The Doodlenauts!

The wha?

I would like to introduce my new group called The Doodlenauts!

Join us Tomorrow 2/8/14 

Doodlenauts & The Lego Movie!! 

So what's The Doodlenauts you ask? It's an event for artists: photographers, doodlers, painters, developers etc; to go out and 'doodle' in the urban jungle! And more importantly to have fun, hangout, meet new people and share tips and tricks all while eating delicious food.

In addition to the Doodle day event I arrange dinner, a movie (usually animated) and a place for drinks after!

I've been hosting different events for the last two years now and have been wanting to "brand" it as something other than calling it a SketchCrawl. 1. Because my events are not exactly the same as a Sketchcrawl 2. I'm tired of people asking me if certain Pixar folks will be out drawing (granted those people aren't really there to draw in the first place) and 3. I wanted something that represented what I was doing and creating.

A few of my movie night events have been so big, I now have a go-to guy at the theater in the city just incase I need to arrange a private screening. Which we could have for the film Wreck It Ralph!

I love being out and about, in a fantastic city on a beautiful day and surrounded by incredibly talented people. Then to continue that enthusiasm into the movie, and experience it with everyone and after we talk / critique/ dissect the film over drinks. And it's freaking awesome.

My goal is to share that energy and create a fun community of artists. I've also got larger goals for this "brand' as well.

I'm kind of shooting from the hip as I don't normally create a group or property without making sure I have everything created (logo, website, social media, etc) But I want this to grow and be a process I can share. One of my larger goals with all of this is to one day create my own foundation to help ensure schools across the United States have ART programs, that includes: Music, Painting, Dancing, Theater and whatever else they want! It's something that wont happen over night, but this is my first active step towards my goal.

SO! If you are ever around in San Francisco or the Bay Area be sure to keep an eye out for The Doodlenauts! :D

First Sketch Meetup of 2014!

It's a new year! Time to actually start posting again. :) I promise to blog more than I did last year. Ha

The weather had been so nice in the Bay Area I thought I would take advantage of it and host a Sketch meetup. The first of Many this year! I'm also going to work on a group name to make my events know and distinct. 

1/11/14

Once it started raining we moved inside and hovered around the tables until seats opened up. It was fun huddled up with everyone at both tables, we started to draw one another and then the caricatures started to get a bit fun. 

I kept my caricatures a bit tame this go around. 

I want to thank everyone for coming out! I was surprised and delighted by the great turn out. :D The next sketch-outing I will have a group name and create a hashtag for the events! Stay tooned! ;)

2 Years ago

Two years ago today I attended my first workshop at Animation Collaborative. Unsure what to expect, I knew I had to bust my ass if I wanted to survive in this new location. I quickly realized how freaking talented the artists in the Bay Area were.  I've always been competitive, no matter if it's entering an ice cream eating contest, running obstacle courses or trying to be the 'best' in school. Over the years I've grown to allow my competitive nature help inspire me and not defeat me when difficult times arise.

It was my goal to hopefully build a new circle of friends as I moved out here not knowing anyone. I left everyone I cared about back home in Colorado. I was motivated to learn as much as I could and promised myself to have fun while doing it! I had something to prove, I told myself I would not be returning home. I would either make it happen or die, and I was willing to do whatever it took to stay out here and stay inspired. I welcomed failure with arms wide open, lowered my head and kept moving forward. If I had to get a job at a coffee shop I would, manuel labor jobs again, fine, customer service jobs, so be it. I was going to stay... no matter what.

I've been very fortunate to meet some incredible people along my journey since September 2011 and to this very day. I'm thankful for the friends I've made.

And to celebrate and say thank you to my first class I've created this little video. Enjoy!





Along with my first class of badasses I would like to thank everyone else whom I've met along my way. Thank you for being you and thanks for being so damn awesome.

Now back to creating more awesome stuff, this is just the beginning!

Fired UP!

As I mentioned that this blog would remain solely for writing, helping others, or just a place that other artists could come and possibly see some of the struggles I've gone through thus far in my career. The goal? To potentially connect with people and let them know / feel that they are not alone in their struggles.

I haven't blogged in a while, I know. But I just came back from Siggraph and I'm so freaking amped up on incredible energy I am fired up to start writing again.

I find that the energy one can gain from a great experience is very important to save and "use". Siggraph was over a week ago and I'm still riding on my energy buzz. The take away? Apply it before you lose it!

Anyways, I'm writing this as a way to hold myself accountable to post more. Starting with Siggraph 2013!