This incredible piece comes to us from Australian artist Chris Kennett. We’re big fans of Chris’ work and we’re sure you will be too after seeing this great piece. The Parrs are spending a relaxing night at home in front of the TV and are surrounded by some references to other Pixar films. Great composition, beautiful character design, strong narrative and color stylings – these are all characteristics of Chris’ portfolio. Check it out for yourself. Read on for more information about this super-creative guy in his own words.
Art by Chris Kennett
Artist Information:
Name: Chris Kennett
Website/Blog/Portfolio: crikeyboy.blogspot.com
I currently live in:
Bendigo, Australia.
I consider my hometown to be:
I was born and spent the first 22 years of my life in Canterbury, England so there is still a large part of me that calls that home. Bendigo is where I’ve settled though and it’s where I started my own family. So at the end of the day, home is where the heart is, and right now that’s with my wife and kids.
My favorite Pixar movie is:
A very tight race that one. It would have to be between Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and Up. But I’m a sucker for a super hero story so I’ll have to go with The Incredibles. I also love the retro, mid-century designs that tie the whole movie together. It’s also the one “art of” book I pull out most often.
My favorite Pixar character is:
Well, like a lot of people I fell in love with Russell the moment he appeared on screen. But for me Dash is a personal favourite. All through school I was a bit of a sprinter (even set a few school records for 100 and 200m in my prime). The moment when Dash is outrunning Syndrome’s henchmen, hits the water, gives a cheeky laugh and speeds off, I just thought that was the coolest thing ever!
Tell us about your piece:
Even though I love seeing super heroes do what they do best, I really love how the movie explored the notion of trying to live normal lives despite having extraordinary powers. I love having movie nights at home with the kids, so this was how I imagined how “An incredible night in” might look. I’m not sure what it is they’re watching, but there are some mixed reactions.
Who/what inspires you?
For me, growing up, it was people like Tex Avery and Hanna-Barbera, Ed Benedict’s design, and anything by Disney. Of course I didn’t know who they were at the time, but looking back they are the people that made an impact.
These days there are an amazing amount of personal blogs out there that inspire me every day. Plus people like Lorelay Bove, Nate Wragg, Lou Romano, Nico Marlet, Pete Oswald, Carey Yost, Steve Lambe, Bob Staake…seriously I could go on and on!
Recommend something, anything to our readers:
Years ago I picked up David B. Levy’s “Your Career in Animation” as a remote freelancer. It gave me a lot of great advice about building and maintaining working relationships. Really, you could apply this book to any workplace. But for me it’s about choosing your battles and leaving your ego at the door.
Also get your hands on as many “Art of” books as you can. These people are employed for a good reason. Take every opportunity to see the professionals do what they do best. 🙂
Where else can we see your work?
Well I’ve been busy recently plugging my very first kids book “Alpha Monsters” which I’ve written and illustrated for Scholastic Australia. Unfortunately, it’s only available in Australia at the moment but you can find out about it here or even follow them on Facebook. Hopefully if there is enough interest we can secure foreign rights and get it out there!
I also try to regularly update my personal blog at crikeyboy.blogspot.com/
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Thanks for the awesome piece, Chris!
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