Archives For Illustration

Me and my friend and writer, Joshua Smith, hanging out at a conference as "Professor S" (Joshua) and "Dipper Pines" (myself)

Me and my friend and writer, Joshua Smith, hanging out at a conference as “Professor S” (Joshua) and “Dipper Pines” (myself)

It is no secret that I am a big fan of the series, “Gravity Falls.” From the Dipper Pines cosplays to the analysis of the series and what lessons that can be derived from them, “Gravity Falls” has become a sort of “superstorm” for Disney Channel and the animation universe as a whole.

Earlier today, “Gravity Falls” mastermind Alex Hirsch on Twitter, shared his gratitude to the fans:

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Cartoon Daily News as well as the new Tumblr page, The Daily Toon Up, has served as sort of a “Gravity Falls” spin doctor site.

Coverage has been fun and I have learned so much about myself, my creative style, my work and the industry just by following the series so closely. We learned about manhood! We learned that love can be kinda funny! We dealt with being “awkward and sweaty.” We learned that facing our fears and facing our battles is best. We learned that siblings can still get along and get on each other’s nerves at the same time. We also learned that there’s still MUCH more to learn about the mysterious secrets hidden within the show in its entirety.

I anticipate much growth in the series, a lot more laughs and serious story arcs that will soon give us details behind the secrets, mysteries and motives behind major characters in the “Gravity Falls” series.

Below is a collection of articles and content, courtesy of Cartoon Daily News, featuring articles and content geared towards the series, AND, to celebrate ONE WHOLE YEAR!

Fallers For Life!

CDN reviews “Gravity Falls” at first glance during early stages

Gravity Falls Tumblr Coverage on “The Daily Toon Up”

Gravity Falls Fan-Fiction

Gravity Falls Music Video – Stronger (Created by Cartoon Daily News)

Gravity Falls Music Video – Fan Made Video

Gravity Falls – Know Your Voice From a Creative Perspective

Interview by Alex Hirsch done by Time Warner Cable

Double Dipper Episode – A Trust Issue From a Christian & Moral Perspective

Dipper vs. Manliness Episode Overview From a Christian & Moral Perspective

Dipper vs. Manliness Part 2

Dipper Pines & Ron Stoppable on Manhood

Disney Channel’s Gravity Falls Video – HILARIOUS

Dipper Tyrone 2012 Election 

 

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I was asked to complete this mini-analysis regarding “Manhood,” specifically from the point of view of Ron Stoppable from the series “Kim Possible.”

Ron was not a typical, stereotypical man.

Growing up in high school and going to college while watching this character on the show unfold, I realized he and I had more in common than I thought. He’s a sort of “Dungeon’s & Dragon’s” kinda guy who has a positive disposition about himself and others. He’s not hung up on what people think of him…unless it hits him at his core.

At his core was the question: “Am I a Man!?” It was no different for Dipper Pines from the episode “Dipper vs. Manliness” on “Gravity Falls,” and it was no different for Ron Stoppable on “Kim Possible.”

The question of Ron’s manliness started with a certificate without a signature. That’s it! Think of that signature, that certificate, as affirmation. Then His teacher calls him out on it in front of his classmates and chooses to bulldoze over his affirmation like an old building. This hits Ron at his core…deeply.

The episode was hilarious but the struggle was very true. He looked for his definition in muscle. He looked for his definition on a piece of paper. But truth was, Ron was already acting like a man when he stepped out on dangerous territory and serious missions with his friend and partner in justice, Kim.

Ron always has Kim’s back…Ron takes care of his pet naked mole rat, Rufus…Ron took care of business at home (I never really noticed his parents have problems with him). Sounds like a man, right!?

So, with no signature on his certificate and the feeling of ridicule, he’s left asking a question.

We ultimate find out at the end of the episode “Ron the Man” that Ron’s answer was much like Dipper’s answer…it’s already built in the place that they never bothered to look…the heart!

Let’s go back to Dipper’s issue. He asked the question: “is it physical, is it mental, what’s the secret.” He was looking for things on the outside, but the ending of that episode “Dipper vs. Manliness” pointed the issues towards the heart.

In everything we do, we have to have a heart examination. Issues pour out there. Thoughts and unfair attacks can be solidified there. God himself looks there when men don’t (1 Smauel 16:7)!

The Big Decision

May 25, 2013 — 2 Comments

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In the midst of my hesitation, wondering if I should pursue this, I realized that I had to go with what was on my heart.

So, here it is!

I just got accepted into Full Sail University. Needless to say, I’m very excited about this new phase in my life. I’ve been saying that I was going to do this forever but never did. Now I’m finally getting my feet wet and going into it.

I am going for a year to complete a Master’s in Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The courses will give me a huge opportunity to study how to write for animation / cartoons, film and movies. That means I’ll get to learn storyboarding, writing for different media and so much more.

But here’s the thing…I ran away from this dream for a very long time!

I thought I wasn’t good enough.

I thought it was going to be a horrible mistake somehow.

I thought it wasn’t “religious” or “spiritual” enough.

But, deep down, in my heart of hearts, I knew I had to at least try.

I love writing! I love blogging! I love cartoons! I love drawing! I love ministry! I love reaching out and talking to people!

So, because of this, I’m taking a risk that could mean the difference between an awesome new beginning of a career or a much needed application to what I thought I already knew.

Either way, still winning!

Teen Titans Go! premieres Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30pm (c) Cartoon Network and Turner Networks, 2013

Teen Titans Go! premieres Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30pm (c) Cartoon Network and Turner Networks, 2013

 

The Teen Titans are returning to Cartoon Network with all-new comedic adventures, and this time they’re giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen superhero… once the cape comes off. The half-hour animated series, Teen Titans Go! premieres on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30pm (ET/PT) and will be rebroadcast during the DC Nation block on Saturday mornings at 10:30am (ET/PT) beginning April 27.

The principal voice cast from the original Teen Titans series, based on DC Comics characters, will reprise their roles in Teen Titans Go!, with Scott Menville as the voice of Robin, the slightly power-mad perfectionist and leader of the Teen Titans. Hynden Walch voices Starfire, an alien struggling to fit in; Tara Strong voices Raven, the sardonic, deadpan demon girl; Greg Cipes returns as the slightly dim but always loveable loafer, Beast Boy; and Khary Payton provides the voice of Cyborg, a laidback kid who is half teen, half robot.

The fan-favorite theme song from the original Teen Titans will also be making its return to television, with an updated remix from Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys.

 

 

Is That Necessary

March 12, 2013 — Leave a comment