Family Guy

(CLICK HERE to visit the Official Website)

(The above were submitted as LINEWORK. These are the only COLOR versions.)

The year was 2006 and I had just completed the last of 508 original, hand-drawn sketch cards for the second Family Guy trading card series. There may, in fact, be a few diehard bloggers who remember a post similar to this one from back then. The job was for 12 or so artists to each create a minimum of 500 sketch cards, which would each be randomly inserted into every 25th pack of Family Guy trading cards. Needless to say, we had our work cut out for us. Before rushing from my house at the last minute to deliver the package to FedEx (imagine a full-grown Little Billy sprinting down the city streets as that last truck out preps for departure), I had managed to scan most of the cards in my set. Upon returning home, my plan was to immediately blog my favorites...which I did, only to discover later that doing so was a breach of contract. A closer look at said contract revealed that we had been asked by Inkworks, Inc. (the producers of the card series) not to publish any cards online or elsewhere until the sets had a chance to circulate through the public. I quickly removed the blog post before anyone was able to see it and that was that...until now!

About a month ago, I Googled myself just for fun, and in doing so, stumbled upon this amazing website. It seems someone took the time to collect a huge portion of the cards from ALL the various artists involved in the project. They created a website for each artist showcasing as many of their cards as possible, and are still accepting submission scans from those who have found sketch cards. The above link will take you to the Chance Raspberry Sketch Cards Page, where you can view many of the cards from my batch, as well as those drawn by other artists! Thanks a million to Scoundrel Art Community for spending your time and energy on this website!! I'm sure I speak for all the Family Guy Sketch-Cardists when I say it's a real honor and privilege seeing our work appreciated and enjoyed!

The Yacht Fund

(CLICK HERE to sample or purchase)

(CLICK HERE to visit The Yacht Fund's Official Website)

Here is something new for all you music lovers! As you may or may not know, the only thing in life that rivals my love for animation is my passion for music. Aside from writing and composing some of my own, I love listening and am always on the lookout for tunes that really "hit!" If you are like me, then look no further!! ANY fan of powerful lyrics and catchy melodies that really hook will love this -- The Yacht Fund is for you!!! The singer/songwriter behind this CD just happens to be my best pal, Ryan McKendall. Ryan and I have worked together for many years on various band projects and film scores. In fact, he is and will be the "music man" behind Little Billy and many other cartoon ventures of mine! The Yacht Fund marks his latest solo release in a long list of musical triumphs, including the bands Joseph & Alexander, Rescue Me Wednesday, and Jacuzzi Fiend. The first image above is linked to Amazon.com, where you can sample and purchase the single, "Brick By Brick." This song is also available on I-TUNES. If you like what you hear, please write a positive review and help Ryan promote his new release! Congratulations, buddy!! WE WANT MORE!!!

BEARMAN LIVES!!!

(Click Here to visit the ALL NEW Official Site)

Welcome to my 15-year project!!! That's right, friends! He's BACK!! For the first time EVER in mind-boggling COLOR, the Bearman comic strip series is making its world-wide debut.

* View VAULTED work from my earliest teen years, never-before seen by the public eye.

* Check out zany brands of humor your humble narrator found downright side-splitting.

* Become ENRAGED by the harsh reality that we get funnier as we get older...sometimes!

* Discover the story behind how BEARMAN came to be!

* Avoid future disappointment and regret...CALL NOW!!

It's all here, it's right now, and it's HALF PRICE! NO!! IT'S FREE!!! THAT'S RIGHT, ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!! I'M SO CRAZY EVEN THE MILK TURNS CHOCOLATE ! ! ! ! ! (See kids, this is what happens when you don't get your sleep.)

B E A R M A N ! ! ! !

New Project!

Never underestimate the power of a deadline! The above is a promo poster for WALLYHOOD, a pilot script I co-wrote with my very good friend and lifelong partner-in-crime, Ryan Valdesuso. Ryan and I created, developed, and wrote out this concept in one week for the 2009 Page International Screenwriting Awards. The show is about a young musician from Omaha, Nebraska who moves to Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rock sensation...and all the snags he hits along the way! Inspired by our own musical past, Ryan and I based this premise on all the wacky adventures, zany obstacles, screwball hi-jinx, and genuine frustrations we faced trying to get our band, Jacuzzi Fiend off the ground. We hope the judges have as much fun reading this baby as we did writing it! From our minds to God's hands...it's with You now. Amen!

