Creativity and Children

Father's Day 2015
Is it really work if you love what you do? You've heard me say this before.

Most days I sit at the drawing board in my studio "working". I'll have some music or a movie playing in the background while I'm creating my newest cartoon, comic strip or piece of animation for myself or a client. Hours can seem like minutes when you are "in the zone".

Drawing takes me back to my childhood. A time where I could get "lost" in my art, and spend hours at a time creating the images I saw in my mind and transferring them to paper via my pencil. It was also great for my mom because she was able to get things done around the house and didn't have to worry about what I was up to.

A good friend of mine has a special motto, "Remember your childhood... and pass it on." The legacy of fatherhood is to do just that. To create productive, compassionate and contributing members of our society that help to make the world a better place.

Today is a special working day for me today because on this Father's Day I am passing on my childhood to my daughter in a unique way. She has always drawn quietly in her room (like I used to), but today we are sharing my creative space together. In my studio I am drawing on my tablet and she is drawing on hers. We are both creating!

And this is one of the reasons I am starting NinjaToons.com; to bring parents and their children together through ART. I teach FUN art, not fine art. My philosophy on drawing is that if kids are having FUN drawing, they will want to draw MORE. They will look for opportunities to create custom art like this great Father's Day card my daughter made for me. This is BETTER than any store-bought card because it was created by her with LOVE! Now imagine all our kids creating special memories like this for family and friends!

If you are in the Ventura County or Conejo Valley and are interested in having your child enroll in my Summer Cartooning Camp, there are a few seats still available! Class begins July 6th so please visit NinjaToons.com and reserve your seat today.

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Full-Time to Freelancing

"I’m working full-time on my job and part-time on my fortune..."

-Jim Rohn 

For the person who is dedicated to earning a living pursuing their passion, no truer words have been spoken. Yesterday I wrote about Talent and Temperament, combined with Hustle and Humility. Both are required when balancing a full-time job while living out your dreams in disguise like a superhero concealing their secret identity.

For the past 6 years I have been working a full-time job while building my freelance business as an animator, children's book illustrator, comic strip and caricature artist, and drawing instructor. My clients and my company are always on my mind. Emails, projects, marketing, invoicing, prospecting, follow-up... and then there's the actual drawing! But during the normal business hours of society, I'm like an ArtNinja, secretly planning, positioning and pursuing my passion. Mentally that is.

I wanted to share something exciting that happened to me today while working my "day job", because if you are as passionate about your dreams as I am about mine, there will be times that you can get frustrated, feeling trapped in a job and not moving forward. But if your passion consumes you, and you find yourself constantly marinating on thoughts of your business, there is an answer.

The blessing and the curse of a full-time job is getting great ideas during the work day with out the ability to implement them...yet.

There is a particular business plan that I have been developing, and it's constantly on my mind. Today a solution sabotaged my subconscious filling me with excitement and energy. (This is typically when I get frustrated.) When ideas come to me and I'm stuck at work, restrained from being able to take any action, it can extinguish my inspiration. So what do I do? I simply write the ideas down.

This is why I always recommend carrying a pen and paper with you wherever you go, because you never know when an idea for your business might ambush your attention. Even though you're unable to take immediate action on your idea while you're at work, you can write it down in that moment, so that when you are able to clock out of your full-time job, you can begin working part-time on your fortune.

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What Are You In Love With?

"What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, ... and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” 

-Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ 

This is a beautiful and fitting quote by Fr. Pedro Arrupe that sums up what it's like when you are living with a sense of Passion and Purpose. CLICK THE VIDEO above as I talk about the energy you'll experience during my recent interview with Jared Tullos.

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Overcoming Obstacles

Recently I had the honor of drawing a caricature for my cousin's husband in the Netherlands. I've had requests for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Save-the-Dates, and Employee of the Month Awards, but what made this caricature special is that it is celebrating his recovery to walk again!

So away with the wheelchair, crutches and physical therapy appointments. He's got this!

In life we are all going to face challenges. In the moment, we can get frustrated, depressed and even angry. But making sense of it all typically doesn't reveal itself until much later in life when you can reflect on that difficult time with from a new perspective and say to yourself, "Now I can see why that happened."

