The DIY Animation Show

Jim Lujan is truly a DIY Animation Champion. Having created 50+ original shorts as well as co-creating Revengeance, a full-length feature collaboration with legendary animator Bill Plympton, Jim understands just how powerful a ‘Do It Yourself’ attitude can be.

Today we cover:

Revengeance, Jim’s collab with DIY Animation Pioneer Bill Plympton.

- Jim’s take on the DIY spirit.

- Creating his own indie animation festival.

- Nuts-and-bolts tips for creating impactful titles.

- Jim’s thoughts on the key to a good idea.

This episode is a production of The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.

Our theme music is provided by Azureflux.

For Children’s Book creators, it has never been easier to Self-Publish… But is Independent Publishing the best way? In today’s episode, Mike Sundy, former Pixar crew member and best-selling Children’s Book author talks about: Do you really need a big publisher? How to market your own independent Children’s Book. “Hybrid Publishing” and why you might […] The post Indie Vs Traditional Publishing with ‘Part Of My Heart’ Author Mike Sundy :: Stories Unbound #16 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Literary Agents and Artist Representatives can often open doors for Authors and Illustrators in the Children’s Book Industry… But is having an Agent essential for building your career? In today’s episode, publishing experts Giuseppe Castellano (Art Director: Penguin Random House), Julie Olson (Author/Illustrator: Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea) and Russ Cox (Author/Illustrator: Far […] The post Building Your Kidlit Career: Agents :: Stories Unbound #15 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In the first two parts of this interview, Alex and Lindsay Small-Butera shared their journey creating Baman Piderman and provided insight on the importance of pursuing your dream project.

Today in part three, Alex and Lindsay talk about the one most vital thing a DIY animator needs.

This episode is a production of The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.

Our theme music is provided by Azureflux.

In part one of this interview, we learned a brief history of Baman Piderman, from its origin to its time at Mondo Media, and touched on the resonating power of making the type of work you personally want to see more of.

Now, in part two, we see how Lindsay and Alex‘s determination to turn Baman Piderman into a reality became the catalyst for a host of unexpected opportunities.

This time, we find out:

- Where Lindsay and Alex feel DIY is going.

- Working on Clarence and Adventure Time.

- What a strong relationship with their audience did for Lindsay and Alex’s Kickstarter.

- Having your voice be the drive of the things you make.

This episode is a production of The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.

Our theme music is provided by Azureflux.

'Beast of Burden' assignment from 'Painting Drama 1' by Ian Rosenthaler

Hey, friends! We have two exciting OA announcements for you:

1.) We *finally* have a new release date for The DIY Animation Show (Wednesday, December 7th)

…and…

2.) Auditions for the next generation of Painting Drama open this month!

To get all the details, listen to the audio announcement via the media player below…

Listen To The Audio Announcement: http://traffic.libsyn.com/oatley/OA_Announcement_Dec62016_DIYA_PD1G6_Announcement.mp3

[ download the mp3 ] [ subscribe in iTunes ]

Announcement Highlights:

1.) The DIY Animation Show will launch Wednesday, December 7th!

After a sudden slew of mysterious tech issues deflated our launch celebration, The DIY Animation Show is finally working!

When we announce the launch on Wednesday, December 7th, could you please:

- Subscribe to the show in iTunes. - Download all of the episodes. - Tell a friend.

…and if you have time to give us a star-rating or write a review, that would also be amazingly helpful!

If we can create enough download and review activity on launch day – Wednesday, December 7th – iTunes will take notice and promote the show in their “New and Noteworthy” section.

That, as you might imagine, would be significant.

Of course, on launch day, we'll post reminders in our podcast feeds, on our various social media platforms, and via email.

2.) 'Painting Drama' Auditions will open within the week: 'Painting Drama' work by Sara Burke

Auditions for the next generation of Painting Drama (Chris Oatley's mentored course on composition and developing your visual voice) will open within the week.

- Class will run for 12 weeks with a 1-week break at midterm. - Class will begin January 14th and will be held live, online on Saturdays from 7:30am-1:30pm PT. - This year I will be offering additional (optional) open office hours on Thursdays. - We will offer audition opportunities to Magic Box and Storytellers' Summit students first. - Learn more about Painting Drama here, here and here.

Thank You!

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your patience while we worked through the DIYA launch delay.

Also, thank you for emphatically expressing your desire for more Mentored Courses in general and, specifically, more Painting Drama opportunities.

Your unbridled enthusiasm and never-ending support is what keeps us going and ultimately makes OA what it is.

We couldn't do any of this without you.

Gif by Lauren Morse

Any Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact OA support or post in the comments below!

The post [Announcement] New Release Date for 'DIY Animation' + 'Painting Drama' Auditions Open Soon! appeared first on The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.

Welcome to The DIY Animation Show, the do-it-yourself guide for Independent Animators!

Alex and Lindsay Small-Butera are the lovely creators behind YouTube sensation, Baman Piderman, and have recently directed and guest-animated on not one, but two shows on Cartoon Network.

Today we cover:

- The Origins of Baman Piderman.

- How nonsensical humor and established rules go hand in hand.

- Working with Mondo Media.

- Making the kinds of shows you want to see more of.

- And making the internet a more loving place!

This episode is a production of The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling.

Our theme music is provided by Azureflux.

Samantha Kallis is an Art Director at Dreamworks TV Animation Studio, and the illustrator of The Fantastic Frame chapter book series, written by Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI. Join us today as we talk about: How Social Media (Tumblr and Twitter) landed Sam her first job in animation. Pros and Cons of having different […] The post Interview with DreamWorks Animation Art Director and Children’s Book Illustrator Samantha Kallis :: Stories Unbound #14 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Creative community is vital for kidlit illustrators and authors. In this episode, guest co-host Manelle Oliphant and I talk about: How to get the most helpful feedback from your Critique Group. Keeping criticism positive with the “Critique Sandwich” technique. Digital vs. physical meetups. How Critique Groups deepened our understanding of the children’s publishing industry. How your […] The post Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 2): Critique Groups :: Stories Unbound #13 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

If you’re a children’s book creator feeling daunted by the industry and disconnected from your community, conferences could be your solution! Join me (Shawna) and our guest co-host Manelle Oliphant for a conversation about: Why ​Conferences are crucial for newbies and offer new opportunities for seasoned pros. How Conferences can help you find your niche […] The post Launching Your Kidlit Career (Part 1): Conferences :: Stories Unbound #12 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.