Nonfiction of the Week for July 27: Animation Unleashed (Part 2)
Animation Unleashed by Ellen Besen and Bryce Hallett
Bryce Hallett is an independent Canadian animator who lives and works in Toronto. He is a graduate of Sheridan College classical animation program and Canadore college's Graphic Communication Program. Bryce has been creating many cartoons with his company Frog Feet Productions since 1999.
He is the illustrator for the nonfiction book "Animation Unleashed" and I had the immense pleasure of interviewing him via email to find out more about the animation process and his influences and career. He was kind enough to provide the library with some images that demonstrate the creative process for an illustrator/animator.
Question #1: How difficult is it to get work as a professional animator?
Answer: There are always some times that are busier or slower than others of course but I think if you're always working at improving your skills, you get the work done on schedule and if you are willing to relocate or travel, especially in your first years i think your chances of gettign work are pretty good. You have to be flexible.I've been lucky in that i've managed to stay in the Toronto area for my entire career but I have friends who have travelled all over the globe and they've enjoyed that.It really depends on what sort of animation you want to do. Whether it's video games or tv commercials or internet or whatever. Certain cities have more happening in some types of animation than others. For instance Montreal has a lot of video game companies and Ottawa has a lot of tv series work, vancouver is known for special effects etc so you would probably go where the work you want to do is. You may also work at many different companies over time going from project to project. If people enjoy working with you and you can do a consistently good job, after a couple of years i don't think you'll lack for fairly steady work.
Question#2: What type of things allow you to work creatively as an animator/ illustrator? Do you ever get drawing blocks?
Answer: Sure i think everyone hits a wall creatively now and then. I usually try and get away from my desk when that happens. Go outside, sketch something, find some inspiration. Art galleries, the zoo, sitting on a bench somewhere and just sketching the people and things you see around are all good. I like to go to book stores like Labyrinth on Bloor st or the Beguiling and looking though all their cool art books and comics and often i'm inspired by those. Sometimes it's good to do something completely different all together like go for a hike or chores.. it lets the creative side of your brain just work away in the background and gives it a rest.
Question#3: What influenced you to become an animator/illustrator? Where there any pieces of work that influenced you much more than others?
Answer: I've always loved to draw. When i was a kid my mom used to teacher kinder garten and had all these art supplies and things to decorate the classroom and my dad worked as a draftsman he'd bring us to the office on weekends while he worked and just give us piles of design markers and old blueprints and my sister and I would spend all morning drawing on the back of them. So i got a lot of practice then. I spent a lot of time reading comics and watching cartoons too. I used to love Asterix and also the Smurfs and i remember learning a lot of little tricks and techniques reading those comics and seeing how they drew things. Newspaper comics inspired me a lot too. I'd even make my own that were largely just rip offs of existing styles and strips when i was in grade school. Eventually i'd create my own characters. I think i preferred the cartoony styles instead of the comic book styles because i just found the super-heroes to difficult to do. But i still tried. I really liked Neil Adams and Brian Boland's work and especially Dave Mckean who used all sorts of mixed media in his art and many different styles. My stuff looks nothing like any of those guys but i stil love trying lots of different styles and techniques so they inspired that way.
In high school I had a video camera that could almost, but not quite, do stop frame animation and I made a lot of little cartoons with my action figures. I just loved making these toys move and live and doing really stupid stories and all the voices myself. It was just very cool to make these things come to life even in this really crude manner. I just had so much fun.Later i was fairly heavily influenced by the style of the Batman Animated Series and also Wallace and Gromit. The first time i saw The Wrong Trousers it just blew me a way. I couldn't get enough but i had already made up my mind that i wanted to animate by then.
Question#4: Who would you consider one of the most influential animators/ illustrators of the 21st century?
Answer: I have absolutely no idea. It's difficult, especially in animation, because it's usually done as a team instead of individuals ( there are exception's of course . heh) Although there are people like Myazaki, Tim Burton, Bruce Tim, John K, Craig Mckraken, Nick Park and many many others who's style definitely has had a huge impact and you can see other people using their styles or being inspired by them heavily in their work.
