Wes Riojas Animation

My blog has moved

2008-11-02T22:07:00.001-06:00

www.cartoonmeltingpot.wordpress.com

Almost too busy to post

2008-07-13T00:49:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone,

Work has been busy. I'm developing a butt load of motion graphics for CiCi's upcoming Fall teaching conference. My plan was to post a bit of it here and show some of the steps I take from beginning to end, but that'll have to wait until I can get some breathing room. I'm totally booked through mid August, but I just added one more project to the mix that I'll be solely producing. I've hired the guys from Toons-N-Design that I worked with on the 3 animated shorts for Comedy Central to do most of the work. I'm looking to do more of this because it's a great revenue stream without me having to do all the backbreaking labor.

Animation Mentor news is that I registered to participate in the Fall Maya workshop that'll go from Sept 29th through December. I can't wait to get my information I need so that I can go out and purchase the software I need with my student discount.

I've told my CiCi's contacts about Animation Mentor and they are all happy for me. I have yet to tell anyone about my animation pursuits and receive any push back. Everyone seems to believe as I that this is truly a perfect fit for me.

I'm dying to find time to practice character animation on my own. I know I'll have more time late in August to really begin to jump into nothing but animating cartoons, but I still think about it constantly.

I'm reading a new book called "Ideas for the Animated Short". It's been great so far. It's an easy read that actually contains solid content. I'm really excited about another great book soon to be released by the legendary '90's animator, Eric Goldberg. He's most famous for animating the Genie in the original Disney film, Aladdin.

Wall-E controversy

2008-07-05T11:27:00.003-05:00

Okay, Wall-e doesn't die.

However, the film is receiving a bit of criticism for having a political message. Here's a post that criticizes the film (beware, it's full of spoilers). And here's an interview with the writer/director of Wall-e, Andrew Stanton who defends himself against these criticisms (Look toward the middle of the interview).

Mayerson Blog

Andrew Stanton interview

Interesting stuff.

Animation Mentor in the News and other stuff

2008-07-03T23:51:00.008-05:00

For everyone whose wondering what Animation Mentor is all about, check out the ABC interview below. It's a little dated, early 2007, but it's still relevant.

You can also check out the school at: www.animationmentor.com if you'd like to see more.

Today, I purchased my first animation disk. This is what traditional 2D animator's use to animate cartoons. If you haven't ever seen or heard about one, here's the one I just bought.

Yeah, I know. It looks weird. I'll post some picks when I get a chance to put it to good use.

The next thing I need is a table for this disk to set into and I'll be ready for pencil and paper animation.

Well, I thought I would post a short review of Pixar's latest movie, Wall-e, but I'll wait. For now though, all I'll say is, it's extremely sad when Wall-e dies. If you haven't seen it, sorry to spoil it for you.

Animation Mentor News

2008-07-02T18:04:00.003-05:00

Well, it didn't take 3 weeks to hear back, it was only a matter of days. The great news is, I've been accepted into the Animation Mentor program.

I have two options to choose from when it comes to starting the program. I can begin Class 1 on September 29th or I can take a prep workshop on the animation program Maya. Taking the workshop pushes my start date back until late January. I want to get started ASAP, but a getting comfortable with this new complex program such as Maya could save me lots of time and headaches down the road. I'm not sure what I'll do. I guess it just depends on what they'll be teaching and the cost. I have access to Maya training now. So, I might start learning it at my own pace now so that I can finish AM 3 months earlier.

Working around the clock

2008-07-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

It's been crazy the last several days. I worked an all-nighter animating walk cycles for a cartoon short which will air on Comedy Central. I did receive an email from Animation Mentor to take the Wonderlic Test. Today, AM informed me that they will make a decision on my acceptance or rejection into the program within a 2 weeks or so. I can't wait.

Anyway, I'll keep it short today. I probably should get some sleep for tomorrow.

Animation Mentor

2008-06-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

I've discovered a great opportunity to study character animation, Animation Mentor. I applied the other day and I should hear back in about 3 weeks if I get accepted. It's an 18 month professional online animation school. I'm jumping back into higher eduction because this is my last great hope to launching my animation career. I'll be turning 30 in August, it's time to move things into high gear or I'll never get in the game. My lofty goal is to get hired at Disney. The truth of the matter is that I'd love to join any of the 5 large animation studios, but Disney is the highest achievement in animation.

This blog will capture my journey there. I invite everyone interested to join me.