Over There!

I have moved to

http://www.denzelajackson.com

See you there!

My Land

I have been wanting this for a very long time and it has finally happened. My own website is up and running at full speed! This is now my main place of operation to display my best work and to share my thoughts and activity via articles. There are some new conveniences that I can offer to you also! You do not need any type of profile or membership to comment and engage in my posts, you can just write freely. Also, if you would like to send me a direct message, I set up a contact page that will email me directly. Other than a clean presentation and pristine organization, all my activity will stay the same, but just happening at denzelajackson.com!

Thank you to everyone who I get to work with and to everyone that shows my work love.

Thank you Blogger for having provided quality service and hosting my site up to this point.

Highs And Lows

I know this is a common topic but I think that it is something that should be discussed fairly often, because the highs and lows always fluctuate, they don't suddenly stop. What I really like hearing about is how different people deal with their lows and how they bring themselves back up. Self-motivation is one of the most important skills to practice in order to reach high levels of success, so we should help each other when we can.

For me, when I feel a bit down on the art path, I still stay focused and keep the practice up. Although, during this time the work is more uncomfortable. Since I am feeling a bit unsettled, the work reflects that, sometimes it can put more spirit into the picture, or stifle all of it, so that the picture looks lifeless or like a landfill. The feeling is only temporary, so I usually tolerate it and eventually it will dissolve.

I wrote about this before, but I really like looking at the old work of my superior artists, because it makes it clearer that those pictures have already been done by them, and that we all need to go through our growing pains. 

I listen to loads of music. Musicians tell wonderful stories about themselves when they were young, broke, and infamous, and these are fantastic because they share their perseverance. I think it is unfortunate that many visual artists do not tell those kinds of stories. Every personal picture that I create is a small piece of my journey and can be put together like puzzle pieces. This makes the pictures full of life, because they are straight from my mind and heart. It is good for me as the creator, so I recommend anyone who has not done this to experiment with it.

Usually, I share visual art with you, but this time I'd like to honor a different type of artist and a piece of his story:

Growing Pains II by Logic

Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day my friends, thanks for being awesome people! I've got some cool stuff in store and am excited to share it with all of you. Here is a piece of my recent pictures, so here is a carrot for you. =)

If you have any new work out that I have not noticed, please point me in that direction so that I can check it out!

Keep it up and have a good day.

We Need Each Other!

Yes, artistic companionship is something that almost all of us need! To become rejects together and to excel together. Like a second family, taking the blows in learning doesn't feel as bad when we have our fellow artists around and celebrating accomplishments feels way better when we get to share it with others! Sometimes when I go for too long without spending time with other artists, it feels like I am isolated. I know others feel this same thing too so let's keep each others' spirits up!

Secondly, about the team aspect of community. I believe the best projects are made from teams. NOT solo production. I don't see one person being able to outperform a team, unless sleep is not needed. And even then, no. I love seeing creators come together and making big things happen! It gets me really hyped up. So to everyone, let's look out for each other and keep up the good work!

Do Not Laugh At Me

People often laugh at things that they do not understand. I was having a conversation with someone about different career moves that can be made within animation industry and I was laughed at and ridiculed. Not because the things I was saying were jokes, but they were ambitious. I am used to this because I've always said we could do amazing things since I was a kid, but I can still feel it pushing against potential achievements. Therefore, to anyone else out there who has big dreams and want to do great things, you have my faith and encouragement! Not many people have the tenacity to even pursue greatness, so those who do need to stick together and brush the naysayers aside.

Exactly like Newton's Third Law, for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction, this goes way further than just physics, but to our activity as well. If someone does something extraordinary, there will be extraordinary reactions, some will be good and some will be bad.

There are thousands of people who have already done magnificent things! So be your own judge and keep moving forward, and let those who mock validate your achievements!

How I Create A Character Concept

There are a few things I keep in mind when designing a character. I try to bring them to life in a similar way that I think an actor would a role. I imagine the character's life and what it would be like, as if I have become the character. How it would shape me and the setting I'd live in. After I feel comfortable with my new self, I analyze how it would be communicated to others, not only the audience, but anyone else who may work with this character.

Putting yourself into the character's shoes is the emotional connection that can really boost the authenticity of the design and make it more appealing to an audience. The same way we don't feel a deep connection with a brick wall, a flat character will just take up space. No fun. Also, once we are in the spirit of the character, it frees us to experiment and try different ideas, such as clothing, tools, environment, vocabulary, etc. We get to have fun with a new life while making the design so play and make it impactful!

Secondly, communication is essential to reach two groups: the audience, and any others that may work with the character. Obviously, the audience needs to feel, whether it is positive or negative. If it provides people with an emotional response, then it's working well! Other than the audience, such as other artists, the pipeline, or the client, if this design is passed along and they can't grasp the concept, then it is a weak link in the chain. Yikes. If the person receiving the blueprint can't make any sense of it, then how can he work with it, or even make it better?

These are just two of the main things that I strictly keep in my mind when making designs. This is my method for now, but I am always ready to change or add new elements in the future, as I learn, meet superior artists, and taste discovery. Perhaps then I can make a Part II of this! If any of you have specific techniques that you'd like to share, I'd enjoy reading them. =)

Thank you and have a good day!