Inspiration board 43

 

Hey fam, I hope you're well. It has been a rough one for me lately but trying to hold on to it. Check out some of these things that have been dope to me recently. Keep going.

Starting from top to bottom, left to right:

1. Major Taylor Iron Riders -video by The Pro's Closet (Cycling/Fitness)

2. Odessa- Middle grade graphic novel by Jonathan Hill (book)

3. Giant Robot- Doc about an AAPI magazine/store (film)

4. Monica Martin- Vocalist, songwriter from the midwest (music)

5. El Michel's Affair x Black Thought- I'm still somehow (music)

6. 1000% Me- Doc about being mixed by W. Kamau Bell (film)

7. Art of Cam Kendell from Fart Quest (art)

8. Hidari- Stop motion animated samurai (stop mo animation)

9. The Nakba- Educational video about the Nakba in Palestine (history)

10. Chang Can Dunk- Narrative film about personal goals (film)

11. Cymone Wilder- is an incredible lettering artist (lettering)

12. This Was Our Pact- All ages graphic novel by Ryan Andrews (book)

13.  Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur- Animated show based on comic (tv)

14. Endea Owens - Where the Nubians Grow (music)

15. Turning Red- Animated film by Pixar (animation)

16. The Last of Us- Post apocalyptic tv show based on video game (tv)

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here it is, plus a few more 

Inspiration board 42

Inspiration board 41

Inspiration board 40

 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob Liu-Trujillo and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. You can also cop my first art book here.

1000% Me: Growing up Mixed - trailer

 

Video link

One to watch out for. A new doc by W. Kamau Bell ( Do the work, stand up, united Shades of America) . Its great to see some friends and folks in this trailer too. 

Dig this? check out my last inspiration board.

I'm a Virgo - Trailer

 

trailer link

Can't wait to see this new series by Boots Riley (The Coup/ Sorry to Bother You). I left the theater going "what the fuck was that?" when I saw Sorry to Bother You. But I have to give him props because I love to see Black/ POC directors do some weird shit I wasn't expecting. Not sure what to expect with "I'm a Virgo" starring Jharrel Jerome, Carmen Ejoho, and Mike Epps but I'm excited to see it!

If you didn't see "Sorry to Bother You" check that out here and if you're unfamiliar with the pen game of Boots Riley, I'd highly suggest listening to The Coup!

Dig this? Check out my last inspiration board

Stills from the show:

Inspiration board 42

 

Yall, it gives me so much pleasure to share some of the things I'm seeing, hearing, feeling, reading, learning from, and getting inspired by. PLEASE check out some of these people, things, etc and get inspired!!! Here are they are left to right, top to bottom.

1. Snapdragon by Kat Leyh (graphic novel) Witches, Queer identity, etc

2. Eve Ewing (Author/Educator) writes about super heroes, school closures, and science

3. Vamos! by Raul the Third (Picture book) Bilingual literacy, Latinx, kids lit

4. A Tradition of Violence by Cerise Castle (podcast) LA Sheriff gangs, journalism, police brutality

5. Sebastian Mikael's new EP Phileo (Soul Music) Soul, hip hop

6. Pinocchio by Guillermo Del Toro (Animated film) stop motion, 

7. Alvin Irby founder of Barbershop Books (Interview) activism, literacy, black boys

8. I am the Subway by Kim Hyo Eun (Picture book) train, humanity, working class

9. Nala Sinephro's album Space 1.8 (Jazz music) jazz, experimental jazz, harp

10. Abel Cruz's fog nets (Water) BBC, World hacks, water crisis, fog nets, peru

11. Sibylline Meynet (Artist) illustration, gouache, artist

12. Afu Chan's Outer Darkness (Artist) comics, illustration

13. Ovarian Psycos (Documentary) cycling, women's rights, trauma, women

14. Noni Sessions (Activist) East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop, coop's, land, activism

15. Coop Conversations (Podcast) Cooperative housing, podcasts, coop's, alternative housing

16. Teach the Children the Truth by Marisa Villegas (Podcast) Ethnic studies, Raza Studies, education

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 41

Inspiration board 40

 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. 

