Up & Coming Artists Podcast

Drew and Ben get the chance to talk with their college friend, Peter Niederbrach, about his comic Maze of Dolls in the crowd-funded Mythoverse anthology, Hallowed Harvest. Check out how you can support and ready Mythoverse comics here: https://www.patreon.com/mythoversecomics https://mythomerch.com/collections/comics

On another 2020 Covid call, Ben hears from animator, sculptor, background painter and gardener, Sean Willets. Sean explains his journey from Lego Brick films in stop motion, to painting his current animation in Procreate! Hear how having creative friends in your life can lead you into paths you never thought were possible! You can find Sean’s work on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sean_willets/ @sean_willets And check out Sean Willets’ Youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTnr2IxvBT-WzuNMb8aQSnA And check out Animation Wildcard: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9bQObmETgvDu8io2KwBmuw

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Ben calls Victor Calleja and Vanessa Galeano to hear about their work in the animation industry and how they’re handling being an artist in these difficult times. You can find Victor’s work here: @victorhcalleja https://www.instagram.com/victorhcalleja/ You can find Vanessa’s work here: @vanessavgaleano https://www.instagram.com/vanessavgaleano/

In another quarantine episode, Ben and Drew call Disney TV Animator, Matt Westfall! Hear about Matt’s transition from IT to animation, his work on music videos and television, exposure sheets, and what every character design portfolio needs! You can find Matt’s work here: https://mattwestfall.wixsite.com/mwestfallanimation Follow Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwestfalltoons/ Follow Co-Host Drew as well: https://www.instagram.com/drewssketchbook/ Also, check out Matt’s book: https://mattwestfall.wixsite.com/mwestfallanimation/news

Amid CoVid-19, Ben calls up his friend, David Moongeeuh, to talk about David’s journey into animation and how that led him to direct commercials and a short film at Sony Animation Studios! David describes how humor is what drives his work, which can be a relief during this corona virus season! Check out David’s commercials for Get Insurance Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmxjo6JrsKlHi3r1zAG5oQ You can see David’s personal work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/muniless/ And check out the film David and Ben worked on together for Sony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_QX2VwLpUI

Incredible visual development artist, Jessica Valenzuela, shares her passion for compelling stories in video games, designing characters, and the artists that inspired her. Speaking about her process, Jessica details the differences between her painterly illustration and creating art for professional game projects. Also, Jessica is Ben's amazing and beautiful girlfriend!

From performing in biology his high school biology class, to illustrating his own children’s book, Miguel Martinez Fierro shares about his many creative endeavors! Hear how his influences helped him connect both fear and laughter to his art! Check out Miguel’s work online on his website: https://www.miguelfierro.net/ And you can see Miguel’s work on his instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ghosts_n_toast/ Stay tuned for Ben and Christian’s shoutout video coming to the podcast YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqBC6jrqNRPCfHE-0e2N1_Q

Continuing the conversation on 3D animation, Christian Gonzalez shares his experience in sculpting characters with Ben and the guest from the last episode, Drew Tipton! Hear how a conversation with a friend inspired Christian to excel in his craft and take classes online to further his skills!   Check out Christian’s portfolio on Art Station: https://www.artstation.com/chris_gonz And you can follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiangonz06/

Ben sits down with his college buddy, Drew Tipton, who shares his knowledge, passion, and experience in hand-drawn, stop-motion, and 3D animation! Providing his past and current endeavors in graphic design and video game animation, Drew’s vast artistic talents come together in this interview! Check out Drew’s current work on Instagram! @drewssketchbook https://www.instagram.com/drewssketchbook/  You can also find all the artists Ben shouts out on our Instagram: @upandcomingartistspodcast https://www.instagram.com/upandcomingartistspodcast/

In part 2, John shares about how he writes dynamic characters, expresses his goals for writing Veritas, and provides helpful insight for anyone looking at creating their own comic! You can read John’s comic, Veritas, here: https://veritascomic.com/ You can follow Veritas on Twitter for updates here: https://twitter.com/veritascomic?lang=en Become John’s Patron! https://www.patreon.com/veritascomic Follow John’s artist, Deivis, here: https://twitter.com/DeivisGD?lang=en Want to learn more about comics? Check out John’s DC Detectives Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dc-detectives-podcast/id1110612548

