A Suggestion for Future Workshops.

[Rheywolf]

1.) I had an awesome time once things got rolling. The artists were great, you could cut the experience and good advice in the air with the knife. I had a blast, and if I ever found myself in an opprotune position to go again, I would.

However,

2.) The party at the start was way overdone. I walked in and almost thought I walkd into the wrong building.
I mean, it's cool to have a party to loosen up a little.
But...two, three hours?
After that zombie clown band got up there, and that guy started drawing on the back panel, and half the entire crowd ended up sitting around them instead of watching the entertainment?

Hey guys. I have an excuse for not caring about scantily clad women. What's your excuse?
...oh yeah, we didn't pay to come watch women act like sluts. Xd

(And don't tell me that's an overstatement, you should've seen the one chick in the corner just about undressing herself for the guy taking pictures.)

ANYway. Ignore my snarkiness. Point being, I think it'd be awesome for the party to be brought up a little shorter. Or at least, perhaps, have some artists in another room doing their thing so the people who really don't care about the party can go do something else, and not feel like they're wasting their time.

Just some thoughts. =3


PS: On my list of Things To Bring Next Time: Earplugs. No offense, but when I can feel my chest cavity vibrate in time with the music, it's too loud. ^_^ I bet some hobos were having a good old dance party out on the street that night though...

[Main Loop]

the main thing i had a problem with about the performers were that they kept getting in the way of people wanting to watch the demo, instead we had to watch their silhouettes....

[invinciblewombat]

the party was a bit on the crazy side but i didn't have a big problem with that, only major thing is it got really cold in that building, i was wearing a coat and sweatshirt and still shivering during the digital demos.

[Rheywolf]

If you like crazy parties like that, that's great. Xd
But to me, the fact that a full half of the crowd watching some guy paint - not even talk about it, just photoshop paint - in the middle of the party says something to me.

That something is that it would probably be a good idea to offer something more along the lines of art for the people that lose interest in the music.

(Speaking of music, _loved_ the first band, wish I'd found out where they hid their CDs. ;_; )

[edit] Oh, and yes, the temperature was awful, but considering the buliding looked more or less abandoned behind all the screens and stuff, that doesn't surprise me.
I apologize to whoever I subconciously cuddled to keep warm. I hope you were cute. >=3
*grin, duck, run, hide*

[invinciblewombat]

yea i was one of the people watching the painting, i don't think it was necessarily a bad thing to have the party though, when i went there i wasn't expecting there to be any art demos the first night, the impression i had gotten is it was going to be more of a meet and greet kind of deal, the demos made me really glad i had shown up, if not for them i would've felt kind of apathetic to the first night seeing as i'm not really a sociable person.

[Jason Manley]

We won't please everyone 100 percent. But we do our best to get as close as possible. It sounds to me like you want something more along the lines of what Adapt or Gnomon is doing. We have no interest in doing that style of event. ZERO. We have enough of a corporate flavor during normal business hours. Thanks for the feedback though. I understand your perspective.

Yes, San Fran is chilly just about everywhere. Welcome. At least it doesnt snow here..or rain that often this past year. I like it. But then again, I grew up in Minnesota so this is easy street here in Northern Cali. Our option for a more cozy space in this city would have been some tacky hotel ballroom. As suggested in my first comment, we had no interest in that for this particular event.

I do thank you all for coming though. Truly. CA is going to be here, all engines running until the next one for that reason alone. Proceeds are going to help fund this entire community through the winter. Really, everyone on the site owes you guys a thanks for coming out and participating in the event.

The event was a success because of this community. This community will stay a success because of everyone's participation in these events.

Our next workshop in Italy is entirely different in scope, style, and content. We are starting with a clean slate. We are not going to be doing the same event over and over. There is little inspiration in that.


Best,


Jason

[invinciblewombat]

cant please everyone. :)

please don't take any of this the wrong way, I would have and still would gladly sell several organs to attend, it was an amazing experience.

[Rheywolf]

cant please everyone. :)


see Wobat's comment.
I know very well not everyone can be pleased, I'm just putting foward my thoughts on how things could be done differently in hopes that they might be worth something to someone. =3

If not, well, whatever. I didn't have to stay for the whole party thang.
except...yeah, I did, because it was my first time in San Fran and I was afraid I was going to get ganked by a hobo. Xd

[aesir]

Heres my critiques of the experience.

Its great that you got a lot of really talented artists to come and paint for us, and I loved the setup you had with the various projectors in the digital room, however, the only time when I was getting anything out of the "lessons" was when the instructors were actually talking to the crowd. As it is, that means that only 4 of the presentations I saw were actually helpful over the 3 day period, and one of those was just a power point presentation of what the guy had been working on the last month. Dan Milligan was great. Hilarious, and a had a lot of cool tips about storyboarding and great insights about his job. Coro gave a great walkthough of his piece. And steak-tron who had a very well done presentation on the importance or research in designing real world aircraft. Lastly was Android with his late night demo where he used abstract shapes to find useable forms. I also heard there were a couple painters on the 3rd floor sharing a lot of helpful tips which I missed out on.

Now, it's great that you had people doing live demos on all sorts of projectors, but that's not instruction. I came to that workshop to be taught, and for very little of the time that I was there, was I being taught. Next time you throw a workshop, I'd like you to choose people based more on what they can teach, then on what they are capable of painting.


