Illustration with Animation 2018 Degree Show

Opening to the public from Saturday 19th May, we look forward to seeing you at the Williamson Art Gallery for The Level 6 Illustration with Animation Degree Show. Come and enjoy a selection of artwork and animation created by our current Level 6 students.

Level 5 Illustration & Animation exhibition 2018

Artwork by Harry Parker, Poster Design by Amy DeNobriga

Opening to the public from Monday 26th March, we look forward to seeing you at the 12 quays campus for The Level 5 Illustration & Animation gallery practice exhibition. Come experience a  diverse selection of artwork and animation created by our current Level 5 students.

Adobe Photoshop tutorials: Part 1

Part I: Scanning

So you've completed a piece of traditional artwork and want to digitally colour it in Photoshop. These tutorials will walk you through the basics of setting up your work file.

First step use either A4 Canoscan Lide 100/220 portable scanners or one of the two A3 scanners located in the studio to scan in your work.

The Canoscan and A3 Scanner (connected to iMac 11) can scan straight into Photoshop. Once you have plugged in the scanner and opened Photoshop, go to the top bar and choose.
File > Import > Images from device.

This will open a new window up called 'import images from device', make sure your resolution is set to at least 300 DPI and choose the folder you want to save you work in. I would suggest creating a folder on the desktop and saving there and moving you files to the Arts drive and your personal hard drive when you have finished for the day.

Then select the area you want to scan by dragging the mouse across the preview image, this make a dotted rectangle, anything inside it will be scanned. Then click the scan button.

                     

The image will open up in Photoshop as a .jpeg, you're now ready for the next stage which is cleaning up your artwork for digital colouring.

Note: If you are using the A3 scanner connected to iMac HS02 you will have to scan your art work in a different way using EPSON Scan. [You can get the application from the applications folder and drag it onto the task bar at the bottom]

Follow the same process as above and choose 'preview' and then select the area you want to scan, scan to your chosen folder and then open into Photoshop ready to edit.

Behance & Adobe live - Live Illustrator sessions

Live Illustration With...

 by 

Behance & Adobe Live

Wednesday 7th March - Thursday 8th March

Check out of Behance live stream today and tomorrow for interactive demos and talks

with a selection professional Illustrators who will be walking you through their techniques and brushes they have created. You can catch up with part one in the replay section.

Schedule (GMT)

https://www.behance.net/live/

'Rocky is an illustrator and designer who helps companies tell their story through illustrations and graphics, specializing in print, branding and UI/UX design.' - Adobe Creative Cloud

 'Mark is an American manga creator, artist and children’s book author/illustrator. He produces instructional drawing videos on YouTube and is the author/illustrator of more than twenty chapter books & graphic novels. His "Akiko" series has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, and on CNN Headline News and he has been voted one of the “100 Most Creative People in Entertainment” by Entertainment Weekly.'  - Adobe Creative Cloud

 'Jax is an Art Director & Senior Concept Artist specialising in design and storytelling. She has worked in film, game, VR/AR, television, advertising, and IP creation for the past decade with clients such as Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment, SyFy Channel, Digital Domain, and Psyop. She also teaches & builds courses for the BFA & MFA programs in the School of Game Development at the Academy of Art University San Francisco. Some of her courses include Monsters vs Mechs, Character Design, and Digital Painting.' - Adobe Creative Cloud

'Kyle is an international award-winning illustrator who has drawn for The New Yorker, TIME, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Entertainment Weekly, Scholastic, Nike, IDEO, as well as many others. He is the creator of KyleBrush.com, the brand behind the world's best-selling Photoshop brushes for professional illustrators, animators, and designers. Kyle also currently teaches Life Drawing, Portraiture, and Digital Painting at UNC School of the Arts..'

 -Adobe Creative Cloud

Comics Uncovered 2018 Conference

Illustration students looking to break into the comic industry should check out 'Comics uncovered 2018', it's a conference taking place at The Birmingham Conference and Exhibition Centre on 

Sat & Sun July 7TH - 8TH 2018. 

