Friday, April 17, 2009

The Studio

Life as a Freelance Artist



I began working from home 6 years ago when Disney Interactive closed the Victoria studio. Some of the folks who worked at Disney went across the pond to work at various studios in Vancouver. Others set up new studios here in Victoria or found jobs with the government. I decided to go freelance. For the most part, it's been a positive experience. I've taken on a variety of interesting projects and worked with some terrific people along the way. There are times when I lay awake wondering where the next job will come from but I always seem to find something. I manage. I feel fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world. My schedule is flexible and this lifestyle allows me time to explore and develop my personal work. I feel healthier now that I'm out of the studio system. I walk every day beside the ocean. I play hockey 2 or 3 times a week and I swim regularly at the local Y. As a freelancer, I receive no benefits, no holidays and no pension so I gotta stay healthy -I have to keep working! I'm not complaining. I would be bored silly if I didn't work. Life is good!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Flash Animation for Children's E-Learning Title

Grade 4 Math

I've created dozens of these 3 minute Flash cartoons for Etraffic Solutions-a local developer. They are designed to introduce e-learning modules for Grade 4 Math. The voices feature local kids. Flash is an ideal medium for this sort of thing as it's pretty quick and affordable. I can usually manage about a minute of animation per week in this style.