My last little suggestion: that workshop cost me a lot of money. I would have GREATLY preferred it if you hadn't thrown the party at all and passed the savings on to us. I can pay 5 bucks and get into a crazy club anytime I want. I don't know how much you spent on the bands, the circus clowns, and the DJ, not to mention the entire basement which we never used again after the party and the basement equipment, but I suspect that it cost a decent amount. Next time, skip the party and lower the cost of your workshop please. Just tell us all to meet up at some crazy club and we can all party together that way.


Overall, if someone who is not familiar with this site asks if they should ante up to go to one of these, I can no longer really advise they do. This was a lot of less of workshop, and much more of a CA convention.

[Mau Fournier]

Yeah actually you can't please everyone cause it's all too personal.

I for one had a BLAST at the party, I liked every little bit of it and I wasn't even expecting demos right then since it was just the opening night. Actually the party was so overwhelming to me, that it was a HUGE source of inspiration and motivation for me, and it's one of the main things that I think actually set this thing apart from other events like this.

Like I said, it was a great source of inspiration for me and it wouldn't have been the same without it, plus it was a great opportunity to loosen up and meet some more people.

But I think I'm one of the few people who thinks this way so...

A good solution would be to have the party and also for those that are not into that, have some demos and stuff going on away from all the party commotion so that everyone can do what they want and be happy ;)

Edit: Again, I actually loved having people painting all over the place, I thought that was very innovtive and helpful (I'm sure most people at the very least appreciate watching HPX doing his thing). So I know this isn't very helpful but it's my own opinion, I REALLY don't mean to bash on your suggestions guys so don't take it the wrong way, this is just my thoughts on the experience.

[daarken]

I would actually have to agree with what people have said so far. People paid to come watch demos, not girls dancing in front of the demos. If you want to have dancing girls that is totally fine, just don't let them dance in front of the demos.

I also felt like the layout could have been a lot better. In some areas there were tables set up so that people could paint on them with their laptops...yet these tables were in front of 3 projectors. Most of the time while I was trying to watch the demo people would be standing in front of the projector. One projector had about 5 people standing in front of it, totally oblivious to the fact that people were actually trying to watch the demo going on in the screen they were blocking.

The other thing I really didn't like was the lighting. It was actually horrible. During the day of the portfolio reviews several of the tables were in the dark. Totally in the dark. I noticed that a few tables, like BreakAway Games and the booth next to them, had to look at portfolios by using a pen light. I just felt like that was a very unprofessional environment.

I would have liked it if there were more oral presentations along with the demos. I felt like the previous workshops were better because more people were presenting during their demo. This time around most people were just painting in silence, or trying to yell above the music going on in the background.

Some sort of artist demo schedule would have been nice as well.

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and I know that a lot of people busted their ass to put this thing together, but I just felt like there were a lot of places for improvement.

[sdbarber]

I'm always dumbfounded after every workshop to see any negative feedback or comments, general whining, complaining or grumbling about this unique experience presented. For this SF workshop there were 25+ instructors for 3 days; live musical and physical performances (some that you may never see in your life again), a day of RECRUITERS AND PROFESSIONALS looking at your art and portfolios, giving you genuine feedback and possibly even JOBS; each instructor available to you at any moment- the sheer volume of creativity and overflowing generosity from the artists and professionals is something so rare and sincere. To suggest that their was no instruction, you really must not have been paying attention- It is impossible to receive instruction from every instructor, there just is not enough time over 3 days to listen, observe, take notes and apply that information from 25+ instructors. EVERYONE talked and discussed their process to the students, wether it was one-on-one, a small group or a packed audience, each artist/instructor shared with you a wealth of information.
We can't hold your hand, there is no magic ticket- you get out of it what you put into it.
At this specific workshop, most of the instructors and artists creating that live in san francisco did not get their travel and hotels paid for- yet willingly and honestly came in and gave the students 110% of themselves to this amazing experience. Granted, nothing in life is perfect and there is always room for improvement- and it is guaranteed that AFTER every workshop, Massive Black, Conceptart.org and all of the instructors analyze, discuss and prepare to make the next event even better. The cost from this workshop was a joke. This is a gift to you from us to you. The cost of admission for what was presented is miniscule. $330 for 3 days. $110 a day. Appx. $15 an hour.
Seriously. It's the people that complain, and whine and don't appreciate enough to realize that this gift is a window into what it takes to be successful at art that probably won't make a living at it. Thanks to EVERYONE that came into this and gave 110% and received 210%- this experience will change you and your art for life. Open you mind, your eyes and your soul- you will thank yourself for it in the end.

[Main Loop]

My last little suggestion: that workshop cost me a lot of money. I would have GREATLY preferred it if you hadn't thrown the party at all and passed the savings on to us. I can pay 5 bucks and get into a crazy club anytime I want. I don't know how much you spent on the bands, the circus clowns, and the DJ, not to mention the entire basement which we never used again after the party and the basement equipment, but I suspect that it cost a decent amount. Next time, skip the party and lower the cost of your workshop please. Just tell us all to meet up at some crazy club and we can all party together that way.

Overall, if someone who is not familiar with this site asks if they should ante up to go to one of these, I can no longer really advise they do. This was a lot of less of workshop, and much more of a CA convention.

People paid to come watch demos, not girls dancing in front of the demos. If you want to have dancing girls that is totally fine, just don't let them dance in front of the demos.

I also felt like the layout could have been a lot better. In some areas there were tables set up so that people could paint on them with their laptops...yet these tables were in front of 3 projectors. Most of the time while I was trying to watch the demo people would be standing in front of the projector. One projector had about 5 people standing in front of it, totally oblivious to the fact that people were actually trying to watch the demo going on in the screen they were blocking.

