I had a great talk with a well known animation prop designer, Geoffrey Kater. he worked on such shows as "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"as well as the silver surfer and many others. Apparently he is a friend of a friend of my mothers, and so I was passed down a chain and we arranged a phone call to just chat and for him to critique my work.

Oh man did he rip me a new one. It was something I had needed for a long time. I was stuck in an endless cycle of pats on the back and smiles with no one really giving it to me straight. He pointed out all my weaknesses and commented on my strengths. Weaknesses such as that I clearly draw women more than men, that my hands are pretty hit or miss (mostly miss) and that I usually feel pretty uncomfortable leaving my comfort zone. He pointed out strengths that I personally thought were weaknesses, such as my backgrounds and color, and the fact that, when appropriate I can adapt to different styles.

It was fantastic, and I felt so refreshed after wards. I think he was surprised that I took it all so well haha. I mean, 90% of the people I know cannot take a critique for anything, and I know even I will get defensive over my work sometimes (usually right after I think I may have finished it) but I was so happy to be getting honest unbiased feedback. I even took notes. So, from me, for a whie anyways, my work will probably be pretty terrible as I try and strengthen my weaknesses. I'll draw more hands, and better, I'll draw more men and boys and animals. I'll draw old people and young people and maybe even dead people.

On another unrelated note, Joe and I got a dog. Although, he's not really a dog so much as a cartoon of a dog. he has giant ears and is a total spazoid. His name is Jin, and I will most likely make drawings of him, as well as my evil cat Nero, and my retarded cat Nixi.