Tech for Artists: Tablets!

So, I've come across questions about technology and art a lot with growing frequency as technology gets cheaper and better. A particular item of interest is the ALMIGHTY TABLET SCREEN!!!

Many artists are looking into buying Wacom Cintiqs without knowledge of cheaper alternatives. In the interest of transparency, I am typing this post into a Wacom Cintiq 22UX. I have had a great deal of experience with Cintiqs and my hardware works well enough (with an annoying driver that disappears every now and then). Wacom is a good company that makes good equipment and CHARGES FAR TOO MUCH FOR IT IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

I have looked into Cintiq alternatives as well as the growing field of tablet/laptops with digitizers (the ability to sense pen pressure). Here is a little of what I've found:

Atlanta Film Festival - BILL PLYMPTON: Master Class

This past week I had the pleasure to attending Bill Plympton's Master Class panel at the Atlanta Film Festival. Lucky for you: I TOOK NOTES! So, here's an abridged recap including Video.

For the uneducated, Bill Plympton is a staple of American independent animation (particularly in New York City) Here is a link to his wikipedia article.

Rennovations and Updates

I've done a bit of reorganizing around here (THERE'S A NEW BAR-O-LINKS)!

I've linked my portfolio, art tumblr, and Live-Streaming channel which I will alert you of on here.

Also, I have linked the blog for my Thesis Animated Film - "Heard". My previous iteration of this film, "Stand" will cease updates. So, just like your grandparents, I urge you to visit (and call once and a while).

Quick Resource Reccomendation

I'll be brief--this guy (Giancarlo Volpe) has some great advice for Storyboarding/Animation.

GO HERE AND LEARN!

Figure Drawing References #1

Hello again! As the budding school year dawns (I'm on the quarter system....yeah, it's weird) I thought I'd create a rather helpful blog for any and all things people drawing.

I've been working lately on really beefing up my chops

(get it? beef, chops.................*sigh* bunch of vegetarians)

Anyway, I've been striving to get better at figure drawing and in doing so researched a myriad of sites for reference. Instead of hoarding this information for myself (precious) I thought I'd share it with you!

FOR ONLY
3 SMALL PAYMENTS OF
$19.99

Updates To Come and Punky

Hello all! I am currently working on several small updates on my portfolio site as this summer has been quite eventful. I will be adding some storyboards to my flat book as well as an animatic and should have all the updates in place by the middle of next week. I have the animatic (minus sound and polish) for you guys to preview RIGHT NOW!

Basically, I decided to make a PSA about reading using action-packed kung fu moves!

On another note, just got back from DragonCon--always an amazing experience. Got to talk to some truly interesting artists like Sanford Greene, Merrill Hagan, and Joel Adams to name a few. So, big thanks to everybody who came out and made the con fantastic.

Lastly, I have mentioned in a few places my involvement as a writer in the comic anthology Punky Doodle Dandy with the ever-so-talented Luigi Anderson illustrating.

Punky Doodle Dandy is an anthology of all things punk! The anthology features comics and illustrations with punk themes including a tiny dash of cyberpunk and steampunk. Exhibiting both published artists and first-time artists ready to shine, this anthology has a wide variety of styles and stories that can tickle anyone’s fancy. My story revolves around a Brit Punk band in the late seventies who double as MI-6 agents in the middle of the Cold War.

Well, NOW THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

Punky Doodle Dandy is only 10$ so if you’re interested in pre-ordering please email me at selenamcoffey@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, and method of payment. All proceeds from the pre-orders are going towards printing the book! The book will be ready sometime in early September with limited pre-orders so get them while you can!

NEWS.....again! (it's an annual thing)

Hello, you beautiful people out there. Just wanted to spread the good word(s) a bit.

Currently, I am storyboarding for a short fan film about the video games "Portal" and "Dishonored" which is swiftly transitioning into production. The film is brought to you by the wonderful crew at MSM Motion Pictures. There's a kickstarter underway RIGHT NOW(exploit).

I just wrapped as lighting designer on a film entitled "Connect" written by Alan Barnes and Ben Thompson over at Odd Sea Entertainment.

With those same Odd Sea fellas I've been working as Animation Director and Story Artist on a short film called "Cat Band".

Lastly, you can now both purchase and wear my art on your person at all times--especially if you're a fan of AMANDA PALMER! You heard it right, I have designed one of her official shirts for the current tour of shows and it is also available on her site RIGHT HERE! (as seen below)

It's been a busy(awesome) summer. STAY TUNED!