Massive Black 2005 (San Francisco workshop)

[Karlapet]

Is dark sci fi art,and beautiful.:thumbsup:

[My Fault]

What a great line up. Shame Scotty won't be there in SF as he was awesome in Austin. I can't wait to do this again as even with the frightening heat wave, Austin was one of the most inspiring things I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Woohoo!!!

So any chance of getting any of the Animation Mentor guys to attend? I bet if you buy a whole bunch of KitKats you may be able to get Bobby Beck to attend! :thumbsup:

[Rye]

I hope Ill be able to go to this. Not to be nitpicky. but Ronny's name is spelled wrong in the image though, its Lemen :) Gonna be nice to have it be windy and freezing instead of hot and humid!

[mmkelly011881]

i gotta move to the left coast

[cerreto]

Thanks,

We will be getting one or two animators, as well as some 3d guys. We have alot of people coming to help that we simply havent added to the instructor list until we find out if they can make it vacation timewise including dusso. Scotts a Great Instructor he will be there with some of there new products from DSP.

[strangelife]

intriguing...if something like this would happen in Chicago, i'd be 2x intrigued.

[bRyaN2003]

Frisco is gonna be sooo slick...
Austin was a tremendous experience...
(I sold my car to be there...and it was worth 2 or 3 cars)

9 weeks...can't wait...

[jason manley]

intriguing...if something like this would happen in Chicago, i'd be 2x intrigued.
While I love chicago, we have no plans at all to do any other workshops in the USA other than the one coming up in San Fran in Jan.

We hope to see you there.



Jason

[arliss]

I wish you guys would put together a DVD containing some footage from the classes w/ files for those who can't be there in the flesh- I think that would be really cool and would def. sell

[blankslatejoe]

Hey guys, I went to the austin workshop this past summer... I'm just a recent grad trying to break into the game industry.... but I learned and experienced more in those 4 days than I did in 4 YEARS at art school.

... imagine siggraph, or another conference of your choice, with all those important people, all the networking, all that art, the animation, lectures, demos, parties.. the shaking hands with important people and remeeting old friends. The inspiration and excitement and insanity and sleepless frenzy.. Now, strip away all the fluff you do on the other 4 days of siggraph. All your left with is the raw good stuff that makes you go back the next year.

You'd be left with something approximately equivalent to the first -half day- of the Workshop. The workshop goes on for another 4 days at that pace, that frenzy.. I'd say it got even more intense as it went on.

Some highlights for me from Austin;

-Arriving at the hotel to find 80 attendees gathered in the lobby, sitting in pow wow circles and sharing portfolios, sketchbooks, drawing eachother or random stuff. Amazing way to start the adventure. This was all PRE workshop. We got kicked out of the lobby for drawing... then we got kicked out of the pool area for drawing... so we all crammed in a few hotel rooms.

-Wandering around that first day being unable to decide what to do or who to go listen to...I felt too overwhelmed to actually gather much info from the lectures for the first hour or so, so I went to the freedrawing room where I was able to literally draw right beside quite a few pros and industry celebrities. They gave me a LOT of helpful tips and pointers.

-watching Andrew Jones peer pressure the entire group (200 of us?) into going to a Roller Derby on the 3rd night.

-staying up till 4am, 30 or 40 attendees crammed into designated 'drawing rooms' at the hotel. The workshop organizers had nothing to do this, the nature of this kinda event was that WE the actual attendees decided to just 'keep the excitement rolling' around the clock. We even had spur of the moment contests and themed drawings sessions and portfolio reviews (a good chunk of the attendees were pros or higher level students who were more than willing to give there own input to the little people like me)

-realizing that the first day, the first presentation, I was sitting inbetween an environment artist form Half life 2, a concept artist from EA and a 3d modeler from EA.

-free red bull, free Gnomon DVDs both of those things were kinda suprises they pulled on us at the last minute.

-A CRAZY afterparty....Fire Dancers, life drawing STILL going on, several crazy bands... one of the bands had a stand up bassist with NO left hand. I have no idea HOW he played, it was amazing to just watch the guy.

-free red bull.

-getting direct portfolio feedback from 30-40 pros throughout the workshop.

-back to the serious stuff; Alot of random unnannounced events; like Marko D. and Andrew jones picking up into a spur of the moment deathmatch draw off with Coro giving commentary.

-Konig's sculpting.... he starting a sculpture on day one, and had his own little corner of the building... you could stop by through out the day, and then throughout the workshop, as he built this AMAZING creature bust...

-John Meuller giving an unannounce presentation of 'Johnny Whatever' (upcoming videogame)..... this was an amazing.. and VERY funny.. presentation.

