On Your Mark
From the Film and Animation Division
Studio Ghibli Cyber Punk. Four words you wouldn't think would go together...but oh they do so well. This is an animated music video created by Studio Ghibli for the song "On Your Mark" for a Japanese rock band. Made waaaay back in 1995 at peak animated cyber punk. I assume they did this for a quick cash infusion between films and to stay sharp...maybe even to explore a different style? Anyway, it's cool.
There's an indulgently long Wikipedia entry on it here: LINK
WATCH IT HERE: LINK
Star Princess Aven
Here's a character design I did of Star Princess Aven recently.
Here's the original drawing I did back in 2012.
and she's in the BG her of the Skull Chaser Japanese Movie post I made a year later.
I've always wanted to put her in a Skull Chaser story, but since drawing comics is too hard, and I'm lazy she never went beyond those two drawings...until now. I'll have to incorporate her in the next comic I do.
The Soviet Triton M1 Midget Submarine
This little guy came across my feed last week and I think it’s a great design, with all the right details.
Information on exactly what this was and when it was used is surprisingly sparse on the internet, despite lots of phots and a model kit made of it. I’m sure there’s details on it in a book somewhere. Regardless, I’m not into it for the history as much as I’m in it for the design. I like the squatty nature of it, the side by side seating is unique, and the teardrop shape has a retro flair to it that’s nice.
You know I’m a sucker for cross-sections:
Here it is on a transport of some sort, but I like to think this is the off-road version.
And here’s one of the pilots. Do not mess with these guys.
-Jake
Pencilish Animation Studios
From the Department of Relationships
Want to own part of an animation studio? Tom Bancroft (Creator of Mushu from Mulan and the popular online art challenge #MerMay) has starting a crowdfunded animation studio via WeFunder: LINK
I’m happy to serve on the advisory board of Pencilish Animation Studios. I love the idea so much. They’ve raised over $200K in a few short weeks and invite you to become an investor as well.
Pencilish is a traditional 2d animation studio that will be making shows for both youtube and streaming. It's got a bunch of industry vets and young talent working together to make this happen. And instead of going to big investors to get the ball rolling they are fan supported. Meaning, you invest in it and if the company succeeds you succeed too. Investors also get to be a part of the behind the scenes of what goes on with the studio and have input on what projects get made.
This is super early stages, but I think it's a great idea and can't wait to see what they produce.
Check it out here: LINK
-Jake
Bunch o’ battle otters....er mice?
I was going through my archives and found these drawings from back in 2010. The first 50 people who bought my Spacecave drawing book got one of these original drawings in their package. Anyone out there still have one of these?
Princess Mononoke
“You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it.” - Princess Mononoke
Happy birthday Miyazaki san, you grumpy old brilliant man!
Princess Mononoke was the first Miyazaki film I saw. Back in 1998, shortly after it came out, my friend @monkeyfeather brought a VHS of it to work and we watched it without a dub and without subtitles. I was entranced by its beauty and audaciousness. I immediately became a fan and wanted to see more films by this studio. I don’t blame Miyazaki for wanting to retire all the time. These things are hard to make and it is an embarrassment of riches to have all the films of his we do have. That said, if he has it in him to make one or two more of these, I wouldn’t mind one bit.
NEW CHALLENGER
My 12-year-old son (Calvin) and I have been collaborating on a character design for @t.m.wilson’s Character Arena!
Below is my design, Calvin’s original design, and the bio he wrote for the character. Calvin is a fun art director to work with but accepts no compromises😅. Hope you like her!
Robot Round Up
From the Art Department
I breathed new life in some old robot drawings of mine by adding color. I've been wanting to stay active on my IG account, but have little time to draw something new every day so I've been digging stuff out of my archive, tweaking them a little, and posting it up. Engagement is the highest it's been since Inktober. So there's your social media pro-tip for the day!
-Jake
