Long Time No Post!

Greetings animation fans! I haven't posted in months due to a change in careers...that's right...I no longer work in the animation field full time! I left Studio B last June after working there for 10 years and am now a licensed Realtor in the Vancouver area. Wow, what a change! But I'm loving every minute of it.

I must say, I miss storyboarding and drawing. I miss teaching at Capilano College, where one of the best animation programs in the country thrives. I miss watching my former students enter the industry and do well, very well. I especially miss some of my insanely talented associates and friends who I worked with in Vancouver.

What I don't miss is the progressively long hours, less pay and tighter deadlines...all for the sake of the bottom line. Decisions on what you get to watch are often made by executives who study the numbers and gamble on what will make them the most money. Yes, my friends, the hard truth of the matter is, animation is a business.

Having said that, some funny toons do manage to get made, despite its commercialism, despite the suits. They get made largely due to the creativity, hard work and dedication of the artists and animators who love making them. And although it doesn't happen nearly often enough, sometimes the artists get a pat on the back for their efforts.

The Second Annual Elan Awards took place on February 15, 2008 in Vancouver acknowledging local and international animators, gamers, and students. I am honoured to be included amongst the award winners, along with a great & extremely talented guy, Dennis Crawford, for Best Storyboarding: GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE: "Naked Ape Man".

Congratulations to all nominees and winners! And thanks for all the emails, texts and good wishes. I may not be working in the industry anymore but my heart will always be there with you.