The other thing I really didn't like was the lighting. It was actually horrible. During the day of the portfolio reviews several of the tables were in the dark. Totally in the dark. I noticed that a few tables, like BreakAway Games and the booth next to them, had to look at portfolios by using a pen light. I just felt like that was a very unprofessional environment.

I would have liked it if there were more oral presentations along with the demos. I felt like the previous workshops were better because more people were presenting during their demo. This time around most people were just painting in silence, or trying to yell above the music going on in the background.

Some sort of artist demo schedule would have been nice as well.

Agreeing 100% with all that...
I thought the workshop in Montreal was a lot better organized and kept together... About the only thing vastly superior was the technical equipment, the sound was near flawless this time...
But i feel like there was so much effort put into handling the downsides of the last workshop that a lot of the basics were lost.. Job recruiters having to look at portfolios with keychain lights should not have been seen...

another thing i also noticed was a lack of people really getting together and meeting new people, the sense of community was lacking a bit.. im not blaming that on anything in particular, but the vibe was very different this time around... I think it has a little to do with the schedule of the event... In montreal, once the day's instruction was done, we'd all hang out and sketch, go to a restaurant/bar, meet new people, discuss art, etc. Since the instruction ended at 4am, no one wanted to hang out afterward, we just wanted to go back to our beds and sleep until the workshop started again.. the fatigue was even showing in the instructors by the end of the night.... i think a lot of opportunity to network was wasted, and the schedule didnt help..

If Montreal was a 9 out of 10, this was more like 6.5.... but im just trying to help in making the next workshops as good as they can be

[otis]

I REALLY wish that I could've attended the opening party. That party would have really kicked me into gear and set the mood for me. I had no idea the models were from a proffesional circus group.
Frankly, I didn't know what to expect besideds some demos and figure painting. BUT, I was stoked to watch Andrew finally do some of his "body painting"! THANK YOU ANDREW.

Good job you guys. I know alot of work goes into these events.

Sean

[Mike Dutton]

I certainly cannot speak for everyone since I was in a rare position where the workshop was actually quite affordable.... I live in the area, so there were no costs in flight, hospitality, food, etc. With all that said, I still feel like the workshop was worth it. I realize that there were some heavy expectations with promises such as this event melting your brains or being life changing. Well, it is and was, but it really depends on what you made of it..... what you made of it being the operative part of my statement. I personally was inspired by the circus folks. How often will you get to study costumes like that from life?? If you didn't care for the party, then you could have easily gone upstairs to the traditional painting section, or the digital demo room. There's no point in complaining about the dancers silhouetting the screen.... the schedule said that demos would not start until midnight, so consider any painting that happened before and during the party to be free icing on the cake.

My crit on the digital side isn't about the laptop tables because that actually didn't bother me at all. It was that I felt some of the instructors were slightly inaccesible if they were painting in the loft section upstairs. The screens were down below and we had no idea who to ask if we had questions. But guys like Aleksi would use the Text layer to type out thoughts so that he wasn't competing over the voices of speaking instructors. And as long as you knew who was painting what, they were easy to speak to afterwards..... so once again, it's what you try to make of it based on your own ability to adapt to a situation. Poor lighting conditions? You knew ahead of time, and were warned to bring LEDs in the materials section. Who knows, some of those companies could have been really impressed if you offered one while they were looking through your stuff.

And I wouldn't call it a 'convention' by any means. People were working, man. They weren't trading comicbooks, action figures or blows with big foam swords. It was a workshop. And for those who feel like they didn't learn enough, I think workshop is clearly different from seminar or school. A workshop is where you gather to work on your own individual goals, while being inspired and enriched by those around you that share a common cause. It's a lot more versatile in that you seek specialized guidance rather than follow a curriculum that may not even be tailored to your needs.

So based on what I think a workshop is, I feel like I got way more than my money's worth. I met some new friends, made a couple contacts, and drank some cheep but very welcome beer. I really don't care if this is something you could do on your own without paying to attend a workshop. Sure you could, but there's no guarantee it would have been this unique of an experience.

Now, I'm not saying the workshop was perfect. It definitely wasn't. The models on the first night had no space heaters and it was freezing. I brought one the next day just in case, but it was covered by then. There were not enough easels and one of the instructors ended up buying one, only to have some show up the next day. So yeah, those kind of things could have been better addressed. But for all the various shortcomings, I feel like the benefits outweighed them by far.

[Jason Manley]

Heres my critiques of the experience.

Its great that you got a lot of really talented artists to come and paint for us, and I loved the setup you had with the various projectors in the digital room, however, the only time when I was getting anything out of the "lessons" was when the instructors were actually talking to the crowd. As it is, that means that only 4 of the presentations I saw were actually helpful over the 3 day period, and one of those was just a power point presentation of what the guy had been working on the last month. Dan Milligan was great. Hilarious, and a had a lot of cool tips about storyboarding and great insights about his job. Coro gave a great walkthough of his piece. And steak-tron who had a very well done presentation on the importance or research in designing real world aircraft. Lastly was Android with his late night demo where he used abstract shapes to find useable forms. I also heard there were a couple painters on the 3rd floor sharing a lot of helpful tips which I missed out on.

Now, it's great that you had people doing live demos on all sorts of projectors, but that's not instruction. I came to that workshop to be taught, and for very little of the time that I was there, was I being taught. Next time you throw a workshop, I'd like you to choose people based more on what they can teach, then on what they are capable of painting.


