NOVEMBER 2019 CHALLENGE
"FELIX THE CAT @ 100" ~ Drawing Challenge
November 2019 brought the 100th anniversary of the appearance of "FELIX the CAT" in animation. So the challenge for members this month was to come up with a single drawing that shows how the old Felix might respond, view or interact, with a character or a situation in our modern world of animation today. It was another close call in terms of judging the winning entry but in the end the prize goes to Charlie Santana Binford for his most clever (and topical) of solutions. So, congrats go out to Charlie for this great idea . . .
November 2019 brought the 100th anniversary of the appearance of "FELIX the CAT" in animation. So the challenge for members this month was to come up with a single drawing that shows how the old Felix might respond, view or interact, with a character or a situation in our modern world of animation today. It was another close call in terms of judging the winning entry but in the end the prize goes to Charlie Santana Binford for his most clever (and topical) of solutions. So, congrats go out to Charlie for this great idea . . .
At the same time, so good were the runners-up that I'd also like to feature the runner-up entries that also caught my eye . . .
Therefore, thanks to these and other members who submitted drawings this month. It was one of the finest set of entries we've had for a long time, so congratulations go out to all concerned. Bravo one and all! :)
OCTOBER 2019 CHALLENGE
"OUT OF THE INKWELL" ~ Animation Challenge
This month's challenge was in tribute to the early Max Fleischer "Out of the Inkwell" series of animated shorts - all original ideas that became outstanding landmarks in animation's history. The Sketchclub challenge was for members to create their own "out of the inkwell" animated ideas with the inkwell artwork provided.
I have to be perfectly honest in saying that I was very much torn on decision as the two best entries were like comparing apples to oranges. In the end I buckled and decided to make it a "tie". So congratulations goes out to Andrew Sharp for his extensive technically-based vision of things coming out of the inkwell, and Anthony Corrigan for his pure-drawn animation approach. A big "bravo" to both for being so original.
This month's challenge was in tribute to the early Max Fleischer "Out of the Inkwell" series of animated shorts - all original ideas that became outstanding landmarks in animation's history. The Sketchclub challenge was for members to create their own "out of the inkwell" animated ideas with the inkwell artwork provided.
I have to be perfectly honest in saying that I was very much torn on decision as the two best entries were like comparing apples to oranges. In the end I buckled and decided to make it a "tie". So congratulations goes out to Andrew Sharp for his extensive technically-based vision of things coming out of the inkwell, and Anthony Corrigan for his pure-drawn animation approach. A big "bravo" to both for being so original.
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Finally, thank you to everyone who entered their animation for this month's challenge.. All your hard work and commitment is very much appreciated!
Next month we have a unique "drawing" challenge - so stand by your pencils, or whatever you draw with!
Tony. :)
Next month we have a unique "drawing" challenge - so stand by your pencils, or whatever you draw with!
Tony. :)
SEPTEMBER 2019 CHALLENGE
"COUPLES" ~ Drawing Challenge
This month's challenge was to create 2 original characters and draw one single image that defines the nature of their relationship. ~ whether it can represent "love", "hate", "amusement", "concern", etc., etc. As it turned out, there were two approaches that members took this month ~ i.e. full color and simple line. Consequently, it was a challenge to compare visual apples with oranges. In the end I decided to go with the design that spoke to me most on an emotional level. In other words, which submission communicated the clearest relationship between the two characters, regardless of artistic approach. In the end I settled for the drawing that George Keita submitted ~ primarily as a result of the strong yet tender eye contact from one character to the other. At the same time, I have to say that the decision was very, very close this month. Several had some great approaches, as can be seen by the runners-up. (below).
This month's challenge was to create 2 original characters and draw one single image that defines the nature of their relationship. ~ whether it can represent "love", "hate", "amusement", "concern", etc., etc. As it turned out, there were two approaches that members took this month ~ i.e. full color and simple line. Consequently, it was a challenge to compare visual apples with oranges. In the end I decided to go with the design that spoke to me most on an emotional level. In other words, which submission communicated the clearest relationship between the two characters, regardless of artistic approach. In the end I settled for the drawing that George Keita submitted ~ primarily as a result of the strong yet tender eye contact from one character to the other. At the same time, I have to say that the decision was very, very close this month. Several had some great approaches, as can be seen by the runners-up. (below).
George Keita's final entry (above) plus the 4 close runners-up submissions (below) . . .
And a final "congrats" to everyone who submitted their work this month!
Tony. :)
Tony. :)
AUGUST 2019 CHALLENGE
"KICKING BUTT" ~ Animation Challenge
This month the challenge was a little different. I gave "Animation Sketchclub" members a design to work with and asked them to do a pencil-drawn animated sequence of the action portrayed . . . in other words, showing one character kicking the butt of another!
