Sheepish

In 2005 I decided to leave DW after 11 years! That was a big decision because it was my home for so many wonderful memories. Fine art and other film interests were on the horizon and this little film was one that really captured my heart. Between the insanely funny story and family of artists who came together to start a new studio (short lived sadly) I cannot think of another experience that tops this time in my career for just the fun and bold ideas we were all pushing around everyday. Everyone in animation looks up to Mary Blair and I am no exception. I really tried to channel her sensibilities in my sketches. I was finally able to break out of the serious design styles I had been working within for the past 10 years. Walt Peregoy (75 at the time) met with me right before I started on this film. He gave me the best advice I had every been given- I asked- "I'd like to push further than anything I have done Walt. I'm feeling like there is so much more inside. I want my art to be more stylized, but I come from classic drawing and painting" His response was very direct as was his nature. "You're looking at my art (he was an amazing abstract designer from the classic Disney years -think '101 Dalmations - yes that was his look) and think I am pushing something, but really I have drawn like this since I was 8 years old! If you have something else inside- something much more stylized and different, the only way to figure it out is to have the guts to make a fool of yourself and see what comes out!!" He kind of yelled it at me. This was followed with the golden nugget of advice- "If it's in you it will come out. You either have "it" or you don't. You will know pretty quickly." WOW! I followed this advice and still do to this day! Push yourself with everything you do. Do not settle where you are, and always have the guts to push past what you have done before.