Believe me,  I'm not saying it is easy while you are experiencing the "valleys" of life. But as a good friend once told me after I explained my own frustrations, "Fruit grows in the valleys, NOT on the mountain tops."

What does that mean? It simply means that in these moments we are meant to learn something. So use the opportunity like I did to find the "fruit" that is growing during your struggles.

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Everyday is a New Beginning

Life is what happens while we're "busy" making other plans...

I wanted to begin with this famous quote because it's been some time since posting my last blog entry and I apologize to my followers for that. Yes, "life" happens and if we're not careful, it's easy to overwhelm ourselves with obligations, promises and other "stuff" that isn't very important.

It's common knowledge that it can take 21-days to create a habit (or change an undesirable trend in one's life). A former boss once said to me, "You can be busy, but are you being productive?" Recently I caught myself in this situation of overfilling my schedule with "busy-ness" which is not advancing my personal and professional goals. So I created a spreadsheet of how I spent blocks of time throughout my day, then made adjustments to it that would better insure my success of creating my preferred daily habits. The first habit I want to begin is creating drawings and writing blog posts on a daily basis.

I know, I know... You've read this before. Probably from another blogger that is apologizing to their audience just like I am for not not providing you with usable and regular content. So writing and drawing are two activities that I would like to become daily habits for me. Even if they are brief writings like sharing a quote, or a current work-in-progress for one of my projects, it's something that I need to be consistent with to bring you a unique and valuable experience.

So enough with that, let's get into something useful.

• What do you want your life to look like?
• How would you envision your "perfect" day?
• If money was no object, how would you spend your time?

If we want to discover the ANSWER, we first need to ask the QUESTION. Now we can begin the conversation.

What do you do when you need to think? Do you turn on the television? Blast the radio? Enter a room of crowded people? NO. You seek out a place that is quiet. If you are interested in changing your life, and pursuing your passion, then let's start with finding some quiet time to reflect on where you are now and what you want your life to look like.

I am speaking now from my own personal experience, which I hope helps encourage and guide you. This is what I did.

I was fed up with where I was at professionally. I was working the graveyard shift at a job that wasn't very fulfilling, yet it did serve a purpose. That purpose was providing income and health benefits for me and my family. It also served another purpose... it helped me realize what I DIDN'T want to do, forcing me to ask myself the question, "What DO I want to do with my life?" So I grabbed a composition book (you know, the ones we had in school with the black and white "cow"moulage on the cover) and began to write every idea that came to me about how I could make a living getting back to what I loved... DRAWING!

To determine what that "something" is for you means you may need to reflect back on your childhood and remember what it is you LOVED doing. For my wife, it was riding and working with horses. For me, it was drawing. What is it for you? So let's start the process together of creating the life that you REALLY want to live.

[ACTION STEP] Go to your local store today and purchase a composition book, or some sort of journal. Then TONIGHT, find a quiet place where you can reflect on your life up to this point, remembering all the moments where you were happiest; when you felt alive. (Oh, by the way, quiet means tossing your smart phone in a drawer for awhile. Sorry, but how bad do you want it?)

It's time to begin creating a NEW LIFE which allows you to be the best version of yourself. A life designed to fulfill your passion and purpose. Let's get started TODAY!

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Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance- Part 4

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Laura C. who is a first year Media and Animation student at The Art Institute of Orange County. For her report, she was required to interview someone in the Animation Industry to get an idea for the field and the types of jobs that are available.

In the next series of posts, I will share with you the questions she asked me and my responses based on my journey and perspective as a Freelance Artist. Please feel free to comment below with any questions you may have for me, and I would be happy to answer them for you. 

Interview with Michael Voogd - Freelance Artist
Animator – Illustrator – Caricature – Comic Strips – Instructor

http://VoogDesigns.com

How long did it take to get your business up and running?
I realized the first thing I needed was a website to promote myself, and some business cards for my face-to-face meetings. After launching my website I started scanning in my old drawings just for visual stimulation to give viewers a taste of my style. Then I searched sites like craigslist.org for people that needed artist to hire. I was professional in my email responses to their ads, and always included my new website for them to view my work. I knew that if I could get them to reply to my emails, and begin a conversation with them, that I had a chance. And sure enough, within the first week I started receiving personal replies and offers. In fact, two of my current clients I found on craigslist, and I am still working with them 3 years later!

