Animated Insanity

Low

2011-12-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, just a quick update on my life at the moment. I had to quit my job on the count that it was working me to the bone while the supervisor and co-workers were jerks. I also have a few injuries from said job that I'm currently nursing. Last but not least my grandfather has passed away today. I've been crying on and off all day, but I'm glad that he doesn't have to put up with his body failing him anymore. Jay and myself will try to have a decent holiday given the circumstances, and I hope ya'll have a good one as well; whatever it is you celebrate. Here's to a stellar 2012, cheers.

A.G.

Sonic Generations: The E True Hollywood Story...or not

2011-11-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, you smart-ass pin cushion! So, I decided to take a different approach for Sonic's 20th anniversary, real hedgehogs have these crazy bug eyes and I just had to draw him like that.XD Don't load up on cake and chili dogs, 'kay?

Sonic Generations is awesome, but those last few doppelganger races prove once and for all that the computer really is a cheating bastard. And remember to watch out for homing shots. *troll face*

Contemplating 29

2011-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Man, I just can't seem to stay healthy this year...

I've been out with the flu which developed into bronchitis with laryngitis leaving me totally sick for my 29th birthday. I could barely taste my steak and ice cream! Eh, shit happens. Still apartment hunting, still trying to figure out what I should do with my life. I haven't drawn that much which kind of worries me, but maybe my brain's taking a breather. The world is scary and cruel, but also exciting and fun; I just wish that I didn't feel caught up in it all. A quiet, peaceful life with all of our debts paid off and living in our own nice little house while entertaining people with my art is all I want. I'm no rockstar artist, I'm too nerdy for that! BTW, does anyone actually still read this blog? Not that it matters, I just haven't heard from anyone since I posted my work on the Dudley commercial last year. How's everything with you guys? Laterz.

Whooeee...dusts the place off

2011-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, remember me? XD

I'm back and really busy... Jason and I are apartment hunting and I'm still looking for steady employment. I've been sick as a dog lately; I've had to take antibiotics three times in the past three months. First, I had a really bad inner ear infection that landed me in the emergency room(Amoxicillin round #1), then my lower two wisdom teeth got infected(Amoxicillin round #2) so I finally said "fuck it" and had them all pulled about a week later(Amoxicillin round #3). On top of all of that, I got dry socket in both of my lower extraction sites and had to be treated for that(hooray for clove oil!); now I'm trying to get over a really bad case of dry mouth. I don't want to see another prescription slip unless its for my normal meds. XP

If that wasn't enough, the doctors and our insurance company basically took us out to the wood shed for the surgery(basically telling us half-truths about the cost only for us to get slammed with an $894 tab almost a month later) and I have to put up with side effects from all the shit I was on.

Also, I was hurt by someone I used to admire; the person in question has helped me a lot when it comes down to art/animation. Cue artist's block: I've barely drawn anything save from some thumbnails for a comic I might put up here. Have I told them that what they said hurt me? Nah, why bother? He's a great guy, but has become extremely disillusioned of the industry and seemingly life in general that I'd imagine he'd just shrug it off or tell me to get a thicker skin. Sorry animation pros, I'm a sensitive person and will always be that way to some extent.

Aside from all of the above and a minor knee injury I'd say I'm pretty healthy, stressed out as all fuck but that's what reading and herbal tea is for. Jason's birthday is on the 30th and I really don't know what to do for him since I've either been sick or recovering the past month....I'll work something out.

I'll try to post some art before the move, until then, laterz.

M.I.A.

2011-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi, folks.

Fighting off an illness so I won't be active for a short while. I have some colored pencil drawings that I may scan and post at some point, my brain is fried from all of the digital stuff. Laterz.

Hook The Traveling Salesman

2011-06-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

I actually started this a couple of years ago and came back to it when I had gotten used to the whole digital painting schtick. Hook T. Wyrm's goal in life is to become a great salesman like his uncle Thaddeus J. Wyrm, a genius inventor who could sell dirt to a dead man. With his uncle's outfit, cane, and bag of infinite holding, Hook travels the globe while creating his own unique gadgets to sell. Always willing to help those in need, he often relies on his quick thinking and wits as much as his quirky inventions.