I think one of the most influential illustrators is actually someone from the 20th century, Mary Blair. She did a lot of concept work for Disney starting in the 1940's. She did a lot of very colorful and imaginative stuff. Her drawings and paintings a filled with really good design.Not a lot of her work actually made it into the films but many of her drawings and illustrations have been published since, and you can see her influence in a lot of curent animator's and illustrator's works. Form the Pixar's stuff to Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.
It is really difficult to narrow it down to who is the most influential. I don't think there really is one single person and i think everyone is inspired by many many different sources from animation to sculpting to painting , movies, photos etc etc and it all gets blended in.I guess we won't really know until we look back and see all the work that's been produced who or what influenced animation this century the most.It's just too early to tell, we've barley begun!
I think that Bryce gave some amazing answers and I hope that his interview will help to inspire up and coming illustrators. Who knows, maybe you who is reading this could be the most influential illustrator of this century!
Many thanks to Ellen and Bryce for their time in allowing us to interview them and giving such fantastic answers.
Jr. Mint is a youth librarian with the Toronto Public Library, mainly because he refuses to grow up. He reads as much esoteric stuff as he can.
152 thoughts on “Nonfiction of the Week for July 27: Animation Unleashed (Part 2)”
Hey… I love this book already… can’t wait to read it.lol
Hey… I love this book already… can’t wait to read it.lol
me too!
me too!
I don’t really know who Bryce Hallett is but by reading the description I think that hes a great author and I should start reading his books. Especially this one because this book sounds great to me .
I don’t really know who Bryce Hallett is but by reading the description I think that hes a great author and I should start reading his books. Especially this one because this book sounds great to me .
wow! i saw this book in a book store and i was like wow that looks famliar and i was like o yeah that was one of the books recommeneded by Word Out! And the book store guy was like hey this is a great book i read it and yea so now i am pretty sure this is a great book!! I was hoping he was going to let me borrow it but he didn’t! Bummer in the Summer:(
wow! i saw this book in a book store and i was like wow that looks famliar and i was like o yeah that was one of the books recommeneded by Word Out! And the book store guy was like hey this is a great book i read it and yea so now i am pretty sure this is a great book!! I was hoping he was going to let me borrow it but he didn’t! Bummer in the Summer:(
Sounds like a Fun read!!!!
Sounds like a Fun read!!!!
It’s amazing how many wonder people live in toronto and we have never even knew they where here. and ya also judging from this Bryce seems like a honest to goodness author
It’s amazing how many wonder people live in toronto and we have never even knew they where here. and ya also judging from this Bryce seems like a honest to goodness author
Oh and i’ll be sure to check this book out. if not for myself then for my sisters
Oh and i’ll be sure to check this book out. if not for myself then for my sisters
Righnow i started reading a book called ‘Twisted’ by Laurie Halse Andreson. any books by this author is A W S O M E. I personally adore her books. One of my favourite author. And so far this book is so good!!!
Righnow i started reading a book called ‘Twisted’ by Laurie Halse Andreson. any books by this author is A W S O M E. I personally adore her books. One of my favourite author. And so far this book is so good!!!
I want to try to read that book
I want to try to read that book
sounds alright im not hooked though
sounds alright im not hooked though
Cool.
Cool.
This is a very intresting book i’ve had the chance to have read it and i really liked it so i suggest that if anyone is interested in this they should definately check it out
This is a very intresting book i’ve had the chance to have read it and i really liked it so i suggest that if anyone is interested in this they should definately check it out
I actually have a lot of friends who are majorly into animeation and i know that this could help them out so this book is really good, cause it seems to have alot of helpful information
I actually have a lot of friends who are majorly into animeation and i know that this could help them out so this book is really good, cause it seems to have alot of helpful information
YAY it seems i’ll be able to go anyways. so i’ll defiantely try it out
YAY it seems i’ll be able to go anyways. so i’ll defiantely try it out
good?
good?
Nice!
Nice!
I wanna try it.
I wanna try it.
I actually heard on the news several days ago that Japanese animators are finding it difficult to earn money from their creations. They say that they earn around only $2 for a page that they draw. I think this is rather disappointing news, because think about their hard work in making all those great characters and cartoons! I feel really sad for them.
I actually heard on the news several days ago that Japanese animators are finding it difficult to earn money from their creations. They say that they earn around only $2 for a page that they draw. I think this is rather disappointing news, because think about their hard work in making all those great characters and cartoons! I feel really sad for them.