My last little suggestion: that workshop cost me a lot of money. I would have GREATLY preferred it if you hadn't thrown the party at all and passed the savings on to us. I can pay 5 bucks and get into a crazy club anytime I want. I don't know how much you spent on the bands, the circus clowns, and the DJ, not to mention the entire basement which we never used again after the party and the basement equipment, but I suspect that it cost a decent amount. Next time, skip the party and lower the cost of your workshop please. Just tell us all to meet up at some crazy club and we can all party together that way.


Overall, if someone who is not familiar with this site asks if they should ante up to go to one of these, I can no longer really advise they do. This was a lot of less of workshop, and much more of a CA convention.



You are entirely wrong in your assumptions. For example. The wonderful space provided to us for what amounts to pennies (we traded some of andrews digital giclee prints for it...obscura did it to support the art and made no money) so that conceptart.org could have proceeds left over to pay the thousands of dollars in bandwidth costs etc...that you enjoy here each month..that YOU take advantage of.....that space was a gift. The basement cost us nothing...and the party was thrown at cost with many performers showing their skills for FREE.

We will not be choosing artists as you suggest. We are doing vibrant inspiration, incredible demonstrations (both mic and no mic), an extremely deep range of personality types, costumes, lifestyles, and all that really get artists up and moving inside and out. Do not tell me you cannot learn from watching aleksi or nox or chan paint without a mic. I know better. We will not be having mics on all our artists. If you have questions for the artists you could ask them. They are with us for days.

The performers were in front of or next to the screen for less than ten minutes total. The party was not meant to be a huge learning experience. I am surprised that people are not getting that. The party was a wake up call...and it worked...it was something to get the artists alert...inspired...silhouettes...figure...anatomy. ..performances...bodies...characters...costumes... beautiful lighting....color....dynamic movement....the kind of thing that makes artists want to paint or draw...we have never had so many artists creating at one time in the history of our events.

And to restate this again...our events are going to change each time. We are not going to be repeating the same old workshop each time as that gets flat out boring...boring to attend..and boring to do. We have no interest in boring corporate events, even if all the artists were going to be doing a great job. :)



J

[BEESFIS]

I have a few suggestions, as well. Here are my two cents:

-For future events, it might be better to start the day's events earlier. I know a good amount of the people there probably fall into the 'night owl' category, but even the instructors looked like they wanted to throw in the towel by 3:00. If things winded up by midnight, it leaves people time to go and test out their newly acquired chops before being completely drained. And if you have a nasty hangover in the morning, you still have a little time to nurse it. :dead:

-The schedule could have been tighter. It appeared as though there was quite a bit of playing it by ear, which to a certain extent is unavoidable, but the complete omission of some of the presentations (Where was Petey and his MudBox demo??? Some of us 3D guys really wanted to see that.) was a little annoying.

I want to make it clear that this event was still kick-ass. These are just a few suggestions you could completely ignore and still host an awesome workshop. For me, Insomania was the total kick in the ass that I've been needing. So thanks for that.

[Jason Manley]

the comments on having better lighting on the tables for portfolio reviews is well noted. We did not see that as a problem during setup. But it proved to be. The companies I spoke to were glad to be there and were happy with some of the talent they found.

[Jason Manley]

I have a few suggestions, as well. Here are my two cents:

-For future events, it might be better to start the day's events earlier. I know a good amount of the people there probably fall into the 'night owl' category, but even the instructors looked like they wanted to throw in the towel by 3:00. If things winded up by midnight, it leaves people time to go and test out their newly acquired chops before being completely drained. And if you have a nasty hangover in the morning, you still have a little time to nurse it. :dead:

-The schedule could have been tighter. It appeared as though there was quite a bit of playing it by ear, which to a certain extent is unavoidable, but the complete omission of some of the presentations (Where was Petey and his MudBox demo??? Some of us 3D guys really wanted to see that.) was a little annoying.

I want to make it clear that this event was still kick-ass. These are just a few suggestions you could completely ignore and still host an awesome workshop. For me, Insomania was the total kick in the ass that I've been needing. So thanks for that.

petey had surgery this weekend which was not planned or expected. He was not able to do the mudbox demo. Sorry.

[look]

I thought the performances were really great. I was dozing off waiting in the line before, and the party totally woke me up. I thought it provided inspirations, especially since this is the first time I've seen any performance like that. (I happen to be one of those losers who doesn't like to go out and doesn't even watch TV)

I'm siding with other people on the coldness part. I just didn't expect it and wasn't prepared for it. I wish the schedule would start earlier and not ending so late, then again, the time zone factor is something you can't control and hard to adjust to within couple of days.

I had doubts before I attended the workshop, but I'm really glad I went. I regret for not able to stay up longer at night, and miss out some of the digital demos while I'm in the traditional room. Overall, I think this was a great experience, and kudos to all those who made this possible. Extra kudos to the model who posed nude in such low temperature for so long.:yayca:

[Skolld]

1.) .


Hey guys. I have an excuse for not caring about scantily clad women. What's your excuse?
...oh yeah, we didn't pay to come watch women act like sluts. Xd
...

I had a great time at the party, excellent music, great performers, it really set the mood for the whole workshop. I would not have changed that at all. One of the best parts about art is ACTUALLY experiencing things. I was amazed at the amount of people not dancing and enjoying such kick ass performances.
Props to Massive Black for bringing all that talent in.

Now onto Rheywolf's comments:
Those women were not prostitutes, they were performers. because people are comfortable with their bodies and like to have a good time does not make them "sluts".
At the very least you owe them an apology.