Donut Dragon

2011-06-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_XpO66KXpU/TefzKID8iBI/AAAAAAAAARo/0A3YgN3KIIE/s1600/donutdragonf.jpg

Finally finished with this one! The second painting in the "Happy Dragons" series, Donut Dragon. Meet Sprinkles, a tiny dragon with a big appetite for the sweet stuff.:B Chugging right along at a steady pace, not looking forward to the summer heat but what can you do?

Welcome To The Fantasy Zone, Doc

2011-05-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Get ready! Another piece of fan art, "Space Hare-ier", with Bugs and Co. going old-school SEGA on us. I was going to draw Taz as the cyclops mammoth, but everyone and their cousin draws him, so the role went to Marc Anthony. He doesn't get nearly enough love these days which is a damn shame. Sylvester as dragon/cat Uriah and Moai Fudd round out the cast. "Yer doin' great!"

Opa Opa Rides Again

2011-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted fan art(or any art for that matter..) so here it is. Sonic and Opa Opa taking off to adventure, or to a burger joint, idunno. Messing around with painting styles here, this was done in Gimp and MyPaint. Laterz.

Hook T. Wrym w.i.p.

2011-05-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is Hook, a traveling salesman who has the solution to most problems via his wits or his bag from the mysterious AnnelidCorp. Gimp 2.6 and MyPaint are my tools of choice. I'm currently working on one other piece, the second entry in my "Happy Dragons" series, Donut Dragon. Laterz.

Strains, Migraines, & Bursitis, Aw Hell

2011-04-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, what's happening? I haven't been online much due to severe migraines and several injuries on my right leg: strained hamstring, quadricep, and adductor with a side of trochanteric bursitis for good measure. I don't know why my muscles are giving out like this and the doctors I've seen haven't been all that helpful so I'm in a bit of a bind. As for the migraines, I had my first migraine with aura which lasted around three days and I had eight more non-aura migraines in the week after that, one that actually caused me to cry from the pain. I had an MRI for my brain and an x-ray for my hip and they both came back normal. Tried physical therapy, but the therapist I got stuck with was a jerk and the place itself was more concerned with siphoning our insurance/cash. Well, I'll pull through, somehow.*shrugs*

I haven't drawn much but I have a few things I'd like to work on once the pain subsides. I'll try to update more often when I'm feeling better. Ciao.

Long Time No Write

2011-02-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, sorry for the absence; I've had a rough few months with my depression and adjusting to my new meds. I'm trying to dig my way out of it, get back to the art, and hopefully I'll have something to post soon. Later.

Derp

2010-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the lack of updates, I'm in the middle of refocusing my efforts to get where I want to be in life. Not gonna bore you with the details, just know that it involves animating, taking classes, someday getting my BFA, and learning Japanese.(Had three years of it in high school and I've been studying it when I have the time but got off-track for various reasons.)

I'm adjusting to my meds but have suffered from several migraines and some other unpleasant medical issues I'd rather not get into. Thankfully, I'm getting better; dammit, I'm too young to be sick all of the damned time.

Haven't drawn that much in terms of cartoons, but I do have a cute picture of Doraemon that I might put up. I blame the lack of art to my studies and somber mood; I tend to get depressed during the winter months.>_<;

I'm excited about cooking for the holidays; I'm gonna roast a pheasant with all the fixings as well as make a small Japanese Christmas Cake to share with Jay. Even over-worked goofballs like us need some romance in our lives. :)

Yuck

2010-11-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Combination Discontinuation Syndrome and prescription drug side-effects are fun...yeah, not really. Hopefully this will pass soon; the headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and brain zaps aren't helping me get shit done. *chugs Pepto*

Get those things AWAY from us!

2010-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Er, the couple that freaks out together stays together? I dunno...

Fan Dumb

2010-10-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Goddamn, guys! Really? All of this bullshit over an imaginary insectivore?! Yer acting as whiny and petty as fans of the animation industry! Oh, wait a sec. *face palms* Anyways...