Remember, it’s all about presenting a strong portfolio, and NOT necessarily about having a degree! People don’t care that I have an Associates in Art Degree. What they care about is what they see in my portfolio and what they will expect their projects to look like.

Were there any setbacks?
A-B-C… Always Be Closing. Or put another way, “Always Be Creating”. One thing I learned from my former sales jobs is to keep your “pipeline” full. Which means to always have projects that you are working on, while continuing to pursue new clients. If you just settle on working with your existing clients, you neglect your next paycheck, which you will eventually need. With this mentality, I have been able to avoid potential setbacks.

Is it ever hard to find new clients?
Not when you follow my previous advise. There is ALWAYS a need for ART. Some people have the vision, but it’s the artist that brings the vision to life. I do believe that you should have a specialty, or the art that you prefer to create. BUT, that is when you need to decide how you want to market yourself. In the beginning, I marketed myself (and still do to some extent) in the following areas: Animator, Illustrator, Caricature and Comic Strip Artist. I also am an instructor and teach drawing classes in the local home schooling community to fulfill a need for parents that want their children exposed to art, but don’t know how to draw. Versatility is important. There will be times that caricatures aren’t in demand, or illustrations; in which case you’ll need to market comic strips, or logo design, or tutoring. READ:

READ: Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance- Part 3

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Laura C. who is a first year Media and Animation student at The Art Institute of Orange County. For her report, she was required to interview someone in the Animation Industry to get an idea for the field and the types of jobs that are available.

In the next series of posts, I will share with you the questions she asked me and my responses based on my journey and perspective as a Freelance Artist. Please feel free to comment below with any questions you may have for me, and I would be happy to answer them for you. 

Interview with Michael Voogd - Freelance Artist
Animator – Illustrator – Caricature – Comic Strips – Instructor

http://VoogDesigns.com

Owning your own business sounds like the dream. What made you want to open your own company rather than taking your talents to a studio?

'Whether you think you can, or think you can't- you're right.'

–Henry Ford 

Back in the late 90’s studios began changing how animators were contracted. Rather than hiring them for a period of years, they hired them per animated picture. When the film was completed, many of these animators got laid off and had to reapply to get onto the next film. In a scramble for these out-of-work artists to make a living, it became very difficult for new talent to get hired by studios when all the veterans were completing for the same jobs. At the time it was still a very young Internet and portfolios still needed to me printed and mailed. It was very discouraging and so I lost interest in my pursuit.

Between 2000 and 2009 I pretty much stopped drawing. I would doodle a little here and there, but nothing serious or consistent. These moments however, reminded me how much I loved to draw and that I was good at it. And it was during these 10 years that the Internet came into it’s own and websites were popping up left and right.

Our habits change when our thinking changes, and this “change” usually happens when you are fed up with a circumstance in your life that you want to improve. This pivotal moment occurred to me in the quiet hours of working a graveyard shift at a company that had me doing unfulfilling and monotonous work. In these hours of frustration, an idea began to take shape. “What is my PASSION and PURPOSE in life? What are the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with? How can I use these gifts to live a happy and rewarding life, while adding value and filling a need in society? I want to draw. I want to CREATE! But how can I earn a living doing what I love.”

So I began thinking this idea through on how to practically make it happen. I realized, “I can draw the images, but what niche do I want to focus on? I know how to create a website to display my artwork, but how will I attract customers? How can I advertise my services on a very limited budget?” You probably already guessed the answer... SOCIAL MEDIA!

With Social Media I could have unlimited viewers! My friends and family would be happy to promote my services to their circles of followers, and best of all…IT’S FREE! My vision was coming together, but more importantly, I BELIEVED I could do it. And with that conviction, I grabbed a composition book and began writing down every idea that came into my head as to how I would make money with my art. Nothing was left off the table. I became a jack-of-all-trades so to speak.

READ: Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance Part 1 and Part 2

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Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance- Part 2

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Laura C. who is a first year Media and Animation student at The Art Institute of Orange County. For her report, she was required to interview someone in the Animation Industry to get an idea for the field and the types of jobs that are available.

