Summer Wireless

I know it isn’t summer just yet, but I wanted to share an observation as we approach the season that typically has us looking forward to more social, outdoor activities.

Between iphones and blackberries, the wireless phenomenon has become pervasive. You might think at first that it all adds to everyone being isolated and in their own bubble. Instead of being at your computer all the time at the office or at home – ignoring more social activities, you can now have your “computer” in the palm of your hand everywhere you go. You’re always looking at your phone and not paying much attention to your surroundings. As a result, no real social interaction, right?

Well, it seems there’s a new trend emerging from this, and it’s sort of getting back to a more social experience. People are sharing things with each other not just through texting and emailing on these devices, but they’re actually holding their phones out to let their friends have a look at whatever is on their screen. So, they’re interacting with each other again. Every now and then I’ll see groups of people huddled around one guy or girl trying to get a glimpse of the latest “app” or “youtube video”. So maybe it’s a good thing.

Here’s a piece inspired by that latest observation. Based on a couple of photos I took at the 2008 San Diego Con. I used Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop CS.

This is the original Sketchbook Pro line art:

I hope this summer you’ll all enjoy more social activities too – even if it involves looking at your friend’s hand held device!

-Tom

About Administrator

Tom has worked for over two decades in television, advertising, and feature film animation. Tom was Character Sculptor and Effects Animator on the Warner Bros/Lorimar Gumby Adventures‚ TV series (1987-1988) and Gumby Movie‚ the stop-motion feature film (1991). In 1991 at Colossal Pictures, Tom's Animation Direction debut Coca-Cola Watch‚ won a Clio Award. In 2000 he became Co-Partner at Way Out West Prods in San Francisco. Tom joined Maverix Studios in October of 2002 and was a dedicated principal member of the group until September 2011. Tom is now an artist for hire.
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8 Responses to Summer Wireless

  1. Chris Boyd says:

    Hi Tom.

    You already know I love this drawing. But I like it so much I figured I’d say so on here too. 🙂

    Nice insight into the whole portable computing phenom. People will probably always crave that personal interaction no matter how much technology we have.

    I’m taking a little break from CA.org. I just needed a change of pace. But I do have a blog I started where I’m going to be posting some character sketching. I’d love it if you’d stop by and check it out every once in a while.

    Take it easy.

    Chris

  2. I will definitely check out your blog, Chris. Thanks for commenting here.

    I’ll see you around!

    -Tom

  3. kamal anjelo says:

    Fantastic illustration tom, love your work.

  4. Thank you very much Kamal. I tend to neglect this blog too long sometimes – sorry for the delayed response and thanks for stopping by!

    -Tom

  5. ed says:

    Hey Tom, looking great here! It’s good to read your comments as well as see the art evolving.
    I hope you are getting through this difficult time in one piece, Pal.
    Use it in your work! Aaargh!

    -ed

  6. Hey thanks, Ed. That’s best advice I’ve gotten in a long time.

    -Tom

  7. L-DLS says:

    Hi,

    I just been browsing through man , the Yeticatcher is been doing loads of kick stuff. Enjoy every painting here.. just absolutely fantastic… I haven’t been drawing for a while but will sure pick on it .. someday .. Got to clear loads of 3d freelance job first..

  8. Thank you, L-DLS. Well don’t wait too long, it’s good to stay in practice, though an on-going job in these times is good too!

    Good luck with that and thanks for visiting!

    -Tom

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