I'm in the middle of designing my burleytoons site as well as working on some portfolio pieces so stay tooned.

Freelance Animation Posted

2010-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, I finally uploaded the commercial I worked on this past summer, check it out!

http://mindseyeart.blogspot.com/p/animations.html

It's a rough cut, so there's no sound effects or music. I inbetweened and did clean-up on everything from 00:00:04 through 00:00:15 and on Dudley at 00:00:17 to 00:00:18.

Portfolio Blog....oh, snap!

2010-10-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

http://mindseyeart.blogspot.com/

Still a work in progress but at least it's finally up. I'll post my finished pieces on there while using this blog for personal venting, fan art, unfinished stuff, and other odds and ends. Laterz.

No Hedge-Wank Here

2010-10-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sonic 4 is great and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the episodes. For some reason it's harder to hold onto rings here, you'll try the homing attack and hit a bunch of spikes or you'll be cruising along and get tagged by an enemy. I'm glad to see The Fat Man is in top form, that goofy bastard. Speaking of goofy, some of Sonic's animations are funny, especially when you have him look up.XD The rotating maze Special Stages are back, but now you rotate the maze itself to move spine-butt and it's timed. I just hope they don't redo the half-pipe from Sonic 2; that's been done to death! I have to wonder why Sonic Team keeps remixing the first three Special Stages instead of making new ones but I digress. It's a fun game and should keep me busy for a while.

Rant Time

2010-10-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Breeder: Person who has kids but doesn't parent them, basically allowing said children to run wild like little baboons; much to the chagrin of everyone else around them(provided they have braincells)

Did I mention that I positively loathe breeders? Well, I do. Way to go, family of two obnoxious bratlings who ruined our two-year anniversary brunch; you've successfully made me have a mini panic attack from the trauma I've experienced at my fucked-up wedding reception. No matter how hard we try to avoid assholes like you, somehow you always manage to plop yourself right next to us and make our respective blood pressures skyrocket. The only ill-will I wish of you and your lazy-ass parents is that someday you'll experience the same selfishness, frustration, and pain a thousand-fold.

Fancy restaurants are no place for young children, they get bored easily, they probably won't like the food, and they can't appreciate it. Breeders, if you want to go out, you have three options: a) Leave the kids home with a sitter or at daycare, b) go to a family friendly restaurant that will be able to accommodate you,
or c) STAY THE FUCK HOME!!!

Nobody, be it the childfree or good parents who want to have a nice, quiet romantic meal together, wants to hear shrieking, screaming, crying, fist-pounding kids or their brain-dead baby-talking handlers sqwaking while trying to eat and relax! I agree with my husband that there's a dire need for more places that are "adults only" outside of porn shops and strip joints. This country is too freaking obsessed with munchkins, I swear.

!@#%&**@#!%

2010-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

I hate being a beginner animator. Now, I know that any profession requires a certain amount of blood, sweat, and tears in order to excel in it and I don't mind that at all. What gets my goat is the lack of knowledge, the lack of skill, and the lack of any real proof that you can do more than draw goofy pictures. It's like being a child all over again and I hated being a kid. People like to try to take advantage or look down upon those who are just starting out, like you're some sort of adolescent with your head in the clouds.

Yes, it's not the destination; it's the journey and yes patience is a virtue...but I'm frustrated and tired of being stuck in perpetual animator's puberty. I've been drawing since I was eight, that has to account for something! I'm going to be honest with you all; I've had a chance to see my work on the commercial and I freaking hate it. Despite all of those hot, long hours over the light table in a room that had no air conditioning and 90+ temperatures; I bust my ass and did my best. Yet, I can't see it in the commercial. Shit like that makes me want to smash my light table in with a peg bar. Why oh why couldn't artistic prowess be easier to obtain, like physical fitness? Every exercise, calorie, and supplement have very real results which pushes you to train even harder. Art is totally subjective and you'll be drawing yourself running around aimlessly in circles before you get anywhere. *sighs*

No, it hasn't been the best of weeks for me and I'm determined to have awesome work to show for my efforts. I just needed to get this off of my chest. I gotta work out the rest of this stress...