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Inspiration board 41

 

Ok, here's some recently inspiring stuff. Left to right, top to bottom. I make this as much to share with you as I make as a reminder to myself:

1. The illustration of Maike Plenzke

2. Taking Children by Laura Briggs-non fiction book

3. Esperanza Spalding- Songrights Apothecary and her recent albums

4. Jerome Masi - Artist/Illustrator

5. Brown Ambition Podcast-Financial literacy

6. The Cot in the Living Room- Picture bk about community/mutual aid

7. Light & Magic- ILM documentary series (special FX)

8. Art of Ami Thompson

9.Wendell & Wild-upcoming stop motion film (Peele/ Selick)

10. Art of Derek Laufman

11. New Kid- Graphic novel by Jerry Craft

12. Stuart NG Bookstore- specializes in "Art books"

13. Art of Leo Espinosa-illustration

14. Danger Mouse x Black Thought- Because

15. Squid Game TV Series

16. Art of Chris Sickels/Red Nose Studios

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 40

Inspiration board 39 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Shannan E Johnson - Screenwriter coach

 

I stumbled upon this channel that interviews filmmakers and people who work in the film industry. One of the people who immediately stuck out to me was Shannan E. Johnson for her to the point descriptions of story structure, outlining of story, and tips like this one about activity in a story. 

If you havent seen her Youtube channel or Instagram page please go check it out. I think her tips on story are helpful for comics, kids books, and any story really because they force you to think! She also teaches and consults with people. Check out her site:

The Professional Pen

Throwback- Characters from The Last Dragon

 

Yo, if you're a fan of 80s films check out this trio of characters from the classic 80s cult film The Last Dragon.

Trailer link

The film was released in 1985 and featured Taimak, Vanity (rip), Julus Carry (rip), Mike Starr, and a young Ernie Reyes Jr!The director Michael Schultz also made Colley High, Car Wash, and Crush Groove! And the brother is still working today.  Sadly we lost both Vanity and Julius who played Sho Nuff, but even three decades after its release folks like me still love this film produced by Barry Gordy and written by Louis Venosta.

Back in 2016 I painted sho Nuff from the film:

And this year I decided to paint both Laura Charles (played by Vanity) 

and Bruce Leroy from the film.

Check out this time lapse video of me painting Bruce Leroy using ink and watercolor.

Video link

If you like my character work please check out some collages of characters I've made in the past:

2020-2022 collage LINK

 2020-2018 Character collage
2018-2017 Character collage

and here is a portfolio of my illustration work Robdontstop.com

Character 164 - Bruce Leroy (Last Dragon)

 

Video link

Ok switching it up again with a time lapse video of this one. This right here is Bruce Leroy, or my version of the actor Taimak from the great 80s film "The Last Dragon". As I stated in the previous post w/ Ms Laura Charles I loved the film as a kid and still love it today even w/ its campy or corny parts. 

If you dig this, check out this one of Laura Charles aka Vanity (RIP). 

Did you see my last collage of characters? Here it is.

Inspiration board 40

 

You ready to see something cool?! Here are some inspiring folks, things from top to bottom, and left to right:

1. "La Bestia"- Animated short film by Marlijn Van Nuenen, Ram Tamez, Alfredo Gerard Kuttikat

2. Take Back the Block by Chrystal D Giles abt housing

3. Bisa Butler-Incredible quilt artist

4. Claire Wendling- French illustrator

5. Moonchild's new album "Starfruit"

6. SPO/ Slim Pickins Outfitters-Blk owned outdoor store

7. Jason Wilson of Cave of Adullam-martial arts/emotional support

8. Girls Garage- Org teaching young women/ gender expansive building

9. Noni Session of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop

10. Zilo-Artist /Vocalist/songwriter

11. Gabby Zapata- Character designer/vis dev artist

12. Organizers against Oakland school closures-Inspiring!!!

13. Swan Song - Sci fi Film starring Mahershala Ali

14. Zeke Peña- Southwest illustrator

15. Dragons in a Bag- Zetta Elliott abt dragons and magic!

16. Columbian Illustrator/comics artist-Lorena Alvarez

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 39 

Inspiration board 38

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

VIDEO: My fav art books

 

What up y'all, been wanting to do this video for a minute. Art books are a great way to unplug from the internet or get someone reading who doesn't normally like books. Whenever I get stuck I pull out some ill art books, read them, and just flip through them. Check these books out. Cop them from an indy store or request them at your local library!

If you missed my last inspiration board check it here

The last kids book I did is called Alejandria Fights Back

Here are all the books I mention in this video, please support them. Cop from the artists themselves,   your local independent bookstore, or Bookshop.org.