PHASE 2

D I S T R I B U T I O N

(Photo by Noah Amrani: ANIMATION NATION NIGHT - 3/31/2009)

DESIGNER MUGS FOR SALE!

Special Limited Edition Coffee Mugs

(Little Billy Primo-Promo Merchandise)

LESS THAN 100 OF EACH EVER MADE

$20 each (In Person) / $30 each (Signed)

$30 each (Mail: Shipping & Handling Included)

$40 each (Mail: Signed / S & H Included)

$100 Complete Set (Save $20!!!)

$120 Signed Set (Save $40!!!)

ORDERS, QUESTIONS, COMMENTS??

CONTACT: chanceraspberry@hotmail.com

SUBJECT: Little Billy Mugs

(See PHASE 1 (below) for a closer look!)

*** THANK YOU ***

PHASE 1

LITTLE BILLY COFFEE MUGS

Billy

Normy

The Fam

Chuckles

"SIMPSONITIS"

EVERYONE'S A SIMPSON!!!

Even ME.

The above is a (self)portrait I made as a Christmas gift for a very good friend of mine. The initial drawing was done in Vermillion Col-Erase pencil, then inked and rendered traditionally with PrismaColor marker. The bombshell approaching yours truly is one of the great, die-hard fans of classical art and animation, so I kept this one old-school and all-paper! Hope you like it, amiga. Merry Christmas (better late than never.) =)

True Love Conquers All.

It was recently my pleasure to partake, once again, in a shindig extravaganza hosted by none other than Mr. and Mrs. Alba! This event marked the Birthday of Kathy Alba, and as such, I was honored to receive an invite and request to draw a portrait of the two love boids re-living their days of glory. =) This image was created with Col-Erase and Tombow pencils on the spot (occasionally in front of an audience.) Another very special Thank You to the Albas for your hospitality and the privilege to draw you! Many Happy Returns to you, Kathy!! All The Best!!!

Party Time!!!

Meeting Miss Alba

Sugar + Ink = FUN

Mark Alba & Homer Simpson...Together At Last!

Sorry we missed ya, Nathan -- hope you like this one.

Chalkadelic Chalk-a-holic

A Merry Baby

A Scary Baby

The rightful owner of this sketch DID receive it...I SWEAR!

Drawing Up A Storm

Time of your life, huh kid?!

It was a real honor and privilege of mine to attend a birthday party at the Alba household this past Saturday! Thanks to my good friend, Mr. James Brown (check this dude out) and the awesome hospitality of the Albas, we spent the entire day drawing cartoons for all the kids...both little and big. Super heroes, Simpsons, Family Guy -- you name it, we drew it! This party was an outstanding way to end the summer, and I'd like to especially thank the Alba Family for having me there. I had a great time! Thank you and God Bless.

Be A Friend

Above are some imaginary friends I designed while freelancing for Fosters. It was (and still is) such fun coming up with these characters and concepts from scratch. But leave us not forget how easy it is to be a real friend...especially to someone who doesn't have (m)any! Let's share our good times and fortune with one another -- share the knowledge -- share the wealth -- share your experience and wisdom...the friends you make back might not be so imaginary!

Be A Hero

Since this "Blog Monday" just happens to fall on my 27th, it got me thinking about things I used to wish for on my birthday. The most prevelant were for either good health and fortune for my family and friends, or for many more happy birthdays (in other words, not to die!) SO I WAS A NERVOUS CHILD, I'll ADMIT IT!! =D To be honest though, I don't remember ever asking for a job as an animator, or to work for Walt Disney, or even for my own cartoon show...looking back, I can't imagine why! ;) All of the above have been dreams of mine since I can remember. And as I write this, I think about the blessings that have put me where I am today, from my mom, dad, family and friends who never once said, "No, you can't," to all the wonderful teachers and artists who shared their wisdom and skill with me along the way. These people are my heroes! I think about the amazing experience I've already received, from Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, to Family Guy, to The Simpsons. All of these blessings from God fill my heart with joy beyond words...which is why I can't help but also think about all the kids (and adults) out there who have never had this joy in their life.

So today, this birthday wish from me goes out to all the dreamers...however old you are. My wish for you is to never, EVER give up! KEEP DREAMING!! Chase those stars even after they seem to have burned out...they haven't. Encourage your kids / parents / friends / loved ones to keep drawing, writing, performing, learning, growing, doing whatever makes them HAPPY! Listen to one another...hear what you're being told. Process it. Pray. And no matter what, DON'T STOP BELIEVING (thank you Steve Perry!!!) Believe in yourself! Believe in your kids!! Believe in your parents, your family, friends, and loved ones!!! Treat them like you'd want them to treat you -- BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER!!!! Hope dies when you let it...NEVER before. The power is in your hands...USE it. No matter how bad things seem, they could always be worse...look on the BRIGHT SIDE (there IS one to be seen!) And if nothing else, know in your heart that God loves you...even when life uses you as a doormat, He loves you and He's there to help. Alls we gotta do is ask.

