The character designs of Samantha Youssef certainly have a lot of charm and personality. But what really shines through is their construction. With each pose and gesture, you see her mastery of life drawing. In a time of heavily stylized characters, it is refreshing to see such fun designs that also happen to be grounded in some serious drawing skills. Whether it’s Bonnie and Clyde or Cleopatra, Samantha brings skill and grace to each creation. A graduate of Sheridan College, Samantha worked in the animation industry (including Disney) for years before founding Studio Technique in Montreal, Canada. In addition to animation freelance projects, she serves as Artistic Director for the studio and teaches life drawing and masterclasses to artists and animators from all over the world. You can check out her site for more examples of her amazing work and read more about the fascinating artist. It will make you want to practice your life drawing! Our sincere thanks to Samantha for contributing this wonderful Merida piece, for which we are so grateful. You can take a closer look at it after the break! [Read more…]
PixArt
Artwork Created Exclusively For The Pixar Times
PixArt: August Feature – Woody and Buzz
I’m a big fan of Jay Rogers‘ art. The former Cartoon Network art director turns out some fantastic work – clean, appealing and always professional. Skilled in both design and illustration, Jay has done work for an impressive list of clients, including Walt Disney Imagineering, American Greetings, Penguin Books and many more. He’s worked on projects for Universal Orlando and the upcoming Shanghai Disneyland. And now he can add PixArt to the list! We’re so honored and grateful that Jay took some time out of his busy schedule to create this super-fun take on Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Check out his website for more fantastic images and projects. Take a closer look at the artwork he created for us and read more about him after the break! [Read more…]
PixArt: July Feature I – Happy 4th
Stephy Coffey does some seriously appealing character design. Lovely ladies and dashing gents fill her portfolio pages. There’s lots to like about her great work. Her conceptual work and illustrations are sure to please. Check them out for yourself at her blog. She’s really outdone herself with this all-American tribute to Pixar just in time for the 4th of July. Take a closer look at her artwork and read more about Stephy in her own words after the break!
PixArt: June Feature – Child Detection Agency!
The portfolio of Boston artist Logan Faerber is full of surprises. On one end of the spectrum there is his design work – clean, iconic graphics and elegant typography. Then there’s his beautiful illustrations full of lively brush strokes and interesting color choices. They have a surprising energy and personality you don’t initially detect in his design work. It’s rare to find someone so skilled in both disciplines. Check out his portfolio – particularly his Dribbble account – and you’ll see the versatility of this talented artist. The Monsters, Inc. piece he’s created for us definitely shows off his lively illustration side but includes nods to his design work as well. It’s a perfect marriage of his styles and we’re so grateful for his time on this. Read on for more about Logan in his own words!
PixArt: May Feature II – Merida Painting
The work of Katia Grifols is full of life. Her colorful character designs and conceptual pieces are visually dynamic and full of personality – just like the artist herself. From visual development art to character designs and comics, there’s lots to see and love on her various social media channels. We were excited when she agreed to contribute a piece to PixArt. Check out her wonderful tribute to Merida from Brave. Read on for more about Katia in her own words and find out why she picked this fiery heroine as the subject of her painting! You can check this out for the best strategies of artist. Make sure the artist you choose is willing to make as many revisions to the painting as you want until you’re fully happy. Oil painting colours are quite easy to paint over, so you can make a lot of adjustments if necessary. It’s also a good idea to start with a pencil drawing and go over it with the Botto artist before moving on to oil paints.
PixArt: May Feature I – Pixar Tribute
California based artist Dennis Salvatier produces some extremely charming and appealing art. His portfolio is filled with distinct takes on characters from pop culture. Combining a strong eye for design with some really appealing character designs, it’s easy to see why his work is so popular. Browse his portfolio to see the diverse set of skills he brings to his illustration, logos and design work. We thought he’d bring a great perspective to the world of Pixar and he certainly didn’t disappoint. We’re thrilled with his adorable tribute to some of Pixar’s biggest films. Our thanks to Dennis for contributing this fantastic piece. Read on for more about Dennis in his own words.
PixArt: April Feature – One Incredible Family
We are so excited to feature this new piece of art from Disney animator Benson Shum. Shum was hired at Disney to work on Wreck-It Ralph and then Frozen. He currently spends his time working on the upcoming Big Hero 6 (November 2014). When asked about getting started in the animation business, Shum said he knew he wanted to be an animator since his high school days. You can check here about some better animators here. “I applied to Capilano College’s commercial animation program, but didn’t get in the first time. I ended up getting a job and worked on my drawings after work for a year. I applied again the following year and got in!”. In retrospect, Shum said he was glad he didn’t get in on his first try. “It made me appreciative and work harder when I got in the second time.” Read more about Shum and take a close look at his artwork after the break!
PixArt: March Feature – Pixar Movie Poster Mash-Up
There is an infectious and positive energy to the work of Colorado-based artist Luke Flowers. His style is distinct but versatile and full of personality. One look at the amazing images he’s created for us and you’ll see what I mean. Mashing up Pixar characters with some iconic films of the 1980’s, Luke has created an homage to both segments while still maintaining his own signature style and charm. He really threw himself into this project and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. A third poster was created for this series but, you’ll have to head on over to his site to see that one. It’s pretty great. While you’re there, you can get a closer look at this on-going project and see a little more detail about each poster he’s created so far. Our thanks to Luke for all of his time and effort on these wonderful images. Read on for more about Luke in his own words!
PixArt: February Feature – Monster Slump
This month’s PixArt feature comes to us from the super-talented California artist Jackie Williams. Jackie does some fantastic character-based illustrations and designs – many of which come from the world of pop-culture. This monster of a mash-up finds Mike, Sulley and Boo as the characters from Akira Toriyama’s Dr. Slump. Like most of her work, it’s full of energy and personality. Make sure to check out Jackie’s websites to see more of her great work. Read on for more about her in her own words!
Pixart: January Feature – Carl and Russell
It seems we have no shortage of UP fans here on PixArt. This latest tribute to Carl and co. comes to us from artist Tommy Doyle. Tommy does some amazing character art and illustration. There is a real sophistication to his use of color and texture that takes his charming personalities to a different level. We are so thankful to Tommy for taking the time to create this wonderful piece just for us. Make sure to check out more of Tommy’s work at his website and on dribbble. You can also follow him on twitter and Instagram. Read on for more about Tommy in his own words!