This month the challenge was a little different. I gave "Animation Sketchclub" members a design to work with and asked them to do a pencil-drawn animated sequence of the action portrayed . . . in other words, showing one character kicking the butt of another!
August is traditionally a vacation month all round, so I wasn't expecting a plethora of entries! However, those who did enter put a great amount of work into their animation, with the following being our top finalists . . .
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1st: Anthony Corrigan + 02: Joe Zeff Hyde + =03: Diego Diaz / Erica Long / George Keita
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The ultimate plan is to utilize some of these talents further down the line - subject to funding of a project I have in mind of course! However, in the meantime, I send out my most heartfelt congratulations to everyone for their incredibly hard work. And thanks to everyone who contributed, in what is traditionally a difficult month to do anything! :)
JUlY 2019 CHALLENGE
"INDEPENDENCE" ~ Drawing Challenge
This month it was interesting to see what members felt the word "Independence" meant to them. It's always great to learn how people feel - and especially how they express it creatively.
As usual, it was hard to separate the entries that came in and each month my job doesn't get any easier! However in the end, I have to admit that this time that I've awarded the winner as a result of my own personal feelings. on the matter (Sorry to be so totally biased here folks!) So congratulations goes out to George Keita for this gentle illustration that reflects perfectly the qualities of silence and tranquility that makes me feel so independent and detached from the hurly-burly of this world too. So "bravo" George, I share your feelings . . .
This month it was interesting to see what members felt the word "Independence" meant to them. It's always great to learn how people feel - and especially how they express it creatively.
As usual, it was hard to separate the entries that came in and each month my job doesn't get any easier! However in the end, I have to admit that this time that I've awarded the winner as a result of my own personal feelings. on the matter (Sorry to be so totally biased here folks!) So congratulations goes out to George Keita for this gentle illustration that reflects perfectly the qualities of silence and tranquility that makes me feel so independent and detached from the hurly-burly of this world too. So "bravo" George, I share your feelings . . .
That said, many of the other entries really did catch my eye, with the following three being my favorites . . .
Lastly, thanks to everyone who contributed their time and artistry.
Remember though that we still have space for more entries however, especially as all the new members who have been accepted over the past few months promised to participate in the monthly drawing activities! The Animator's Sketchclub only exists - and only can exist - by the contributions of all it's members. So if you really do want to see it stay around, please do partake (and learn from) the monthly challenges as much as you can. It really doesn't work without you!
Anyway, a big "thanks" go out to all who did submit this month. See you next month for our new animation challenge!
Tony. :)
Remember though that we still have space for more entries however, especially as all the new members who have been accepted over the past few months promised to participate in the monthly drawing activities! The Animator's Sketchclub only exists - and only can exist - by the contributions of all it's members. So if you really do want to see it stay around, please do partake (and learn from) the monthly challenges as much as you can. It really doesn't work without you!
Anyway, a big "thanks" go out to all who did submit this month. See you next month for our new animation challenge!
Tony. :)
JUNE 2019 CHALLENGE
"SPIRIT ANIMAL" continued ~ Animation Challenge
This month we asked members to follow on from last month's challenge, using the drawing reference they generated, then to create and animated version this month. Although the results bear no relation to the judging decisions that were made last month, it turns out we have the same winner. . . Andrew Sharp. So "congrats" Andrew for showing great consistency!
This month we asked members to follow on from last month's challenge, using the drawing reference they generated, then to create and animated version this month. Although the results bear no relation to the judging decisions that were made last month, it turns out we have the same winner. . . Andrew Sharp. So "congrats" Andrew for showing great consistency!
There was a limited entry this month but the following entries caught our eye . . .
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And a big thanks to everyone who contributed to this month's animation challenge! :)
APRIL 2019 CHALLENGE
"SPIRIT ANIMAL" ~ Drawing Challenge
The May challenge asked Sketchclub members to identify and drawing 4 poses that related to their own spirit animal.
I believe everyone made a really good job of this one. However, I have to say that Andrew Sharp's haunting and imaginative presentation of his spirit animal, "Wolf", really catches the eye for its powerful and imaginative qualities. So "bravo" to Andrew for being our drawing challenge winner of the month . . .
The May challenge asked Sketchclub members to identify and drawing 4 poses that related to their own spirit animal.
I believe everyone made a really good job of this one. However, I have to say that Andrew Sharp's haunting and imaginative presentation of his spirit animal, "Wolf", really catches the eye for its powerful and imaginative qualities. So "bravo" to Andrew for being our drawing challenge winner of the month . . .
It goes without saying that all of the entries this month were both fascinating and well conceived. Yet I felt the following 4 should be commended - for very different reasons. It was hard to separate them from the rest to be honest, but there's a quality about these 4 that I felt deserved some recognition. So "well done" guys - and a big "thank you" to everyone who took part. It is always a pleasure to see what you come up with for these challenges! Bravo!
Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with for the next month's animation challenge! :)
APRIL 2019 CHALLENGE
"MAKE IT HAPPEN" ~ ANIMATION CHALLENGE
The April 2019 animation challenge was to take the observational gesture drawings from the March challenge and to bring them to life. The purpose of this dual exercise was to study real world actions as reference material for intended animation, then show what has been learned from this original drawing for animation exercise. There were some very worthy submissions this month, which showed me that the process is definitely a good one for helping animators improve their work.
Although this sounds a little repetitive of earlier challenges, the top award has to go again to Anthony Corrigan. There is little doubt that his highly polished and professional level skating animation is right on the money - especially in terms of the observational drawings he submitted for it last month! So "bravo" Anthony for yet again showing your undoubted talent . . .
The April 2019 animation challenge was to take the observational gesture drawings from the March challenge and to bring them to life. The purpose of this dual exercise was to study real world actions as reference material for intended animation, then show what has been learned from this original drawing for animation exercise. There were some very worthy submissions this month, which showed me that the process is definitely a good one for helping animators improve their work.
Although this sounds a little repetitive of earlier challenges, the top award has to go again to Anthony Corrigan. There is little doubt that his highly polished and professional level skating animation is right on the money - especially in terms of the observational drawings he submitted for it last month! So "bravo" Anthony for yet again showing your undoubted talent . . .
In addition to Anthony's excellent sequence however there were a number of other submissions that I believe deserve the esteemed "runners up" status. So "bravos" must also go out to (in alphabetical order) . . . Andrew Sharp, Daniel Winer, George Keita, Laura Maue and Luis Espadin Barba . . . for some excellent submissions! Here is their work in the name order indicated above . . .
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who made the effort to submit an entry this month. Win or lose there's not doubt that by just doing the challenges that are set each month you will definitely be gaining knowledge and experience by just "doing". Much of what is offered up with the challenges replicates the process that have been developed by all the top professional animators over the decades - and it is precisely why they have become legends of the industry in their lifetimes. So jump right in with our next "drawing" challenge folks and see where your time and talent investment will take you!
Tony. :)
Tony. :)
MARCH 2019 CHALLENGE
"GESTURE DRAWING" ~ FREEFORM
The March 2019 drawing challenge was for contributors to create "gesture drawings from observation" for a proposed animation project of their own choice. This is a method of research that's used by many top animators when preparing for a sequence of animation they are contemplating. Consequently, judging was based on accurate observation and sequential, stage-by-stage gesture drawings. With this objective in mind I am delighted to say that this month's winner is Anthony Corrigan for this comprehensive drawn analysis of an ice skater in action. Congratulations for some fine work (yet again) Anthony!
The March 2019 drawing challenge was for contributors to create "gesture drawings from observation" for a proposed animation project of their own choice. This is a method of research that's used by many top animators when preparing for a sequence of animation they are contemplating. Consequently, judging was based on accurate observation and sequential, stage-by-stage gesture drawings. With this objective in mind I am delighted to say that this month's winner is Anthony Corrigan for this comprehensive drawn analysis of an ice skater in action. Congratulations for some fine work (yet again) Anthony!
It was exciting to see the range of high quality work submitted for this month's challenge, illustrated by these following runner-up submissions. Bravo one and all!
I hope this exercise will encourage everyone to consider doing drawn research like this before attempting an animation sequence. It can do nothing but improve the final performance of your animation. Keep up the good work everyone and look out for the next animation challenge being announced very soon now!
Tony. :)
Tony. :)
FEBRUARY 2019 CHALLENGE
"OVERLAPPING ACTION"
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this month's animation challenge folks. "Overlapping action" is extremely important to the execution of quality animation and therefore the more you can practice it the better it will be.
Essentially, "overlapping action" requires that all the periphery parts of an animated character (or object) move in their own secondary way in accordance with the core movement of that character or object. In essence they "follow through" after the main action has occurred - such as with the flowing movement of hair as it is motivated the primary move of the head.
I would suggest that there were some good attempts at "overlapping action" this month. However, in my opinion the clear winner has to be Anthony Corrigan, who demonstrated expertly the ways that the hair, arms and legs all overlap a main (bouncing-ball quality) of a jumping character's action. This is a perfect example of "overlapping action" in movement...
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this month's animation challenge folks. "Overlapping action" is extremely important to the execution of quality animation and therefore the more you can practice it the better it will be.
Essentially, "overlapping action" requires that all the periphery parts of an animated character (or object) move in their own secondary way in accordance with the core movement of that character or object. In essence they "follow through" after the main action has occurred - such as with the flowing movement of hair as it is motivated the primary move of the head.