-"Spraycan Art" by Henry Chalfant & James Prigoff 

-"One Track Mind" Graffiti Magazine 

-"OS Gemeos" 

-"Reflections In Black" by Deborah Willis 

-"Chaz Bojorquez" 

-"The Early Bird" by Morning Breath 

-"De La Soul" by Frank 151 

-"Spider Man Into the Spiderverse" by Sony/ Marvel 

-"The Dam Keeper" by Tonko House 

-"Robota" by Doug Chiang and Orson Scott Card 

-"Celebrate People's History" by Josh MacPhee 

-"Everyday Love Vol. 3" by Nidhi Chanani 

-"Frontier" by Hellen Jo 

-"Spam 4" by Mingjue Helen Chen 

-"The Black Book" by Khari Randolph 

-"Version 002" by Jake Wyatt 

-"Art of Jisei" by Miguel C. Hernandez

Inspiration board 39

 

Ok, lately a lot of whats been on my mind is the study of film, particularly how to storyboard a good film sequence. Heres the board from top top bottom, left to right: 

1. Gaidaa- Incredible young singer/songwriter from the Netherlands via Sudan 

2. PBS YouTube series "Weathered" about climate change is scary and engaging 

3. Cassey Kuo-incredible concept/story artist 

4. DJ Premier is doing a videos series abt beats! 

5. Lightbox Expo-art, film, animation, illustration expo online 

6. Greentea Peng-great UK singer songwriter photo by Suki Dhanda 

7. Maya and the Three-Upcoming film by Jorge Gutierrez 

8. Blk Wmn Animator-is a video series by Deborah Anderson 

9. Jordi Lafebre-french illustrator for comics

10. Drik the Villain-Graf writer w/ 3d styles

11. Native artist- David Kanietakeron Fadden great piece abt native genoicde

12. My Dad the Bounty Hunter-an upcoming animated seriess by Everett Downing Jr. 

13. Studio Binder-great resource for learning film 

14. Screenwriter and story consultant Brian McDonald gets deep into the story

15. Hand lettering by Carmi Grau 

16. Script consultant/writer - Shannan E. Johnson gets structure

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 38 

Inspiration board 37

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Film Study 3 - Whale Rider (2002)

 

This incredible film came out when I was in college and I LOVE it still to this day. It is based on a book written by Witi Ihimaera, directed by Niki Caro, and beautifully portrayed by Keisha Castle-Hughes. Some people would call this film slow, but i'd say it is magical and well worth the watch. This New Zealand film delves in to the legend of Paikea whom I drew many years ago and gives us a strong young woman who fights against tradition and expectations.

This is a new series for me (a visual artist) exploring the language of film and tv. I love the medium like s many people and I want to learn more about how the best do what they do. Part of that is learning who does what, re-examining film and tv I love, studying shot composition, lighting, and camera moves. Anyway, if you're curious follow along.

Here's the previous film study- Creed

Film Study 2 - Creed (2015)

 

Here's a film about boxing that I love. Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have a great rapport. They seem to get each other and I think they've worked on four films together now. Anyone, this addition to the Rocky saga is a super intelligent well made one. I haven't seen all the Rocky films but I've seen some and this fits right in. Michael B is the son of Apollo Creed in this flick. 

This is a new series for me (a visual artist) exploring the language of film and tv. I love the medium like s many people and I want to learn more about how the best do what they do. Part of that is learning who does what, re-examining film and tv I love, studying shot composition, lighting, and camera moves. Anyway, if you're curious follow along.

Here's the previous film study- Juice 1992 film

Film Study 1-Juice (1992)

 

Juice (1992) is one of my all time favorite films. I've seen it so many times I can quote most scenes. Heres a bit of film study learning about shots. How they're composed and why. Ernest Dickerson was the director and Larry Banks was the DP or Cinematographer. You can get the 25th anniversary edition here.

I got some of the shot composition definitions from Studio Binder and made this graphic with shots from the film. Feel free to use it or share (w /credit of course). I already have respect for film, tv, and animation makers, but studying it gives me so much more respect for how difficult it is to make something both beautiful and meaningful. 

Stay tuned.... 

Love & Basketball (2000)- Movies I Love 4

 

Gina Prince-Bythewood is a great director. I've seen the majority of her film work and this is one of my favorites of her films. It's rare that I've seen a love story like this about an athlete that puts a young Black woman front and center. Not only as the awkward love interest but as a force of strength and power on the court. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps are incredible in this and it came out when I started college. Watch the trailer.

Did you miss the last Movie? O Homem Que Copiava.

If you loved this film and want to see more like it I suggest Beyond The Lights! And peep, this film will be re-released this year w/ a new documentary and commentary by the director herself as a Criterion collection Blue Ray.