-watching Jason, coro, and the other bigshots, whenever they WEREN'T giving their own presentations (which wasn't often) they'd run to other presenters, some of which were THEIR heroes (whitaker!) to see them talk.

-marko gave away most of his drawings. Or at least... he left them in a pile near the trash and we took them.

-there were 200+ attendees. I left austin on a first name, or webname, basis with maybe 100 of them. Of those, all 100 I'd call close pals... you know, the inside-joke-hang-out-at -bars kinda pals.


CONS:
-it's too short (only 5 days..).
-they don't charge enough for them to be able to afford to do this more often.
-suffered major withdrawal after I left. the normal world seemed so slow, and so... non-scholarly...
-got addicted to red bull. went through withdrawal for that too.


Wow... jeeze... that's a lot of typing.. point is... I'm signing up for this.


bryan - you were one of the 6 people I DIDNT meet... or did I? I heard rumors about the guy who sold his car to get there. Thats awesome man... I thought it was Lono for awhile, because I heard he hitch hiked halfway across the US or something to be there. I may be mixing Lono up with someone else too though...

[emrahelmasli]

You must definetly go to this event! I was in amsterdam workshop and it was a blast!
I will be in san fran too. I hope we all meet there...

[My Fault]

Here's a quick pick of ImGlue (Miguel) and Petey's fantastic alien
http://www.myfault.com/ImGlue_vs_the_Alien.jpg

IMHO, this really is one of those "must attend" things. I was a bit too in awe in Austin but this time I'll have a portfolio and see just how many days I can go without sleep!

We also need to start a poll of what will Bryan be selling this time to attend. The car thing was mindblowing, I'm guessing a kidney this year :)

[InterFacer]

hey, I'm a first year college student looking at animation or production as a major. would this be something i should go to? I live in the bay area, so proximity isn't an issue. Is age an important factor? i'm 17 y/o, wotn be 18 till next august.

It looks great! I want to go...so yes, from the rave reveiws, I should?

[blankslatejoe]

My_fault: Did I meet you? I probably did since I hung out with Miguel quite a bit. I tried to at least say -hello- to everyone once, but there were people scattered in groups that I missed out on meeting. My vote is that Bryan is going to be selling himself on the corners for a few weekends, red light style.

Interfacer: YES, go. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO. I was an animation student too, a good number of us were just around the college age, although there were attendees from later teens to late 40s there). The skill range of the attendees was everywhere from hobbyist beginners to industry veterens/celebrities. Animators, modelers, fine artists, texture guys, concept guys.. it seemed like every part of the pipeline was there.

And if you're in the location already then you'd be seriously shootin' yourself in the foot if you didn't go...

The problem I had as an animation major was that everything was so internalized... very few were really looking beyond their fellow class mates, or into what the REAL world was doing and how they were doing it, and as a result very few of us really knew how to improve, or had the 'drive' to. The fact that you're on CGtalk and the 'Forums' is a step or two up, but the workshops are like elevators to the top floor. I know of at least 4 other animation majors who were there, and we're all going back for round two.

You'll walk away with a sketchbook filled with ideas, doodles and drawings, a camera filled with pictures, a brain that feels like a overabsorbed sponge, and quite a few pals, some of which will probably already be in games or film. And when you get back you'll be so inspired to be part of this stuff that ... well.. let's see... it's been 6 months since austin? I'm STILL running on that steam, working away every night at it.

You won't learn as much about "animation" persay...it's hard to describe... but it WILL help you become a better animator, I'm positive of that...

[mmkelly011881]

question about the hotels listed

ex: triton is listed as 129$ per night
4 person occupancy...
is that 129 per person?
are we being just matched up w/ ppl there? (cus i plan on going alone)

how does it work?

[SpiralFace]

ohhhh, this looks like ALOT of fun...
I realy want to go, but I just want to ask you guys if a 3rd year art student could equaly benifit from this workshop. I know that it whould be a great experiance and all, but i'm worried that it might be alittle fast paced for me. I live in SF so I'm trying to convince myself that this is worth the $550 for someone like me.

As it is right now, I'm geared to go, but I wanted to ask you guys if it realy is worth eating Mac and Cheeze and water for a few months for a 3rd year art student to go to this thing.

[cerreto]

Wow BlankslateJoe,

Thanks for posting that It is truly rewarding for us to hear coments like that. There is a ton of time we put into geting the workshop together and its dificult when the budget your working with is coming in from the students attending, which is why we try to stress signing up as early as posssible. MB has a full schedule and is moving to San Fran so this will be our only chance this year to pull it all together


Thanks to all of the people that have come out and are coming out because as much work as this is for us it's also alot of fun. All of you guys are the ones that make this possible.


