darn awesome! This guy has some skill, no doubt. I wander how long it will be before this toy finds itself on the shelf of John Lasseter, next to his other Buzz toys?

 

Of course, the collection wouldn't be complete without the totally hardcore WAR-E!

If you think this guy is awesome like I do, then do him a favor and spread the word! You can visit his website at  http://peterclute.com to see more about his creations.

Animation Mentor: Round One.

As you know, I applied to Animation Mentor about three weeks ago, and I had a pretty good feeling about it. As a part of the application process, I had to do several short answer questions such as why I chose that school, why I wanted to be an animator and what my short and long term goals in the animation industry were. I put a lot of thought into my answers, and thought they were pretty good. Unfortunately, this afternoon, I received an email from the school saying they didn't accept my application at this time, but they won't tell me exactly what it is that made them make that decision. It is very disappointing, but not the end- I am just going to have to wait 90 days, and then try again. I really didn't think I would have any trouble getting accepted, but just because I didn't, doesn't mean I won't. I truly believe I will the next go around. If their is one thing I have already learned from talking to a few animators at the major studios, it's that you can't give up the first time you get turned down- it takes determination. That applies to me trying to get into this school as well as it will later when I try getting a job at Disney- I can't give up, and I won't.

 

 Encouraging note from the director of Ratatouille and The Incredibles, Brad Bird.

My Heros

I have been a huge fan of Pixar ever since I saw the "Toy Story" as a kid. It's the films they have produced that have inspired me the most, to want to become an animator. I have wrote to a few Pixarians over the past few years, telling them how they have inspired me, and in return, here are some of the amazing sketches and encouraging letters I have received back from them. The above sketch is of the characters from "UP", sent to me by one of my role models, Pete Docter, who directed both "UP", and "Monsters, Inc".

Pete Docter wrote me this letter, mentioning Animation Mentor and encouraging me with my work.

 

Pixar animator, Aaron Hartline, has been a huge encouragement to me, and was kind enough to sketch Carl Fredrickson, from "UP" for me. He worked on that film and is also currently working on "Toy Story 3". Aaron, also wrote me the below letter, which has encouraged me so much. Thank you Mr. Hartline, hopefully one day, I will be working with you on a Pixar film!

Another animator that I have talked with over the past few years that has been very encouraging to me, is Pixar animator, Victor Navone. He is actually the first person to recommend Animation Mentor to me, several years ago, and is a mentor there. Over the years, he has given me lots of advise and words of wisdom, not to mention, has even taken the time to sketch me a few characters from some of the films he has animated on. He did the sketch of Flash, below, from "The Incredibles" back in 2005 for me, and it has had a place on wall since then. He did the sketch of Wall-E for me last year.

 And last but not least, for now anyways, is Jim Vanderkeyl, an animator that I admire greatly and has been a huge source of encouragement to me. He is actually a Dreamworks animator and is a very talented man, who has animated on films such as "Kung Fu Panda" and "Over the Hedge". Every time I have a question about animation or need advise, he has been more than willing to help, and I don't think he knows how much I appreciate that. Below are some of the sketches he has been kind enough to draw for me- one of them being a caricature he did of me! Looks pretty darn good, doesn't it?

Hey Blog World!

Hey folks!

I decided to start a blog so I can share my animation work, news and any other artwork, with everyone who is remotely interested. I applied to Animation Mentor today and plan on attending in the fall, so wish me luck that I get accepted with no problem. I will be posting my work that I complete throughout the school, on here, and would love to hear your feedback every once in a while. At Animation Mentor, I will be taught character animation by professional, working animators, and I am super excited about starting!

Willie