Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1055975
WINTER 2018 11 E D I T O R ' S N O T E I had a little black-and-white TV inherited from my parents after they got a bigger color model from attending a timeshare tour. On Saturday mornings, I would turn it on low volume, early before anyone was awake. Then, I would lay on my belly about a foot from the screen and watch The Smurfs, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Garfield, and more. I was in bliss. Today, I still watch cartoons, often with my kids, and I've graduated to some more adult fare too—my nephews have turned me onto Rick and Morty. Though I don't sit in front of a black-and-white TV anymore, the appeal of animation remains timeless and universal. One of my childhood favorites, She-Ra, is back onscreen and we explore how the character has evolved in this issue (p. 16). We also take a look at what it takes for artists to gracefully move between demographics (p. 24). Many of those we interviewed said they are often drawn to creative opportunities as opposed to a specific age group. The theme of following your passion also relates to Simon Chong, the artist featured in The Climb (p.12). He spent months crafting an Archer/Bob's Burgers mash-up and ended up with a job offer. It's clear many artists have passion projects aside from the creative work they do in their day jobs. Just take a look at our gift guide (p. 37), where we showcase almost 20 ideas for presents, each one crafted by an Animation Guild member. And, if you want to send Santa a message, look no further than thespian and storyboard artist John Eddings (p.14). You can find him, his white beard and jolly spirit at The Magic Castle! Happy Holidays! Alexandra Drosu editor@tag839.org FROM KIDS TO ADULTS CONTRIBUTORS KIM FAY ("Burger Buzz") is the author of The Map of Lost Memories, an Edgar Award Finalist for Best First Novel, and the food memoir, Communion: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam. She has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, and lives in Los Angeles. Freelance writer and author KAREN BRINER ("Artist With a Cause") grew up in Cape Town, South Africa where her garden was home to wild chameleons. Her most recent novel is Snowize & Snitch: Highly Effective Defective Detectives. EVAN HENERSON'S ("Kids vs. Adults") career spans journalism and nonprofit communication. His work has appeared in Orange Coast Magazine, TV Guide and Los Angeles Daily News where he was a staff writer and critic. While earning his Master's Degree from USC, Evan walked the entire length of Ventura Boulevard. DAVID PATRICK VALERA ("Artist With a Cause") is a narrative artist (photog- rapher/digital-cinema- tographer/cameraman) based in Los Angeles. David is the Head of Final Layout at DreamWorks Animation, photography instructor at Otis College of Art and Design, as well as a contributing photographer for, Getty Images L.A. Music.