You can't fix your problems with toxic barrels

This won't fix your problem...

Tonight I had another fantastic FaceTime chat with my good friend Don Carson it's always great chatting with him using FaceTime, it really makes the distance between us seem not so great.

This time we were talking about a design Don was working on involving some really bad thematic elements and by a strange coincidence we both shared a story about the terrible placement of toxic waste barrels!
Just like the one at the top of this entry- the stereotypical movie prop with the obligatory toxic ooze slipping out!
Now, don't get me wrong- sometimes there is a time and a place for these tried and tested cliches.
But I think the point we were both trying to make was that design has to come from a good, strong story and there are no shortcuts to a good story.
All too often in entertainment deign corners are cut to sell a quick image utilising stereotypical imagery rather than focusing on the core story.
Its now become a bit of a running joke between us- "You can't fix your problems with toxic barrels!"

until next time
Andy

Tiki Ben

The Tiki God himself.

Also, one more thing I wanted to share with you all.  I did this sketch for my best friend Ben Debnam.  I was practicing a new paint technique and I was also just in a bit of a Tiki mood- yeah, that's a thing.
Ben was very pleased with the result and I have even had more requests from others to make them into Tiki  Gods!
For the moment Ben is the only Tiki God but I'm sure at some point in the future more will come!
Hope you like it.

Andy

A Birthday Treat

My birthday card to Don this year.

No, it's not my birthday.  However, a couple of days ago it was the birthday of a good friend of mine, Don Carson.
He and his family had made the trip down to Disneyland, and unfortunately for them, had just missed out on the openings of the new attractions, Star Tours and The Little Mermaid.  To try and cheer Don up and to wish him a happy birthday at the same time, I sent him a special birthday card.
Very kindly, Don published this to his blog to tell the story and also responded with his own sketch- as designers sometimes do!
I always love exchanging sketches with Don, he has such a wonderful and effortless style that communicates an idea in less than an instant.  Sometimes after hearing a story from one another, we sometimes look to highlight a moment visually and sometimes it starts a rally of sketches that keep the story going and expanding and it's always fun!

So take a look at the sketches over on Don's blog and I also urge you to check in and read what he has to say it's always fascinating.

Until next time.
Andy

Visit Don's Blog