You should really try to expand your horizons past your video monitor sometime. I think you'll find the world has a lot to offer. As artists some of our most powerful works come from what we've allowed ourselves to experience, and immerse ourselves in.

[Craig D]

And for those who feel like they didn't learn enough, I think workshop is clearly different from seminar or school. A workshop is where you gather to work on your own individual goals, while being inspired and enriched by those around you that share a common cause. It's a lot more versatile in that you seek specialized guidance rather than follow a curriculum that may not even be tailored to your needs.


I was having a very hard time deciding what to say in here until I read Mikes post, so I just quoted him on what I needed to hear and say. I could easily agree with many of the previous negative comments, but part of my agreement is the stability and control freak part of my personality coming out.
When I learn to shove that part away I start learning (and having fun).

I'm very glad I went and think the cost charged was very reasonable.

Craig

[Jason Manley]

I had a great time at the party, excellent music, great performers, it really set the mood for the whole workshop. I would not have changed that at all. One of the best parts about art is ACTUALLY experiencing things. I was amazed at the amount of people not dancing and enjoying such kick ass performances.
Props to Massive Black for bringing all that talent in.

Now onto Rheywolf's comments:
Those women were not prostitutes, they were performers. because people are comfortable with their bodies and like to have a good time does not make them "sluts".
At the very least you owe them an apology.

You should really try to expand your horizons past your video monitor sometime. I think you'll find the world has a lot to offer. As artists some of our most powerful works come from what we've allowed ourselves to experience, and immerse ourselves in.

I was just thinking the same thing....the comment on the women (dancers, contortionists, acrobats etc..) being sluts is offensive, ignorant and abrasive. So people could see, I wanted to come back in and post this:

http://www.artbyphil.com/cgi-bin/phfxgv.cgi?link=http://www.artbyphil.com/phfx/photography/CAinsomania%5FMain/


Go through those pictures...you will see for yourself why we incorporated the performers and the lights and all that...it is a festival ripe with artistic inspiration and imagery. We needed to kick people in the pants and get them into a creative mood. That is why the party had no alcohol or chemicals that would disrupt the inspiration. Please enjoy Phil Holland's wonderful images. They really captured what was happening extremely well.

Some people just wont get it. Fortunately, most did. Phil's paintings make me want to go paint...about as the event did when I was there.

[Mike Dutton]

You should really try to expand your horizons past your video monitor sometime. I think you'll find the world has a lot to offer. As artists some of our most powerful works come from what we've allowed ourselves to experience, and immerse ourselves in.

This is what I was trying to articulate in my post last night but was too sleepy/drunk to say... in fact, I thought I edited out my post entirely, but found it here this morning. oops.

[Alex the Red]

I liked the way things ran. The live event the first night cool. It really made me want to draw. Not in the, "man, this sucks, I want to get to the drawing part" kind of way, but in the, "man, this is cool, it really makes me want to draw" way. While it might have been nice to hear more artists talk, I learned a lot just from watching the process. And if you wanted to talk to someone, chances are you could have flagged them down at some point. The whole workshop was as much of an inspiration as a learning event, and I found both aspects equally valuable. I actually got next to no drawing done whatsoever, and I only regret that slightly (because the models were so cool); I was too busy bouncing around from station to station, top floor to bottom, trying to catch everything at the same time. Not sure I can recommend that method to everyone, but I managed to pick up a lot of different things, all of which I can really use, by doing so. I really felt like I got to experience everything the workshop had to offer. I got home and I feel like I've been rejuvenated, wanting to draw and paint non-stop. Add to all this that I met some great people there . . . my only lamentation is that everyone lives somewhere else.

[otis]

I was amazed at the amount of people not dancing and enjoying such kick ass performances.
Props to Massive Black for bringing all that talent in.

Amen!

If I had one major complaint about these wonderfull workshops, it's all the introverted, shy, people , who spend WAY too much time with their noses in their sketchbooks and not enough time "absorbing" their surroundings. I was shocked how shy and impersonal many of the attendees were at this great event.

I noticed the sketchbook table and was amazed how people were not sharing books or doing a monster of the "minute" exercise or somthing.

Maybe some exercises to bring people out. Somthing like a sketchbook exchange, mini thunderdome....etc.?

I know most artists are introverts, but I belive you have to come out of your shell to grow.

[otis]

I just looked through Phil's photos (amazing) and was PISSED to see such amazing dancers performing and NOBODY sketching these perfomers in ACTION!!!

Just people standing around??!!!???
Are you kiddn' me?

[Jason Manley]

I

Amen!

If I had one major complaint about these wonderfull workshops, it's all the introverted, shy, people , who spend WAY too much time with their noses in their sketchbooks and not enough time "absorbing" their surroundings. I was shocked how shy and impersonal many of the attendees were at this great event.

I noticed the sketchbook table and was amazed how people were not sharing books or doing a monster of the "minute" exercise or somthing.

Maybe some exercises to bring people out. Somthing like a sketchbook exchange, mini thunderdome....etc.?

I know most artists are introverts, but I belive you have to come out of your shell to grow.


we will do some things at the next event to light a fire under those folks too. I have a couple good ideas already. :)

It was pretty obvious that the visuals at the show gave many artists an urge to paint or draw that was not going to be stopped.

[look]

I just looked through Phil's photos (amazing) and was PISSED to see such amazing dancers performing and NOBODY sketching these perfomers in ACTION!!!