Kiu: That is terribale, i know so many people who love the artwork of the japanese people inclusing myself.
Kiu: That is terribale, i know so many people who love the artwork of the japanese people inclusing myself.
Maybe they can do something to bring more attention to their problem that way more people will support them
Maybe they can do something to bring more attention to their problem that way more people will support them
It would be pretty cool if i could ever draw my own animation though it’d probaly be at a kindergratend level. i’ve been known for my horrible drawing it still would be cool though to see my art come to life like that
It would be pretty cool if i could ever draw my own animation though it’d probaly be at a kindergratend level. i’ve been known for my horrible drawing it still would be cool though to see my art come to life like that
Even though I’m not that interested in animation, I think I’ll give this book a try. It looks like a good book!
Even though I’m not that interested in animation, I think I’ll give this book a try. It looks like a good book!
Ya it does doesn’t it. i think more people should try that. most would be surprised at how interesting something if if they just try it.
Ya it does doesn’t it. i think more people should try that. most would be surprised at how interesting something if if they just try it.
I think it’s always better to try something new. that’s probably why i’m willing to give this book a shot at least if i don’t like it i’ll know someone who will
I think it’s always better to try something new. that’s probably why i’m willing to give this book a shot at least if i don’t like it i’ll know someone who will
Though i’m utterly terrible at drawing i sometimes like to do it and it’s always wonderful to see your creation come to life.
Though i’m utterly terrible at drawing i sometimes like to do it and it’s always wonderful to see your creation come to life.
And i mean it my drawing before has even been compared to a kindergarten drawings. And my written some has said it’s like chicken scratch others says it look like start which i still think is not completely true
And i mean it my drawing before has even been compared to a kindergarten drawings. And my written some has said it’s like chicken scratch others says it look like start which i still think is not completely true
I’m actually not to bad at drawing so it was nice to have gotten some helpful tips for future art classes i might have later on
I’m actually not to bad at drawing so it was nice to have gotten some helpful tips for future art classes i might have later on
So i’d suggest this book to artistic people and non artistic people just because it helpful for everyone
So i’d suggest this book to artistic people and non artistic people just because it helpful for everyone
I’ve never actually tried reading animation before.. Should be a different experience. Looking forward to it actually!
I’ve never actually tried reading animation before.. Should be a different experience. Looking forward to it actually!
Yup same here. i’m usually more into novels, until last year where i discovered manga and fell in love.
Yup same here. i’m usually more into novels, until last year where i discovered manga and fell in love.
If anyone likes this book you should try reading some manga’s they’re more intresting than you may have previously thought
If anyone likes this book you should try reading some manga’s they’re more intresting than you may have previously thought
I completely agree. i only recently found out how intrested i was in manga’s and graphic novels this year. when my best friends showed me her book
I completely agree. i only recently found out how intrested i was in manga’s and graphic novels this year. when my best friends showed me her book
I’m going to get this book tomarrow on the hold stand. I cant wait to read it!
I’m going to get this book tomarrow on the hold stand. I cant wait to read it!
I really must read more nonfiction.
I really must read more nonfiction.
This sounds good!
This sounds good!