The conference will have talks and portfolio reviews with Industry professionals from comic powerhouses DC comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Marvel Comics. 

This years event time table is still waiting an update, but you can have a look at last years schedule to get an idea of what to expect.

http://www.comicsuncovered.co.uk/event-timetable

As well as Seminars, master classes and panels 'Comics Uncovered' also plan to offer portfolio reviews with DC Comics, Aftershock Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Humanoids plus many more top publishers. There is also distributor meetings with 'Diamond Comics Distributors' who will be holding one to one meetings with small press and self publisher to offer advice on how to get your publication into the famous Preview Catalogue and into comic shops both here in the UK and the US. To take part in the distributor meeting you will need to email Comics Uncovered at smallzone.events@gmail.com with your full contact details and a link to your comics.

Image source Comics Uncovered 2016 promotional Video

 There are a selection of different ticket prices depending on what you want to attend and if you plan to be there for one day or the whole weekend. There is a Student tier but be warned it does not include the networking parties or access to the one to one portfolio reviews, So comic artists in level 6 with finished pages might want to get a full ticket.

Tickets can be brought here 

http://www.comicsuncovered.co.uk/bookings

Winter/ Spring Inspiration : Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic

On now until Sunday, 8 April 2018

Entry Price Students:£5.00

Location: Victoria and Albert MuseumCromwell Road London SW7 2RL

Students looking to go into illustration for book this the exhibition for you, the exhibition examines the legacy of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. With a collection of merchandise from  the original designs to those based on the Walt Disney adaptation as well as information and illustrations from the creation of the books. The exhibition has a fantastic layout which may inspire you for your own exhibition work.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Spring Inspiration: Dawn of Super Heroes - The DC Comic Story

Exhibition runs from 23 Feb - 9 Sep 2018

There are Concession tickets available for full-time students, Proof must be provided. 

Concession Tickets are £17.60 (includesservice charge of £1.60)

Location: The O2 - Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

'This one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker.‘

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ features more than 200 original comic pages, around 300 preparatory sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films.'- The O2 Exhibition page

You will be able to walk through the exhibition, which runs in chronological order, with each room offering  a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the DC Universe. the exhibition features  artwork of Super Heroes and Super-Villains such as Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. It include exclusive artwork, costume and props from recent DC films.  

What to Look for in the College Library Part I: New books for February

One of the best ways to broaden your knowledge and skill base is to check out our Illustration and animation section in your campus library. This February we have some new books ordered in to assist  you budding Illustrators and Animators with storyboarding, the use of different artistic mediums, character design and information on how to build a portfolio.

 
Useful books for Industry information and Portfolio building, perfect resources for level 5 & 6 vocational projects.

• Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2018 by Bloomsbury Yearbooks. 

• Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2018 by Bloomsbury Yearbooks. 

• Reel Success: Creating Demo Reels and Animation Portfolios by Cheryl Cabrera.

• The Digital Artist's Portfolio and Demo Reel Guide: Inside Knowledge For Landing Your Dream Job In The Digital Art, Animation, CG, Motion-Graphics & VFX Industry, by Dave Scotland.

• How to Create a Portfolio & Get Hired: A Guide for Graphic Designers and Illustrators (Portfolio Skills) by Fig Taylor.

Illustration techniques:

• Reportage Illustration by Gary Embury & Mario Minichello 

• Urban Watercolor Sketching: A Guide to Drawing, Painting, and Storytelling in Color by Felix Scheinberger.

• The art of drawing folds: an illustrators guide to drawing the clothed figure by Kelly Brine. 

Character design:

• The Ultimate Guide to Character Design with Stephen Silver: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Drawing Effective Characters by  Stephen Silver.

Children's' book illustration:

• Children's Picture books: The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury & Morag Styles

Animation production and practice: 

• Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts, Third Edition, by Nancy Neiman. 

• Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation by Francis Glebas.

• Frame-By-Frame Stop Motion: The Guide to Non-Puppet Photographic Animation Techniques, Second Edition by Tom Gasek.

So get to that library and get learning...

World Illustration Awards 2017

Welcome back all, hope you're well rested after your break and ready to put pencil to paper, pen to tablet and brush to paint.

To get you motivated we've got a course trip in February to the Chapel Gallery in Ormskirk who are hosting the AOI exhibition, 'World Illustration Awards 2017'. This touring exhibition consists of international illustration with Illustrators from as far afield as Japan, Canada and Brazil. With the best pieces selected to captivate and inspire, not just you illustrators but animators as well. Check the class room posters for your Levels trip date and time.

Copyright or Wrong with Richard Taylor

Great radio program on channel 4 lead by Richard Taylor a leading copyright layer and author. 

He examines the problems with copyright law, the issues it causes with creativity and development. A good listen for you vocational projects Level 5 and 6. Pop over to the link below and have a Listen.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08md9xf

Autumn Inspiration : House of Illustration

New exhibitions are now available at the 'House of Illustration' which maybe useful research to add to your current projects. 

Gerald Scarfe: Stage and Screen

Until 21 Jan 2018, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Adult ticket £7.50 // 

'A rare opportunity to explore the extensive but little-known production designs by celebrated political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe. Storyboards, costumes and props are on display from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Disney’s Hercules and English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker.' - 'House of Illustration'

As well as being a political cartoonist he has also worked on Walt Disney’s Hercules, and he designed and directed the animation sequences for the film of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.  With dynamic line work, interesting character shapes and bold colours Geralds exhibition is perfect for students on the illustration or animation path of the course. 

You can order you tickets from their website here

Also you can save money on travel by investing in a 16-25 Railcard gives you 1/3 off most rail fares. It's available to students in full time education as well even if you are over 25.

Student Local Exhibition - Beth Armstrong

Free this weekend? get inspired and support your Level 6 classmate and check out Beth Armstrong's first art exhibition. 

You can find more of Beths beautiful digital painting at the links below.

Website

Instagram

Etsy

Summer Inspiration : House of Illustration

• 
  
• House of Illustration: Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan
• The first UK exhibition of architectural backdrops for Ghost in the Shell and other sci-fi anime films. The show includes Hiromasa Ogura’s watercolour paintings for Ghost in the Shell as well as features the pencil drawings of Takashi Watabe for Ghost in the shell 2: Innocence. the exhibition also looks at the work of Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi background work for Patlabor: the movie and Metropolis.
• Location: London [2 Granary Square, King's Cross London N1C 4BH] 
• Tickets:
• Adults: £7.50
• Concession (Student): £5:00
• Running until 10 Sep 2017, 10:00am - 6:00pm
• For more information and to buy tickets : http://www.houseofillustration.org.uk/whats-on/current-future-events/anime-architecture-backgrounds-of-japan
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  House of Illustration: Quentin Blake: The Life of Birds
  
  
  
  
  • The exhibition looks at Quentin Blake passion for birds through his illustrations. The exhibition is curated by the man himself, with a series of original drawings from his personal; archive of birds in everyday situations. 
  • Tickets:
    Adults: £7.50
    Concession (Student): £5:00
    Running until 1 Oct 2017, 10:00am - 6:00pm
    
    
    For more information and to buy tickets : http://www.houseofillustration.org.uk/whats-on/current-future-events/quentin-blake-the-life-of-birds/
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    House of Illustration: Jacqueline Ayer: Drawing on Thailand
    
    
    A selection of work by ground-breaking illustrator, fashion designer and entrepreneur Jacqueline Ayer, the exhibition will also feature some clothing from her label Design Thai.
    