I would suggest that there were some good attempts at "overlapping action" this month. However, in my opinion the clear winner has to be Anthony Corrigan, who demonstrated expertly the ways that the hair, arms and legs all overlap a main (bouncing-ball quality) of a jumping character's action. This is a perfect example of "overlapping action" in movement...
Special mention should also go to Omar Abdel Aziz, who demonstrated another slant on the "overlapping action" principal - here indicating the secondary movement of a cloth after the main (yet invibible) movement of wind causes it to respond...
So "congratulations" to both of our featured animators this month for an excellent demonstration of their "overlapping action" skillset. :)
JANUARY 2019 CHALLENGE
"BADGER, BADGER!"
This month's challenge asked for drawn character designs with animation poses, based upon a badger theme There was no limitation to what contributors might draw, although the challenge was tied into the NO MORE DODO's nature and environmental protection group's initiative that is fighting the killing of Badgers in the UK. Part of this initiative was a book by Geoff Francis, called "Badger Boy" which may use entries here to illustrate the text. Members will be contacted personally later if their designs are selected.
In the meantime, I have great pleasure in announcing the winner and runner's up for this Sketchclub challenge. So a big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Tina Brun for being our esteemed winner this month - with additional kudos offered to Alex Thomson, Chris Haldenby, George Keita, Libby Durose and Richard Doran for runner-up entries.
It was felt that Tina definitely secured her winner status for the wonderful storytelling studies she made with her badger characters. Bravo! Wonderful work...
This month's challenge asked for drawn character designs with animation poses, based upon a badger theme There was no limitation to what contributors might draw, although the challenge was tied into the NO MORE DODO's nature and environmental protection group's initiative that is fighting the killing of Badgers in the UK. Part of this initiative was a book by Geoff Francis, called "Badger Boy" which may use entries here to illustrate the text. Members will be contacted personally later if their designs are selected.
In the meantime, I have great pleasure in announcing the winner and runner's up for this Sketchclub challenge. So a big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Tina Brun for being our esteemed winner this month - with additional kudos offered to Alex Thomson, Chris Haldenby, George Keita, Libby Durose and Richard Doran for runner-up entries.
It was felt that Tina definitely secured her winner status for the wonderful storytelling studies she made with her badger characters. Bravo! Wonderful work...
The runner-up drawings were wide ranging and diverse in their nature, but seem to speak with a voice of their own that deserved especial recognition...
Finally, a HUGE THANKS to everyone who contributed to the challenge this month! Everyone did an excellent job, with the number of entries being a delight to behold. As a result of the hard work put in all round I think everyone deserved to be featured. But space is limited and therefore tough decisions had to be made. That said, I'm grateful to everyone who took part as each and every one of your contributions made up a very good month for the Sketchclub challenge.
Next month (February 2019) is an "animation" challenge month... to be announced on the 1st.
Hopefully we'll have a good response to that one too? "Thanks again" one and all!
Next month (February 2019) is an "animation" challenge month... to be announced on the 1st.
Hopefully we'll have a good response to that one too? "Thanks again" one and all!
DECEMBER 2018 CHALLENGE
"XMAS DOUBLE-HEADER" (Part 02)
This month's challenge is part two of a double-header. In November, Sketchclub members were asked to submit drawn ideas for a crazy Santa walk. This next month they were required to animate these ideas in time for Christmas. We got some terrific entries and I'm delighted to say that Andrew Sharp was a clear winner this month, due to him entering two separate and wonderful Santa walks! So "bravo" to Andrew, and "bravo" to everyone else who entered some excellent work this time around.
This month's challenge is part two of a double-header. In November, Sketchclub members were asked to submit drawn ideas for a crazy Santa walk. This next month they were required to animate these ideas in time for Christmas. We got some terrific entries and I'm delighted to say that Andrew Sharp was a clear winner this month, due to him entering two separate and wonderful Santa walks! So "bravo" to Andrew, and "bravo" to everyone else who entered some excellent work this time around.
Now have a well deserved Christmas break everyone. . . and check back here for the next drawing challenge that will be announced on the 1st of the New Year! :)
NOVEMBER 2018 CHALLENGE
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"XMAS DOUBLE-HEADER" (Part 01)
The November challenge was part one of a two-parter. This month, Sketchclub members have been required to submit their drawn ideas for a crazy Santa walk and/or sequence of action - then next month they will be required to execute and submit their final animation in time for Christmas. For the November challenge, I agreed to mentor the best three drawn submissions entered as a prize, so that successful members can have the benefit of experienced feedback that should enhance the quality of their December entries. This doesn't guarantee that the three November winners will automatically be adjudged the best December ones however! But it does give them the opportunity of receiving high-level, experienced animation mentoring from a very experienced professional. So, after much consideration of this month's entries, I'm delighted to announce that the following three submissions were my favorites So congratulations go to Andrew Sharp (1st), Edwin Gomez (2nd) and Anthony Corrigan (3rd) respectively. My sincere thanks go out to all those other artists who entered however, as I would say that every one of you had great ideas and could will be in the running for consideration of the December prize! CHANGE OF PLANS!
