8 Bit Strange: Porta Ops

A funny simple animation, simple characters, clever idea and funny...had to post, couldn't help myself.

VAN ARTS: Demo Reels

Saw these demo reels and thought they would be helpful giving students who are putting their demo reels ideas for presentation, layout and overall design. Check these out to get some ideas.

Video Games Live: Concert Trailer

Music plays a big part in the video games that we enjoy, it helps sets the tone, storytelling, and some become engrained in our psyche. It is simply impossible to imagine a video game without any music. This program was inspiring, it features many of the songs we know and love in the video games we play performed by a full symphonic orchestra. Simply inspiring and engaging. Personally, I'm particularly attracted to the World of Warcraft compositions. So be sure to check your local PBS station for its next appearance and enjoy.

DC Universe Online: Trailer

A well crafted, dark and brutal brawl / city cage match of everyone we know DC. Thanks Manuel for the heads up. This was awesome.

SIGGRAPH 2010: Animation Festival Reel

Lots of people I know were able to make it to SIGGRAPH this year, the Mecca for all and everything CG animated. Lemme know how things went.

Starcraft 2: Cinematic Opening

Tron 2: Trailer 3

AT-AT Day Afternoon

Clever and amusing. Well worth a minute of your time. Nice work!

Serious Bouncing Balls

As an animation instuctor, we do lots and lots of bouncing balls, and lots of compositing, but you've never seen animated bouncing balls like these, these are brutal.

Can anyone though say the name of the car..."QASHAI"?

E3: What's Hot in Video Games

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What's hot in video games this year? How bout more 3D (across all platforms), Project Natal, Sony Move & 3D HDTV's.

Super Mario Beatbox

Simpy amazing to see how many sounds come out of this guy.

Adidas - Star Wars Cantina

Snoop Dog with a lightsaber? Hell Yeah Foo!

The work on this clip, the blending of the new shots over the original Cantina footage is simply amazing and utterly mesmerizing. Be sure you keep an eye out for other cameos in the Cantina.

Force Unleashed 2 Trailer

Very nice trailer guys - the action is superb! This really should be a movie folks - it looks like one already



For some added enjoyment and puzzle work, be sure you check out the official Force Unleashed 2 Website here >>

Kia Hampsters - Rollin Old Skool

Nice fun little piece with great animation and compositing...makes me want to get one. Hey Luis, thanks for the heads up. Some of us feel like we're driving a washing machine now.

Nathan Fowkes: Concept Artist

Once in a while, you come across an artist who you've never heard of before, but who simply ignites some inspiration. Nathan Fowkes is a concept artist for Dreamworks Animation, who has done work for "How To Train Your Dragon", "The Prince of Egypt" and "Shrek 4". I marvel at his sense of color (color studies) and his sense of composition.

What impressed me the most, was his portrait work.   As an artist, I believe that creating realistic portraits is one of the most difficult things to do. Not only does the face have to be anatomically correct, but it also must feel and look like the person, which in essence strikes an emotional chord. His examples, seen on this link, reminded me to keep doing it during my spare time, to stay sharp and inspired. 

Thanks Kevin for sharing and passing along some much needed inspiration.

Hey Nathan, if you happen to stumble across this blogpost, know that you got some fans here. 

Keep up the great work!