Just people standing around??!!!???
Are you kiddn' me?
Our brain was melted. :P
Also we were too busy watching, afraid of missing any scene if we look away. And also the place was dark. There were a few doing sketches when the band was performing though.

[MarkWinters]

my only lamentation is that everyone lives somewhere else.
Not EVERYONE! I loved the opening party. Watching Andrew do his thing on a screen and looking over at the performers and musicians do theirs was a really cool experience. Certainly not something you'll see everyday! I thought it was well run, MB did a good job letting you know what was going on and where. There was never a moment of downtime, something was always happening. I would have liked to have seen a namebadge situation with everyones handles on them, maybe even with their avatars printed on them. Often it was only AFTER I asked to check out someones portfolio or SB that I 'recognized' them. Just a thought. I really had a great time and learned a crapload about everything. But mostly it was Jon Foster on a unicycle. My brain truly did melt.

[otis]

Once again.... I really wish I didn't have to miss that opening party. Dam work!

[Mau Fournier]

I had a great time at the party, excellent music, great performers, it really set the mood for the whole workshop. I would not have changed that at all. One of the best parts about art is ACTUALLY experiencing things. I was amazed at the amount of people not dancing and enjoying such kick ass performances.
Props to Massive Black for bringing all that talent in.

Now onto Rheywolf's comments:
Those women were not prostitutes, they were performers. because people are comfortable with their bodies and like to have a good time does not make them "sluts".
At the very least you owe them an apology.

You should really try to expand your horizons past your video monitor sometime. I think you'll find the world has a lot to offer. As artists some of our most powerful works come from what we've allowed ourselves to experience, and immerse ourselves in.

AMEN TO THAT, DAVE!!

I'm glad at least we were able to dance and enjoy the whole experience, I had a BLAST.

I've been holding back on my comments to prevent any flaming or such, but I too feel like some of you guys are totally getting the wrong things. Perfect example of this is the "sluts" comment, I just want to pretend like that was never said, cause it's such an immature reaction.

I think a great artist should be able to appreciate art in every form. As a musician myself I get the same rush from music as I do from art. The same goes for appreciating the work being done by dancers or writers. There's an essence of life in all of these things and I feel lucky that I have been able to experience and appreciate these things, because now I realize how important that is.

Now the name badge/tags is a great idea!

[joelhinxman]

i had alot of fun. i was a bit cold. i loved the demos i wished i had spent less time on my painting that i ended up hateing and more time watching the demos and learning.
one thing that i did see was that the models in the middle of the room upstairs sometime didnt have the best light on them to see the gesture very well. and for a newb like me sometimes the had too much costume for me to see the form.

one thing that i think would be cool would to kinda do what ya did with the digital guys with the traditional guys. like point a camera at there painting and hook it up to a big tv so that we can see what there doing from further away.

edit: oh and i would have paid $300 just to sit next to barber,foster,hussar or any of the artists there for just one day. the price was way cheap for instruction from such awsome artists.

and i think you should have had more artist like dan,el coro and foster on the unicycle that was great.

[Mike Dutton]

Actually Otis, I tried to draw the girls on the rotating platform... now that was a challenge. Not only is your model moving, but the perspective points are constantly changing as well. I gracefully omitted that page from my sketchbook thread. :P

I have to admit, I was a bit of an introvert on day/night one. Cody (Cotron) came up to me and broke the ice and from that moment on, I continued to meet a bunch of friends. Sometimes "lighting that fire under someone's ass" is as simple as walking up and saying 'hi'.

[robinchyo]

I'd have to agree with a lot of the comments/suggestions that were made in this thread. Here are some thoughts:

-My biggest gripe would have to be how a lot of the artists were inaccessible during the event because they were painting on the rafters/lofts. As it was stated above, Aleksi worked around this and I also saw Jason Chan painting on the ground for some time (and people freely came up to him and asked him questions). As thorough and clear as their projected painting process may seem to some, being able to ask the artist a question about what he's painting or just picking his brain as he's working on his stuff and while he's in the moment would be a lot more convenient. Unless you expected us to yell at them from the ground.

-As for the party, it would have been nice to have some chairs available. I spent most of the time sitting on the cold concrete floor uncomfortably squeezed in with others. I was definitely motivated to paint while watching the artists do their thing, but there was no where to place my laptop and tablet. I heard plenty of artists saying that they wanted to draw, but it was too cramped to draw and some people just wanted to at least sit on a chair before doing so. I'd imagine putting in some chairs and tables wouldn't have disturbed the other parts of the event.

-Oh, and waiting outside for 40 minutes in the cold wasn't too fun, either. If we're told to arrive at 6pm for check in, I'm hoping the doors would be open sometime around then. I'm sure there were technical problems or delays to be dealt with, but I would have much rather been inside the building with nothing happening than standing outside freezing.

-Honestly, I was expecting a lot more artists to get a chance to give a full demonstration (with mic and Q&A sessions). A lot of the artists that I was really looking forward to learn from weren't able to do so. I thought the advertisement of the event was a bit misleading or maybe it could've been mentioned that so-and-so would be giving full demonstrations. When you have 25 artists headlined, you're not really being specific about what's going on.

-As far as what I did enjoy about this workshop.. I liked the people there. I got to meet a lot of people that I'm fans of and it was fun talking about art with everyone. I got to participate in some mini thunderdomes with some people (although I was hoping for an official workshop thunderdome already organized). And watching all the artists painting really got me inspired and I felt that I was quite productive over the weekend.