As a thanks to everyone who submitted an entry this month, I have decided to change the original plan and open up my offer of assistance to everyone who entered a drawn concept this month. So ALL November Sketchclub competitors will enter the December animation challenge with an equal opportunity of obtaining feedback. The winning three entries will get continual feedback if they want it, but all December submission ideas will get one critique from me at the beginning, if they so choose. It will work like this . . . When animating anything most professional animators will block out their key frames first and film them with the proposed timing. In other words, they will create their key frames and shoot them to the correct proposed timings - yet without the inbetweens being there. The key drawings therefore will be held on the screen to cover their own number of frames, plus all the frames of the missing inbetweens. This is called a "pose test" (or "key frame animatic"). So with this proposal, all qualifying November entries will be allowed to submit to the group (via the Facebook page, as normal) their initial pose test animatic and I will publicly respond to it as is necessary. (Please identify it as a "pose test animatic", so I don't mistake it for a final entry!) I do strongly advise you to get your pose test animatic in to me asap. That way you will have enough time to make any necessary changes, as well as add your inbetweens for your final submission by the closing deadline. (Note: If you choose not to do this, then that is OK and you won't be penalized for not doing so.) However if you do it, it will give anyone from the November entries access to my knowledge, to help you maximize the effectiveness of your animation. For the three November finalists, I am more than happy to go beyond the pose test offer and give you feedback at any stage of your work process, as long as you don't miss the final deadline. That way you will still received the benefit of being in the top three. So "good luck" everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing your crazy Santa animation soon! :) OCTOBER 2018 CHALLENGE
"DOUBLE BOUNCE"
Competing with "#Inktopber" is always a daunting task during this month of the year, so the lack of entries on this particular challenge is pretty understandable. That said, I believe the winner this month has created an excellent example of a "double bounce" walk, as requested. So "congratulations" therefore go out (once again) to Anthony Corrigan. He really is a master of the challenge! . . . In general, I believe all the entries this month showed a great deal of visual imagination and more than a little degree of ingenuity. However, I do think that a tutorial on how to do a perfect double bounce walk might be valuable at some stage in the future! I'll let you know if I get a chance to do this everyone.
That said, I am confident that Anthony checks all the boxes when it comes to how a double bounce walk is done technically. So, hats off to him for such a great example - and an equally imaginative way of expressing it. Thank you at the same time to everyone who contributed, even those of you who missed the deadline! Your commitment to the challenge is greatly appreciated, especially during the month of "#Inktober"! SEPTEMBER 2018 CHALLENGE
"MASH-UP"
Although there were too few entries this month for my liking, I have to say that the ones that were entered were really great fun to view! I always believe that its great to mash up two diverse styles or concepts and the results are often quite surprising. This month was no exception! I believe all of the entries were really well executed and although "color" is not usually anything that sways my decision, I note that this month three of my top four were indeed in color. The final decision ultimately went to George Keita however, as I loved the dramatic light and staging he employed with his artwork. So "bravo" George for such an exceptional piece . . . 
That established, I do also want to congratulate everyone who submitted to the challenge this month. There were no weak links anywhere as far as I could see. I do want to also feature the 3 runners up that caught my eye too, as I believe it is only right we encourage fine work when individuals have taken the time and the effort to be part of this. So "bravo" you three - and everyone else who excelled with their work this month . . .
Can't wait to see what you guys come up with next month! :)
AUGUST 2018 CHALLENGE
"FEAR"
This month's challenge was all about "FEAR". As a kind of cathartic and healing process, contributors were asked to animate their own personal fears. To be honest, there was a disappointing number of entries this month - indicating that perhaps not everyone is ready to confront their fears just yet, or if they are, then they're reluctant to share those fears with everyone else! Even so the entries that were posted were good and somewhat difficult to separate in terms of judging. In the end I split my decision of top film, between the animation of George Keita and Anthony Corrigan. So we have two winners this month! Their films were very different approaches from one another. Yet each in their own way gave a sense of fear in their approach. So congratulations to George and Anthony. In general I would say that all the entries had great content and ideas but pretty much everyone would benefit from tighter editing. What I mean by this is that, when approaching a storytelling narrative, its very important to consider the timing of your cuts between action and your holds within the action. Most of the films held their poses, or scenes, too long - interrupting the dynamic flow that most of the ideas required to be fully impactful. That said, this is all part of the learning process of animated filmmaking and simply by doing what you do, and taking note of honest criticism, your work can do nothing but improve in the future. I thank you for taking these comments in the positive and supportive spirit they are given. Joint winnner: George Keita
Joint winner: Anthony Corrigan
Finally, I would have to say that although I liked pretty much all the entries this month, I need to give a special call out of support to Diego Diaz. Each month Diego makes a huge effort with his challenge work - and this month was no exception. So "bravo" to Diego for putting so much effort in. Its wonderful to see your work improve with each and every challenge effort!