I Made A Funny

2010-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

I can only guess that Pooh would be Kyo...hmm.*shrugs* Now you all can have images of your favorite stuffed emo ass going batshit ala Riot of Blood mode. You're welcome. XD

Brotherly Love

2010-09-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've always wondered if Sonic and Tails had little brotherly spats; I'm sure Tails has gotten a lot of swirlies from his big bro off-camera.

The Artist Is Fried

2010-09-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

I can't draw for shit right now and the people constructing a life-sized replica of the Death Egg on the second floor aren't helping any. *rubs temples* Damn, I hate noise.

On the up side, I can't wait for my new dumbbells to arrive in the mail next week. I'm getting stronger and stronger, pretty soon I'll be able to bench press Jason! Knowing him, he'd actually like that...weirdo. X3 The only thing I don't like about being muscular is that shirt sleeves never have enough room for my arms or my pecs stretch the hell outta them. I always wind up having to buy shirts that are too big for me so that I don't pull a Lou Ferrigno and bust out of a blouse because there isn't a market for mesomorph chicks. *shrugs*

I have so much crap to do, re-re-re-re-rewrite my resume, update my portfolio, get my site running, and sell the hell outta myself; back to this frustrating shit again, woo. I'll never give up, but the life-long working for a while then being jobless for ages 'till the stars re-align themselves again shtick is tiresome. I know I have what it takes and I know that the jobs are out there; I just want to cut through all the bullshit and work, you know?

Laterz.

7x4

2010-09-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my 28th birthday and for the most part it was pleasant. I admit that I enjoy being pampered, who doesn't? Good food and a good man is more than enough for me, despite life's hardships I'm grateful for what I have.

Jobless Again...

2010-09-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well, that was fun. *sighs*

Back to working on the reelfolio and shit. Feh.

Sonic Scribbles 'N Stuff

2010-08-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Been kind of quiet here, so have some Sonic fan art. I'm steadily getting the hang of the whole Assistant Animator deal, but I've been having a bunch of migraine attacks this week(I actually have one right now) which is slowing me down a bit. My hubby's birthday is next Monday, so he gets to be pampered by yours truly ;) It's funny, his birthday is Monday, then two weeks from then is my birthday, and a few weeks from that is our second wedding anniversary. Moar cake for us, I guess. Happy Friday to all and to all a good cheese danish.

Dear Asshat,

2010-08-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Please stop firing your gun at whoever/whatever in front of our apartment every other morning (read 1-4:30 a.m.) scaring the shit out of us and disturbing our rest. We have jobs to go to and refuse to become target practice for a retard with a stolen weapon. Do the world a favor and crawl into some far away alley and shoot your damned self in the head five times, you pathetic waste of cells and DNA.

Love,
A.G.

P.S. You dipshit lawyers who like to jerk the working poor around and Sallie Mae can join him.

Assistant Animator

2010-07-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a job as an animation assistant/inbetweener! I'm very thankful for this job and will do my absolute best on it. Quite nervous though, I've always wanted a chance to show my stuff and now I can. Thanks, Jon...for believing in me, for everything.

Money Is The Root Of All blah blah whatev....

2010-07-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, pretty much sums up our little predicament...

Hardship

2010-07-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Jason and I are going through some really tough times right now. I won't say that I hate life because I love it; I just can't stand some of the people in it.

Nice Dino

2010-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

A big goofy dino and his little birdie buddy. :)

Commissions

2010-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering if any of you would like to commission me for anything. I'll draw mostly anything people, anthro, cartoons, vehicles, etc. you name it. If anyone's interested I'll post a follow-up blog with terms and pricing.

I Swear I Saw A Dragon

2010-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

In between working on yet another storyboard, an animatic, dealing with the old quarter-life crisis(i.e. wanting to be somewhere better in life) and whatnot, I've painted this: A happy dragon enjoying some refreshing summer treats. Took me several weeks on-and-off between several annoying art blocks, but I'm glad it's finished. BTW, this dragon is one of my many drawn alter egos (yeah, that red dragon with the ram horns is Jay for all the folks from DA) and before you ask; no, I'm not a furry.

