Growing up I had numerous influences that have led me to be the artist I am today. The first was my mom, who was a traditional artist in every sense of the word. She painted, sculpted, air brushed, sewed, etc. Our home was always filled with some kind of creative project. She also kept me on a steady diet of Saturday morning cartoons, arcade games and our Nintendo system.

Who knew those Saturday morning cartoons and video games would lead me here. I say all this because 3D art has become such a huge industry and, although I’m a 3D artist, I still have appreciation and fond memories of traditional 2D animation.

The last 2D animated film I still love and truly enjoy to this day is Lilo & Stitch. It was, to me, one of Disney’s first animated films that portrayed an ethnic character that didn’t look like Cinderella colored brown. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen this movie.

The character designs were awesome. The animation and emotions were comical and real. I could form a connection with the characters. This by far is one of my favorite 2D movies, even though I hated doing cell animation myself. I still have a burn on my leg from trying to draw with a piece of acrylic and an old lamp for a light box.

I wish they made more movies like this. The diehard 3D artist I am, I still miss good, traditional 2D cartoons.

Just my two cents.