Special commendation: Diego Diaz
JULY 2018 CHALLENGE
"KICK OFF"
In celebration of the 2018 World Cup (congrats to France by the way!) the July challenge was to create an observational drawing sequence of a character kicking a football. Design was somewhat important but the main thing to be looked for is a feel of believable flow and action throughout the sequential drawings. There were sadly not too many entries this month - a combination of folks being away on vacation I guess, or they are just not interested in soccer. However, in the end it came down to three clear finalists. The especially outstanding winner drawing was created by Minh Thuan and the two runners up were Anthony Corrigan and George Keita... 
1st: Minh Thuan.
2nd: Anthony Corrigan.
3rd: George Keita.
Finally, a big thanks to everyone who submitted their action drawings.
Start training yourself up now for our next August "animation" challenge! : ) JUNE 2018 CHALLENGE
"LUNATICS"
The June challenge was to create animation with a "Moon" theme to it. There were some fun entries but I have to give it to Anthony Corrigan for the sheer expertise of his animation. Bravo! . . . All the entries were fun this month to be honest. But here are a few that also caught my eye . . .
Thanks to everyone who made such a great effort to participate this month. July's challenge is a DRAWING one, so you can all take a little bit of a rest for this month! :)
MAY 2018 CHALLENGE
'ME, MYSELF & I' This May challenge was to create 3 images that represented three different aspects of the submitter's personality. It was meant as a fun exercise but also one that made us all look at ourselves more carefully and express what we saw! There were a number of very different submissions for this challenge, as you might expect. However, in the end, I narrowed it down to 4 that really caught my attention. Normally in that situation I find it very hard to decide a winner. However, in this case, there was one that stood out for me from all the others. So, for its originality and excellence of execution, I congratulate George Keita this month for the following excellent solution . . . 
I suspect that we can all identify with this one, huh everyone? :)
The 3 runners-up I believe are also worthy of mention however, as each in their own way made a great statement. So congratulations to Anthony Corrigan, Chris Stefanova and Emily Escott for their wonderful contributions this month! . . . Thank you to everyone who entered their drawings this month ~ and apologies if you didn't make it into the final selection. Although all of the featured finalists happen to be finished in color, I really don't want anyone to feel that coloring your artwork will give you a better chance of succeeding in the final selection. This is not true at all. As long as your idea is original and catches my eye as being bang on point with the requirement, I will accept black and white stick figures if it deserves to be featured! Originality wins out every time with me.
Just one last thing: As this month's challenge was a 'drawing' challenge, the one to follow will be an 'animation one'. So watch this space for the June announcement very soon now! Thanks again to everyone who submitted for revealing a little more about yourselves! :) APRIL 2018 CHALLENGE
'POLE VAULT'
This April's challenge was an animation one. The challenge was to animate a pole vaulting character, based on the reference supplied. Although not a huge number of films were entered ~ not surprising really as animation takes a long, long time to do! ~ there were some terrific ones nevertheless. Everyone had something significant to offer and it ended up like judging so many apples with so many oranges. However, I had to go with one winner in the end, so I gave first place to Anthony Corrigan. For me, what separated Anthony's entry from everyone else's was the fact that he checked all the necessary boxes for me . . . that is 'draftsmanship', 'consistency of character', 'timing', 'weight', 'original storytelling', etc., etc. He's definitely a worthy winner this month! Bravo Anthony . . . All that said, I was so impressed with all the entries ~ each having their own voice and point of view ~ that I think it worth placing them all in the runner-up position equally. So bravo to all you folks too! . . .
Now watch out for the April 2018 challenge folks. Its a DRAWING CHALLENGE, so many more people have a shot at it. :)
March 2018 CHALLENGE
'ACTION DRAWINGS'
Some wonderful entries this month folks... 'bravo' one and all! The challenge was to take 4 action photographs that were supplied and create 4 dynamic action pose drawings with a character, or characters, of your own choice. It seemed many people loved this challenge and it really showed in the submitted work. Indeed, I found it very hard to separate the best from the rest - and in fact, I think you ALL did exceptionally well this month - whether you won, were placed or not placed. In the end however I had to choose a winner, so this month's winner was Andrew Sharp. I not only liked the dynamic poses he created, but I also loved the character selection and the colorful, graphic way the drawings were presented. So a special bravo to Andrew for his great work this month! 
