Storyboard course panel

 

I'm taking the year long course led by these storyboard artists who collectively have tons of experience in the animation and filmmaking. If your interested check out some of the other free videos on the "Story Board Art" YouTube 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 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.... 

Inspiring talk w/ Asian American in animation

This is a really fucking great conversation! Listen to these AAPI storytellers talk about their careers and the dearth of stories in animation and the film world with a variety of AAPI characters free of stereotypes. I wish for folks to fund them in making the most wildest, creative, weird shit they want to. 

If you dug this check out my inspiration board where I share my folks like these (to me).

 

Inspiring Artist - Mira Nair

 

Yo, if you're new: This is where I share artists that have been inspiring to me in my work sometimes directly and other times. Case in point. Mira Nair, an amazing filmmaker from India who spends her time back and forth between India, Uganda, and the US. I'm not sure which film I saw first but I have loved so many of her films. Her style, her eye, but also her activism, and her convictions. 

She once said 

"If we don't tell our stories, no one will" -Mira Nair

In reference to the talk of diversity which is really a talk of a century of exclusion from funding, resources, and access to filmmaking (but applies to other forms of storytelling) and she backs it up. Don't believe me? Go check out The Namesake, Salaam Bombay, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Queen of Katwe, and so many others. If I were a big studio executive, I'd give her the maximum budget and all the resources she needs to run with it.

She's worked with so many great actors such as Tabu, Denzel Washington, Kal Penn, Irrfan Khan, Tanya Maniktala, Lupita Nyongo, Liev Schrieber, Kiefer Sutherland, Riz Ahmed, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Sarita Choudhury, Richard Gere, soo many.

If you haven't seen any of her films, check them out! I should add that one of the amazing things about her is her independent hustle to get projects made! Also, check out her company Maisha Film Labs in Kampala Uganda. Did you catch the last artist I mentioned?

The last inspiring artist was James Van Der Zee

Story time print - 4

It's been a minute since I made some new merchandise so here's something new. This is the fourth in a series of "Story time" posters. This one features my wife and daughter as models sitting in a chair reading.

You can cop this new one HERE

Check out: 

Story time print ONE

Story time print TWO

Story time print THREE

Latino Comics Expo - Modesto March 15-16th

This is the 8th annual Latino Comics Expo. I attended one of the first expos in San Francisco and since then, the organizers (Ricardo Padilla and Javier Hernandez) have created events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Columbus Ohio, San Jose,  and Brownsville Texas. This is the schedule for panels and speakers.

I will be there selling my books and other goodies. Please come or invite someone you know who lives in Stanislaus county (Modesto, Turlock, Salida). If you'd like more info, please go HERE.

The LCE, has not only provided warm and welcoming environments for creators of stories and story seekers, they have also helped promote academic study of Latino Comics, animation, and film events. With their ground breaking collaboration "Sol Con" they are also bridging cultures by encouraging Black and Brown creators to join forces. Stay tuned and follow them on 

Instagram, twitter, and facebook.

Story time print 2

This is the second in what hopefully becomes a series of "Story time" prints. I made this and the first print as art prints that could be hung in homes, libraries, or classrooms. Anywhere that children are read to really. You can purchase this one on Etsy HERE.

Story time print - 1

Hey good peoples, I just finished working on this new one. Hope to make more than one with this style and/or color combination. Thought of making a poster for folks who regularly read to children. I was listening to an interview with writer/actor Lena Waithe so thats how the reader got a few pieces of her. Hope you like it. If you want one for your spot check out the store link.

STORE LINK

Kids & Book Zone- Life is Living back on

Check it out, so we're back on this Saturday. Bring your babies, teens, and family to Life is Living. This is an intergenerational event. So, I will be there with several authors doing storytime: Grace Caroll, Tiffany Golden, Laurin Mayeno, and Kamaria Lofton.  We will be there as part of the Kids Zone!

The event was postponed briefly as we were trying to avoid putting folks outside in dangerously smoky and toxic air. After the northern California fires the smoke was everywhere and not good for the babies, the performers, or the people. But, we're back. 

If you would like to send relief to the folks affected in the fires and in Puerto Rico, please check out this LINK. Come through to Life is Living!

Book Zone @ Life is Living 10!

Hey folks, I'm sure you know that I'm a father, husband, artist, and children's book creator. 

I would like to invite your family to join me and hundreds of other parents @ Life Is Living, October 14th, 2017! It's the 10th year anniversary. Likely to be the best event in all of Oakland that day. Can you join us? If so, RSVP HERE and tag other parents who might be interested.

// My family has attended Life Is Living for the last 10 years.

We attend because it is a place to see friends, meet fellow creatives, and to manifest community building. It's been a great space to meet new people, to catch up with folks, and introduce my son to so much–skating, visual arts, poetry, healthy food, an event with a vibe filled with love. This is our second year as more than just attendee's. Last year we organized a book zone. That was fun, so we're doing it again. This time, with multiple story times throughout the day!

We've organized a host of local authors to lead story time through out the day. This years focus is on stories about children of color and some stories about queer kids too.

Hear the stories with your kids, meet the authors, collect a book, get author signatures, and connect with literacy some advocates like the Oakland Public Library.

We hope to gathering over 100 Parents throughout the day at the Book Zone, which is part of a much larger KIDS ZONE run by artist Emily Butterfly. 

There will be many activities for children such as face painting, silk screening, mural painting, and there is a Labyrinth and obstacle course!