In the next series of posts, I will share with you the questions she asked me and my responses based on my journey and perspective as a Freelance Artist. Please feel free to comment below with any questions you may have for me, and I would be happy to answer them for you. 

Interview with Michael Voogd - Freelance Artist
Animator – Illustrator – Caricature – Comic Strips – Instructor

http://VoogDesigns.com

What sparked your interest in animation? What main type of art/animation do you do?

It was the summer of 1988, when my family embarked on a road trip around the United States. At 13 years old I already had a fondness of hand-drawn animation, but it was when we visited the newly constructed Disney MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida that I knew what I wanted to do.

The attraction was called ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’. At the time you were able to watch real Disney Animators at work from behind a glass curtain after viewing a short movie on the process of creating an animated movie. Once I stepped in, it was a slice of heaven for this young artist with a love for cartoons.

I enjoy creating 2-D hand-drawn animation, but also enjoy the visual beauty of what is now being created with CG animation. What these talented animators are able to create with computers is truly amazing. Yet, you must always remember that the software is just a tool. The computer DOES NOT animate a scene on it’s own, just like a pencil doesn’t draw a picture on it’s own. It’s the vision of the artist that uses these tools to create the illusion of life that viewers see on screen.

Read: Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance- Part 1

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Advice to a Class from Real World Freelance- Part 1

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Laura C. who is a first year Media and Animation student at The Art Institute of Orange County. For her report, she was required to interview someone in the Animation Industry to get an idea for the field and the types of jobs that are available.

In the next series of posts, I will share with you the questions she asked me and my responses based on my journey and perspective as a Freelance Artist. Please feel free to comment below with any questions you may have for me, and I would be happy to answer them for you. 

Interview with Michael Voogd - Freelance Artist
Animator – Illustrator – Caricature – Comic Strips – Instructor

http://VoogDesigns.com

Tell me a little more about growing up an artist and your journey into owning your company. Was you family supportive of your artistic ambitions?

From my recollection, it was subtle support. They would often praise my work and encourage me to continue, but I never felt they forced or pushed me to draw. I think they recognized that I enjoyed doing it, and allowed me to embrace that peace and happiness when I would draw.

To their benefit, drawing also makes for a great babysitter when your parents have stuff to get done around the house. It would occupy my interest for hours, allowing my mom to cook dinner and clean the house without being distracted, which I am sure she was grateful for.

But as with any parent that wants the best for their children, as I got older they did encourage me to go to college and earn a degree, just in case I needed something to “fall back on”. So I attended a local community college and earned an Associate in Art Degree right after High School. Simultaneously, I attended the California Art Institute as a way to develop my figure drawing and quick sketch portfolio, which were standard requests when applying to animation studios.

It was during this time that I had my first epiphany. A “degree” means nothing if your portfolio is sub-par. You can receive high grades in all your art classes in college, BUT it really is your PORTFOLIO, the proof of your work that sells you to the studios. Another way to put it is that studios will hire you more on the work in your portfolio, than the grades you received in school.

There was a vast difference between art classes in a local college and that of an art instruction school. Where colleges teach Art History, Color Theory, and drawing pretty shapes with shadows and perspective, the classes at the Art Institute were not based on grades, but developing your work to strengthen your portfolio.

A few years ago, I attended a seminar by a veteran in the Animation Industry who said something in his lecture that I completely agree with. He said, “If you have been told to get a college degree so that you have something to “fall back on”, this is subliminally telling you that you will not succeed.” In essence, you will never put forth your entire effort because you have a safety net; something to fall back on. It’s when you don’t have a choice, when you HAVE TO succeed, that’s when you become intensely focused with unwavering dedication and determination. That’s when you succeed.

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Don't Quit Your Day Job...YET!

We do the things we NEED to do, in order to do the things we LOVE to do.

I recently came upon a list of "11 Celebrated Artists That Didn't Quit Their Day Jobs", and was reminded that even if I'm not where I want to be as an artist, that's OK. There are other creators that have lived through the same circumstances, and used their experiences to hone their crafts.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass,

it's about learning how to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene

All my life I knew that I was born to draw. During my first 20 years I dedicated my time to refining my skills as an artist. All I wanted to be was a Disney Animator. But as we get older, responsibilities take over, and at the age of 24, I was blessed to be a husband and father. It was during this time that I had to put my dreams aside and do what I had to do, and provide for my family. Yet all along, I was still drawing.