Yup it is and you should
Yup it is and you should
Reading non fiction i mean it more fun than most people realize
Reading non fiction i mean it more fun than most people realize
Well today i’ll be going to the lirary and i just hope my books will be there
Well today i’ll be going to the lirary and i just hope my books will be there
sorry meant library
sorry meant library
I love animation now lol
I love animation now lol
Really fun although i still need to practise on my drawing xD
Really fun although i still need to practise on my drawing xD
lol yeah i’ll look more into animation
lol yeah i’ll look more into animation
Seems really kewl
Seems really kewl
I loved animemation, but then it became repetive and boring. but i’m still holding out for another good one
I loved animemation, but then it became repetive and boring. but i’m still holding out for another good one
Actaully the one that the libarian showed us looked really good so i might take a looka t that
Actaully the one that the libarian showed us looked really good so i might take a looka t that
Ahhh what would we do without Animation. it’s truly one of the pillars of our entertainment world atleast for me
Ahhh what would we do without Animation. it’s truly one of the pillars of our entertainment world atleast for me
Umm hi everybody, i really like anime well becuase it’s simply very intresting and wonderful to watch
Umm hi everybody, i really like anime well becuase it’s simply very intresting and wonderful to watch
Though i’m not that very good at drawing i like drawing and will love to borrow this book
Though i’m not that very good at drawing i like drawing and will love to borrow this book
Anime is very nice so far i’ve watched over 30 anime’s but sadly i have problems finishing them
Anime is very nice so far i’ve watched over 30 anime’s but sadly i have problems finishing them
oh, nice! love the book
oh, nice! love the book
Yup same here looks really good
Yup same here looks really good
Anime is awesome. i jsut hope they start bringing out the better ones soon
Anime is awesome. i jsut hope they start bringing out the better ones soon
It truly is without anime we’d probaly be all pretty bored right now
It truly is without anime we’d probaly be all pretty bored right now
Whoa i havn’t even heard some of them names, it’s sad that these people aren’t getting reconized more for their great creation
Whoa i havn’t even heard some of them names, it’s sad that these people aren’t getting reconized more for their great creation
You know that is absolutely true, there are way, way to many famous important artists, writers, and other people there we don’t even know about but their names are in the credits yet we never pay attention. and we should definately start.
You know that is absolutely true, there are way, way to many famous important artists, writers, and other people there we don’t even know about but their names are in the credits yet we never pay attention. and we should definately start.
It’s nice to hear from an animationa artist on what inspried him and such. so thank you for this interview
It’s nice to hear from an animationa artist on what inspried him and such. so thank you for this interview
I think more young artist should definately read this book just for the chance to improve and learn something more in the art world
I think more young artist should definately read this book just for the chance to improve and learn something more in the art world
So this animation book was awesome and a great idea, forever the one who wrote it
So this animation book was awesome and a great idea, forever the one who wrote it
Great Job
Great Job
This book is wonderful i jsut got it and i’m reading it right now and though i’m not completely Able to do some of the stuff i still find them very fun and cool to do
This book is wonderful i jsut got it and i’m reading it right now and though i’m not completely Able to do some of the stuff i still find them very fun and cool to do
So Awesome Book!!!
So Awesome Book!!!
You know i think i will take a look at this myself just so i can see how the book is and if i should actually try it
You know i think i will take a look at this myself just so i can see how the book is and if i should actually try it
wow, the books sounds really cool
wow, the books sounds really cool
I’ve already gotten the book, just recently and my sister is loving it so it is a pretty cool book indeed
I’ve already gotten the book, just recently and my sister is loving it so it is a pretty cool book indeed
Ya, it’s not bad so far so it’s ok
Ya, it’s not bad so far so it’s ok
One of my friends got it before me, so i took a look at it. and like it. it’s a pretty cool book. and i’ll wait to have my own so i can see for myself better
One of my friends got it before me, so i took a look at it. and like it. it’s a pretty cool book. and i’ll wait to have my own so i can see for myself better
My sis is actually drawing lot’s of stuff right now, so she’s pretty happy
My sis is actually drawing lot’s of stuff right now, so she’s pretty happy
And well i guess that’s the whole point of the book to make people like drawing even more and happier
And well i guess that’s the whole point of the book to make people like drawing even more and happier
Well that’s true, i have a few friends who love to draw and it really makes them happy. so in the end that all that matters
Well that’s true, i have a few friends who love to draw and it really makes them happy. so in the end that all that matters
True, hopefully it’ll become easier for animators to find work in the near future
True, hopefully it’ll become easier for animators to find work in the near future
It should be, ’cause anime is only getting bigger like people have said before
It should be, ’cause anime is only getting bigger like people have said before
It’d only be fair and just, if work become more avalable
It’d only be fair and just, if work become more avalable
I always thought you can mostly only draw by paper, but then i realized then how do they get it on t.v. right so that got me thinking
I always thought you can mostly only draw by paper, but then i realized then how do they get it on t.v. right so that got me thinking
But serously how do they get their picture on t.v, do they put it through some machine or something
But serously how do they get their picture on t.v, do they put it through some machine or something
That’s the only thing i can’think of for them to get it on there
That’s the only thing i can’think of for them to get it on there
i already liked this book i hope you would like it if you guys would like it to.
i already liked this book i hope you would like it if you guys would like it to.