What is this? This is a part of my blog where I share my favorites films. I enjoy them for their pacing, action, comedy, drama, lighting, acting, score, so many things. I grew up as a lover of cinema going with my parents, friends, and by myself. I'm no scholar but I bet I could find a movie we both love to talk about. Stay tuned for more.....

Inspiration board 38

 

Peace fam, 

hope you're all hanging in there ok. If you're in a rut, or can't find creative inspiration, I hope this will help. What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. 

All people, items in the board top to bottom, left to right:

1. Action film: Old Guard w/ Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne 2. Music: The Workout 2 by Stic Man (Dead Prez) 3. Art: Illustration by Olivia Fields (Tncts) 4. Music: Soul artist Sebastian Mikael 5. Music: MC Gavlyn 6. Books: Umber magazine POC focused 7. Art: Marcel Moshki character designs 8. Music: Untitled (Rise) album by Sault 9. Music: MC Nayana IZ 10. Art: Plein Air ptg by Angela Sung 11. Books: The Will to Change by Bell Hooks 12. Film: Inner Workings by Leo Matsuda 13. Books: Waxpoetics Magazine Music focused 14. Activism: APTP-Anti Police Terror Project (support for people in crisis vs police) 15. Radio: Right Nowish podcast by Pendarvis Harshaw 16. Art: Illustration by Radhia Rahman

Please check out and support the folks mentioned in them. Hopefully some of them will inspire you too. Scroll down below to see the previous board. Feel free to share.

Inspiration board 37 (Jan 2021)

Inspiration board 36 (Aug 2020)

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments. Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Bakosó -debuts on PBS!

 

Fam, I'm so excited to share my brothers Eli and Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi's film "Bakosó" will debut this short film on Monday on PBS and want you to watch it. This is a film about the blend of African and Cuban music to create a new style of music and dance called "Bakosó". The team behind this film have done films about hip hop and music internationally for over a decade in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia, and Ghana. Tune in and share with friends.

You can read an article about the film here: https://theoutline.com/

And here is the trailer:

O Homem Que Copiava (2003) - Movies I Love 3

I saw this film a long time ago via Netflix when it was a service that sent you dvd's in the mail that you watched and then sent back. Yes, I'm that old, haha. But for real, the awesomeness of this film reminds me that I need to watch more foreign cinema. Without spoiling too much I'll say this is about a stalker, a heist, and human connection. Please check out the trailer and watch it!! 

The last movie I mentioned that I love is "Mo Better Blues" by Spike Lee.

What is this? This is a part of my blog where I share my favorites films. I enjoy them for their pacing, action, comedy, drama, lighting, acting, score, so many things. I grew up as a lover of cinema going with my parents, friends, and by myself. I'm no scholar but I bet I could find a movie we both love to talk about. Stay tuned for more.....

 

40 year old version- mood board

Wow, watched this with my wife and loved this film. Check it out If you're an artist, educator, teacher, or a film lover.

Watch the trailer if you'r not convinced.

Here's an inspiring board I made of other inspiring things - Inspiration Board 41

 

Inspiration board 37

 

What it do fam? Hanging in there. Here is my latest and greatest inspiration board. What's this? Its the way I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials and tribulations. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Please check out and support the folks mentioned in them. Hopefully some of them will inspire you too.

From left to right, top to bottom.

1. Waajeed-Hip hop/house producer from Detroit 

2. Natalí Koromoto Martinez-Illustrator & Maker from Venezuela

3. Namir Blade- MC/Producer from Nashville 

4. Unfinished Business Deep South Podcast about the lynching of Isadore Banks

5. Cesar Cepeda-Stop motion animator/artist from Mexico

6. Lovecraft Country TV Show on HBO

7. Ahsoka Tano on The Mandalorian TV Show

8. Sarai and the meaning of awesome- Middle grade book written by Monica Brown, Sarai Gonzalez, and illustrated by Christine Almeda

9. Sara Alfageeh-Illustrator of comics and games

10. Rachel Ignotofsky-Illustrator/author from New Jersey

11. G Yamazawa- MC/Poet from North Carolina

12. Thee Sacred Souls-Old school Soul group from San Diego

13. Art of Nisha Kaur Sethi (Bay Area) & Photographer Himanshu Dua (India) about the labor strike in India

14. Esme & Roy animated show from Sesame Workshop

15. Octavia's Parables-A podcast about Octavia Butler's Parable series by Toshi Reagon & Adrienne Marie Brown

16. Zing Tsjeng-Writer, editor, podcast and TV show host from the UK

You catch the last Inspiration board? No? Pshhht. Peep that HERE homie.

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here