During this decade, I worked as an Account Executive in the mortgage industry, strengthening phone and managerial skills. After 4 years, I moved on and became licensed in private insurance, conducting face-to-face consultations and large group presentations. But then the 2008/2009 economic crash occurred and I was forced to reinvent myself again to provide for my family. Yet all along, I was still drawing.

After a long and stressful span of uncertainty, a door was opened and on September 9, 2009 I was hired as a temporary employee with a global bioscience company. Traveling up to an hour in SoCal traffic to get to the factory, I used this time to think. Realizing that my situation wouldn't change unless I did, I requested to begin working the graveyard shift. This meant working from 10:00pm to 10:00am, Friday night through Monday morning! Why? To invest more time with my wife and daughter. Yet all along, I was still drawing.

It was during these quiet moments in the middle of the night at the factory that I began to start a journal. I wrote down what I wanted in life. What I wanted to do and where I wanted to be. Slowing an idea found a voice that led to action, and I created a roadmap. On May 27, 2011 I registered my business name with the county and officially launched VoogDesigns! "Great, but how would I get back to doing what I knew I was born to do?"

I was still working at the factory, and with gas prices at over $4.00 a gallon, I discovered that the company had another facility 3 miles from my home! So I requested a transfer to eliminate a 2 hour round-trip commute and spending $100 a week to fill up my gas tank. Saving time and money, I could now devote more of my time to building my company!

"I’m working full-time on my job,

and part-time on my fortune." -Jim Rohn

For the last 2 years I have been blessed to work at this factory, and am now close enough that I could actually ride my mountain bike to work. There are some weekends where I'll work a 20-hour day, doing tasks that are mundane, monotonous, and far from "creative". But like the "11 Celebrated Artists That Didn't Quit Their Day Jobs", I use this experience to keep food on the table for my family, a roof over our heads and health insurance for medical emergencies. Every weekend I work three 12-hour days so that I can spend the other 4 days of the week drawing.

I'm doing what I NEED to do, in order to do what I was BORN to do.

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VoogDesigns Vocation

vo·ca·tion  

/vōˈkāSHən/

Noun A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation. A person's employment or main occupation, esp. regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication.

Synonyms calling - profession - occupation

My "Calling"
I wanted to share with you a series of events that helped solidify for me, that I'm headed in the right direction with my vocation. Ever since the first grade I knew that I wanted to draw. In my late teens I created a name and designed a logo for my future company, which is what you'll see on my Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn pages. But I didn't know the relevance it's meaning until recently.

Voogd + Designs
I felt that there was something special that was happening with my company, so I started researching the meaning of my last name and discovered that "Voogd" (originally Vogt) ultimately derives from the Latin [ad]vocatus) or advocate, meaning to exert guardianship or protection over a territory or area of responsibility.

The second half in my company name is "Designs", which is also a synonym for one who "Creates".


My first name is Michael and for many years I have felt empowered by Saint Michael the Archangel, who in the Bible, was the Defender of God (The Creator).


VoogDesigns
Like a puzzle I began connecting what seemed more than a coincidence, and used these three elements to design a new image to represent my company. "Voogd Designs" in Latin is "Advocatus Creatoris", which translates to "Advocate (or Defender) of the Creator".

The Wings pay tribute to Saint Michael the Archangel, from which my first name was given.
The Sword symbolizes the meaning of my last name- "Voogd" (the Defender/Protector).
The Pencil is the tool through which ideas flow, and is held by the Artist, or Creator.

I knew I was born to draw, to create, and I know there are many youth that feel the same way I did when I was in the first grade. Don't fight the gifts and talents that you were blessed with. Sharpen them. Strengthen them. Use them.

Within the next month I will be launching NinjaToons.com which will be an online school for "creatives" that can sharpen their skills in numerous Arts such as Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Writing and Acting. Parents, if you see these talents in your children, embrace it and encourage them. And VoogDesigns will be an advocate, or "defender of the creators" in this world. 