Are ya sick of me yet?? Huh huh, are ya?!??! This grand notion is my wish to the world on my 27th Birthday, and to all those who share in this occassion with me, Happy Birthday and Many Joyous Returns! =) Thanks for listening and may God bless you all!!

BE A HERO,

- -= cR =- -

Smile For Me...

...I'll go first. =)

Odder Pops

Just a lil' something for the ol' sweet tooth. =) This drawing was originally just graphite pencil on a yellow scene folder...the Simpsons birthday card tradition. However, after digitally adding shadow and tone, I couldn't decide which color tint to use. I guess sometimes, indecision is a good thing! Candy bar(t), anyone??

Forms

Just a little reminder to myself that no matter what you may be striving to portray, it never stops being about form. You really can create a world of difference by pushing and pulling the shapes that make up a "character" (be it an apple, an arm, a teddy bear, or a snow cactus...betcha never seen one of those, Earthling!) The best part is that anyone can do it!! You really don't have to be good at drawing to play with shape, explore form, and experiment with lines on a piece of paper...you just may surprise yourself!! Have fun!!!

Bergen Around

Th-th-thi-th-th-the-th-th-That's All Folks!

One of my first passes at capturing the personality and expression of Mr. Bob Bergen, a good friend and the voice of everyone's pal, Porky Pig. It was my honor and privilege to create the poster art for Bob's "One Man Show." Be sure to check back soon for the final piece!

We Salute You!

Join me and my new friend, Captain Santa in a salute to all the men, women, and children who gave their lives to help make and keep the United States of America a free land! This day to honor those who would not go down without a fight began for the U.S. as an event called Decoration Day near the end of the Civil War (the same tradition had already been practiced in other nations for several hundred years.) Loved ones of those who had died in war would visit and decorate the grave sights of the deceased with flowers and other colorful ornaments. Today, we honor the memory of those brave and selfless individuals, and pray a special prayer for all those who are still fighting to keep our country safe. Thank you all so very much!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY ! ! !

Warholing

I just enjoyed this sketch of Billy and decided to have some fun with it. Proof that even your doodles can be useful. Never discard them as worthless -- anything can be given value!

Happy Trails

I started this as another Saturday sketch at The Academy's Teen Program. The shadows and highlights were added in Photoshop, and I scanned this great wood-fiber blend for the background. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it . . . what's behind your fence?

Joy In Action

It's amazing how much can be added to a composition by framing your character. This is a sketch I did while enjoying some downtime at The Animation Academy's Teen Program. Originally, it was just Col-Erase blue pencil on a white page, but after scanning it, adjusting the levels and color, and adding the black border in Photoshop...BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR JUMPING JOY BOYS!

...With A Vengeance!!

Well friends, I'm BACK! First and foremost, I'd like to apologize for my lack of...well anything having to do with this blog for the past couple years. YEARS?! Wow, it really has been that long hasn't it? Thank you all so much for your patience, and for continuing to check out the blog. Between work, traveling, the strike, and actually finding time to create content, the absence was a much needed and beneficial break! Still, I regret having to disappear like that, and though I cannot promise it'll never happen again, I can promise that for (at least) the next few months . . .

THERE WILL BE A NEW WORK OF ART POSTED EVERY WEEK ! ! ! !

This standard is something I'm going to work very hard to maintain here at The AnimAttic! For several weekends now, I've been sorting, scanning, and completing work to archive. At the moment, there's at least two-months-worth ready to rock, which should allow plenty of time for a whole lot more to come. So again, thanks to everyone for sticking around, and remember, no matter what . . .

KEEP CREATING!!!

- -= cR

Beware...

At Film Roman, one of the "traditions" held by the artists is to pass around a scene folder the week leading up to someone's birthday and have everyone sign and draw on it like a greeting card. The folder is then presented to that person as a gift from the studio on their actual birthday! I drew this bloodsucking version of Bart, inspired by Kiefer Sutherland's character from the 1980s classic, The Lost Boys, for a friend of a friend's 21st. Given the significance of the year she was entering, I felt the quote was rather appropriate.

