Howdy Rabble Rousers,
We made it past week one of 2022! The world keeps on going and I hope you are too. Here are some things to inspire you this week:
(1) Reviving Cartoon Modern is a rare animation artbook free to all
Released in 2006, Cartoon Modern is the guide to the so-called “UPA style.” It’s full of art and production insights you can’t find anywhere else. The whole mid-century cartoon movement is here, from UPA to Mary Blair to Sleeping Beauty and beyond. On the back, you see a blurb from Craig McCracken of Powerpuff Girls fame:
Besides the fact that it’s filled with tons of incredible, inspiring, and intimidating artwork, Cartoon Modern is impressive to me because it goes beyond the studios and really focuses on the fact that these cartoons are all made by unique and individual artists. I’ve been waiting a long, long time for a book like this!
The author of Cartoon Modern, Amid Amidi, owns the book’s copyright and digital rights — and has written that he wants to see it reborn. “Would be delighted if someone scanned in and made available a high-quality PDF of Cartoon Modern,” he tweeted in 2019. “Book has been out of print for a long time and should be readily available to all.”
So get your copy here, all 300+MB… have fun cartooning!
https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/our-treat-to-you
(2) Wabi-Sabi – History of Ideas
At the heart of Japanese philosophy and wisdom lies a concept called ‘wabi-sabi’; a term which denotes a commitment to the everyday, the melancholic, the somewhat broken, and the imperfect. It’s a term we need a lot more of in our lives.
Watch this video by “The School of Life” which explains the philosophy and history behind the concept. A refreshing take on the timeless beauty of the imperfect.
(3) Accidentally Wes Anderson
The “Wes Anderson” style has been in my mind for a while now. The symmetrical well thought out composition and direction that is unmistakably Wes’ is such a treat. It could be because it’s the exact opposite of my own style and it could also be because there is such a timeless and whimsical theme behind every aesthetic. choice.
Accidentally Wes Anderson is a website that catalogs the most interesting and idiosyncratic places on Earth that inspires the familiar Wes Anderson style. Check it out and be inspired:
https://accidentallywesanderson.com/
(4) The Art of Dreanworks Penguins of Madagascar Art Book
This week’s book preview features The Penguins of Madagascar by DreamWorks. The hilarious team of black and whites are back to their old ways as they stop the cunning villain, Dr. Octavius Brine.
Watch the book preview here: https://www.rabbleboy.com/the-art-of-dreamworks-penguins-of-madagascar-art-book/
Do you like what you see and want to show your support? It’s easy!
(1) Buy my books from your local indie bookstore or on Amazon
(2) Write an awesome book review!
(3) Sharing is caring! Share my books, website & art
If you have any cool links or interesting stuff you’d like to share, please post it in the comments sections!
