Daniel Cooper

I love artwork especially character concepts.You know those people who buy the 2 disc DVD’s of an animated feature just to see all the pre artwork of the film and how it all comes together….I’m one of those people.It is just such an handy inside to see how your fellow professionals work and it helps me to develop in my own artwork.

My childhood was spent with many years sat in front in the TV watching shows such as “Ducktales”,”Alfred J Kwak”,”Thundercats”,”The Raccoons” and “Dangermouse”.Art was a passion of mine from an early age and I read a lot of comic books such as “The Beano”,”Rupert” and “The Dandy”.I just loved the stories within them and the colourful characters provided by the likes of Dennis The Meance and Desperate Dan.

A lot of my early introductions to the animation studio and the work involved came from being a kid watching the “Making of” or “Behind the scenes” features which were made for the releases of big animated feature films.Seeing the madness,fun and creativity involved with these films struck a cord with me and from then on I knew I wanted to be in animation.

My teen years was spent drawing and learn the basics of art in the form of such after school classes such as life drawing.My first work experience in the animation industry came in 2002 when after taking some of my doodles to show the director,Tony Collingwood,I was allowed to spend my work experience at the studio and gaining first hand insight and advice from the animation staff there.It would become a studio I would return to on two more occasions for work experience where each time I would be allowed a more hands on role in the actual production of the animation in the form of filming storyboarding or using software to edit images.It was a happy time as I was working in the environment I had seen as a kid in those specials.I learnt much during those placements and learnt the importance of working in a team as well as being creative.

I have just graduated from FUCCA (University College for the Creative Arts,Farnham).This journal will show case my work done at the university while also showcasing my experiences in the industry and the work I produce after graduating.I’m also looking forward to having discussions with people on here and any advice is welcomed as I am always looking to improve my work to get the best possible outcome.

Hope you’ll join me on this adventure.It promises to be an once in a life time experience!

Daniel Cooper