Cleaning up this composite image today before lunch. #comic #graphicnovel #comicart #cartoon #knockknockcartoons #longhair #doubledome

Getting Back to it

In August, I started my full time position teaching Experimental Animation at CCAD.  Needless to say, it put a little delay in the drawing action for Longhair and Doubledome's graphic novel.  But finally the dust is clearing, my assignments are organized, my classrooms are functional and I have moved my junk into my new office.  Back to work.

Drawing development

Sometimes a drawing doesn't work the first time out. Developing a pose until you are satisfied and the darn thing looks right, takes patience and "eye". The one thing I really like about work in analog and digital, is being able to tweak a drawing digitally. In the days of old, making 5 or ten xerox copies to change size, redraw, was very painstaking. It worked but it took work. Tweaking an analog drawing can really help push the pose.

Animals of the Pleistocene Epoch

I am happy to announce that the graphic novel for Longhair and Doubledome is moving along.  These animals were initially planned to make appearances, in the pilots but hit the cutting room floor.  Always wanted Longhair and Doubledome (if it had been a show) to be 11 minutes in length instead of the pilots 7:20....more time for comfort in the cut and more gag material with the fauna of the time.  But the graphic novel allows for these guys to finally make their debut....

studio setting up

Ready to go

Today, I am doing all the preliminary work for the production of the graphic novel that has been hanging over my head for the last 6 months.  It has not been procrastination that overtook the process, it was life itself.  Bought a house, renovated a house, fixed up a studio, and unpacked and organized my life that has been in boxes for the last 3 years.  That and the added bonus of teaching new classes at CCAD and getting my feet underneath me there.

But back to today, getting the production blog up and running again.  Blogging here and yes, actually sitting at an animation desk and doing some drawing.  More, more, more, go go go.

Setting up a new studio

Thankfully, my dahling wife and I are moving out of the land of apartments and into a new house with a "bonus" room which will be an idea place to finally set-up a studio.  A real, working studio where I can do everything, paint, draw, you name it.  I am very much looking forward to getting this little slice of my heaven setup and working like a family of mice in a cheese factory.  YUMMMMMM.  Cheesy Studio.

The Double-est of Domes.

As I continue to gain speed on the graphic novel for Longhair and Doubledome, I thought it would be fun to share some of the more recent drawings of Doubledome, that crazy Cro-Magnon.  I have always been proud of the unusual design of both Longhair and Doubledome and I especially enjoy pushing the envelope of design....Here are some fun examples.

Article in AWN

http://www.awn.com/news/longhair-and-doubledome-creator-developing-graphic-novel

Interview in Traditional Animation

Reposting this from last week, Lavalle Lee has been incredibly supportive and I have rarely met someone so dedicated to the rejuvenation of a cherished art form, Traditional Animation. Lavalle Lee has been extremely generous in assisting this artist in his quest to continue to animate using the "analog" tools I used through most of my career. I am currently trying to drop digital work for hand drawn pencil pushing and I just would like to take the time to thank Lavalle for all his help in this endeavor. He is a rare person and deserves praise.

 

http://www.traditionalanimation.com/2017/the-dawn-of-longhair-and-doubledome/

Getting going on the Kickstarter

It may be early in the process but I am getting antsy to get this party started.  Will be writing the script or at least a portion of it this weekend.   Hope to have a working script by next weekend and then I will be concentrating on getting the Kickstarter written and set up for rewards and all.

Announcement art for Longhair and Doubledome

Creating the art for Longhair and Doubledome's new Kickstarter campaign launching soon.  This Kickstarter is focused on creating a graphic novel of out novel characters and the beginnings of their relationship.

Graphic Novel a Novel Idea

As many of you know, I tried a Kickstarter last year to produce a third short for Longhair and Doubledome, and that it failed. According to the feedback we attained from various sources, it was clear that I had not done that proper due diligence in order to create a successful campaign. I am relatively new to online marketing, crowd-sourcing cavalcade of glory, and have spent a good deal of time devising a strategy with the end goal being the third short.

The Cartoon Network has been great, and very supportive, They gave me permission to do the third short and now have given their blessing to pursue this next Kickstarter venture, a graphic novel.

I have chosen this avenue to not only awaken the audience that all ready exists for these two wacky cavemen, but to increase it. I am presently talking with Max Cannon of REDMEAT fame to assist in the writing of the novel and have decided in a subject. So stay tuned, I will be announcing the Kickstarter in a month or so.

Please feel free to let us know what you think of this newish idea and strategy and thanks for any support you can offer.

-Gav

Kickstarter in February?

Looks like we have the all clear for a Longhair and Doubledome GRAPHIC NOVEL.  Pretty excited about that.  I am going to start concentrating on the art and develop a look for the piece, these next few months and hopefully get the Kickstarter going in February of 2017.  Stay tuned for more updates.

Waiting on the Network

I have contacted the Cartoon Network and am hoping they will see clear to letting me use their property as a graphic novel.  Fingers crossed

Another Longhair and Doubledome?

After the failed Kickstarter campaign, I continue to think of ways to promote my two favorite cavemen.  Recently, I have been toying with the idea of a graphic novel of their adventures.  Maybe?
So I have been playing in the sandbox recently experimenting with different tweaks and looks for that possibility.  Sometimes the best way to see if you can light a fire is to at least try to start a fire.

Having some fun with Doubledome and pushing poses.

Just a couple pictures for fun

Just a quick warm-up this morning

Working on a new campaign.

Last year's Kickstarter campaign for Longhair and Doubledome was a great learning experience, I understand a good deal more than I did several months ago and I keep learning more all the time, not a big surprise it is just kind of how life goes.  So I am about to prepare a new crowdfunding campaign for a third short of Longhair and Doubledome with a launch date in early 2017.  Haven't decided whether I am sticking with Kickstarter or moving the project over to Indiegogo, but there is still time for that decision. 
So for now, here is a new image as I experiment with finishing techniques.