OCTOBER 14TH 10:30am-5:30PM, Defremery (Bobby Hutton) Park 1651 Adeline St, Oakland, Ca 94607

Kindred Journey 12- Animated Characters

If you have children, care for them, or are a big grown up kid you recognize some of these characters  right? I want to ask you the viewer about the reach and impact animated films/TV have on kids and culture. Beyond these five Disney characters, what cartoon series or animated film do you know of with an Asian American main character? Got one? Good, now look up the highest grossing 100 animated films/shows via wikipedia. How many of Asian American characters are present? Are the stories fun, silly, serious, preachy, informative, realistic, visible, or invisible? How do you feel about people challenging Hollywood (animated studios make blockbusters too) for whitewashing characters based on Asian or Asian American stories or not including Asians at all if it's not an animal? If all children could see themselves represented prominently in billboards, bus ads, backpacks, toys, and films would that make a difference? More directly, how would films/shows about Asian American life, culture, and backgrounds help our kids feel understood, loved, or proud when they are not in our presence? PLEASE do me a favor and watch the most recent of these "Sanjay's Super Team". I think it speaks volumes about these questions without trying to preach or put anyone down.

Sources: Up, Lilo & Stitch, Big Hero 6, Mulan, Sanjay's Super Team

Dig this? Check out this portrait of model maker/SFX artist Fon Davis

Whitewashing Asian Characters-Vox video

This is dope to me because it raises an issue that far too many people in filmmaking and those in power to green light or fund a film look over. I know you need known actresses to get people into the theater.I get it. But that is not an excuse for over 60 years worth of racist bullshit. Don't get me started, but please watch this video and share it if you agree. It's not just emotion, it is fact. And i'm glad vox did this because it challenges what has been "ok" to do for much too long.

Chapter 510 letter of support

Peace!

As a kid, I did not enjoy reading or writing. The stories I was introduced to from elementary to high school rarely reflected my life, interests, or my cultural roots. Now as a storytellerand a father, I’m telling some of the stories I wish I’d seen coming up. The stories are about culture, pride, love for self and community, adventure, and imagination. And for me, to tell these stories, it takes a lot of long hours make-believing.

A program like Chapter 510 is helping young people write. It’s helping them make learning a reality.

I got connected with Chapter 510 from the very beginning. Right away, I knew these educators and writers were awesome and that they not only wanted to reach kids, but that they had in fact already been doing it in their own ways. Getting children of color writing about their lives. Getting books made about cool subjects like Harlem and publishing them in Oakland. We collaborated on several projects. 

  donated my drawings to Chapter 510 because they are a beautiful community-based arts project. It has been so fantastic to watch the program grow.

Now they have this sanctuary. A writing center to be, where my murals sit everyday waiting to make new friends among books, zines, artwork, and artifacts that inspire “Make Believing.” 

We need your donation and support today to open the writing center. Your money supports free writing, bookmaking, and publishing workshops for K-12 students in Oakland. Your support by sharing the campaign and spreading the word helps build awareness about the work we’re doing and allows us to find new additions to the team.

Please donate to these special folks. They are doing monumental work equipping kids like Jade and Kayla at MetWest High School with tools for change: WORDS.

All our kids, mine included, need artists and allies in the classrooms supporting teachers and bringing learning home through making and believing. 

I have so much respect for Chapter 510 and the way they support kids, artists, teachers, nurturing the cultural pulse of this city. 

Join me in supporting an awesome writing program for Oakland’s kids. 

Blessings,

Robert Liu-Trujillo

Some great children's book lists (Sausal Creek featured)

Im so honored to be included on this LIST of awesome children's and teens books on BuzzFeed!! It was created by Innosanto Nagara , author of A is For Activist!

Check out this awesome list of Latina Heroines inspired children's books by REmezcla.
Catsuka, a French website is always putting up inspiring animation from all over the world that we just dont see in US TV or advertising markets. Check out this list of child friendly short films.

Artist Ammunition feature

So blessed to be featured here on this new creative endeavor of long time homie and fellow creative Halline "Haylow" Overby who does amazing work as a DJ, videographer, and photographer. In this new series he is working to highlight the work of other artists much the same way he did with the TV show Distortion 2 Static back in the day. Please follow the progress of this series and interact with it by giving props, constructive criticism, or suggestions for other artists.

LINK

Daisy Rosario x Story of her dad

There are so many stories to tell! Beautiful beautiful job by Daisy Rosario!

Collage of characters (3) 2013-2014

Been a year since I last updated a collage with characters from practice, study, finished paintings, and sketches. These characters are an effort to build my skill in storytelling by developing the look of the people I want to see in the type of stories I want to tell.

Check out the characters from 2012-2013 

UR 4 Africa-Nigerian Artist workshops

My good friend Shola Ajayi (Film maker/ Activist) has been busy founding an organization in her home country Nigeria called "UR 4 Africa" which brings International teaching artists to Lagos, Nigeria to share techniques for art and media making; as well as storytelling. Please check it out and share with folks you know in Nigeria, other African countries, and here in the states. And if you know of anyone who would like to become a teaching artist with them or offer funding, please contact them.

The organization is on all social media and they can be reached here http://www.theur4africaproject.org/

Why is this organization important? Because the story of who Nigerians or Africans in general are must be told by Africans. As writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says it is too easy to get caught up in a "single story" of poverty when thinking of Africans.  There are so many parts of everyday life that I know nothing about, and I would like to learn more. It is important to me to get the real story from real people, not a fake Ngo or a fake charity. Right on Ur4Africa.  I can't wait to hear more stories about Lagos life.

Characters 37 & 38- Lowridin Momma and Daughter

So, one of the new things you will be seeing more of from me this year, in addition to my childrens book work and short stories, is more character designs. But not just one view, im working on my skills in this arena, so you'll be seeing much more. Check out some of the artwork leading up to Short Story 10 above. Also, women who build and ride lows DO exist! Shout out to Joy Liu, who helped me make the layout so fresh and so clean....