Story writing with Shiro Ninja and Zer07: Part 1 - Always looking forward

Ossu!!  Shiro Ninja here.  Unit Zer07 and I have been hard at work doing some story writing.  We're developing an idea for an animated series we want to make, which we're calling, "Aram."  We're making progress and are really excited with the direction the story is going, but as you can see, the story writing process doesn't always go smoothly.  More story writing tales to follow...

Figure Drawing: Sexy Cheerleader

Ossu!  Last week we had a very productive Tuesday as we participated in the exciting elections as well as attended another fun figure drawing session!  I realized that up until now, we tended to do shorter timed poses, so this time we stuck around for some longer poses.  Both Zer07 and I felt pretty good about this session.  I hope you enjoy our sketches!

Shiro's 10 min sketches

Shiro's sketches:  Left-10 min, Right-20 min

Shiro's 20 min sketch

That last sketch is supposed to show the cheerleader being spanked by her boyfriend but I didn't have the chance to draw him in completely!

Zer07's sketches: 10 min

Zer07's sketches: Top Left/Top Center-10 min, Right/Bottom-5 min 

Until next time...  Nin, nin!

Exploring TVPaint Part 2

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After discussion with Shiro Ninja I decided to go back and play with the final look of my animation from Part 1.  I was trying to achieve a slightly sketchy look inspired by the "Origin of O-Ren" anime sequence in "Kill Bill".

I'm really glad Shiro Ninja encouraged me to push myself on this one.  It made me force myself to really concentrate on matching the desired look.  We'll be developing this style further and applying it towards a 'top secret' project currently in development here at Studio Gattai!

it's never ending...

-07-

To see Part 1, click here.

Anime Corner: Masaaki Yuasa

Hello friends!  The other day, Zer07 and I watched Masaaki Yuasa's animated film, "Mind Game."  It was quite possibly the trippiest movie I have ever seen!!  Aside from the trippiness, the movie left a big impression on me for its unique aesthetic and unconventional storytelling.  At times, the boundaries between reality and fantasy become blurred, but essentially, the story is about facing mortality and living life to the fullest.  If you haven't seen the movie yet, check out this crazy sequence:

It was exciting to watch something so unique and experimental come out of the Japanese anime industry, which is why we were excited to learn about Masaaki Yuasa's newest project, "Kick-Heart."  The project is described as a love story between two people -- a man who is a pro-wrestler and a woman who is a nun.  Each has a secret to hide...  

What's especially exciting about this project is that Yuasa and Production I.G are reaching out to an international audience to try and obtain funding via the popular crowd-funding site, Kickstarter.  Why should  you care?  This could start a trend towards a more interactive relationship between anime fans and production companies.  By showing support for unique projects like "Kick-Heart," we have the opportunity to directly influence what the anime industry produces.  If this Kickstarter campaign is successful, we could potentially see a new wave of innovative anime that pushes the limits of style and storytelling.

Join us in supporting Masaaki Yuasa's "Kick-Heart!"  Visit the "Kick-Heart" Kickstarter here

Until next time.... Ninja smoke bomb!!!

Exploring TVPaint

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Recently I've been using TVPaint to practice my traditional animation skills.  Shironinja and I are heavily considering using the program to produce a future project we're currently developing.  Right now I'm just familiarizing myself with the program doing short practice animations.  It's a great way to practice both style and motion while also developing my skills using the program.  Check out some of the work I've done inspired by the music of Digiflesh:

Rough lines:

Finished lines:

I still have to add some more line detail onto the "Finished lines" image.  After that I plan on adding color and a background.  I'll post another update soon.  Until then, feel free to comment or critique.

Intergalactic Pla.Ne.Te.Ree!

-07-

Update!  Part 2 can be found here.

Figure Drawing: frustration...

Ossu!  Shiro Ninja here.  Last week, Zer07 and I went to another Dr. Sketchy's figure drawing session.  The model was terrific as usual, but it had been several months since our last "live" figure drawing session, and we both felt a little rusty.  I tried to pay special attention to her silhouette and often ended up running out of time on these timed poses.  So frustrating!  Must keep practicing...

Shiro Ninja:  5 min. sketches, bottom left 10 min.

Zer07's 5 minute sketches.

Until next time... Nin, nin!

Therapy Session

Written by:  Unit Zer07 and Shiro Ninja
Art by:  Shiro Ninja