General Goings On

Things have been pretty busy. Lots of opportunities and everything is in a stage of flux right now. So what have I been up to?

About a week ago, I officially finished the extension of Scottish Screen/Skillset's course G.A.S.P (Generating Animation Skills Programme). Whilst the original scheme, which started in September 2008, focussed on training in animation, the three month extension was based in experience and training of multi-platform and new media productions. That lasted from November 2009 to January 2010. And it's been an interesting few months as i've come to realise that dealing that web production is a very different beast to animation production.

My first placement on the extension saw me at the desks of Me and the Giants; a Glasgow based collective made up of Dave Sapien and Will Adams. I was helping them to develop toys for Babylook; a range of iPhone based games for 0-18 month year olds. The Babylook products entertain me endlessly, which either means I have the mentality of a toddler or they're just plain ol' fun. I like to think it's the latter.

You can read an article in The Times about Babylook and Me and the Giants here. And check out this Started For Six video which features a gormless me, playing Babylook Tickle.

Whilst I was mainly helping with design at Me and the Giants (i've uploaded some of my work from Me and the Giants to my Central Station profile), I also got to dabble in Flash. Have to say, that was hard for my non-coder brain to handle but it was a great experience to have.

My second placement was quite short but sweet, which was at Central Station (hence the welcomes and general loitering on this website!) for three weeks. I haven't really encountered anything like this site before and maybe because there isn't really anything like it out there. But it's taught me quite a bit about who goes on behind a site as big as this and how much is done. And you know...it was quite nice being paid to look at art and research my favourite sound artists all day! ;).

So, yes...now i'm wild and free in the freelance world. Pretty exciting but a little scary. Let's see what it'll throw at me.

P.S - I recently found out i've been shortlisted for Digicult's 2010 Digital Shorts competition which, quite frankly, is freakin' awesome. The story I submitted is based around my experiences of growing up with an autistic sibling and will be developed with Digicult for 2 months. Then, i'll have to pitch the idea again and if they still like it, it will go into production and i'll have my first chance of directing and animating a short film. With a crew! And everything! So maybe the future is bright, eh?

The Monster Blog....

...It's alive!

So, ladies and gents, I present you with a magical new thing.

Myself and illustrator Jason Duckmanton have began a little project called The Monster Blog. We'll be attempting to draw, doodle and generally create a monster of some sorts every day and sharing them on the blog. I think it's great way to keep us drawing as well as giving me an excuse to draw silly creatures (like I need an excuse?) in my spare time.

So, head on over there and keep checking back for more beasties!

Christmas Presents

DSC_0143
Originally uploaded by Jessiola

A little bit late, but better than never. Last year I decided to make the majority of my Christmas presents for my friends and family. I was really pleased with the results, especially this stencilled t-shirt I made for my sister (modelled by her fantabulous self in my parents bedroom, no less!).


Check out my flickr, to see more pictures of the jewellery and badges I created.

Fake Retro Movie Title Screens

Cross posted from Central Station.

After checking out  James Houston's blog post about vintage movie posters, I was inspired to post something I discovered a day ago.

Fake retro movie title screens by Matthew Lyons! Not only hilariously titled, but beautifully made in a wonderful 1950's, Mary Blair-esque style.

I absolutely love these and hope you will too.

Central Station

For the next three weeks (before i'll officially have to go it alone as a freelancer...eep) i'll be working at Central Station back at the studio where my first G.A.S.P placement was, ISO.

What is Central Station? Simple put, it is a social networking website for creatives and anyone interested in art, film and design to talk, work and play with each other. Want to share your napkin doodles with everyone and have an audience? Do that here. Want someone to collaborate with? You could probably find them here. Want to organise an art event in your kitchen? Organise it here! You get the picture.

I'll be working on both the community and production side of things. I've been working for a day and half here and already my head is filled with collaboration and art possibilities, especially when it comes to audio and animation combinations. My profile is here.

Anyway, I urge anyone who is interested in creating to join the community!

P.S Happy 2010 everyone

I have nothing to blame but life for my lack of post-age since October. Lots of things have happened. Lots and lots of things. I promise I will post about these things in good time.

Jason Forrest - War Photographer.

Again, i'm late to the party but the internet is a big place, dammit! Fantastic music video directed by Joel Trussel. Rock gods fighting at sea? BRILLIANT.

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul?

I've found this pretty late, considering i'm a Gnarls Barkley fan, but I still want to share it. A literally heartbreaking video for a single from The Odd Couple, directed by Chris Milk. Really loving this. (NSFW and kind of gory).

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul from Chris Milk on Vimeo.