Sorry for the inactivity, times are hard creatively and otherwise. I'm just glad that I was finally able to finish a digital painting(Take THAT, ConceptArt/ImagineFX/insert elite douchebaggery artturd society here) as I hate to have anything unfinished.

Hope you enjoy the pic and see ya soon.*waves*

Motivation

2010-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

It took me a while to come up with this image; let me explain. A while ago I asked an animator about a couple of my animations. These projects were to get me back into animating after a long hiatus from a nasty experience with an asshole artist. They are rough, and totally drawn in Flash, which has very shitty drawing tools in my opinion and they were meant to be simple and funny. I contacted the animator privately, they seemed nice enough, so I wanted to take him up on his offer of a critique. Instead of responding privately, he posted text walls publicly criticizing them for all the world to see. He came off as if he thought I knew nothing about animation and really seemed to dislike the Benny short in particular.

Here's something else...I also showed the Benny animation to an animation veteran who's been doing this crap for longer than I've been around. He liked it and only noted some technical errors (which I fixed) and could tell that this was practice, not a thesis. The artist in question has been doing this for a few years, but at the same time I still took it to heart. The one thing he kept nagging me about was Benny's motivation;"Why is he waving to the audience?" Because he's friendly and is happy that I've finally animated his ass after creating him in the 90s and damn-near forgot all about 'im. "Why is he there?" Saw the short in a dream, thought it was funny and animated it. And so on. I also got the feeling that he thought my drawings were sloppy.....you try doing a pencil test in Flash by hand directly into the computer and see how vectors rape your work.

I really was hurt by that stuff, so embarrassed that I immediately took both cartoons down. I worked on them nonstop for a couple of months or so and I was rather fond of them until then. Some say grow a thicker skin, but alas, I cannot. I'm a lot better than I used to be when critiqued harshly, but, I put a lot of effort into my work and I expect "professionals" to at least act that way when giving advice. Yeah, this happened and guess what? I'm in the middle of another animation block. I am working my way out of it, I have a short that I'm going to storyboard soon and someday I'll go back and finish the Benny and Jason cartoons. For now, I'm busting out the life drawings and gestures, trying to refine my skills and pick up some new ones on the way.

I've been trying to express my feelings on that incident and one day, months later, I drew what you see above. This is my character's motivation. ME. Unless I'm doing something more grandiose with back story and plot, it's because I told them to. Simple as that. Animating "War and Peace" just to warm up my drawing hand is creative suicide.

Draw, Draw, Go Crazy

2010-04-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yay, (somewhat) new art. Sorry, guys... most of the stuff I'm working on is for conventions or study, but I'll probably be able to post some sketches if anyone's interested. The first pic represents me moving away from various things in life to new and uncharted waters and the second is an experiment with painting hair. Jason and I are going to try to attend this year's Chicago Comic Con and Midwest Furfest in hopes of meeting people and getting our art some much needed exposure.

On a similar note, I keep having dreams where I apply to different companies only to have them throw my portfolio back at me saying that I'm not good enough. Last night it was the folks at Archie...I dunno, I've thought about applying to them to be a penciller for the Sonic comic in the past but I admit I am wary of how artists in different professions treat others outside of their circle.(Despite the fact that for the most part the same basic rules of design, composition, color, etc. apply to all of 'em) I'm starting to believe that art is 98% emotional baggage 1.7% hard work and 0.3% talent, but don't quote me on that. Too much ego in the art world, I wish it were more laid back. That's another reason why I've left all of those "lovely" art sites like DA, FA, whatever...it's a big pissing contest over pageviews and popularity....If you're popular or if you have connections no matter how loose(You drank a bottle of John Lasseter's bath water you bought on ebay) people will go batshit insane over you, no matter how good your art is. On the other hand, you could(for example) be DaVinci reincarnated but nobody gives you the time of day for whatever bullshit reason. Sorry for the tangent, my brain is kinda running thoughts together here.