As I say, it was very difficult to separate any of the entries this week, as I think everyone - without exception - submitted some wonderful work. Thank you all for putting in so much effort. I am only sorry that not all of you could be featured here. In the end though I did find 5 honorable runners up to add to Andrew's winning entry. They are as follows . .
Finally, I would add that if you really want to be an animator, this is precisely the kind of exercise you need to do on a regular basis in order to train your eye and hand in researching the actions you are trying to create. This is essential if you want to be a character or action animator in any form of animation out there. . . i.e. '2D', '3D', 'Stop-frame', 'Claymation', 'Cut-out', etc., etc. To help you with this I created 'The Animator's Sketchbook', which is a real sketchbook containing 66 important lessons that will help you master animation, regardless of style. Even if you don't buy my Sketchbook, you should keep one of your own anyway, so that you can quickly sketch down any poses or actions you see in your daily life. You never know when your reference sketches will be valuable in the years ahead!
Note too that if you want to learn the principles of animation with me, one-on-one, I do offer online classes through the TakeLessons website. We can work through 'The Animator's Sketchbook' work together or I can help you with any animation you want to learn or polish. (Note however that I don't teach software - just the core underlying principles of movement and observation that make up great animation - in whatever approach you will ultimately end up using.) Congrats again to all the entries this month. It was a joy to view and judge! Tony. :) FEBRUARY 2018 CHALLENGE
'BASIC WALK'
This month's challenge was all about creating a generic walk with a character of the animator's own choice. The entries we some of the best (and largest number of) submissions we have had, so it was hard making a final decision. In most cases it was like comparing apples to oranges, which made the choice even harder. Ultimately, I felt it was choosing the best emotion connection to the action that won me over. So I congratulate Cesar Ce for creating this charming walking action. Although short, yet very smoothly animated, it was the calm emotion of the character, its pose and its action that won my heart... That said, I genuinely want to acknowledge my respect for the runners up. Although very different in nature they also have a strong voice in their own particular right. I therefore congratulate the creators of them too. So, in order of appearance, I honor the walks of Firas Alikaj, Stephen Beddow, Ruben Cabenda, Anthony Corrigan, Pepijn Claus, Charles-Jean Boucher and Brahma Mamoun. Well done, one and all...
Finally, there were many more entries this month that nearly made the 'honored finalist' cut - and even with all those those that didn't there was a great deal of solid work put into them. So I thank everyone who contributed their time and effort into making this an exceptional month of entries. If there were one comment I would share with a number of animators this month, is to say there to make a good walk convincing there needs to be a certain amount of 'up and down' movement to the action. This is done by ensuring that on the 'Passing Position' (i.e. the midway pose between each stride) the leg is virtually straight under the body and therefore the torso is forced upward, giving that overall 'up and down' movement to each stride. If you did not have this with your walk, do go back and rework it with the above suggestion. I think you will notice how effective the difference is.
A final 'bravo' to one and all! :) Tony. Note: Its now possible to study animation online with Tony White, via the TakeLessons website. Although TakeLessons require that you book a minimum of 5 lessons as a basic commitment, Tony will arrange for Sketchclub members to use each of those lessons for personal critique & mentoring, following their challenge work, over 5 consecutive months.
Book your teaching sessions with Tony HERE! January 2018 CHALLENGE
'AND THE WINNER IS..." As we're right in the middle of the film awards season right now, this month's challenge was to create a drawing or animation that represents an award you would like to see given in any animation category. I doubt we will influence the Academy of Motion Pictures hierarchy, but it was fun to see what awards you would like to see given anyway. I have to admit to a great deal of favoritism towards traditional 2D animation in general. So I just had to give our award this month to George Keita, for his great '2D Animation Award' drawing. Bravo George!
However, let's not neglect our acclaimed runners-up for this month either . . .
Andrew Sharp
Anthony Corrigan & Millie Young
...or anyone else who entered the challenge. Everyone's ideas were great fun - so much so that I'll set a similar challenge to this in the future I think. In the meantime, members should get themselves ready for the next 'February 2018' challenge that's just around the corner!
Keep those pencils sharpened folks! :) DECember 2017 CHALLENGE
'GHOSTS OF ANIMATION'S PAST' Bravo to everyone contributing to our spooky voices from animation's past competition. It was good to see such a great mix of both drawings and animation for these seasonal entries! Ultimately I awarded 1st place to one that was (by the creator's own admission) quite crudely drawing and containing no animation whatsoever! However, the intention behind it, and the storytelling in it, grabbed my attention - being that it was such an original take on the idea. (Would love to see it animated, although the creator would need a commercial budget and schedule to do it!) So congrats to कलाकार जंतु anyway. (Sorry, I don't know how to write your name in English!) It was such an imaginative animatic . . .
But also, there were some fine (and highly commended) runners-up. So congrats also go to . . .
