Try Something New

Always be open to trying new things, you never know what might happen.

I've always believed in not saying "What If," or having any regrets. In one of my previous posts I stated that you should always eat dessert first and to find something you love and let it kill you. It's not the money and how long you live, it's about how you live it and doing what you love in order to be happy. As long as your happy it doesn't matter; sure money comes into play because we are only human and no matter what it plays a part into being alive. 

So enough of my ramblings and deep thoughts into life (What can I say I'm an artist, we go through these a lot!), the reason for this specific post is to state to always try something new. With that I recently got to play around with a CNC Machine.

CNC Machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. Tools that can be controlled in this manner include lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. The CNC in CNC Machining stands for Computer Numerical Control.

This specific CNC Machine was basically a huge computer controlled wood engraver. Now with this I have definitely almost experienced everything in the art area; computer work, pencil and paper, now a giant wood printer! Honestly it was a whole lot of fun playing around with a machine like that; I ended up making two signs (After countless mistakes), but I didn't loose a finger so that is good as well! The first sign was a test run and it turned out quite well that of course I gave it to my mother because she loves everything I do :D The second piece I did was for the Visual FX Company I work for; just a little piece I did for my boss for letting me come home for such a long time! 

This is the piece I did for Skulley Effects; I designed it in photoshop then printed it on the CNC Machine. Once cut I burned it with the torch to bring out the design in the wood. With such light wood and complicated design you could barely see it unless darkened up. As you can see there is a skull in the line design; a little Visual FX magic before your eyes you could say! 

This piece was the first test and run piece. It turned out very well and I gave it to my mother. It was burned as well after cut, but not as much. 

Selena You Say?

"Can't keep my hands to myself..."

California really has been sweeping over me. Work, friends, opportunities, horrible gas prices and parking; nothing is perfect and California is far from it, though it really has pushed me harder than ever and has made me dream more! 

If you can make it here you can make it anywhere!

I do really believe in those words; I'm living the artist life. Sleeping on a blow up mattress in a friends living room, passing out resumes to everyone I know, playing DND, and making some amazing connections with such a diverse group of people. I've been very lucky and I've loved every second of it; you need to experience the lows to really appreciate the highs and that is just what I am doing.

Appreciate the small things...

One of the greatest opportunities I was given was with "Skulley Effects." I've been learning a whole new software setup; from Combustion to Mocha to After Effects! It's all been an amazing adventure and I love being able to transition from 3D to 2D at will now. I may be a Character Rigger, but now I have the bit of experience to do Beauty Compositing as well! 

So what's with the lyrics in the beginning?

Because with all this learning I was able to help out with another music video. Selena Gomez's new song "Can't Keep My Hands To Myself," actually. This project was a whole different setup than the Disturbed Music Video I was able to help out with as well. Though it was still just as fun I do promise, so please check it out for yourself; the link is below!

Hands To Myself

Still Drawing?

It's been a while...

It's honestly been a while since I've touched my pencil to my paper. Going into the digital world has all been so different such a fun and interesting new adventure. I've been learning things left and right about everything; but sometimes going back to your roots is one of the truest happiest moments you can give yourself. 

Find what you love and let it kill you...

So as it becomes 2016 I make some resolutions...some that will never happen, because hey we all have a couple of those. (Probably just for shits and giggles haha) Though one resolution that I will be following through is going back to my roots. Touching that pencil back to the paper, going back to the times that really brought me happiness. Where I can get lost within the paper, the strokes, and my imagination. Where reality is lost and everything is okay for a moment. 

Life is short..Eat Dessert First!

And I am eating Dessert first! I've actually been entered into an art competition down in Michigan from my Uncle (Apparently he thinks I'm talented enough to compete with the professionals), but I don't plan to disappoint him. So while I think of some ideas to draw here is a recent piece I did that I never posted about to you all...and please if you have any ideas let me know. Remember...dream big!

Busy Bee

Well it sure has been a while hasn't it?

As you have all read I recently moved to California a couple months ago to pursue a career in the Film and Game Industry. And with enough hard work and passion in art, I have done just that. 