Our sponsers and the people behind the companies that help us Kick major butt too! Alex at Gnomon The whole crew at Corel, Jaime with Z brush ,Right Hemisphere, Wacom Red Bull All these people and companies have worked with us at a personal level to help with there products and not just come in trying to sell they actaully listen and try to make a better product caring about the community, which fits right in with the workshop.


A few of us that take time puting this together Melissa, Jason, Andrew, Coro ,Davi, Ed and Myself all want to thank the Pros that come out to do this as well and make it happen We will defently have a few suprise guest as usual ;)


As to wanting to know about the pace there is always something going on and regardless of the level your at there are endless tips and tricks you just wont get from school that these pros have picked up from years in the production enviroment! and to me there is no other tool in this industry more important than networking ;)

[ambient-whisper]

good to see that your keeping yourself busy there dude.

[cerreto]

Hey maybe you can hitch a ride with Foster LOL ;)

[js_leonard]

I was unable (by the slightest margin) to attend the Austin Workshop, but I am definately going to this. ConceptArt.org is one of those sites I visit several times a day and the work there is beyond inspiring. To know that most those guys will be at the workshop along with tons of professionals makes me want to jump in glee. I am giddy, really. So I'll see you all there and hope to draw 17 hours a day with ya'll! And many more after that!

Shadow Slayer: Go, even if you have to lose some weight. 3rd year? 1st year? No year? Who cares, GO. Fast paced is what you need mate. You will find yourself drawing circles (pun, I am funny) around your fellow art buddies when you get back.

BTW. Those Gnomon DVD's have taught me so much, the fact that some of those guys are going to be there makes me even happier. Get those DVD's they are worth the money. Use your student discount, sell your blood, chip in with some of your starving buddies, and sit around and watch it together with some popcorn.

[blankslatejoe]

Ahh... good to know redbull is back.. I actually am not a fan of the stuff... but somehow... Austin made me temporarily into an addict.. all the redbullpeerpressure maybe. :)

No problem travis, I wouldn't be posting these crazily long responses if I didn't feel it were worth it. Were you behind the camera in austin a lot of the time? If so, I think I might have had a short conversation with you about web design stuff or something on the last day...or am I mixing people up again?

I will be signing up the first week in november (got a few personal reasons I need to wait till then).

Shadow - Yes man, it is more important for you than it would be for a 1st year, to be honest... the pace is very much like this. dont worry about it being too much for you... it's too much for ANYONE. we ALL come out swamped, in a good way. 3rd year though... you're getting close to done... you probably could really use some contacts in the industry... right?

mmkelly - they don't match you up with people, The only thing the workshop people are directly responsible for is the workshop itself. But on the forums over there (conceptart.org) there's alot of people who are looking to room with people.. it's pretty easy to find buddies. For austin, they said, we've got this deal for this hotel..you can take it by using this 'coupon code' if you want when you book a room there, or you can set yourself up somewhere else... either way, you have to book the room yourself.

But, for austin, the deal they got (which was REAAALLY good) was per ROOM, not person. If it's done the same way now, then you'd be able to get could get through the workshop paying under 200 for the hotel for the entire trip. sounds not bad too me.

But. if you're staying in the hotel room alone, that'd be quite a bit more..

[My Fault]

My_fault: Did I meet you? I probably did since I hung out with Miguel quite a bit. I tried to at least say -hello- to everyone once, but there were people scattered in groups that I missed out on meeting. My vote is that Bryan is going to be selling himself on the corners for a few weekends, red light style. We probably met at some point as I hung out a lot with Miguel, Adam, Mike and Ram. I was one of the many guys with a shaved head, but with the incredible heat you probably would've thought I was just a hallucination :)

Look forward to meeting you in San Fran!

mmkelly011881: The Triton is $129 a night total and you can have up to 4 people in the room to split the cost with (and cuddle if it's cold LOL) BTW, the Triton is a nice funky little hotel which is located right outside the gate to Chinatown. Nice place in a great area!

cerreto: You guys rock! As much of a blur as the whole event was I came away with tons of great memories. I remember hanging out in the hotel lobby with all these people I had never met before and how well we all got along. The lobby was so loud when Wes9000 sat down at the table I was sitting at. I asked to see his sketchbook and started leafing through it. I all of the sudden realized that the entire room was dead quiet as we all stared in absolute awe of Wes's work. Absolutely amazing!

Coolest thing was that the level of skill was all over the map. It was kind of funny because it almost seemed like the more talented a person was the more humble they were. Never met so many positive people in my life. It was as if everyone was there not only to improve their own work but do whatever they could to make sure everyone else did as well. I know that sounds corny, but it really was like that.