The Harryhausen Experience

Ray, me, and my autographed copy of Clash.
This man is so good he doesn't even have to look at the camera!
(guilt by association)

There are many perks that come from working at an animation studio! We, the people of Film Roman, just a few weeks ago, were fortunate enough to be graced by the presence of Mr. Ray Harryhausen, pioneer of the groundbreaking stop-motion and visual effects making their debut into the motion picture industry during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Some of Ray's works include The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Jason and the Argonauts (1963), and the notorious Clash of the Titans (1981), to name a select few. Above are a couple snapshots taken in the glass conference room at Film Roman after Ray's presentation. With him is your humble narrator, in true animator fashion, looking as grizzled and fatigued as possible!

Nightmaring

I shut my eyes and dreamed a dream that simply shouldn't exist,
Then held a wooden writing stick and started drawing this.
And as the dream began to fade, no comfort did I find,
Within this dark, forgotten place...this prison called my mind.

(Dismal . . . isn't it, folks?!)

Just a little rough "teaser" involving your good friend and mine, Chuckles the Clown! Chuckles is a character I've been developing for a long time, and is the dark star of my up-and-coming short film, Clownsyndrome. This cartoon will be the first installment in a series of gorific delights, which I call PSYCHOTIC CONCOCTIONS (the Chance Raspberry version of Merrie Melodies.) Stay tuned!

Fun With Bart

I roughed this concept out at work one day between scenes. It was originally intended to be part of my own Simpsons Halloween series. The drawing was created on paper using blue Col-Erase pencil, then scanned and enhanced in Photoshop. As soon as the design is made final and completed, the rest of the family shall soon follow!

Making A Comeback

Here's a face you may find familiar! It had been...well, too long since I'd done anything new with this character, when I received a letter from a close friend of mine asking me to draw her something. This drawing would later be transferred onto a piece of fabric, and would then be included as one small part of a patchwork quilt. Therefore, I decided to create a collective scene involving some of my original characters, but as I was laying out this first design, another close friend and colleague of mine, Mr. Charles Zembillas, asked if he could post the rough sketch on The Academy's blog. This struck me as a great idea: allowing people to see how the character design process unfolds from a quick blue pencil sketch to the final rough design (in graphite!)

The character displayed above is my ol' pal, Bearman, who will be surrounded in the final piece by a few other originals. The color of this sketch was altered in Photoshop, and as soon as the project is complete, both the final drawing on paper AND a scan of the fabric transfer will be posted! Sorry for the delay, Rikki!! Love ya. =)

The Latest News

Greetings, friends!

I realize it's been quite awhile since I've updated this blog, and that my "Art Of" book was originally scheduled for a September (and October 31st) release. However, I have recently come into possession of some extremely valuable publishing information, which has made it necessary for me to push back the date. Rest assured, however, that as a result of this delay, the quality, volume, and appeal of this book have all significantly increased!! Still, I realize that many of you have known about this project for awhile, and I sincerely apologize for this ongoing delay. Thank you all so much for your unrelenting patience! I'll be posting some NEW work as soon as I can, including a few more previews of what you can expect to find in The Art Of A Chance Raspberry!!!

All The Best,

- -= cR

California KiddsTM

Alright guys, this is it...the last thing I'll be posting for awhile, and my gift to America (and the rest of world) on this beautiful July 4th, 2oo6! Although this piece has no direct relevance to our nation or its independence, it still stands as a symbol of the freedom this country provides by representing our ability to freely and creatively express ourselves. So this one's for you, America, and for all the valiant souls (some of which are only fresh out of high school) who, at this very moment, are risking it all to ensure that this land remains free!! May God bless and watch over you, the soldiers of these United States, and let us never forget this simple fact: United We Stand!!

The following is an exclusive sneak peak at the stars of a television series I've been developing with two of my friends. The concept was originally concieved and developed by screen-writer, Corey Mitchel, and will feature the direction and legendary voice talent of Mr. Bob Bergen (a.k.a. Porky Pig!) As Lead Character Designer and Head of Visual Development, I have been given the honor and priviledge of having full creative control over the final look and style of this project!! All three of us will be co-producing the show.

And so, as my good friend Bob would say, "A-th-thi-th-the-th-that's All, Folks!"...for now. If you haven't checked in awhile (or for those who haven't seen 'em yet,) I've posted some NEW Simpsons work from my character layout test (within the previous post entitled, Simpsons.) Again, you may click any image on this site for a closer look, and thank you all for making this blog what it is. Have a fantastic 4th of July!

