Channel Frederator Blog

Serapio, in addition to having a name that reminds me of those old Spaghetti Westerns, is versatile artist with the ability to do many styles.
I spoke with him recently and below is what he had to say…
Yay!
-Mike Milo

I.) So, who are you and where are you from?

My name is Serapio Calm and I am currently a character designer for Cartoon Network’s new show, Chowder for 2007, created by a good buddy of mine, Carl Greenblatt. Some clips of the show can be seen here. I was born in Long Island, New York and I currently live in Rosemead, California.

II.) What have you worked on?

I designed for The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Evil Con Carne, Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, and Megas XLR. I also worked on various projects for Nickelodeon, Disney TV, Curious Oranj & Animax Entertainment. I still make the time for other various freelance gigs on the side.

III.) How did you get into the business?

Actually, I answered a job posting online that was looking for a character designer. I replied and sent a few samples of my work. Unfortunately, I did not get a response and I honestly forgot about it. Months later I sent my portfolio to Cartoon Network. Ironically, the same person who posted the job listing I applied for months ago received it and remembered me and my work! He liked what he saw and called me in for the job. Thank you, Chris Prynoski & Jodi Schaefer! After Megas XLR, I was able to adapt to other styles and move on to design for other shows at Cartoon Network. I’ve been really lucky.

IV.) Do you have any personal projects your working on?

I am currently working on my blog and I try to update it weekly with various art and videos of old cartoon intros. I am also publishing postcards that I will be giving out at the San Diego, Comicon as well as local comic shops. I am also working on a sketchbook & developing a comicbook. Eventually, I hope to have my work displayed at art galleries.

V.) Why do you do what you do? Passion? Talent? Making people laugh?

I have always loved drawing ever since I picked up my first crayon and scribbled all over my sister’s bedroom wall.

VI.)What are your influences?

I find influence everywhere. Heres a tiny list: Nintendo, Calvin & Hobbes, Lord of the Rings, Starwars, Transformers, Capcom, San-X, Akira Toriyama, Micronauts, Badtz Maru, Legos, Thundercats, Fullmetal Alchemist, Mary Blair, Warner Bros., Akira Kurosawa films, The Provensens, Bone, Warhammer, Miyazaki films, Robotech, Chilly Willy, Tex Avery, Southpark, Spider-man, Japanese food packaging, Nerf guns. I’m always on the search for new stuff too. But I don’t want to forget all those inspiring talented artists that keep popping up on the internet!

VII.) What kinds of tools do you use? Special Pencils? Paper? Computer? Brushes? Desk?

I mostly use col-erase pencils on animation paper or post-its. But I have to use a different color every couple of days. Certain colors draw better for me on certain days. It’s the weirdest thing. It could be a psychological or mood thing. But it is true that each color has different softness and hardness. Then I scan my drawings and digitally paint them in Photoshop. Currently I am designing digitally with a Cintiq monitor for Chowder.

VIII.) If you could change the way the business works and is run how would you do it?

IX.)Do you have any advice for someone wanting to break in or just beginning in the industry?

One should learn, draw & inspire themselves as much as they can. Try to master different styles and job positions. Learn character design, prop design, backgrounds, coloring and storyboards. Don’t take criticism personally, keep an open mind and always strive to improve. Be friends with everyone even though they work on other shows or at other studios, or have a different job title. Network! Every contact helps. And most important, never give up. Don’t ever get intimidated or let rejection dampen your spirits. Eventually you will break into the business and the art director will say, “Where have you been hiding all this time?”

Here’s a link to Serapio’s blog.