In another Christian-less episode, Ben gets the opportunity to ask comic writer, John Sollitto, about his vast experience in the entertainment arts. Having worked in video games, casting for television, and creating characters, John provides fantastic stories and incredible insight into constructing his comic, Veritas! You can read John’s comic, Veritas, here: https://veritascomic.com/   You can follow Veritas on Twitter for updates here: https://twitter.com/veritascomic?lang=en   Follow John’s artist for Veritas here: https://twitter.com/DeivisGD?lang=en Want to learn more about comics? Check out John’s DC Detectives Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dc-detectives-podcast/id1110612548   Interested in guest hosting an episode with Ben? DM us on Instagram: @upandcomingartistspodcast

Continuing the conversation, Lauren and Jess describe how they run their DIY Animation Show, how their guests inspire them to create, and how animation is a form of self-expression for them! Be sure to check out The DIY Animation Show for more of Lauren and Jess’ fantastic insights!

Ben gets the opportunity to geek-out about animation with The DIY Animation Show hosts, Lauren Morse and Jessica Doll! In the first part of this interview, Lauren and Jessica share how the intriguing tale about how their podcast began, what drew them to animation, and the passion they have to give life to their work! Check out their incredible podcast on SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify and more! https://soundcloud.com/diyashow For episodes and podcast updates, check out their website! http://diyanimation.show/ For their personal work, follow them on Instagram: @_lonnydon & @jessdoll24 https://www.instagram.com/_lonnydon/  & https://www.instagram.com/jessdoll24/ And follow The DIY Animation Show on Instagram: @diyashow https://www.instagram.com/diyashow/

The brothers sit down with their long-time friend, Emily Macadam, to hear about her vast experience in both the culinary and literary arts. Emily explains the importance of community around food in other cultures, and how her childhood passions of writing and baking are the topics she seeks to combine in her work today. Credits: “Harp sound effect” Provided by: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious “Rewind Sound Effect” – Audio Productions

Animator, character designer, and all-around storyteller, Taylor Summerlin, shares her growth and experience in the field of animation. From shadowing Disney Animator, Dale Baer, to writing her own children’s book, Taylor gives insight and helpful tips in drawing that have helped her along the way!

From musical theater to creating trading cards, Daniel Jungenberg has done it all. Hear of his many talents in illustration, abstract art, and fashion design, as well as advice for artists looking for conventions in Southern California!

Ben and Christian hear from their long-time friend, Kevin Carbonneau, about playing, writing, and composing music as Arma Puros! Kevin shares his struggles with mental health and how that transitioned him from the visual to the performing arts, as well as his process of digital song creation! Kevin also answers YOUR questions from Instagram!

In a follow-up to their most popular episode, Ben and Christian sit down with animator, Napoleon Chavez, to talk about his experience in character design, community building, starting a clothing brand and more! Name-drops and awesome advice galore in this episode! You can get FREE shipping on your purchase on uncledoggy.com with promo code: UCAPODCAST This offer ends soon, so don’t wait!

Ben and Christian got the awesome opportunity to hear from many incredible artists at Ground Zero Animation Expo, and they wanted to share it with you! Despite the tons of great interviews in the episode, the brothers explain how some conversations went unrecorded in a new segment they call, “Failmonade.” Stay tuned for artist shout-outs in this episode and on the podcast Instagram, @upandcomingartistspodcast!

Hear how traditional artist and animator, Alex Flores, transitioned from a pencil-and-paper path to one in 3D animation! Alex provides helpful insight for creating characters and merch for conventions, as well as tips for getting started in 3D animation. Christian also drops his new YouTube channel, and the hosts discuss their upcoming table at Ground Zero Animation Expo 2019!

After a story from Christian’s honeymoon in Thailand, Ben and Christian hear about Miguel Baltazar’s transition from a Production Assistant to a Storyboard Revisionist at DreamWorks TV! Enjoy part 2 of the conversation as Miguel answers YOUR questions from Instagram in this episode!