The Simpsons

These have been a long time coming, so thanks for your patience guys! Below are the Simpsons tests I submitted as an intern to IDT Film Roman. The first is a character design test for The Simpsons feature film, which required us to design Homer as George Washington and Condoleezza Rice as a Simpson. The second is my Simpsons character layout test, which involved the keyframe animation of three scenes from the show. Enjoy!!

Official Release Date!!!

I know, I know...it's about time, isn't it?!? Well friends, I'm very pleased to announce that I've finally set a release date for the new book. Though I won't be selling these due to my lack of copyrights on some of the material within, I will be sharing them with the world as portfolios and giving them away for FREE!! This sketchbook will be my first official release (but certainly not the last) and I hope you'll all pick up a copy to enjoy for yourselves! Instructions for placing a FREE order will be posted as soon as the book goes public on:

See "The Latest News" post (above.)

Styles

Here are some character designs drawn in the Cartoon Network - Nickelodeon style. The first image represents Part II of my Foster's character design test, which required the creation of four new imaginary friends. The second and third images are two of my original characters drawn with that same "iconic" look in mind.

Cartoon Network

The following is a compilation of character poses created for Cartoon Network's Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. The first four images portray my blue and red pencil drawings (to the left) and a coinciding screen-shot of what was actually aired (to the right.) The final composition is Part I of my Foster's character design test. Each character was originally drawn on its own level, as were the various heads up top, which were included to provide alternative facial expressions.

"Neon Eon"TM

These life renderings are the first of a growing series that began as a simple experiment. My intention was merely to throw some color on a few black and white figure drawings. However, a Photoshop-tweak or two later, I stumbled upon this method of making an image look like it was painted with light! As such, I thought it only appropriate to entitle this debut trio Illusions of Light (Part I of the "Neon Eon" series.)

Figure Drawing

Here are some gestures, quick sketches, and comps drawn from live models with graphite and colored pencil.

A Few Personal Favorites

More highlights from the new book . . .

Re-working The Blog

Alright friends, here's the deal: I've decided to renovate my entire blog and re-define how the page functions! Therefore, please don't be alarmed by the lack of content posted at this point. I have already finished editing and revising ALL of the work that was here before, and will be bringing it back along with some brand NEW stuff real soon. As I continue to archive these additions, a new piece will be posted every day until all the old work is restored and the new stuff takes over!!

For starters, these are some highlights from my first collective work, which is finally nearing completion and a concrete release date...no, for real this time!! =) The book, entitled The Art Of A Chance Raspberry, will be a compilation of what I feel is my best work to date, and will include more recent drawings as well as some dating back to junior high! Everything you see below was drawn by hand with either blue Col-erase pencil, graphite, or ballpoint pen, then rendered in Prismacolor marker or Photoshop. You may click any image for a closer look (they've all been enlarged and quality-enhanced.) And remember: a NEW piece every day!

Welcome!

Greetings, fellow Bloggatarians!!

My name is Chance Raspberry and welcome to my official Animation Art Blog...which I like to call The AnimAttic. Animation, comics, and art in general have been my #1 passion since I was a small child. In fact, to this day I can hear my parents trying to explain to their five-year-old son how pausing the VCR (remember those??) for hours on end, to draw scenes from a favorite cartoon, would destroy the machine. We lost more VCR's that way!

My family and I are originally from Tennessee. In 1983, I moved with my parents to Los Angeles, CA at the ripe old age of two...been living (and drawing) here ever since! Like most of the kiddies I grew up with, I loved watching the after-school and Saturday morning cartoon shows. The difference was that immediately after (and sometimes during) these frequent viewing sessions, I'd grab the nearest pen, pencil, or crayon I could find and try to recreate what I saw on the screen.

Since then, life has been quite a journey. I've attended various art classes and schools, including the CSSSA Animation Program at Cal Arts, Otis College of Art & Design, and The Animation Academy of Burbank, CA! Along the way, I have had the priviledge of working with the fine people at Cartoon Network, Film Roman, InkWorks, Inc., and several other freelance opportunities. This blog is a collaboration of personal favorites from each of those experiences, along with several works from my own projects involving animation, comics, and art. I truly appreciate all of you taking the time to explore my world and I sincerely hope you enjoy what you find enough to return again. I'll be adding to and updating this blog as frequently as I can with NEW and current artwork from my animated projects! So until then, here's wishing you, The World, an exceptional rest of the year! God bless!!

From The Heart,


- -= cR