Anyways, that's just what I thought about the whole thing. It seems like if someone has a complaint/suggestion in regards to the workshop that we paid for with our money, it's automatically seen as "bitching" or the person seen as an "instigator". If we're paying for something, I think we should be able to share our thoughts without having to be persecuted for it.

Thanks to the conceptart.org community and thanks to Massive Black. As overly negative as this post might sound, I did enjoy it, overall.

[Layil]

one thing that i did see was that the models in the middle of the room upstairs sometime didnt have the best light on them to see the gesture very well. and for a newb like me sometimes the had too much costume for me to see the form.


the idea behind having costumed models was that, aside from looking awesome, how often do you get to draw people that look so original? these are concepts come to life, to inspire you to play off them and create something of your own. you can get boring nude life models at any drawing class anywhere in the world - we didnt want to offer you more of the same. plus, learning to draw costumes is an essential part of being a concept artist (if you want to do characters, they NEVER ask for naked people), and i think most of the attendees could use the practice drawing fabric and textures and forms on the body. I'm not saying your complaint isnt valid, just telling you the reasoning behind why the models were dressed up instead of naked.

the light issue is noted though. we did what we could with the equipment we had available. there werent enough lights anywhere, upstairs or downstairs, which is something we'll be sure to remedy for the next one.

thanks for your feed back. those of you being constructive instead of snotty, we appreciate your thoughts and will take them into account. like jason said, we cant please everyone, be we sure as hell try.

@Rheywolf: as for the sluts comment, im gonna be straight up and say you're an asshole for saying that. many of those performers are friends of mine and excellent at what they do. if nudity is a problem for you, maybe you're in the wrong industry.

[Alex the Red]

I thought the models were great. Drawing the nude figure is great, but you can do that at any standard figure drawing workshop or session; how often do you get the chance to draw real life characters?

Also, this isn't a suggestion so much as a general tip:

If you plan on attending an event, stay at one of the suggested hotels or hostels with everyone else. You'll miss out on a ton if you don't. I signed up late and figured that at that point, it'd be cheaper to rent a car and stay with my friend in San Jose. Boy, was I wrong. Paying for parking alone was almost as much as staying a night at the hostel. The main thing is that I missed out on great things like meeting people the night before and just hanging out, and I had to skip the last day in order to get to my flight on time. I don't care about the extra cost nearly as much as I do missing out on some more great experiences.

I realize most people DID stay at the hostels, but I thought I should mention this as a general reference to anyone who plans to attend in the future. I know I'll do my damndest to get to the next domestic event and do it right.

[Layil]

I'd have to agree with a lot of the comments/suggestions that were made in this thread. Here are some thoughts:

1-My biggest gripe would have to be how a lot of the artists were inaccessible during the event because they were painting on the rafters/lofts. As it was stated above, Aleksi worked around this and I also saw Jason Chan painting on the ground for some time (and people freely came up to him and asked him questions). As thorough and clear as their projected painting process may seem to some, being able to ask the artist a question about what he's painting or just picking his brain as he's working on his stuff and while he's in the moment would be a lot more convenient. Unless you expected us to yell at them from the ground.

2-As for the party, it would have been nice to have some chairs available. I spent most of the time sitting on the cold concrete floor uncomfortably squeezed in with others.

3-Oh, and waiting outside for 40 minutes in the cold wasn't too fun, either. If we're told to arrive at 6pm for check in, I'm hoping the doors would be open sometime around then. I'm sure there were technical problems or delays to be dealt with, but I would have much rather been inside the building with nothing happening than standing outside freezing.

4-Honestly, I was expecting a lot more artists to get a chance to give a full demonstration (with mic and Q&A sessions). A lot of the artists that I was really looking forward to learn from weren't able to do so. I thought the advertisement of the event was a bit misleading or maybe it could've been mentioned that so-and-so would be giving full demonstrations. When you have 25 artists headlined, you're not really being specific about what's going on.

5-Honestly, I was expecting a lot more artists to get a chance to give a full demonstration (with mic and Q&A sessions). A lot of the artists that I was really looking forward to learn from weren't able to do so. I thought the advertisement of the event was a bit misleading or maybe it could've been mentioned that so-and-so would be giving full demonstrations. When you have 25 artists headlined, you're not really being specific about what's going on.

1. i actually agree with you on that one. the idea of having them up there was that they could look out over the crowd, which worked in prague, but they had mics up there, whereas this time they didnt. i agree that it made them harder to interact with, i hope to remedy that for next time.

2- you were supposed to be DANCING and the party, not sitting around. thats the point of a PARTY. there were more than enough chairs for the rest of the event, we made sure of that.

3- that wasnt supposed to happen, the performers pushed everything back and there wasnt anything we could do because the upstairs was still setting up. sorry about that.

4-fair enough. next time, we'll announce who's giving talking demos and who's just painting. the idea is that someone shouldnt have to talk for you to learn from them, but seeing as the speed painters were unaccessible up in the loft, it made it harder to ask questions about what they were doing.

5- the workshop is supposed to be an immersive environment, where theres art going on everywhere you look. We decided to only have one stage with a mic because of REPEATED complaints about sound pollution between demos at previous events. due to the space, we didnt see a way to have more than one presenter talking without it interfering with the others. we made sure there was a steady rotation of demos for you to listen to, and that if you didnt want to hear that particular presenter, there would still be tons of other stuff to see and do.

[Flake]

Hey guys. I have an excuse for not caring about scantily clad women. What's your excuse?
...oh yeah, we didn't pay to come watch women act like sluts. Xd

(And don't tell me that's an overstatement, you should've seen the one chick in the corner just about undressing herself for the guy taking pictures.)


