Ignite Teaser

Teaser for my film, Ignite! The full 2.5 minute animation will premiere on May 7 at the CCA Animation Show!

Enjoy!

Sleepy Peet

A New Crop of Trees

This is another set of trees, when they are complete, it will bring the total up to eight!

The Forest is Growing

I covered the foam tree trunks in brown paper mâché

Dragon Beauty Shot

Puppets Are Done!

Ignite Environment Design

I've been really challenged to design the set for Ignite. I keep bouncing between setting it in a cave or the forest. I think the set will be come a lot clearer once I see the colors that the physical puppets turn out to be, as well as the effect of real light and shadow. 

Right now, I am leaning towards a birch forest, keeping the colors in the set to a minimum. 

Chain Mail

Okay! My teacher officially told me I am crazy. I bought a 1mm crochet hook and have been crocheting metallic thread for the chain mail for the knight. I got the idea from the commentary from Monty Python's Holy Grail. Apparently, the chain mail for that film was all just loosely knitted hoods. Also the special features for Laika's Coraline showed the minuscule hand knitted sweaters for the puppets. Combined those two ideas and bam! Miniature knitted chain mail! 

Wish me luck.

More Character Sketches

Knight Puppet Body Build

I blocked out the Knight's body! I wrapped layers of athletic pre-wrap foam (available at the drugstore) until I got the shape I wanted. 

Knight Armature

Yesterday I completed the lashed aluminum wire armature for the knight! He'll have brass stock in his forearms so I can make replacement hands for the puppet. 

I had to petition my school to be awarded a studio space. I am certainly putting it to good use!

IN BETWEEN Reception

Thank you to everyone who saw the show! The work looked amazing and we had a fantastic turn out. 

For those of you who couldn't make it here are some photos of my work in the gallery! 

Ignite Character Model Sheets & Dragon Anatomy

Ignite Character Designs

Inspiration and reference material along with the current character designs!

Ignite Knight Outfit and Emblem Variations

Ignite Dragon Clay Sketches

Ignite Character Designs

The Knight has been designed in collaboration with Simon Thelning. Check out his work at www.simonthelning.com

Ignite Dragon Head Variations

I want the dragon to be mischievous, like a rambunctious puppy.

Maybe one of these will capture that

Sad Walk Cycle Breakdown

Sad Princess & Poses