I feel so bad for not posting much, but I have been too dang busy for my own good? I say that as a question because the things I’ve been occupied with are industry related and always have the chance to help me in my goal.
At the beginning of the month, of course, I went to Dr. Sketchy’s LA, but the model was fidgety (understatement of the year) and I kind of forced myself to go, so basically I’m not as pleased with my work this time around.
Also in that week was the Los Angeles Animation Festival (I think they missed the boat on calling it the LAAF Fest, where the F stands for ‘film’ instead, but that’s just me). I got to meet some animation celebs both widely known and industry known, filmed an interview for Hollywood Today, and endure several misadventures. It started on Wednesday, and concluded the following Sunday, at which point my body totally gave out and I spent most of the day recuperating.
Every other second of my spare time since (when I didn’t have to deal with crummy life things), has been spent on preparing my submission to the Nickelodeon Artist Program, where they sift through thousands of entries and in two rounds of review choose 2 people to take on in an apprenticeship-type role for half a year. As of yesterday my portfolio is awaiting review and I hope I do well. I have been under so much stress, exacerbated by the fact that I did have to spend time doing crummy things like working my regular job, getting a new fridge, and walking 2 miles round trip to a post office that wouldn’t deliver packages to my door like usual. (When I got there the line for pick-up was really long, I’m thinking my mail carrier was being lazy.) Despite all that distraction I managed to finish and I… well I don’t know. I feel good but now it’s the wonder of what the reviewers will say, and what do I do with myself now that I have free time again? More portfolio work is a saafe bet, since I don’t know what round 2 of reviews is.
However, my busy schedule isn’t done just yet. PSYCH!! Last night I went to the LACMA for a special presentation of UPA cartoons, in conjunction with the release of a book on the history of the studio, and a complete collection DVD. For those who aren’t familiar, UPA is the short-lived studio that brought us Mr. Magoo. Along with the studio’s own shorts, there were also played (all on 35mm) cartoons from big name studios who tried to mimic the style, a testament to just how influential the slick, post-war, graphic style was. Speaking of style, tickets to the event also got me into the small installation at the museum which showcased ‘California design’. Much of it was minimalist and geometric, showing heavy leanings to the wonders of the atom and space travel. There was also major influence brought forth by the Latino and Asian communities, as well as other immigrants to Southern California at that time. Architecture at the time focused on wide open, bright areas with few walls dividing rooms, and funky room accents in wild colors or unusual shapes. Literally The Jetsons, sans the technology.
Tonight I expect to be networking with animation peeps at an after party in LA, and tomorrow I might be attending an event where a film I helped work on will be playing. THEN, by April 2nd, I will actually have time to relax.
*passes out*