Channel Frederator Blog

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Andrew Langley. I was born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. I graduated in 2002 from the Classical Animation Program at the Vancouver Film School.

How did you get into character designing?
It was my first freelance contract out of Film School. But I’ve always loved it. It’s an amazing experience to be apart of the creating process.

Do you do any animation on the side?
I have in the past. Mostly small independent projects. As a freelance artist, design is much easier.

What has inspired you to become who you’re today?
My family and friends. They’ve always encouraged me and been extremely supportive. My parents introduced me the Disney Classics as a kid and I was hooked. I just kept hoping I could be apart of that.

How long have you been drawing for?
Ever since I can remember. I think 4 or 5.

When you go to sit down and start a new drawing, what do you think about when coming up with new character designs?
Feeling and emotion. If I can get someone to feel what I’m feeling when I draw then I‘ve done a good job.

Take me through the process of you designing a new character.
I try to research as much as I can first. Then I ask lots of questions. What makes this character tick? What makes this character unique? Then I try to create a design that fits that profile. The final step is to simplify as much as possible.

I notice you have alot of very action packed poses for some of your
characters. Are there any specific comics you look up to?
I love Danger Girl by Scott Campbell. Also, Crimson and Out There by Humberto Ramos. And for a rough look Hero Bear by Mike Kunkle is awesome. Great posing and design.

What artists and or studios have inspired you?
Right now I can’t get enough of John Nevarez. As a person and as a designer he’s such a pro. So humble too, which I really admire. But honestly, I get inspired daily by so many amazing artists. I love finding new talent.

What programs do you work with after you have drawn the character on paper and scan them in ( if you do so )?
Mostly Photoshop. Although, I have started to dabble in Illustrator.

Are you currently working for an animation studio? Or just freelance?
Just freelance right now but that could always change.

As a character designer, how do you feel about your work?
I see a lot of room for improvement. I’m constantly amazed at the ingenuity and creativity around me. Seeing this pushes me to do better.

Do you look around to try and come up with new styles?
For sure. It’s easy to get stuck in a particular style so I’m always trying to force myself to try new things.

What do you feel has best helped you develop your skill for character designing?
Drawing life. Wherever. In the coffee shop or at the park. It’s just such great practice to try and capture a moment.

Do you hope to improve your skills over the next 5 years? If so, how
do you plan on doing such a thing?
Definitely. I want to keep taking projects that I’m not fully comfortable with. Anything that will stretch me and make me a better artist.

Have you ever pitched a show?
Yes

Have you ever created character designs for a pitch?
Just recently I had the opportunity to design a line of animal characters for a pitch and treatment. We’re still waiting to hear back at this point.

And my last question, what would you tell people is the best way to start learning to draw?
I think just picking up a pencil and drawing. Don’t put too much emphasis on the finished product. Just try to have fun and stay loose. If you enjoy what you’re doing it‘ll come through in your drawings.

Feel free to check out Andrew’s blog here!

-Steve

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