Comments on: Squash and Stretch Applications (Last part)-

By: Destiny Wood

Destiny Wood — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:39:33 +0000

Hi Mike, I realized that whenever I need help with animation I look at your blog

By: rainplace

rainplace — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:26:20 +0000

Good to hear from you Destiny!

Thank you for your very kind comment- I feel much honor then

Stay happy!!!

By: Patrick Semple

Patrick Semple — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:36:24 +0000

that was an excellent post, thanks for the advice as always.

By: Chan Ghee Leow

Chan Ghee Leow — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:44:47 +0000

This has been another inspiring evening visiting your blog, which led me to two other blogs by Matthew Long and Miyuki Kanno. It’s been very educational learning from them what they learn from you.

Can I ask you for some advice for a non-US resident wanting to break into the (2D) animation field in the States? Hand drawn animation is something which I’ve always wanted to pursue, but I’ve never been in an environment where I can find true mentorship to nurture this passion. I took a 2D animation course for a year in Malaysia, but it’s been an uphill struggle trying to get better at this on my own since (http://vimeo.com/6072598). Is it plausible for a non-student to seek internship work in the States?

Thanks again for these all posts. I don’t always comment, but I really do take my time studying all your notes!

By: rainplace

rainplace — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:03:07 +0000

Thank you Patrick

Thank you too Chan Ghee Leow

In regard to your question, it’s abit difficult to answer; it depends on alot of different factors. Currently, the 2D field in the States is still suffering from studios wanting to do 3D films; i think it will swing back to more 2D productions when someone come out with a next giant 2D hit. It is unfortunate that hypes and trends often define by commerce, and often giving false assessment to the vitality of a creative medium.

Internship will likely very difficult as well because mainly resources…

But then, if one proves to be exceptional at what one does, then all types of doors are open. We each have ability to open doors and making things happen if we are willing to put full focus to creative pursuits.

In regard to improving your 2D works, i feel the answer is within you; just needing time; let your eyes sense your movements, looking to see if it feels right. (We can do it with sound; if a musical note is a bit off, even if we’re not musically trained, we can tell something is not sounding quite right…)

All my best wishes!!!!

By: Chan Ghee Leow

Chan Ghee Leow — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:09:02 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, Mike. I too feel that it is rather sad so much of what we do is being dictated by trends, which is probably why I picked up 3D animation in the first place a years ago. While I could still enjoy animating in 3D, I’ve lately been rediscovering nothing really sets me on fire like seeing a line test bursting with life and energy, and it is this train that I want to be on.

You have given me a new drive to pursue what I really love (which hopefully will open impossible doors). Hopefully I’ll be able to thank you in person one day for this spark of confidence

By: Jeremy Hopkins

Jeremy Hopkins — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:02:51 +0000

Hi Mike, I’m very impressed by the quality and passion of your work. When I first saw the trailer for My Little World years ago, it brought about a feeling of nostalgia which reminded me of the best days from my childhood. After reading your blog, I can see why your work evokes those feelings. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and love for animation.

By: rainplace

rainplace — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:29:13 +0000

Thank you Chan Ghee Leow

In life, there are things we have to do, out of nessessity; then there remains time where we do what we truly want. (The best is to have both at the same time); regardless, life is GRAND when we set our passion to flight, however capacity that is… Look forward to saying hello to you in person some day; and for the mean time, all my best wishes!

Thank you Jeremy

Hope you will like the completed MY LITTLE WORLD hopefully some day soon! (You feedback makes our hard road worthwhile )

By: polyminthe

polyminthe — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:49:38 +0000

hello mike, I follow your blog but never leave any comments. This time I felt like doing it. Thank you for sharing all of this with us, that is priceless.
I admire your work very much.
I almost met you in Ireland few years ago but I had to leave before you arrived. An other time maybe…

By: rainplace

rainplace — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:56:33 +0000

Hello Sylvain,

Thank you very much for your very kind feedback! Your works are wonderful as well! Look forward to meeting you some day…