Crash Test Dummy

I finished up another pulltab/chip game for the company I freelance for.



For this one they wanted a very specific scenario drawn up, and so I didn't have quite the artistic freedom that I've had on some of the others. I still had a great time creating it though, and managed to get it done just under the deadline!`

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I hate it when that happens...

Well I'm back from my break and was hoping to get my 11 Second Club entry all done in time to get it submitted, but it just isn't going to happen.


Just Not Typed from Dave Johnson on Vimeo.

What you see here is what I would consider to be about 80% final, and I've just run out of time. Rather than submit something I don't consider my best work, I thought I'd post it here instead so that at least some of you can see what I did manage to get finished.

I don't want to make any excuses as to why I didn't get it done, as we all have things that get in the way sometimes. I'm hoping to instead focus on the January competition and actually finish it this time around, since I'll have a full month to devote to it.

If anyone wants to see the full QT version, you can click HERE.

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Enjoy the Holidays!

I'm headed out of town tomorrow, and won't return until sometime around the 1st of January, so I just wanted to drop a quick line to wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season. Regardless of what or how you celebrate, I hope you get everything you asked for, and above all else you get to spend some quality time with loved ones.

2008 was an amazing year for me, as I FINALLY made the professional transition to the art world, and I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store. Running this blog has also afforded me the chance to meet some really great people, and I hope that trend continues into the new year!

To everyone who knows me personally, or simply as a name on a dumb ol' blog, have a safe and happy remainder of 2008, and I hope to see you back here in 2009!

Take care.

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Quick 11 Second Update

UPDATE: I got a bit more done on the animation, and replaced the existing one with the most current version. You can watch it below. I wound up re-blocking and animating his final reaction, and added a bunch of extra cleanup. If the audio seems off in spots, it's actually due to the export, which I'll need to get sorted out before submitting the final piece.


December 11 Second Club Pre-Polish from Dave Johnson on Vimeo.

I've got a bit more cleanup to do and then what follows next is my favorite part of animation, which is the polish. I can't wait to get in there and really start playing with the fingers and eyes!

Pre Final QT Movie

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Whatnots

This is one of the coolest things that I've seen in a long time.



In the most simple of terms, Whatnots are custom Muppets that you create Build-A-Bear style and then purchase for $130 dollars. They're only available at the FAO Schwartz flagship store in New York right now, but in February, FAO is launching an online creation tool that will allow you to make your Whatnot and order it without ever leaving your house!

Kermit will give you even more details at the link below, including exactly what a Whatnot is, and how to get your own.

I personally can't wait to get one for myself and my kid!

Muppet Workshop Whatnot Store

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1st Birthdays and Choo-Choo Trains

My Son celebrated his 1st Birthday yesterday, and had a great time doing so. Along with tons of cake (read: sugar) and presents, his Dad also managed to get the train picture framed and hung in time for the big day!



Overall I was really happy with how it turned out, but nothing could match the look on his face the first time he saw it. He lit up with a huge grin, let out a squeal and reached for it, which was much better than the scream followed by crying that I was actually expecting.

We had a great time with friends and family, and if you want to know just how good of a time the kid had, look no further than the picture below as proof.



Happy First Birthday, Sebastian! Just don't expect a painting from Daddy every year. ;)

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I Outlined!

I promised you some things soon, and here is the first:


I've Outlined! from Dave Johnson on Vimeo.

This is actually the first half of my entry into this month's 11 Second Club, in its pre-polish phase. There is lots more to do, so I'm off to animate!

Oh and in case you missed it, here is the final version of the building climb...


Building Climb Final from Dave Johnson on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Updates Are Coming

I know things have been slow for a week or so, but I promise I'll have stuff to show soon.

I've decided to enter into this month's 11 Second Club competition, which was a stupid idea, because I'm out of town as of the 19th, meaning I have to try and get everything done in less than 3 weeks. I'm blocking now, and will have something to show on that in a few days.

I'm also stopping off at the frame shop on my way home to pick up that train picture I did for my son's room a while back. The prints turned out great, and I'm hoping the framing will work out as well. I will try to snap some photos of them once they are up on the wall.

Speaking of my son, I've also been gearing up for his 1st Birthday, which takes place next week! We've got a big party planned for him this weekend, where he'll spend the entire time playing with the boxes the gifts came in and wetting himself, because that's what 1 year-olds do.

So there is stuff coming, but December will probably be a slow month in general, in terms of updates. I don't mind, as it will be a chance for me to recharge and hit 2009 head-on. I'm excited for the year to come, and hope you are as well.

Take care.

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