GOODBYE AMERICA: MOVING TO ASIA TO ANIMATE!
Hey all, for those of you who dont know, I’ve been working out this deal for the last 7 months and can finally say that I’ll be officially leaving America indefinitely. I move the 3rd week of next month.
I’ve been hired by top animation studio JM ANIMATION STUDIOS in the glorious city of Seoul, in South Korea.
JM ANIMATION STUDIOS are responsible for work on some of my favorite American and Japanese animated projects like: Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Wonderful Days, Fist of the North Star, Noein, Macross Zero, Hellsing, Count of Monte Cristo, and currently producing Season 3 of the Peabody Award-winning series “The Boondocks.” It really is a dream come true to finally make it overseas and work alongside some of the production crews of animes I’ve come to love over the years.
Those who’ve known me will know that this is something I’ve wanted to do since I’ve arrived in Hollywood a very short 5 years ago. Having been blessed with the opportunity to move upward and work at groundbreaking animation studios like Sony Pictures, Cartoon Network and currently Warner Bros Animation studios, I’ve learned a TON in my short period of time here in California and I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve acquired and build upon it and grow even more with the exceptional overseas talent.
My arrival at this studio is especially important because although it is not uncommon for foreign artists to work overseas in Korean animation studios because they are usually attached to an existing project from said country, this situation is unique because I’m not attached to any company working there. I’m pretty much the first American to be plucked from the states to be hired specifically to work in-house at a Korean animation studio. It’s exciting, but at the same time also a lot of pressure. However I’m confident that I will do my best. Hopefully I wont be the last. I’d like to thank everyone I’ve met In California during my short stay here. Those who have helped me in my quest to better myself, force me to think more, challenge myself, be prolific, step outside my comfort zones, put up with me and tell me when my shit stunk. I thank you. To my friends and family back in NYC and FLA who continue to love and support me, thanks so much and love you guys!
It will be different, to say the least, living in South Korea: adjusting to the culture and the language among many other things but if anyone who knows me, knows that I’m all about meeting new people, forming new friendships and stepping outside my comfort zones. They also know that I might be the only one crazy enough to do it because they know I love the craft, at least enough to uproot myself yet again to pursue it. I’ll be sure to keep everyone who shows interest in my wacky new chapter in life in Asia posted. Thanks for reading this and I hope you all are getting closer to accomplishing your goals and pursuing your dreams and taking chances in this short thing we call Life!
* PS: MY GRAPHIC NOVEL IS STILL A GO *
A South Bronx, NYC native animator, illustrator, comic book artist, writer and character designer. Currently working for JM Animation in Seoul, Korea.
when i read the title, i was like.. "what the EFF!?", but it totally suits you too, i think – i only know you through your art, but hey, isn't that part of what art's all about??
good luck, man! i'm excited for you.
wow CONGRATS man! that's amazing! haha but you're very talented and work so hard that I would believe you could achieve any goal you set your mind to. You're very inspirational both as an artist and person and I thank you for it
I'm assuming you will still be working on your graphic novel?
can't wait to get my hands on it!
All the best to ya, mah brutha.
Safe journeys and all the best to ya!
Great to hear that your dreams are coming true. Your hard work and persistence has really paid off which is a big inspiration. Can`t wait to see the new work you`ll be producing!
Congrats my friend!! Have a fantastic time!
CONGRATULATIONS! WOW, I know this must be a dream come true for you. Now I might get to see Drama Kings animated. haha. You are a total inspiration and I definitely look forward to hearing about your crazy adventures.
Darkchild
amazing, good luck man you deserve every second of fun over there that this job is going to give you.
they eat cold noodles for breakfast, so that could get some getting used to…But other than that the food's good!
WOW I'm in a state of shock but I'm so happy for you man. I hope you still have a drop on Cannon Busters, any how Cograts man!
all the best
Wow what a big move! Congrats, and good luck!!
gunna miss ya big cat, best of luck
If anyone deserves it, you do. Hope you're the first of many, LeS
So does this mean Canon Busters is deaded for good?
Youre work is astonishing and inspiring. Im taking notes. Give thx to Samax, i seent u up on GM.
Essentials for Korea(my grandma was frm Seoul):
Bulgogi-delicious dish-try it when u get thurr
Gamblerz Crew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SOsPJLvmtg
Tasha T: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDh2_QH0240
Naver/ Cyworld
Much respect.
-Rob
Congrats! i wish you all the best!
if you've been to k-town in LA and feel comfortable. it'll be fine there. congrats man on your success in this industry
congratulations! Bust the door wide open! Hopefully you'll inspire them to add more believable and diverse (black) characters to anime!
I can't believe it. As soon as I was about to thank and introduce myself to someone that has been a huge inspiration in helping me figure out what I really want in life (before I'm dead and in the grave) with an invitation to an all-Brazilian bikini massage party, you just up and leave!
Oh well, congrats on your very well-deserved and continuous success. Thank you for all the hard work and showing that there are brothas that not only are into comics/manga and anime, but are also blessed with skills!
BTW- I was just kidding about the massage.Sorry.
Peace!
I can't believe it. As soon as I was about to thank and introduce myself to someone that has been a huge inspiration in helping me figure out what I really want in life (before I'm dead and in the grave) with an invitation to an all-Brazilian bikini massage party, you just up and leave!
Oh well, congrats on your very well-deserved and continuous success. Thank you for all the hard work and showing that there are brothas that not only are into comics/manga and anime, but are also blessed with skills!
BTW- I was just kidding about the massage.Sorry.
Peace!
And now you’re back home.