Portfolio blog: www.theartofclark.blogspot.dk
Email: louiseclark.art@gmail.com
Phone number: 29939532
Dear Viborg Animation Workshop,
I am 22 years old making my second application to the
Character Animation Bachelor Program (CA). In the year since my first
application, I have focused all my attention on growing as an artist. I
attended The Drawing Academy in the fall, and now attend the Media School
course for Drawing Academy graduates.
I am very excited to make this application. I have
this feeling, like a little happy knot in my chest that just grows and grows. I
feel about to burst with happiness, a sense of belonging and a craving to learn
more being in the TAW environment - I want to continue to grow and thrive here.
My first time animating was in the corners of my math
book in grade school. Flipping the pages to see the little guy jump and a shape
merge was so cool. I did that. It was like magic. I still wonder if a very
angry (or amused) librarian had to erase it all. It led me to an internship at
TAW in ninth grade. I knew I wanted to work with animation. Disney was the
dream.
Since then I have realised that I am truly fascinated
with how characters come to life on screen. How they have so much personality
and depth in how they move and act. This is what I want to learn - to truly
bring a character to life. Reading Stanchfield’s ‘’Drawn to Life’’ really
opened my eyes to notice the small things in everyday life and to reflect on it
and dig deeper. This animation mindset is something I love.
Since grade school I have been exploring many other
types of art such as photography and painting. I studied a year in the Visual
Arts Preparatory Program (-BGK) in Roskilde, which opened my eyes to
installations and sculpture. I find joy doing many types of art, but greatest
satisfaction comes from drawing and creating characters and stories.
I had a fantastic experience at The Drawing Academy
last fall. I learned so much from my teacher, Maria, that I will use in
everything I do in the future. I am eager to learn as much as possible, so I
attended every weekend workshop and almost every talk at TAW. I really feel
that it has developed my skills for TAW and later career.
I am very easily inspired by things I see and learn
and I want to try it all out. Two big influences on me last year have been Cory
Loftis and Nicolas Marlet. I find Cory’s use of shapes and form to create
dynamic characters awe striking, and Nico’s way of giving life and motion to
his characters something I strive for. I have been inspired by Glen Keane’s
art, which are full of energy and personality, for many years.
I started scouting when I was twelve, and as we say:
once a scout always a scout. Through scouting and all the scout trips I have
taken, - I have grown up with teamwork and learned how working hard together
can enable you to achieve anything. If something fails, I learned to overcome
it and improve it. But that does not change the fact that walking 60 kilometers
in wet boots sucks, but even then we can cheer each other on. I have attended
several week-long leadership courses, learning how to work in a group as well
as how to lead it. Together with a few others I planned and carried out a
weekend scouting trip for 150 kids. I took initiative in developing themes and
designing the scenery for evening events as well as making sure everything went
as planed and to find solutions when it did not. I enjoy being out in nature,
and going hiking is a passion.
I have worked as a freelance illustrator for two
years. I have illustrated school books for the publisher Forlaget Delta, and
monthly comic strips for Soldaten, (-the Danish Defence Department’s monthly
magazine for enlisted soldiers) as well as portraits and paintings for private
clients. I have learned to manage my business, work tight deadlines and to
collaborate with clients. Although I enjoy this, my real passion lies in
creating with other creative minds. This became even clearer to me during guest
teachings at TDA, where the outcome of the team effort at storyboarding and
other projects was so rewarding.
I love exploring end experiencing new places and
cultures. This has led me to travel through South America, USA, Europe,
Southern Africa and many other places. I have volunteered at an animal
rehabilitation centre in South Africa, travelled with shamans in Peru and been
to a scouting jamboree in Japan. My travels have broadened my mind and imagination
and shaped me into who I am today. I always find inspiration in these memories.
A kid I saw on the street, a personal story shared around the campfire or a local
legend - the happiness and wonder I felt while being out there is something I
aim to portray in my work.
While in Viborg, I have become aware of the
flourishing animation environment in Europe. I think that the independent films
and small studios will grow. I feel like more studios in Europe are taking up
traditional and alternative animation, taking more risk in stories and style
where the bigger studios might not since they have a giant audience that expect
something familiar to their current style. Movies like Long Way North and Song
of the Sea have a big impact on me and I love the stories and artistic
animation style. While working with Disney would still be a fantastic
opportunity, I am much more attracted to be part of smaller experimental
projects. To be able to tell and create stories that will move people like they
have moved me. I like work that has good character stories and development like
the ones mentioned before. Here Frozen falls short. The character of Elsa lacks
motivation and we do not get to see a deeper side of her. Michael Bay's
Transformers 3 lacks relatable characters, has a poor story and tries to
compensate with a lot of meaningless explosions and action. On the other hand,
Over the Garden Wall and Tangled have a great combination of character
development, story and humour.
My goal of working as an animator has truly been
confirmed by being in the environment at TAW. Being in this community is so
inspirational, and the social life is great. I am open to new ideas and look
forward to experimenting with new styles and approaches in drawing and
animation. It would be amazing to combine my love for animation and travel by
working on many projects in studios in different countries around the
world.
I am experienced in Photoshop, and I have been
experimenting with basic animation in Photoshop and TVpaint. I’m very excited
to learn 3D animation.
Regarding financing: I am well prepared. I have an
education saving started by my parents plus my own saving. Together with SU it
will be enough for TAW and living expenses.
I look forward to your consideration of my application
and portfolio. I truly believe that this school is where I will grow and
learn.
Yours sincerely,
Louise Clark
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