Visual Effects?

I may have gotten my Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Animation and specialize in Setup Design, but I'm currently interning at a wonderful company called Skulley FX. It's a Visual Effects Studio specializing in Music Videos, Commercials, and Films; with wonderful artists at the helm and some amazing talent, it's been an honor to intern there. 

Now I will admit it's been a real transition from going to 3D to 2D, but I'm managing. Apparently I have a knack for Beauty Composition! I actually have recently worked on the new Disturbed Music Video! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LypjOTTH6E

Check it out!

Though I am definitely still working on my rigging by working for another company called Free Dominion Studios LLC. Which is an up and coming PC Game Studio based in Orlando Florida! There I'm one of the head Technical Artists on the team; responsible for creating functional and personal rigs for characters and props if need be.

All in all it's been a wonderful experience! Thank you all for your support!!

Calibraska

So I decided to pack up and go to California. I had come to realize that there really wasn't anything in Nebraska for me; except family and a couple friends, but if I wanted to do something in my field I needed to leave and start again. 

A total of 19 hours driving a stick shift mini cooper.

With one of my best friends.

Through several states.

One being Utah, which I discovered was hell to drive through! (There was literally NOTHING!)

And now it's been almost a week since I have arrived in California. I'm currently sleeping on a blow up mattress in the living room of my old roommate from college. I'm so blessed to have some amazing friends that have literally taken me in broke; basically living the artist lifestyle till I can find a permanent job! Though, luck has been on my side. I was recently hired to be a Technical Rigger at Free Dominion Studios for 3 years! It's part time and I'm very excited to be on the team, but I still need something permanent if I plan to eat more than Ramen for the rest of my life! 

Which to that I have met some pretty amazing people in the industry here. All of which have been helping me out and giving me possible opportunities. I'm trying to get all the interviews in before I permanently decide what I plan to do with my life. 

The Process

Practice, Practice, Practice...

I was always told to do this. In order to get better you nee to practice and push yourself. Come out of your comfort zone and do something extraordinary. Because in order to achieve you need to try. 

"But how do you do it?"

To do a lot of my traditional work there is a lot of math involved. 

I graph out the image I want to do (starting with 7 16ths); and whether I want to do something bigger or smaller I will either go up or down from there. Then on the actual drawing paper I will measure out exactly 1 inch square boxes. 

Then from there I start square by square and get to work. 

I have been asked this question a lot in my life when it came to my work. First, I always say that I have always wanted to be an artist since I was little. I was the first to put clothes on my stick figures for goodness sakes! Being serious though I have never wavered in my decision for my life long career. So I have been practicing all my life to be at the level that I am and I'm still pushing and practicing to do even more!

And you can do the same.

Just believe in yourself!

Aint That Sweet

I'm an official published Illustrator!

Aint that sweet?!

The book went to print on Monday, August 30th 2015. I will be kept up to date when the books are starting to hit the shelves, but I'm already so excited. The idea of going into a book store and going to the children's section then seeing the book in someone's arms is just exhilarating! The idea of bringing a bright smile to a child's face is what thrills me!

Now don't kill me, but I can't announce what the book is called...yet. Though like I said, once I know when the book is officially on shelves I shall let you all know! 

In other news...

In the meantime I have been preparing myself to moving to California. I'll be couch surfing on some of my really good friends sofa's while I look for a job in the industry.

It's time for this small town girl to go to the big city and give it all she's got! I want to be a Technical Artist for a living and I'm not letting anyone get in my way. I'll freelance, eat ramen, get coffee, start at the bottom of the totem pole if I have too. Because you have to start somewhere and where better to start then the bottom. It just gives you more drive to reach that top! 

So wish me luck, and maybe if your hiring me..you should really give me a shot as well! 

With that...

I'll leave you guys with a recent Graphite Piece I did while filling out Resumes. This is probably by far the biggest portrait I have done..for now. The smile is what really captivated me in drawing him (late to be found out as Charlie Hunnam from Son's of Anarchy). I hope you all enjoy..and please critiques are welcome!