And lastly, I think Dan Milligan may just be the funniest guy on the planet! :thumbsup:

[blankslatejoe]

The lobby was so loud when Wes9000 sat down at the table I was sitting at. I asked to see his sketchbook and started leafing through it. I all of the sudden realized that the entire room was dead quiet as we all stared in absolute awe of Wes's work. Absolutely amazing!

Oh! You were that guy! I think I remember looking over your shoulder that night. I DEFINITELY remember that moment of silent awe. No one spoke for a good 10 -15 minutes. it was just flip. flip. flip. kinda Felt sorrow for wes, who seemed slightly shy and intimidated by 80 random strangers who all knew who HE was... ant to be thrust into the spotlight first thing off the plane...

"And lastly, I think Dan Milligan may just be the funniest guy on the planet!"

Yeah he was!

I was one of the guys rooming and hanging out with Danny-medalwinds, Cotron and Chris(La Quinta tdome winner and "Mary Jane can I have your autograph, just a minute of your time!!!") Metaphysiks.

See you in SF!

[Rkhon]

I can't wait to be there.


Its all thats on my mind.

[Androidjones]

ive been lurker here for a long time, guess its time to post.

my name is Andrew Jones, and i will be one of the instructors at the SF workshop.

I had the time of my life at the Austin Workshop , and Im confidant that SF will completely overshaddow that event,

It will be great to see everyone together agian.
there is space avaliable for signups but those slots will fill up fast in the next few weeks so get your spot reserved so you wont miss out.

I have been a beta testing Painter 9 for several months and will be going over some of the new features at the sf workshop,
here is a quick demo i put together .



http://www.conceptart.org/artist/andrew-jones/images/skull_demo_pageajg.jpg

[ambient-whisper]

Hey maybe you can hitch a ride with Foster LOL ;):D say "ciao from martin" when you see him.

[bRyaN2003]

BLS: Kody was the camera dude...
Travis was the other guy running around...lol...like that's gonna help...

And i already started selling myself...and i'm about to ink a contract with the devil....lol...

To clarify...this is an event for ANYONE who has a passion for art...it's also good for meeting awesome people, and having a good time...age is not a factor...schooling is not a factor...
Everyone will come away with something...(and Gnomon DVDs 2 of them...)

[InterFacer]

1. Is there an age requirement? i'll be almost 18.

2. What are teh exact dates?

[bRyaN2003]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=32345

Check this FAQ thread....

[InterFacer]

terrific :) thanks for the link

[cerreto]

Yeah that was Kody Soubirn good friend that was with the dv cam(the vfx supervisor for esc studios on the matrix films) he is puting together some footage for us. super cool guy

[blankslatejoe]

ive been lurker here for a long time, guess its time to post.

my name is Andrew Jones, and i will be one of the instructors at the SF workshop.


Hey Andrew, welcome to cgtalk! I'm looking forward to learning from you and the gang again! I still have some of those Miss Conduct buttons you made.. I think you or oblio handed some out when people got tshirts.

[My Fault]

Watching Andrew draw with both hands at the same time was just crazy. In the back of my head I'm like, is he doing what I think he's doing? Wow! It was very hard not to be a total geeky fan boy whenever Andrew was around. Amazing talent and what a super nice guy.

blamketslatejoe: Metaphysiks screaming out "Marry me Mary Jane" at the roller derby was priceless. I just about lost my voice that night from all the hooting and hollering we did for the Holy Rollers. Damn, who knew roller derby could be so much fun.

[blankslatejoe]

blamketslatejoe: Metaphysiks screaming out "Marry me Mary Jane" at the roller derby was priceless.
heh... i was his roomate for the trip, i got 4 solid days of meta. i also went to school with the guy, so the fun never stopped.

[bentllama]

Thanks,

We will be getting one or two animators, as well as some 3d guys. We have alot of people coming to help that we simply havent added to the instructor list until we find out if they can make it vacation timewise including dusso. Scotts a Great Instructor he will be there with some of there new products from DSP.
Travis, I think I will see you there! Sounds exciting!

[cerreto]

Cool Nat will be nice to meet you in person been a long time :) Give me a ring on msn when you get a chance.

[thx1138]

i gotta move to the left coast
Hell, I gotta move to the states.......

[Tilstrom]

some fantastic artworks there, very nice.

[jason manley]

I wanted to add that Massive Black Inc. will be hiring modelers, texture artists, concept designers, and 3d animators at the workshop. There will also be two internship positions available for students.

Factor Five is also interviewing for a concept design internship there at the workshop.

anyhow...just some cool stuff...hope to see you all there.



J

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