George Keita
Andrew Sharp
Diego Diaz
Anthony Corrigan & Millie Young
I do wish to add that it was great seeing ALL the entries this month however - whether they were placed above or not. It shows to me that there's so much talent and imagination out there - as well as a huge respect for the giants of the past, on who's shoulders we stand!
So 'bravo' one and all. I for one can't wait to see what next month's challenge brings! september 2017 CHALLENGE
'THROW'
I'm afraid with got a little behind in announcing the winners for this month's challenge folks. However. . . better late than never!
We had some very imaginative ideas based on the 'Throw' assignment this month and I'm delighted to say that Anthony Corrigan was deemed with winner of the September 2017 challenge. It was a very tight thing as there was clearly a lot of innovative work and effort put into a fair number of the entries. However, Anthony's action seemed to work best from a technical 'throw' perspective, especially as his final outcome added a neat twist to the original theme... The winner of the drawing challenge this month was Millie Young, who's excellent analysis of a throwing action is clear to see. Great work Millie! . . .
As indicated above there's no doubt that this month's entries were the most imaginative yet. Indeed I have to compliment the following artists for taking their work to the next level. Bravo Ty Smith, Louise Rosney and Andrew Sharp respectively! . . .
In terms of an overall critique of the entries, . .
I would say that 'timing' was the big issue for pretty much everyone. The feeling from everyone's animation was that most were too fast moving and also needed some variation in pace. For any action to be truly convincing it has to have some sense of plausibility, even though we are essentially dealing with an implausible medium. (Meaning, in animation you can technically do pretty much what you want in a fantasy way.) My suggestion is that where things look too fast and rushed you need to bite the bullet and put more inbetweens in to slow things down a little. In most cases this would help the action, as although the key positions everyone chose were pretty strong, linking them with too few inbetweens meant that the power of the action was lost. Indeed, they all tended to feel pretty weightless in the main. Variation in timing is critical too. When the arm comes back in anticipation of releasing the throw, try to slow-in your drawings towards the end of the anticipation moment. Indeed, you might even hold the anticipation pose for a few frames before it comes forward for the release. This will give the throw so much more impact when it happens. On this topic, its noted that there's a tendency for animators these days to do the poses, put in an equal amount of inbetweens (often too few) and leave it at that. This does not help the action for the purist. (Or for the audience on an unconscious level!) Therefore consider your timing always. If you were to approach your animation like the masters of old did, you would test and re-test your action repeatedly - adding or taking away inbetweens to perfect the flow. (Although you are of course up against a tight deadline in the case of these challenges it has to be admitted.) One final observation. . . In a couple of the entries the pull back/anticipation pose is nowhere nearly as extreme as it could be. The result of this is that there's no real contrasting impact in the release. Consequently, when you are dealing with a high impact action like a throwing action you really need to push your poses in an extreme way. As the late, great Disney animator, Art Babbit, often told me. . . "You need to push your pose as far as you dare - then double it!" AUGUST 2017 CHALLENGE
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MARCH 2015 Challenge
The 'Top-5' submissions:
Let me say, first and foremost, that I am genuinely proud of everyone who has entered into this inaugural Challenge. You have indeed made history! Of course, selecting a winner - when you are all winners - is incredibly difficult. I think everyone has already learned (and hopefully grown as evolving animators) by doing this first of many exercises. In the end I could only arrive at my personal favorite 5. But I stress that in doing so it it entirely a subjective decision, for another pair of eyes will almost certainly have a different opinion. So the 5 winning entries below are the ones I untimely felt most comfortably with - and the ones that I think are closest to what I had in mind from the outset. That said, please don't let this deflect everyone one from this unfolding journey of discovery. Ultimately everyone contributing to the Challenges to come will grow and improve as time goes by. So, sincere congratulations to the winners this time around - and bravo to everyone for putting their work, hearts and passion on the line. See y'all again on April 1st when I'll set the next Challenge!
The 'Top-5' submissions:
Let me say, first and foremost, that I am genuinely proud of everyone who has entered into this inaugural Challenge. You have indeed made history! Of course, selecting a winner - when you are all winners - is incredibly difficult. I think everyone has already learned (and hopefully grown as evolving animators) by doing this first of many exercises. In the end I could only arrive at my personal favorite 5. But I stress that in doing so it it entirely a subjective decision, for another pair of eyes will almost certainly have a different opinion. So the 5 winning entries below are the ones I untimely felt most comfortably with - and the ones that I think are closest to what I had in mind from the outset. That said, please don't let this deflect everyone one from this unfolding journey of discovery. Ultimately everyone contributing to the Challenges to come will grow and improve as time goes by. So, sincere congratulations to the winners this time around - and bravo to everyone for putting their work, hearts and passion on the line. See y'all again on April 1st when I'll set the next Challenge!
ALL submitted entries. (Further comments on selective submissions will appear here soon!)