Damn, I've been animating, designing characters, practicing anatomy, painting backgrounds...no wonder my hand hurts like hell. But, sometimes I don't know when to ease up on things. Gonna rest for a couple of days and see how that works; I've been meaning to get back to playing FFIX. For folks wondering why Jay and myself don't have next-gen systems, well one we're broke and two, we're nostalgic nerds who have yet to play all of our favorite games on the older systems.

This is the part of the post where I blank out and wave bye-bye to the nice peoples.*waves*

Dragon Dudes

2010-04-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of dragon pictures I drew while experimenting with some techniques.

Urgh

2010-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

I hate artist's block... I think I've been stressin' out too much again. I've been studying my ass off with the life drawing and whatnot, but I'm not ready to post anything just yet. Feeling rather blah but I won't bore ya'll with the details, just the regular downs that come with being a struggling artist these days.

Epic Mini Chocobo

2010-03-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Uematsu would love this bird.

Moar Artings

2010-03-23T13:30:00.001-07:00

Battletoads, Aero the Acro-Bat, and Earthbound fan art with the image I made for Groundhog Day. Cheers.

Hudson Art

2010-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Online again

2010-03-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's been a while since I've last been on the interwebz. I've been going through a lot of soul-searching and I've decided to focus more on fine art for the time being. All of the b.s. from the cartooning/animation circuit has put me off on that stuff; now, I'm not saying that I'm quitting before I've even started just that I need to do something else while I'm on this journey of self-discovery. Also, I'm no longer going to be on DA for reasons similar to my taking a break from toons...to quote George Carlin,"It's bullshit and it's bad for you." Anyone wanting to talk or send me a line can do so at my e-mail address at AGBurley@gmail.com.

I do have some cartoon art that I'm going to post soon but after that it's mostly going to be life drawings and fantasy. I hope those of you who enjoy what I do will accept the new art and I truly appreciate your continued support. Mehm.

Brrrrrrr...

2009-12-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

The furnace is on the fritz and the guys fixing it are straight out of a Three Stooges flick. I've lived with no heat in the winter before and I'm not liking it anymore now than I did back then.

Sunny Disposition

2009-11-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Growing up people often called me pessimistic and now it appears my optimism is getting me flack. Oh, well.

Animation Roughs

2009-10-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of roughs I did in Flash back in early Spring of '09. All hand-drawn with a combination of ones and twos with who knows how many frames total. Basically, I was exercising my animation skills after a long hiatus due to being told that,"You'll never get hired drawing like that." Ahh, screw 'em...what do they know? I refuse to let any idiot's over-bearing ego get in the way of my dreams.

Hmm, don't know why the Benny movie is so clippy....Ah, well. The finished versions will be presented uncut on my website when I get it up.

Sonic and the Black Knight

2009-10-13T13:46:00.001-07:00

Seriously, this is the first thing that sprang into my mind when I heard of this game.

Two Reps And A Little Bunny

2009-09-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm Back

2009-09-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, all. Finally back online after several months. Have some fan art for your troubles.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-19T04:29:00.000-08:00

The Hedgehog Rides Again

2008-12-12T09:10:00.001-08:00

My hubby got me Sonic Unleashed for an early X-mas gift; it's really fun. Then again, I'm all about the beat 'em ups when it comes down to action games. The camera is still crazy and Sonic likes to go base-jumping without a parachute when you want him to homing spin an enemy or grab on to a pole, but eh. And Light Gaia aka Chip is cute once you get used to him...."LOOKS LIKE THIS DOOR WON'T OPEN YET, SONIC! COLLECT THE MEDALZ!!"8P

Parappa, Lammy, and Crash

2008-12-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-25T14:22:00.001-08:00

Carmen(chicken zombie in the middle): "Real mature, Jerky! So much for 'birds of a feather', huh?"
Jerky(turkey on the left): "Self-perseveration, kid. It's nothin' personal. Besides, who'd eat a zombie chicken, anyways?"
Carmen: You'd be surprised...
*Both of them read Denby Pig's sign*
Carmen & Jerky: ...
Denby: What?