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Cartooning Isn't All Funny Business

Time x Talent = Rate. Below is a great image I found not too long ago that sums up what most clients want, versus what they are willing to pay for. And to that naiveté, most clients overlook the many factors that go into the pricing for a comic strip. So the purpose of this post is to take clients, "Behind-the-Scenes"...

What many see as an esthetically pleasing collaboration of lines with a funny punch line may appear like it took minutes to create. However, the speed of its creation from concept to completion is far from a few minutes. In fact it may have taken a lifetime. Just like cooking, singing, or solving a mathematical equation may seem second-nature to you, it's probably taken a good portion of your life to become proficient at doing those things. It likely didn't happen overnight.

Discussing: Look Into My Crystal Ball
As a client, you want funny, but you may also want the comic strip to reflect your company's niche and viewpoints, targeting a specific demographic while still being sensitive to the feelings of others. Figuring out what a client wants may require a significant amount of time to understand, because they assume that you already "know" all this. As a cartoonist, we are required to be many things, and one happens to be a mind-reader (and this isn't that far from the truth!) From only a few brief discussions or emails, we must quickly catch on to exactly what the client wants. Most of the time, I'm presented with a theme, dialogue and the basic idea. And sometimes, what the client wants may not be the best option. Therefore, EXPERIENCE, is one of the factors that are built into pricing. Clients may need to see both options illustrated in order to themselves ‘see’ the benefits and shortcomings of either. In this case I present them with alternatives to consider with my suggestions.

Writing: Finding Funny 
One of my clients is a CPA, and another is a Real Estate Attorney. Try finding the "funny" in that business! But the nature of a client's niche needs to be fully understood in order to find the humor in situations which are generally only known by those in that profession. This is where I rely on my client to carefully explain to me their concept for their comic strip. Now some of my clients choose to write their own comedic material, and if you also have this inherent "funny-bone" where ideas come to mind quickly and easily, time and effort can be considerably cut down because then I can do what I do best; bring your vision to life and ILLUSTRATE IT!

Drawing: Where the Stylus Touches the Tablet
Art appreciation is broad and subjective. So how are cartoonists to know a client's tastes? Before discussions begin, clients are given a homework assignment; review my portfolio, style, and diversity of capabilities. For some clients, they know right away. For others, this process can take time and effort for a client to visualize their project through the cartoonists sketches. This is very normal, and most comic strip projects will go through various stages of drafts and revisions, which again needs to be factored into any pricing structure. The time one spends on any project must be taken into consideration. As with any trade, labor costs as well as parts make up the final fee. With art it's no different. The ‘time’ a cartoonist spends thinking about, researching, and sketching must be considered and given proper credit, in addition to, the beautifully executed final presentation.

Considering Your Own eComicStrip?
Art is indeed a gifted talent, but it takes practice and a considerable amount of ‘learned’ skill to be proficient enough to meet the needs of a commercial market. Digital art and the technical know-how takes time, skill, apprenticeship whether one self-teaches or studies via a college, university etc. The pricing includes the skill and knowledge of the artist, much like any other profession. This process of ‘concept to creation' can take hours, days, or even weeks, but it certainly never takes seconds. As with all my clients, it is important to know your budget and I will always try to work within that to deliver a product that you are happy with. I hope that this post helps you to better understand the steps that occur even before my pencil hits the paper. The process starts long before that stage was reached and you are paying for a substantial amount of talent and skill.

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Drawing, Dinner and Disney

As I know we are all making our summer plans, I wanted to share with you what VoogDesigns Art Academy has in store for the Summer of 2012.

On the fourth Friday of every month this Summer, we will be hosting an opportunity for parents to celebrate "Date Night"! We'll entertain your kids while you take advantage of 4 romantic hours together. Enjoy a dinner on the beach, be enchanted by a trip to the theater, or simply relax in the quiet.

Here is what we have planned to entertain your kids for 4-FULL HOURS:

• 5:30-6:00 Check-In at VoogDesignStudios
• 6:00-7:00 Draw the featured Disney character (who may even show up!)
• 7:00-7:30 Dinner, Drinks, Dessert and Snacks will be provided
• 7:30-9:00 Watch their favorite Disney Movie on a 12' x 7' Jumbotron Screen!
• 9:00-9:30 The pixie dust has landed and they're ready for Pick-Up
  

Because of the size of the lawn, we're limiting this event to 25 kids, but please feel free to invite your friends and neighbors as well. Registration is $40 per child.

