Most everyone who reads my blog already knows about my new project Robot Beach. If you haven’t already checked it out, I encourage you to head over there and see what I have been up to. It’s a lot of fun!

The experience of creating a webcomic has certainly been an enjoyable one, but more importantly, it has been a wonderful learning opportunity. In particular, I have learned quite a bit about marketing and the business of self-promotion over the last few months. For me, the knowledge gained has been invaluable. Both to my self-esteem, and to my comic.

Jeffery Zeldman posted an article today on self-promotion and there is a quote I wanted to pull out of it.

There is a difference between being arrogant about yourself as a person and being confident that your work has some value. The first is unattractive, the second is healthy and natural. Some people respond to the one as if it were the other. Don’t confuse them. Marketing is not bragging, and touting one’s wares is not evil. The baker in the medieval town square must holler “fresh rolls” if he hopes to feed the townfolk.

This is a big deal for me. I am rather self-deprecating by nature, and (as most artists I imagine) I tend to de-value my own work. I question whether I am good enough, or worthy enough to expect others to take interest in my art. It has been a struggle to overcome these insecurities and to come to realize that others don’t see my confidence in my work as me being arrogant or self-righteous. (well, my wife being the exception…)

And so I encourage everyone to go out and create! Share your creations with others! Have confidence in the work you produce knowing that you are doing what you love and that you get to show it off to the world!

Found a very interesting article on how a user reads content within your website. In this case, a study was performed which tracked eye movements across three websites. The Resulting pattern of eye movement resembled an “F” shape.

Very interesting and not terribly surprising. Although I would like to see a similar study performed on websites with a large number of photographic elements or right-side navigation.

I love me some John Cleese, and he has kind of a fascinating take on creativity. (Although I don’t want to believe it, because I care for my laptop to much.) I will say that about half of the stuff I’ve written has been thanks to a spark that hits me when I am asleep.

via: webcomics.com

I have been thinking a lot about web design and user interfaces lately and so I found this article about perception, time and user experience really fascinating.

0.1 second is the response time limit if you want users to feel like their actions are directly causing something to happen on the screen. For example, if you click on an expandable menu and see the expanded version in less than 0.1 seconds, then it feels as if you made the menu open up. If it takes longer than 0.1 seconds for the revised state to appear, then the response doesn’t feel “instantaneous” — instead, it feels as if the computer is doing something to make the menu open.

via: webcomics.com

This. Is. Awesome.

Ok, So I fully admit that I missed out on some amazing stuff with Samurai Jack. It was the best designed cartoon ever to exist. I’ve seen like, three episodes. I suck.

But you can watch this and not suck:

Samurai Jack Cutout (Cartoon Network Promo) from Bent Image Lab on Vimeo.

via: drawn!

There are few relationships as scary as that of a Sonic the Hedgehog fan and his Sega Genesis. As proof of this, a devoted sonic fan is attempting to create a feature-length fan film. The following is a trailer developed to raise capital for the film:

Some choice quotes about the film:

I’m planning on having 8 animators involved with this project including my lead animator; 2 keyframers, 2 tweeners, 2 background artists, and 2 CGI artists for the actual film. More people equals better the quality.

We are NOT at liberty at the moment, to reveal who is in the crew until either they give us permission to do so, or until you witness it in the end credits of the film. With that being said, rest assured that the crew is made out of some extremely talented individuals, all with something different to bring to the table. Devulging their names could cause further conflict ie spam, hate mail, and even death threats. This has happened in the past believe it or not. That type of animosity could jepordize and procrastinate its production. So please, respect their privacy and let them work in peace.

When asked if this film will be available for purchase, the creator replies:

NO. Absolutely NOT. Not only is it considered ILLEGAL, but we do not have SEGA’s endorsement, permission, or authorization to do so, and it is a clear violation of copyright laws. I am personally funding the movie from MY OWN savings and paychecks I recieve from my freelancing work. However, the movie will be downloadable FOR FREE to burn to DVD for PERSONAL USE ONLY, and we do NOT endorse copyright violation. Which means, NO RESALE OF ANY KIND or illegal distribution will be tolerated, and we are abundantly clear on this. Plus this project is no different than the Sonic fan material you see on Youtube or Newgrounds. The only difference is that it will have a higher production value.

Honestly, it is a real shame that so much time, money, and talent is going into something like this. I have always felt that creative energies should be spent on creating new, unique works instead of re-regurgitating someone elses creative efforts without their concent.

Note: Star Wars fan films don’t count. They have the full support of Lucas Film, and frankly. They just rock!

It is a shame to see so much work going into something that will never see the light of day. I’ve got a VERY good feeling that Sega Lawyers are going to be knocking on some doors.

It has been a long while since I have posted about Annabelle’s Bistro. I do apoligise for that. I can tell you that it is now complete and I am very excited for that! All I need at this point is to work out licensing for the music and then decide on how and where to show it. It has been a very fun project for me and I am very glad I had the oppertunity to do it and to bring so many talented students into the project as well.

In addition to the film, I have three final podcasts to edit and post, along with a bunch of great activities put together by Jenna Gadgen. (Coloring Book, Word Puzzles, Paper Puppets, etc.) All of this should be going up on the official site very soon.

More on Annabelle’s Bistro shortly! I promise!

Brad Bird speaks on Fostering Innovation and stimulating creativity.

I said, “Give us the black sheep. I want artists who are frustrated. I want the ones who have another way of doing things that nobody’s listening to. Give us all the guys who are probably headed out the door.”

What are you still doing here? Go read it now!

Holy Cow. What Can I say? The teaser for Tron 2 has made a believer out of me. You CAN update that movie and give it all the style and excitement of the original.