MASON TO ANIMATION

Hi everybody and welcome to Courtney Mason Illustration!

Illustration

My goal is to translate written and verbal ideas into visual imagery that is colorful, compelling, and clearly communicate the objectives of the client. I pride myself on my versatility and am confident in my abilities to tackle any challenge both effectively and efficiently. I am open to creative opportunities in a variety of markets such as but not limited to Graphic Design, Advertising, Editorial, Book Publishing, and especially Post Production for Entertainment.

Animation

My "dream job" is to someday have a career within the animation industry. The holy trio or trifecta of skills will be in character design, storyboarding, and character animation. I have experience in experimental animation, stop motion, claymation, 2D and 3D animation using Autodesk Maya, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro. In 2011, I received a grant from the Women's Education and Leadership Fund to conduct a study of animation through research and practical application. I learned the fundamentals and foundations of 3D animation through the Ianimate Advanced Character Animation Program and I am continuing my education through Animation Mentor School for Character Animation online starting this upcoming fall 2012.

Innovation

I am very much a team player, but also a self starter and driven towards success. Since I was a child, I was an entrepreneur, a quality I believe I enherited from my father. This sense of leadership and drive has always helped me optimize every opportunity and has given me confidence in the value of my ideas. While I am very dedicated to clients needs before my own needs, I always feel like I have something to learn and something to give.



Friday, September 23, 2011

developing "the style"

people often ask artists who they are influenced by.

I think this is a silly question, because I'm pretty sure everything and everyone we as artists have ever encountered has influenced us in some way.

So far the hardest part of my senior year (or just general art career) is choosing what kind of artist I want to be.  I wouldn't say I have a certain consistent style, but I do have tendencies.  I like rendering...I like neutral colors...I like mixing wet and dry media...I like animals and humans...I like humor...I like character...I like problem solving.  But how do I do everything I like in a style that people are gunna buy?

I think the better question is...what artists would I like to hang out with for a day! I gotta say, if I was to have a party and could invite anybody I wanted, I would invite...

Carter Goodrich
Nico Marlet
Peter De Seve'
Chris Ayers

 The reason?  These guys are awesome. I want my work to look that good...some day soon. I have been helplessly enchanted by their work (like a teenage girl is to Justin Bieber's pre-mature sex appeal).  And I am pretty sure if we did hang out, I would absorb some of their juicy talents and techniques. And than maybe I'd have a better shot at the dream :)

Seeing as I am not banking on this meeting of the minds, I guess I will just have to study their work and practice until I'm just as good.