    
    Tickets:
    Adults: £7.50
    Concession (Student): £5:00
    Running until 17 Jun to 22 Oct 2017, 10:00am - 6:00pm
    
    
    For more information and to buy tickets : http://www.houseofillustration.org.uk/whats-on/current-future-events/jacqueline-ayer-drawing-on-thailand
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
• 
  
• 
  

• 
  

• 
  

Summer Inspiration : Local Exhibitions

As we head into the summer break, it can be hard some times to not let your self go stagnant and sluggish with the enjoyment of being free of deadlines. As you become wrapped up in enjoying the free months before university starts up again try to find a balance, keep your artistic side engaged while preparing for your next year. The national museums of Liverpool and local galleries are to here to help! With some fantastic exhibitions to help to get inspired, over the summer.

The exhibition has around 100 works of Alphonse Mucha on display. The collection is made up for a wide variety of drawings, paintings, photographs as well as popular poster designs created by Mucha.  The exhibition has been created from a selection of the Mucha Foundation and National Museum Liverpool’s own collections.

Adults: £7

Concession (students and age 60+): £5

18 and under: Free

Members: 50% off

Tickets on sales now: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/mucha/

Edo Pop is a free exhibition that features a collection of Japanese Ukiyo-e wood block prints from 19th century. The Gallery has a mixture of pieces depicting the life of people of Edo (Tokyo) you can find work from such artists as Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Hokusai

Free Entry

Running:  26 May till 24 September

More information: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever/exhibitions/edo-pop/

The University of Liverpool's Victoria Gallery & Museum are hosting an exhibition for Liverpool-born artist John Higgins. Higgins is famous for his successful career as a comic book artist and writer for 200ad, DC and Marvel.  `Beyond Dredd & Watchmen: the Art of John Higgins’ is open now and runs until October 2017.

Free Entry

More information: http://vgm.liverpool.ac.uk/exhibitions-and-events/special/beyond-dredd/

The artwork in this exhibition looks at how European higher classes flaunted their wealth and power by using enslaved African men, women and children.
Free Entry
Running:October 2017 – 18 March 2018
More information:http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/arts-council-collection/lubaina-himid/index.aspx

Art of Solidarity exhibition focuses on Cuban posters from African liberation 1967 - 1989
The exhibition features 32 rarely-seen posters from a private collection which highlight some of the liberation and independence movements that swept through Africa after the Second World War.
Free Entry
Running:13 January to 6 August 2017
More information:http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism/exhibitions/art-of-solidarity/

Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender and Identity exhibition brings together a selection of work by a diverse range of artists who have used their work to explore sexuality and gender identity since 1967.
The exhibition will feature work from such artists as David Hockney, Steve McQueen, LINDER, James Richards and Sarah Lucas among others.
Free Entry
Running:28 July – 5 November 2017
More information:http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/arts-council-collection/coming-out/index.aspx

BA(Hons) Illustration with Animation Degree Show 2017

Please come to support our students at the BA (Hons) Illustration with Animation Degree Show at the Williamson Art Gallery. Students from the BA (Hons) Fine Art and HND Photography courses will be exhibiting their work also, so there will be lots of artwork to see.

Fellows Work: stopmotion

Here is a little clip of the latest animation that fellow member Dave Codling has created. At the moment he is learning After Effects add extra detail to his animation, like believable cigar smoke.

model making

these ideas for making models are great and the moulding material can be bought and reused.
 take a look at her site.   there is a great video showing her using a flexy skeleton to build her figures.
 hopefully you can see this link let me know if you cant

http://julianalepine.com.br/
https://www.facebook.com/ipmsnederland/videos/508640982665452/

Tech Cues - Digital Creative File Formats

Choosing the right file format seems like a minor rather mundane thing - an after thought that you are confronted with when saving your shiny, new piece of work.

However, keeping your data stored in the right way, between work sessions or when moving between programs, can mean the difference between clean crisp images with a smooth workflow and blocky blurry results with nightmare unpicking of older files.

Here's a handy guide to keep you on track with some of the main scenarios we encounter on the course.