Tag Archives: Visual Development Artist

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Mingjue Helen Chen

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What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Mingjue Helen Chen and I’m currently a Visual Development Artist at Disney Feature Animation.

 

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I’ve led a pretty uneventful life I’m afraid, although I did work at a Coldstone Creamery when I was in high school and had to sing for tips.

 

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I’m fortunate enough to be able to say that every project I’ve worked on has been special to me! On Frankenweenie, I felt a great deal of trust from my art director, and was allowed to do a lot of different things like set design and moment paintings. I didn’t realize until recently how rare it is to have that kind of trust placed in you, let alone on your first production as an art student. Working at Cinderbiter with Henry Selick was super fun and engaging, since I was there very early on. Paperman is dear to me because the people I was working on are still some of my favorite people, ever.

 

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I was born in Beijing, China, and moved to the US very young. I mainly grew up in Minnesota. I got into the animation business accidentally, figuring it was Continue reading

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Chris Oatley

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What is your name and your current occupation?
Chris Oatley. I was a Visual Development Artist and Character Designer at DisneyToon Studios (most recently designing characters for Disney’s ‘Planes’ franchise) before I left to start The Oatley Academy Of Concept Art & Illustration. At The Oatley Academy, I teach Composition, Color Theory and Digital Painting. I also have a Character Design Workshop coming up soon.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
At age sixteen I submitted my illustration portfolio along with a standard application for employment at my neighborhood Kroger and was immediately hired as a cake decorator. They also wanted me to do the in-store illustrations – china markers on the windows and what have you.  I think I started out at $12 an hour. It was way more than any of my friends were making at Bob Evans or Dippin’ Dots or wherever. It was my first job and I was already getting paid (well) to draw….until the US Department Of Labor called two days later and shut me down.  An industrial meat slicer was located within a certain proximity of the cake decorating station and thus there existed the possibility of accidental lacerations. The liability waiver I had signed didn’t count, legally, because I was a minor.  I was immediately demoted to bag boy. I liked bagging groceries because I could chit chat

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Tony Merrithew

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What is your name and your current occupation?
 Tony Merrithew, animator, sculptor, visual development artist.

 

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
 I delivered liquid oxygen to people with breathing problems. I drove a tractor on a tree farm.

 

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
 I worked as an animator on the first California raisins commercials as well as the Noid.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
From Portland oregon. Got a job by walking into Continue reading

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Colin Stimpson

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What is your name and your current occupation?
Colin Stimpson. Visual development artist on Despicable Me 2.

 

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
While I was at school I would get up at 6.00am to clean the local supermarket. I did it with a group of school mates so it was actually fun! The others would steal Cadbury’s Creme Eggs to eat for breakfast, but I have to say I never did!

 

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I have recently had a children’s book published by Templar called “Jack and the Baked Beanstalk”. It’s the first story that I have written as well as illustrated. It’s due to released in the US in July.  As for my favorite movies, I thoroughly enjoyed working on “The Emperor’s New Groove” during my time at Disney. The highlight was an amazing research trip to Peru. Recently I worked as a visual development artist on “The Lorax”. I am big Dr Seuss fan so it was a great opportunity to spend time studying his shapes and caricature.

How did you become interested in animation?
I have always loved the classic Disney films. As a small boy I went to see 101 Dalmations and have been hooked ever since. I remember Continue reading