When Sparky Ruled The Earth

Charles M. Schulz.. was the reason I wanted to become a cartoonist. He was completely amazing with his observations and abilities to pick out the little idiosyncrasies in life. To verbalize them through childhood, where everyone could identify. For 50 years, Sparky drew 6 strips a week and a deluxe Sunday panel. Not once using anyone Else's' ideas or suggestions. He drew on his thoughts, inner self and childhood. I think we all identify with Charlie Brown. Kids can be truthful yes.. and often cruel.

Thank You Walt!

This is why I wanted to become an animator. This cartoon, is perfect in its imperfectness. A landmark in film making and the beginning of a long withstanding dream. Have you seen it? I am sure you can pull it up on youtube and enjoy it for free. Or check out Walt Disney Treasures amazing deluxe dvd package "Mickey Mouse~In Back and White".

Why Disney needs to stop trashing up their icons.

What has happened to Tinkerbell???? This is so wrong. I could take a few sequels here and there, but then... when they began to suck... Disney should have pulled the plug. In fact, most of the sequels were way below sub par. One of the few I can think of remotely enjoying from beginning to end was the Lion King 1 1/2. (The one where the story is retold faithfully from Timon and Pumbaas point of view). It was worthy of a theatre release.

But the majority of the uninspired sequels has dumbed down the legacy of Uncle Walt's vision. He NEVER made an animated sequel. One could argue that there were so many untapped stories to be made that he wouldnt have to. But now, as in music... everything is cannibalized. Very little is original.

The idea of making the Peter Pan sequel "Return to Neverland" in 2002 was intriguing.. it was well done and probably the best of its genre... because Tink remained the same. They were true to the original. The premise was great. The animation was top notch... (Check out Hooks Ship gliding over London) but even it lagged after 45 mins. So then we begin to see all the merchandise breakout and Tink is every where with her pouty-snotty-brat pixie attitude and low and behold... we now have the BRATZ doll version of Tinkerbell. With politically correct faerie friends of all races and creeds. But look at it!!!!! When did Disney family values and wholesomeness dilute to this clap trap? Cease the reins again! Quit making horrid Broadway versions of all your movies!!! (And Dreamworks... you're next with SHREK-The Musical???? Really? Really????) And quit recasting voices of classic cartoon characters with John Goodman and Phil Collins. John Goodman is NO Phil Harris!!!!

Quit modernizing the Classics. The only hope is that if Disney continues the trend.. and they will, is that families one day see the craftsmanship and superb art of Disneys 9 Old Men in the likes of Pinnochio (on dvd) this March and turn away from Saturday Morning garbage like Thats So Raven! and enjoy the heyday and magnificence that Walt demanded and gave to us.

Hold On! I'm Coming Back!

Unknown Legends Become Unknowingly Legendary

I know! I Know! It's been a long time since I have posted here and I need to do something or lose this forum... so here is my book mark for good things to come in 2009.

I have been working on furthering the development of my graphic design company into a full fledged media marketing mammoth!

Surrounding myself with good people and better clients over the past two years has catipulted By Design into a whole new arena. We now have colleagues in web design, optimization, publishing, television and digital advertising as well as a host of other offerings. This may well prove to be the kick off year long in the making.

I am also proud to share one of the newest additions to our stable: The Unknown Legends. The five man band has quietly rocked throughout the town of Monroe MI and has now quite the following. By Design is proud to be a sponsor of this fine new band and its 17 original new songs. You can see them throughout the county, on youtube and their my space at www.myspace.com/unknownlegendsjam then...look for their new tv show to air on Monroe Public Access Television this summer!

Much more soon and welcome back!!!