RSVP by June 7th and it's $25/child

Call (805)768-4503 or email VoogDesigns@gmail.com

I hope you are as excited to bring your child(ren) to this "Cinemation Experience" as I'm sure they are. For June 22nd, we will be showing Disney's Aladdin.

Remember to RSVP by June 7th for the 40% Discount!

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VoogDesigns Vlog #3

We continue from our secret location as I share an old letter I wrote to the Walt Disney Studios, and discuss the academic approach I took to animation after receiving their response.


In the VoogDesigns Vlog I will be sharing with you my process of creating my comic strips, caricatures, children's book illustrations, animations and lessons from the VoogDesigns Art Academy every week.

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VoogDesigns Vlog #2

Welcome to the second VoogDesigns Vlog! This post is being recorded from a secret location known as an "attic". In this vlog I discuss the importance of saving your artwork so that as your skills develop you can look back and see how much you have grown as an artist.


In the VoogDesigns Vlog I will be sharing with you my process of creating my comic strips, caricatures, children's book illustrations, animations and lessons from the VoogDesigns Art Academy every week.

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VoogDesigns Vlog #1

Welcome to the very first VoogDesigns Vlog! I don't sing or dance, but what I will be sharing with you is my process of creating my comic strips, caricatures, children's book illustrations, animations and lessons from the VoogDesigns Art Academy every week.

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Never Say Never

Lyrics. Back in Junior High my class was given an assignment to pick a few songs and analyze the lyrics. I chose a few Simon & Garfunkel songs like "I am a Rock", "The Boxer" and "The Sound of Silence". Ever since then I try to find meaning in the songs I listen to.

Recently I was listening to my daughter's iPod, looking for a song to add to a video I recorded on how I create a comic strip. The song I chose had lyrics that took me back to the last few years which were a very trying time for my family. But deep in my heart there has always been a desire to persevere and to never give up; not just in life but in your dreams. Every since I was a kid I knew that I wanted to draw.

Fifteen years ago VoogDesigns was just a dream. Now it is a reality. Through the trials emerge the triumphs. If you have a dream, never say never.


See I never thought that I could walk through fire
I never thought that I could take the burn
I never had the strength to take it higher
Until I reached the point of no return

And there's just no turning back
When your heart's under attack
Gonna give everything I have
It's my destiny

I will never say never (I will fight)
I will fight till forever (Make it right)

Whenever you knock me down
I will not stay on the ground
Pick it up, pick it up
Pick it up, pick it up
Up, up, up, up, up and never say never

I never thought I could feel this power
I never thought that I could feel this free
I'm strong enough to climb the highest tower
And I'm fast enough to run across the sea

And there's just no turning back
When your hearts under attack
Gonna give everything I have
'Cause this is my destiny

Never say never...

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CartoonsTrip

4 years. They say if it's worth having, then it's worth waiting for. On August 27, 2007 I read this article in our local paper about a very special museum located in Santa Rosa, CA that I immediately decided would be a fun place to take my then 6-year old daughter. I anticipated visiting the Charles Schulz Museum every weekend since Santa Rosa Valley is only 10 miles from my home.

After searching the Internet and mapping out directions, I was suddenly deflated. The Santa Rosa they mentioned in the article was 430 miles away! And a 7-hour drive to get there was going to need a little more planning than a quick weekend jaunt in the car.

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. 

Fast forward to December 29, 2011. After four years of waiting, my Christmas present was not a new iPhone, but what would prove to be very special "Cartoons" Trip with my 10-year old daughter.

The museum opened at 11:00am and it was a 7-hour drive, so that meant we needed to leave at 3:00am in the morning! Sure I could have chosen to leave a day earlier, or travel by plane, but drawing from my childhood memories, road trips are something special. They provide ample quiet time to ponder life and detox from the stresses of the daily grind. It's also a great bonding opportunity with my little traveler!