Join Christian and Ben as Storyboard Revisionist, Miguel Baltazar, expounds on how his passion for film and having artistic friends guided him to an internship, and then a career, at DreamWorks TV! Hear how knowing peers who excel in art pushed Miguel to work harder and dream higher to achieve his goals in this two-part episode!

From DnD to storyboarding, hear how artist Maureen Martinez changed her career path from nursing to animation! Maureen shares her passion for character-based storytelling, the difference between commercial, film, and TV storyboards, and her advice for anyone interested in switching career paths like she did!

In part 2 of Ben and Christian’s Skype interview with artist and convention creator, Eva Sowinski, Eva shares about her personal artist Instagram (@critterosity), how to get connected to her incredible event, Ground Zero Animation Expo, AND answers the questions YOU asked on Instagram!

In the first of this 2-part episode, Ben and Christian get the opportunity to Skype in with Eva Sowinski, talented mastermind behind @critterosity, Fan Alley, and Ground Zero Animation Expo! Christian and Eva exchange drawings as Eva describes her beginning in art, the creation of the GZAExpo, and how her connections have made it all possible! Stay tuned for part 2 when Eva answers YOUR questions!

In the most fan-anticipated episode, designer Jake Lemke provides insight into his family’s artistic background, how he got into storyboarding, and the creation of the Café Sketchbook Society! Jake gives advice on creating character design and storyboard portfolios, growing an audience, diversifying, and successfully selling artwork at conventions! CSUF name-dropping and funny stories abound as Jake shares how encouraging others and being personable has advanced his career.

Ben and Christian get the opportunity to talk with animator, editor, painter, and winner of the worldwide 24-Hour Animation Competition in 2015, Tony Son! Tony speaks on the exciting projects he’s been a part of, struggles he has experienced post college, and the fantastic new style of painting he’s been creating. Credit: “Rewind Sound Effect” – Audio Productions

From childhood films to the professional realm, Ben Slabach shares his experience in the wide field of film editing! Ben gives his recommendations for camera specs, as well as editing programs for anyone who wants to learn more about color grading, music videos, and directing from the editing room! Benny D and Christian also promote GZAExpo’s GROUNDbreaking Pop Up, as well as Ben’s mini-series, Gear & Gadget.

Illustrator, film critic, and story artist, Dash Najarian shares the importance of storytelling in every artform and how being genuine, raw, and visceral is what Dash strives for in his work. Ben and Christian talk with Dash about his use of physical media over digital, and how imperfection makes appealing artwork AFTER one understands the underlying structure. The hosts start this podcast with the exciting event, GZAExpo’s The GROUNDbreaking Pop Up (coming Feb 23), and Ben’s brand-new mini-series, Gear and Gadget (Feb 16)!

Following her passion to become an Oscar-winning director, Hannah Patrico shares the artistic journey that has guided her into nearly every field of art! From ceramics to musicals, Hannah explains the importance of life drawing (particularly for animation) and how learning to communicate visual concepts with others strengthens her work as a director. Hear about Hannah’s recent short film, her current VR project, her future animation studio, and her utter dislike for bananas in our 14th episode!

Ben and Christian get the opportunity to talk with incredibly talented visual effects artist, compositor, and stereoscopic 3D converter, Kaya Herman! Beyond being a role model for women in the VFX industry, Kaya describes her cinematic influences, her current work at Legend 3D, and how her love of “Frasier” started it all. Kaya provides phenomenal insight into networking, and how she and women around her are changing the industry for the future!

Episode 012 – Hand-Drawn Animation with Cassady Blake-Christo Starting off the new year is Ben’s conversation with 2D animator, Cassady Blake-Christo! Fueling up at The Kettle in Manhattan Beach, Cassady shares his 90s animation influences, his crazy workload when creating two films at once, and how he wants to expand his work into every avenue animation has to offer! Also, hear Christian tell his comedic proposal story, as well as the exciting plans he and Ben have for the coming year!

From canvas to Photoshop, and from grandparents to anime, Luigi Manese and Sheila Rezaei share their experiences and inspirations in the exciting field of painting! Luigi also provides great advice for illustrators, his growth in digital painting, freelancing for “D&D with High School Students,” and upcoming events for artists to attend and sell their work!

