Animation for You

Today I have some tasty animation tidbits for you, if you are one of the select who appreciates the intricacies of character expression and meaninful narrative. Over the years I have dived into the internet sea of amateur animation on numerous occasions, and though the results have been discouraging at times, a little patience can help separate the wheat from the chaff.

First I'd like to mention John Kricfalusi and his blog, the creator of the classic "Ren & Stimpy" cartoon that aired on Nickelodeon from 1991 to 1996. I find his analysis of animation and facial expressions extremely enlightened and experienced, for he takes the time to reference opinions on old greats like Bob Clampett and Tex Avery from the Looney Toons and Hanna Barbara eras. Occasionally hilarious and usually darned right, he explains that contemporary animation is lazy and uninspired in terms of character design and expression, like the Powerpuff Girls and most other Cartoon Network toons. It makes a good read and I've learned quite a bit between the old and new styles of animation.

Moving on to what can be found on the World Wide Webz, I present SamBakZa, a group of three artists from Korea. I found their artstyle rather cliché, but the narrative of their series and animation of movement in particular is pretty amazing.

Next is Vinnie Veritas, from Mexico. Stop. Right now, and check it out. His animation, while lacking in the extreme detail we're used to on CN, is fantastic in it's artstyle, which could be described as raw. I humbly suggest this flash for starters, remembering that most of the art is mousedrawn and giving attention to the movement/music sychronization. Brilliant.

I saved the best for last, seriously, this is studio quality, high grade product. Adam Phillips and his series Brackenwood is a fine example of expertise in character design, complicated movement and simple yet enthralling narrative. The series is full of chuckleworthy moments with the element of humor always poking out of the larger more complex environment that is the Brackenwood Forest. The animation is absolutely flawless, keep updated on his homepage, where you'll find other morsels like 30 days: 30 shorts.