Happy Early Thanksgiving, folks.

Some New Faces

2008-11-24T05:40:00.001-08:00

Here's some old drawings I did back when I was experimenting with Painter; not going to finish them because I lost interest in 'em eons ago. XD

I Think I Can

2008-11-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

Fan Art Fridays

2008-11-21T05:02:00.001-08:00

I've stopped posting fan art on my DA page because I want to focus on my own creations and some of the fantards on that site are just, ugh. So every Friday I'll try to post some fan stuff here, be it based on my favorite video game or animated television shows. Enjoy.

The Blues Of Not Being "Known"....yet

2008-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Look at the following four images. Go on, I'll wait... Okay? Yeah, y'see the angry black chick there? That's me. And what do all of these pictures have in common(besides me)? I'll tell you; these are my experiences as a young "traditional" animator trying to get her foot in the door and make something of herself. The pictures represent the following: downright desperation, getting my foot in the door only to have it slammed in said door, the emotional games these companies play, and just being cast aside like yesterday's garbage. Now, of course I know that it's no easy task getting a job these days; Termite Terrace is long gone and Chicago is to animation as Antarctica is to nude beaches. No problem, I'm more than willing to relocate. I think that I'm fairly talented and I'm a hard worker, plus I've got some good references. No...I can't get a job because I haven't done any jobs with big name companies or won some shiny award for my artistic endeavors. LOLWHUT? I have experience with smaller companies and I've been working since I was fourteen but none of that counts?

Yes, I need "street cred" to get a job as an animator....who knew?! Since when was animating glamorous? Next time on the Fabulous Life of Celebrity Keyframers....er, no. I was foolishly taught that all I needed to become an animator was a will to learn, the ability to draw, and an open mind. Preston lied to me! *shakes fist angrily* But, seriously....this stuff stings. It's like the emotional equivalent of wiping your butt with a rusty cheese grater. Sometimes the rejections are fast and quick without so much as a real explanation as to why you're not good enough, sometimes they flat out lie and say those magic words,"We'll keep you on file.", yeah, the circular file, sometimes they don't respond at all. For me, it's essentially,"Sorry kid, you've got the talent....but you're not hyper-famous and that ain't marketable! LOL, come back in ten years when we can make some money off of you!!!111one". Sheesh.

One question then; how do ya suppose I'm supposed to get this "star power" if nobody's willing to give me a chance? Okay, fine, I'll accept the fact that this industry is going all rpg on me wanting me to be a level 70 animator; but what honestly makes these companies think that after I get these shiny accolades that I'll want to work for them? After they made me feel three inches tall and wouldn't give me the time of day? That doesn't make sense, especially to an animator who is bitter as I am. I'm only 26, had to drop out on my final year of college because of reasons beyond my control and come from a poor family, the only thing that has kept me going besides the love of my husband is my dream to animate an Academy Award winning film. Am I supposed to keep thinking I'm a nobody because I didn't win an Eisner award in the 3rd grade? Somebody give me a chance! I'm not a number, I'm a human being who wants to work, who wants to animate, who wants to entertain audiences all around the world. And, I made a promise to one of my mentors who is no longer with us that I would never give up on this dream, or on myself.

Hedgehog Boogie

2008-11-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling down recently and I stumbled across this video which cheered me right up! That song has been stuck in my head for days so I wound up drawing a goofy hedgehog. Man, I wish the holidays would get here faster...

Is This Thing On?...

2008-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hi, ya'll. I'm trying this blogging racket yet again, hopefully this time I can stick with it.

For those who don't know me, I'm A.G. Burley, animator, starving artist, and all-around goofball. I'll be using this blog as a visual diary of sorts, posting sketches and whatnot for those who are actually curious about what goes on in my head(all six of you). I have a page on DeviantArt where I tend to only post finished work because that's what folks tend to respond to the most there. Here, I won't shy away from posting something because it lacks "polish".

Anyways, sit back, relax and enjoy.