Ben and Christian get the opportunity to hear from their good friend, as well as wedding and lifestyle photographer, Holly Sigafoos! Covering topics from what gear Holly uses on her shoots, to the skills that helped her build a successful business, Holly shares her love of families and doggos through the visual artform of photography.

Starting off with possibly their cheesiest transition to date, Ben and Christian get the opportunity to talk with band director, composer, and creator of the band Good Luck, Ugly!, Mike Alvarez. Mike shares his musical upbringing and how living between two cultures is currently influencing the story for his upcoming musical, “4th Street and Main.”

Ever wondered about the process of glassblowing? Tien Do shares how he fell into the artform on accident, how glass “feels” an artist’s emotional state as they work with it, and how he seeks to combine glassblowing and animation with augmented reality! Tien also gives advice for students in any artistic discipline and how following this advice got him in the newspaper!   Check out Tien’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nin_tien_do_94/   Check out the article Tien was featured in: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/06/28/animation-and-glass-fuse-in-vivid-mind-of-cal-state-fullerton-artist/

Having done animation, storyboarding, visual development, character designs, directing, and comics, Napoleon Chavez is a storyteller who has amassed an incredible body of work in hand-drawn animation! Lots of laughs and CSUF name-dropping are in store as Napoleon shares his filmmaking with Team Totino, and the group project film, “4 Walls and a Roach!”   Check out Napo’s work: http://www.napoleonchavez.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/napoleonchavez_/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/drilly812?lang=en   Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/napovalley/profile

The gang’s all in on this street-side recording with fantastic storyboard artist, Elizabeth Castillo! Hear Liz’s beginning in art, how one class channeled her focus to storyboarding, and how doing the work of pre-production really pays off in making films! Check out Liz’s work on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/eliza.bethcas/   If you’re interested in storyboarding, Liz gave these suggestions. Flooby Nooby: http://floobynooby.blogspot.com/   Framed Ink: https://www.amazon.com/Framed-Ink-Drawing-Composition-Storytellers/dp/1933492953

Ben and Christian’s cheesy transitions abound as they share Ben’s conversation with amazing character designer, Joel Zamudio! Joel discusses his early artistic growth at OCSA, his transition from video games to character design for TV animation, and the discovery of his true passion in storytelling. Joel gives incredible advice about where to start in designing your own characters, as well as pitching shows to professional networks like Frederator!

Ever wondered about acting for animation? Jordan Haro shares his experience in voice acting from fan-made “Invader Zim” projects, to the live-action show on Amazon, “Too Old to Die Young.” Haro expresses his passion for the medium, the difference between silly-voices and creating genuine characters, and tips to help anyone who is considering voice acting as a career!

Ever wondered about the computer animation of live-action blockbusters? From Charlie Chaplin to virtual reality, Chase Laux shares his inspiration and experience in Visual Effects! Ben also name-drops a few of his friends’ exciting work on the web.

In this episode, Ben shares his conversation in downtown Burbank with Emmy-award-winning Animation Director, Scott DaRos! DaRos discusses his beginning in illustration and how his childhood home-videos transitioned into his full-time career. Hear DaRos give advice for aspiring stop-motion animators as he describes his experience as Co-Animation Director at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios on SuperMansion Season 3!   Check out Scott’s work at http://www.scottdaros.com/ And his Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/scottdaros For more, check out Stoopid Buddy Stoodio’s Website: http://www.leagueofbuddies.com/ And SuperMansion Season 3 on Sony Crackle: https://www.sonycrackle.com/supermansion/2505480

Welcome to the first episode of the Up and Coming Artists Podcast! In this episode, Ben flies solo on this first interview with incredible illustrator, Sophia (Lee) Johnson! In her exploration of art, Johnson has taken on a vast number of amazing projects in illustration, visual development, dance, and an internship with YouTube editing magician, Zach King! You can check out Sophia's fantastic work at: https://sophialeeart.carbonmade.com/ And her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophialee_art/ Also, check out her work in Zach King's AR Book: The Magical Mix-Up https://www.amazon.com/Zach-King-Magical-Mix-Up/dp/0062677217  

Welcome to the Up and Coming Artists Podcast! Before Ben and Christian interview artists, they discuss what this podcast is about and why they are excited to share their exploration into the visual, literary, and performing arts.