Updates

Marvel Kids

Latest news..    I know, its been a while....

Supervised animation for a Marvel Kids Promo for Iron Man. I took some stills from a few shots I worked on. This was my first time stepping into a supervising role, a bit out of my comfort zone. However, it was a learning experience that was a step up from what I'm used to. I'm glad I got to go through it and see where I need to improve....

I also got a chance to work on 3 other major film projects that I can't reveal yet... But they were fun.

I feel pretty honored to be working here at Blur Studio - right now I'm a big sponge and soaking it all up...

Shadow Run Released

So I'm at home SICK today....   yayyy!!!   Being sick sucks...    But it does give you time to do those little chores like updating a site or reading about something...   

Shadowrun is finally on the shelves, go pick it up......        I love this game and play it alot so if you want to play with me My gamerTAG is  LOECKM  feel free to add me.......   

If your also  familiar with the Red VS Blue videos for Halo....  The same guy created some videos with shadowrun........they are pretty funny...  here are the links..

Moving to Venice,Ca

Well, its official..  I'm taking the plunge and moving my big old butt to California at the begining of May. I've been in the Game Industry for quite a while now, its been fun but time for a change.   I'm starting work at flim company called  Blur Studios in Venice, CA.   They do some damn amazing work, I have a feeling I'll be learning a great deal from the people here.  I think its a good time in my life to make a big move like this and I'm looking forward to it, except for the move itself... that will suck. Actually that would be a funny short film, showing all the funny problems that arise while moving, HMMMM..........   I'll have to ponder this idea a bit more.

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I just recently had dinner over at my friend Jeff Haynie's house..  He was my Art Director for 3 years at my first job.  I just bought a few of his prints to take with me to cali.  I just wanted to put up a link to his site.   He has some amazing prints that are worthy to put up in any room of the house.  If you have some time go check his stuff out, you wont be disapointed. 

 

Anatomy Study

I’m doing some anatomy studies in Mudbox3d.  I took some pictures of the Hulk for a guide, unfortunately it was on my TV so the quality isn’t so good.  Incase I get stuck on a muscle group I like to have pictures or something tangible to look at every now and then, reference is a good thing.  Still have a ways to go on this model. I might take this all the way to animation, who knows, just having fun with it.   I’m so glad I took those sculpting classes on the anatomy, it’s really paying off, so worth it.   I think everyone should take a sculpting class once in their lifetime.

Sad news is I lost my bear model while transitioning to a new computer….  Sucks because I really liked him.   Maybe he’ll turn up once I’m done copying everything.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Shadow Run Screen Shots

Some screen shots of the last game I worked on at Microsoft called Shadow Run. Probably one of the best games I’ve ever played as far as fun factor goes.  I worked on the Troll and the Minion for most of the time I was there, its great to see them in game now… Here is a quick little Troll animation I did in a few days for fun(laughs) using one of the characters. Can’t wait to play the game again.. I'll post more about the game once it gets close to shipping.

MudBox3d rocks!!!

I figure its about time to start working on my own stuff. It’s been about three years since I’ve really done any modeling.  I tried Zbrush but the learning curve is just insane.  So a buddy of mine at work turned me on to this new program called Mudbox3d. Built by Artists from the WETA team involved in Lord of the Rings and King Kong.   I think this program was first released in Dec, so its very new and not a lot of documentation online yet..  I have to say after sitting down with this program for just a few minutes, man I can’t put it down. It acts how I want it to act, which is amazing. If you’re familiar with the Maya shortcuts, then you’ll pick up on this very quickly.  My first work in the program, check it out!!

It does everything from Straight modeling to creating normal maps.   It’s wonderful!!!   I think almost anyone could pick this up and start having some fun.  I’m going to try some advanced character modeling after I’m finished with this polar bear.  I think I’m tired of cute little characters at the moment. I want to do something realistic and scary.

Some Changes

Some Major Changes Lately

I don’t get to update this site much due to how busy I am.  But for those of you who check, YOU ROCK!!!   I hope to get some new work up as soon as I get approval.  I have a little funny troll animation I'll be posting soon.

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So I’m finally at the end of the project over here at Microsoft (Fasa Studios). I had a full day interview over at Bungie Studios recently(Creators of Halo). I had the chance to meet all the Animators working on Halo 3, had lunch with them and a few drinks at a bar close by. They have a great group of guys over there and very talented. It was a long day but everyone made the day go by quickly. The layout of their studio is very open and huge, try and picture a giant warehouse with tables and no dividers. Definitely a different kind of environment that is more geared to communication. I can see how they would be very productive in that kind of environment.  I was pretty honored to actually hang out with them for the day.

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I just took a full time job offer at Sony as a SR character animator. They are working on some truly amazing stuff for the PS3. There is no way I could pass it up and the pay raise is definitely a major plus. I’m going to try and push my Animation to a new level of quality while I’m at sony, should be challenging experience. I will however miss the great friends I’ve made here at Microsoft.  I love all you guys and will miss our 5:00 hackey sessions.

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I’ve also been taking some major Anatomy courses in sculpting for the past couple months in Seattle . I didn’t know how much those courses can improve so many things in the way I work. I think I found my new love or hobby for the next few years.  Check out my instructors Web Site….   She is a truly amazing gifted woman.  http://www.kimgrahamstudios.com/

New Job

Recently I was flown out to NY for an interview with Vicarious Visions. I had a great time on the trip and the people and crew were awesome. It was a full day of interviews and I actually quite enjoyed them.  I highly recommend the company for any artist or animator looking for work, they are probably the best organized crew I’ve seen. Unfortunately I had to turn down the offer for some personal reasons (Tears falling).  Shortly after, I  accepted an animation position with Fasa Studio under Microsoft Game Studios.  I took the interview on short notice and loved the project they were on(very cool stuff).  I'm excited! ... yayyy......

Magician Painting

This is a technique I’ve adopted from Kevin Dart and Jeff Haynie, both wonderful Artists and friends. I wanted to try something completely new.   I didn’t want to rely on layers in Photoshop this time.  I used Photoshop but I primarily used one canvas to paint on.  My goal was to let loose and just go with the flow.  Let the drawing become what it wants to be, rather then restricting your self to the original drawing. Here is a quick layout of how I worked in black & white then on to a color comp.

 

Working with black & white values first to establish tones is the most important element before moving on to color. That is the method that works for me.  However, artists better familiar with color theory can jump into color from the get go.   Here is the final version.   Enjoy!

Digital paintings added

I added two digital paintings I made last night, they are up in the 2D gallery.    Practice makes perfect, I’m going to keep at these little paintings off and on for a while.   My goal is to have a bit more range and diversity in the next couple years.  Holy Bageezz!   I fricken LOVE art......   

One more thing, lately I feel pretty confident in my capabilities with modeling, texturing, animation, video editing and a bit of dynamics.  I have a pretty good structure down that works for me so if any of you out there would like to see a Tutorial within my skill range let me know.  I’d be happy to give back some knowledge I’ve gained over the years, plus it’s free.