So with a full tank of gas, a surplus of coffee, and a quick donut shop stop, we were off. Shouldering the responsibility of getting us to our destination safely, I repetitiously sipped coffee as I listened to motivational CDs, while my daughter rested soundly in the back of our car. Our first stop came shortly before 7:00am in King City to refuel the car and our stomachs. C'mon, you can't have a road trip with out a #2 Breakfast Meal!


We spent the remaining trip in the car listening to audio books of Geronimo Stilton and The Spiderwick Chronicles to help pass the time. At 11:00am we finally entered Santa Rosa to check into our hotel and freshen up before travelling the remaining 2 miles to our destination- The Charles M. Schultz Museum!

Because of the theater schedule, our first stop was watching a short documentary on Charles Schulz titled, A Boy Named Charlie Brown. This set the tone for what would be an enlightening and inspiring trip through the museum. My daughter was entertained by the history of all the classic Peanuts comic strips on display throughout the gallery. She also posed with numerous Peanuts gang statues and participated in drawing some of the characters herself in the Education Room.

One highlight for me was visiting Schulz' Drawing Studio. It was motivating to see where all the magic happened as this room showcased his vast collection of books, materials and memorabilia. At the museum we also met some friends that live in the area to play some miniature golf and catch up over dinner.

Part of our trip was to visit Snoopy's Home Ice located next to the museum. Because open ice was sold out earlier, we had to come back at 7:30pm. In anticipation we watched the Peanuts-decorated Zamboni renew the ice before we made our way onto the rink. What a magical 2-hours that was as me and my daughter held hands skating around the colorfully lit ice decorated with Christmas lights.

The next morning we stopped at The Historic Railroad Square District to take a few more pictures with a bronze Charlie Brown and Snoopy statue before visiting San Francisco on the way home. In San Francisco we planned to take pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge, have lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, ride a Trolley Car, and visit the Cartoon Art Museum. It was a this point where I was rethinking the purchase of that new iPhone because with out a GPS in the car, getting around San Francisco delayed our first stop by over an hour. But the delay was worth it because our first and only stop was in the presidio at The Walt Disney Family Museum.

My daughter was fully entertained by all the colorful and interactive displays that chronologically toured us through Walt Disney's historic life journey. But with another 7-hour ride ahead of us,  it was time to return home. Low on fuel and energy, we made a perfectly timed pit stop in Sunnyvale at PF Changs China Bistro to enjoy our last meal of this special trip together. My daughter then slept the rest of the ride home while I enjoyed the quiet reflection on what I hope will be a trip she will always remember.

Reflections

Looking Back. It is at this time every year that many of us reflect on the events of the past year. The things we have done. The tasks we failed to complete. And the goals we resolve to accomplish in the New Year.

As I reflect back on the achievements of 2011, I am truly humbled by the how fast an idea can grow when it's nourished with passion, watered with determination and tended with faith. VoogDesigns was a seed that was planted inside of me over 15 years ago, but it took that time and the experiences during those years to allow the roots to take hold so that he stalk could finally reveal itself through the soil. Another beautiful metaphor is a rear view mirror, which was used in the church bulletin that I also contribute a comic strip to every week found on Page 9.

Enjoy this special New Years Eve comic strip, and unlike the dad character, let us not be too eager to ring in the New Year without taking the time to reflect on the knowledge and experiences we have gained throughout 2011, to provide us with the wisdom for a meaningful and blessed 2012.

To our past, present and future clients, it is with much gratitude that I thank you for the opportunity to serve you on this wonderful journey and pursue my dreams.

CTN Animation Expo 2011

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." -Wayne Gretzky

It's not everyday that you get to see, have access to, and visit with some of the greatest artists in the comic book and animation industry. It is a dream come true! So How did I get this wonderful opportunity? The direct answer is by taking a shot.

Back on September 27, 2011, I attended a special lecture held by Animation Nation. I invited a few friends with me and together listened to an industry veteran speak for a few hours to a crowd of over 200 other aspiring animators. Afterward, most of the attendees rushed the stage to ask for autographs.

The next day I e-mailed the speaker inviting him to a cup of coffee so I could ask him questions that time did not allow the night before. He responded and accepted. This started a chain of events that not only created a new friendship, but ultimately provided me the opportunity to partner with him on a special project, and be his special guest at this year's CTN Animation Expo. With heartfelt gratitude may I say, "Thank You."