I made these videos while my kids played xbox and my wife caught up on her reading. It was a choice between relaxing doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, and taking my turn cooking OR...Making a video series. It was a toss up - on one hand I'd get the satisfaction of cleaning and watching my kids mess it up again or creating something that I've been thinking about for quite some time.
I've put quite a bit of work into my college picture book class but I always thought I could do more with it. In class the images that I show are static and often leave me feeling that I could have done better. Video is a much better medium for showing someone exactly what you mean in many cases. Don't get me wrong - I demo in my classes but sometimes you just aren't prepared or equipped to do exactly what you want. I've tried to include just about every aspect of the children's book making process in this series to provide viewers with a basic knowledge of what they need to work on.
It's definitely not perfect but I'm proud of the work I put into it and hope that it brightens the lives of those who want to learn more about narrative illustration. Perhaps this isn't your cup of tea but if you know anyone who might appreciate it send them a link - I can't wait to get feedback!
Oh! So that's how it's done. I bow to you.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This was great! I didn't realize you had all these instructional videos on your site. I'm going to come back and see them all. Great ideas Will! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you did this Will. I will be back to partake of your knowledge. I still haven't downloaded your e-book. My grandson went to Disney World, so I'll have to wait until he comes back. Maybe he'll memorize your name too. Every time I read "Where the Wild Things Are" he tells me repeatedly that it is "by Maurice Sendak" it's soooooo cute.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you want to watch my videos Mrs. Whitaker! and Rob. (Rob was one of my teachers so he's making me a bit nervous) :) I've had quite a bit of interest so far and already have a small group who are going through them. Tomorrow I'm going to update the "Character Design" video - I added 12 more minutes to it. There was a part that I accidentally left out. I would really like feedback so please don't hesitate to let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to give me all your feedback here even if it's negative (gulp) because it can only help me to make them better.
This is fabulous, Will! Thank you so much for doing it! I hope you know, I can't say enough good things about you to my friends and colleagues. You are such an inspiration in every possible way!
ReplyDeleteJust watched Vol. 3 in its entirety--REALLY wonderful. This will help me become a better artist and illustrator, and I sincerely appreciate you putting these together.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Just watching the free video makes me want to purchase the whole thing, Will! So full of great info! One question...can you view the videos more than once after purchased? With my old mind I might need a refresher once in awhile!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phyllis - I'll change my verbiage to make it more clear - you can watch as much as you want although you'd probably get sick of me after a while :)
ReplyDeleteI've been getting really good feedback on these - it's been really fun putting them together. Thanks Marion and Brooksjones - I wish I had had something like this when I went to school - this was my driving force as I was creating - "shining light on vague concepts".
You make it look so easy! I love the instruction videos, I'm making my homeshooled 10 year old watch them! This will be his art class! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Sivina - check back in a week or so - I'm planning on releasing lessons for kids. My youngest sister in Maryland has been asking me to make them so she can teach her 1st graders how to draw. I'll be putting them on youtube but also here on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching your Character Design video and I have to say I think it is fantastic. If the others in the series are anywhere as good as this one, you've got something really special on your hands...and well worth the asking price.
ReplyDeleteWell done. You really impress me man with your never-ending commitment to create great stuff, to try different things, and ignore the nay-sayers. You have no idea how much that impacts me...as well as others.
Keep up the great work. I can tell your heart and mind are in the right place and heading the right direction. You're living the dream!
Wow, Will! I've been a fan of your work for quite a while, but after watching 5 out of the 7 videos (and can't wait to finish), you are my hero!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I agree, you truly are "shining light on vague concepts!"
Thanks so much!
Thanks Randy for such a glowing review! It means a lot - and Linda, again I'm so happy that you've liked what you've seen so far. Half way through the creation of these videos I really started to second guess myself. You know how you get that voice that starts telling you you're wasting your time...that nobody will want what you have...that you're going to be embarrassed when you don't sell one copy. Well, now I can tell that voice to shut up. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, to everyone who has purchased this video series - I realized in hindsight that I left out some important information. I'm going to release an 8th video on "how to prepare a book dummy for submission" and include it in the series (no additional charge). I don't know what I was thinking - leaving it out. So sorry.
I just finished the 8th Lesson!! I´m so satisfy with these videos, you truly talk about interesting aspects of the business. I did my version of your little fellow, so I could start applying all those bright lights.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/82206375@N00/5414141693/
Thanks for making this type of lessons :)
Hi Will,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with what Randy said. Just based on the amazing value of the Character Design episode I purchased the whole course. Thanks so much for making this available. I spent all last night drawing little cats and rats. :0)
~John
Hi Will,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with what Randy said. Just based on the amazing value of the Character Design episode I purchased the whole course. Thanks so much for making this available. I spent all last night drawing little cats and rats. :0)
~John
Hi Will,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with what Randy said. Just based on the amazing value of the Character Design episode I purchased the whole course. Thanks so much for making this available. I spent all last night drawing little cats and rats. :0)
~John
Hi Will,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with what Randy said. Just based on the amazing value of the Character Design episode I purchased the whole course. Thanks so much for making this available. I spent all last night drawing little cats and rats. :0)
~John