About
Bio
Timothy Jay Ingersoll
I have found a system, a method of being creative. ANYTIME!
I call this ” out of shapes.” A play on words.
I used to struggle with being creative at the drop of a hat. And realized that I was going about it all wrong. A blank sheet of paper is a scary intimidating thing But giving yourself limitations and restrictions are ACTUALLY one of the MAIN keys to this system.
The formula is a 5 step process. Decide WHAT your character is UPFRONT!
And use this pattern for ALL of your characters. So if it’s a nurse. All of the nurses will have the SAME outfit and hat, etc . This keeps the mind from having TOO many choices!!!
5 Steps
- Line of ACTION
- Variety of shapes and sizes,
- Adding the nose and rough placement and size for facial features
- Add hair ( use reference to avoid generic hair)
- Add the props/arms/gag situation( use reference for fun ideas… Nurse tools/ cartoon and jokes)
That’s it. I like using cheap copy paper and an animator’s BLUE pencil then divide the paper in half. So you can create 8 to a page. Feel free to go digital. I like the FEEL of paper. and to have something to hold ( and sell? ) But either way. Once I like my work I will go into PS and refine and color it ( occasionally). By using these ways to compartmentalize the creative steps, has helped me beyond words.
My Book
Out Of Shape
How is this course different?
Because we concentrate on story. It’s why we care. Like the many films I’ve animated on we focus on characters ( personality, emotions, appeal ) then we add story. ( The body and the gags)
Each step is done, one at a time, so your brain is not overwhelmed. This is part of the secret. I call it relation shapes. They play on words from relationships.
I can teach you this system. You can buy my book Out of Shapes (PDF) $19.95 USD. It includes ALL the templates and characters I have drawn. Over 170 pages. Plus templates 340 pages.
I will also do a live and recorded lecture once a month for FREE!
A challenge too. So please participate!
And if you want a 1 on 1 critique of your work. I charge $ 50. for this. I won’t lie to you , I can’t make you an artist. You must have some talent and ability. BUT I am confident I can help you be CREATIVE using this system.
I am also NOT an expert, I leave that for one of my good pals Steve Silver. If you want to know ALL about character designs this is the MASTER! Having created Kim Possible and a zillion other characters. Check out his books and online academy! He is AMAZING!!!
