The secret lives of 'toons...

This is Phil...

He never
gets things
right.

And
probably
never will.

"Bat-Guy"

In the early '90s I'd create characters and draw comics at home after working in advertising all day. I've always loved the form and the freedom you can enjoy working on your own stuff.

This page of nonsense was an excuse to satirize Batman from the animated series. I loved the show, it was close to what I imagined the Fleischer Studios would have done with the character, and I think Bruce Timm is one of the best artists working in comic books and animation.

A few months after my artwork was created, John Byrne did the same gag in a story for a Batman Animated Annual. There's no way he could have seen my work, nor could I have seen his. But we both went down the same path, including the fat guy in the window yelling at the costumed hero.

I'm convinced that our brains are like radios and sometimes we pick up similar transmissions.

Baby, it's cold outside...

I thought it might be a good time to post some unused Disney concept art from a Surf-Themed Design Program that I worked on.

Maybe it will warm us up a bit out here in Cali.






(All images are
TM & (c) 2007 by Disney)

For Iwao...

I joined Warner Bros. Studio Stores in late '94.
I showed my portfolio to Designer, David Harrison (He's now at the Disney Stores), and after a few freelance assignments I was offered a full-time position as Senior Illustrator. WB was a fun and challenging place to work, we were able to follow through on products from concepts to finals. No licensees in the way of a compelling product, and the opportunity to work with Illustrators and Designers who understood and appreciated the characters.
WB's design studio was originally in NYC, the following year it was re-located to Los Angeles, I stayed behind as a contracted freelancer and later moved out to L.A. in June of '96.

When WB & Turner merged we gained the Hanna-Barbera characters.

Our VP Director of Creative, Ruth Clampett asked H-B Design Director Iwao Takamoto to give a "Chalk Talk" to the Character Illustrators, an overview of the H-B characters, especially "Scooby-Doo". Iwao was very generous with his time and knowledge, we spent hours with him in a conference room and later in his private office at the old H-B Building. He was working on final pencils for a Scooby-Doo Style Guide. His pencils were amazingly clean and clear. Very lively.

I remember having a very informative and fun visit with the great Iwao Takamoto.

Scat Inking...

Taking a new
Brush Pen
out for a spin.

"Happy New Year!"