Justin Wright

Justin, as I remember him.

Take care buddy,
James

A Great Loss

Last night, Justin Wright, a friend and brother in arms here at Pixar, passed away suddenly at the age of 27. It is a great loss and a real tragedy. Although we hadn't worked together all that extensively, I got the honour and pleasure to work with him for a month or so during a crunch recently, during which I got to see the sincerity, honesty and spirit that he is being remembered for so fondly today.
Justin was one of the rare people who are open in a way that made sharing one conversation feel like ten. He was incredibly friendly, funny and humble.
To his family and close friends, which are many, I can only offer my condolences and well wishes. It is a terrible thing when good people go too soon.
To those who've never met him I offer a sample of his excellent work. I hope you can glean a little bit of Justin from the work that he made.
Justin, you will be well remembered.
We'll miss you.

James

Justin's blog

Duncan, again

It's been that kind of day...

January to February

Sketchcrawl 17 was a real wake up for me. A call to action, and having been in a slower period at work, I've found myself with a little more time on my hands than usual; time I've used to reconnect with gesture drawing, one of my pure joys in life. I've been re-reading the Walt Stanchfield notes, poring over Milt Kahl and Marc Davis drawings of all types, attending the gesture classes at work taught by the great Tom Gately, as well as sketching on Bart, in cafes with friends and even in stores while my wife tries on clothes.
Here are some of the recent drawings, done tiny in a Rhodia No 16 book with ink.
Enjoy,
J

World Wide SketchCrawl17, San Francisco

I spent last Saturday in San Francisco attending the 17 th World Wide Sketchcrawl held at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown. The weather was very hospitable, the sketchers came out in droves and the square bustled with activity and great characters to observe.
I usually don't draw very diligently at Sketchcrawls; content to sit on a bench with a coffee, taking in the sun and relaxing after a long week of drawing storyboards. This time however, I sat and drew with a specific purpose, for hours, and while my resultant drawings aren't exactly setting the world on fire, I had fun doing them, learned from them, and loosened up a bit.
I also met a bunch of great people, saw some great drawings, and ended the day with a meal at Delfina Pizzeria, and Bi-rite Creamery with Enrico and his wonderful wife Marit.
A great way spend a Saturday. Many thanks to Enrico for organizing it, and to all those that attended.
Here's some excerpts from the day...
Enjoy,
James

I had trouble keeping up with these ladies. So much character, great interactions. Interest Everywhere!

Portsmouth Square.

2008- 1 Year

Tomorrow, January 8th, I will quietly celebrate my first full year here at Pixar, and in San Francisco. It's been a great experience thus far, and having just been given two weeks off, one that I've been doing some reflecting on over the last 18 or so days. I think I'm still adjusting, very subtly at this point, to a new place, new life, and new expectations. I'd like to say thanks to Dani, Nick and Matt. I'd still be in TO if it weren't for you guys.

I also got a chance to do some of my own work over the break. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped, but it turned out I needed more rest than I thought I did. Here are some of the results of that, which I'm trying to wrestle into a shape that resembles a story. I've also been experimenting with some new photoshop painting techniques I've picked up at work, some of which are on display here.
Happy new year!

Enjoy,
James

Holiday Break-2007

After a fairly long stretch of intense work, I now find myself with a few weeks time ahead of me with nothing to do but relax, spend some time with my wife, see some friends, and draw whatever pleases me.
As it happens, I've been writing and building a short comic book project, tentatively titled "All City" which I hope to have all roughed out by the time the holidays conclude. Below are some samples of conceptual work I've been doing for it. Just rough ideas right now, to locate tone and style, although these are hardly indicative of either at this stage. Hopefully these next few weeks will broker happier results.
I want to wish all of you who regularly visit, and those just stopping by a very happy and safe holiday season. See you all in 2008.

Best wishes,
James Robertson

Daniela Strijleva

As some of you may have noticed, a while ago I added a link on the right to a Dani Strijleva, whose new blog is getting populated with some really fun, insightful and just plain awesome drawing. I'm glad now to have a moment or two to give it it's proper due.

I met Dani back at Sheridan where even then her talent for doing things right, was well developed and in full bloom. To the point:I have yet to see her make a truly bad drawing in the 7 years I've known her.
Her stuff is specific, yet loose; well constructed, yet character rich, and the stuff on the blog is just the tip of the iceberg, I assure you. I think I can say all this with reasonable certainty as she's also my wife.
Go check out her fantastic blog, you'll be glad you did.

Here's just a small sample.

Enjoy!

Welcome to the blog world Dani!

J

A tiny break

...it's nice to have a little free time.

- James