Scantily clad people in the same room as artists?

Na, that'll never work..

[Gory]

Yeah, I can draw plain looking people whenever I want. The costumed models were awesome. I didn't do much work though, I was more interested in watching other people.

As far as the unmicced (however you might spell it) painters go, I didn't mind it at all. Some people aren't gifted public speakers, some people are, like Dan Milligan. Dan's demo was insightful, entertaining, and funny as hell.

However that isn't to say that I didn't learn as much from other instructors who didn't say a word publicly, i.e. HPX. Quite the opposite, really. I got just as much from HPX's speedpaintings as I did from Dan or Andrew's demos. Nah, no complaints as far as the instructors go.

My only real gripe, which I think has been said already (I confess, I only skimmed) is that the lighting situations could have been better. ;\ A minor flaw, and really didn't keep me from having the time of my life.

:)

[silvestri99]

This was my first workshop and in having nothing to judge it against I'll say this... I was blown away. I loved the party and the inspiration it gave me to draw and do art in general. In fact, that evening i had a hard time sleeping (even tho i didn't go to bed untill 4:30) because i was so wired on the event.

I got to sit behind, and obsurve some fantastic artists. I got unprecedented advice from listening and asking questions about portfolios. I made great contacts and friends that I could have made no other way. And, I came away with enough content to turn my art ambitions around and get me on a path I had almost abanoded. I will be back to the next one, and if you guys come to Seattle I'd love to help anyway I can to make the event happen.

The only places I saw a need for improvement were:
1) Having the digital artists in the loft where we couldn't talk to them ot ask questions.
2) Being new to the event I didn't know anyones names who were painting. I would have liked to see some kind of identifier up on the screens to show who they were and what the "demo" was about.
Heat, and lack of lighting could be improved but wouldn't stop me from coming again. As far as the other concerns, it looks like you guys know and lets face it, no event comes off without a hitch.

I'll be back, and next time I'm bringing all the friends that I called while I was there to tell them how much they sucked, and how much they were missing out on. The event has changed my life. Thanks everyone!!

[arechiga_tony]

i loved the workshop!!!! totally inspired.......i do agree that there should be announcements because i missed a lot i wanted to see. Im still a happy guy

[Jason Manley]

Some artists would not have created as strong of demonstrations if they were forced to spend time speaking. This was a conscious choice we made, to allow that to happen.

Watching Aleksi create what looked like a one week painting in two hours or so was worth not having him mic'ed up or typing about brush choices and little things less important. We wanted a balance of presentations and "all out working" and while I know it would be great to have a month with everyone to share even more knowledge, we have to balance the visuals, the performance, the instruction, the q&a and everything else into a few short hours. It is this simple, would you rather see what some artists can do with full concentration, or bug them with questions like "what brush is that?". You could figure out the answer to your question yourself most times. Getting the meat of the strong demos as they actually happen is more helpful I think. However, I also agree with having good solid lecture instruction. That is why we had a lot of those too.

For the instructors who just want to paint and not discuss, that is something we will always allow them to do. To those that wish all artists can give talks like coro, mueller, android, marko or milligan etc...it just wont happen. People do not understand that we only had chan scheduled to do one painting...but he did three or four because we allowed him to create at his own pace and without constant scheduling and direction. Someday people will realize that by balancing unbridled creativity with a little bit of structure that beautiful things happen Too much structure and the experience lacks flow and life...to little structure and nothing gets done. I really am happy with the balance there for this event and am stoked at the quality of work that was created by all involved. Regardless of any critiques or naysaying. There are events out there for people who want structure and corporate-like vibes. We are not it. We are going to continue to go deeper into counter-culture and the underbellies of amazing cities so that creative instinct may be released as if all doors and windows are opened.

SF is chilly...that is just how it is. The hoody is the cowboy hat of san francisco...that is why almost everyone has them. The buildings here are historic and the weather is as mark twain said. Welcome to 55-65 degree SF. :)


j

[Rheywolf]

Heh. I don't know what y'all would call a dancer trying for all she's worth to give a photographer an exclusive shoot of what's behind the cloth, but eh.. =3

I apologize for comming off a little strongly. I do come from a slightly 'tamer' neighborhood, but I don't have any problem with nudity in general... There's a fine line to tread there, and some models tread it better than others, but that's not really my business, I guess.

All I'm going to stand by is that I thought the opening day could've used a little area for artists to work and talk and show without having to be telepathic to get around the music.

s'all, nothing more, nothing less. =3



[edit] I get the feeling y'all think I'm referring to all the dancers in general. S'not the case; I'm referring to one very specific instance. The dancers as a whole weren't my taste, but I didn't mind them. I guess I got snarky and gave the wrong impression.
S'called sarcasm, guys, you can't take everything I say completely seriously! if you do, I take no responsibility for the medical bills from all the stress. ^^; I forgot the sarcasm tags I guess. x_x

[Craig D]

All I'm going to stand by is that I thought the opening day could've used a little area for artists to work and talk and show without having to be telepathic to get around the music.


The art part of the workshop started after the party, around 11 something I recall. I left just before 4 and there was still lots going on. There was lots of space to work in and talk as well. I really don't know where you were but I must have been at a different workshop than you.

[joelhinxman]

layil:yea i liked drawing the guy with the fans and stuff he had a little trouble holdeing some of the positions but they where hard ones so ya cant blame him for that. i guess it was just the light that made it hard. but you talked about that already and i saw you and jason trying to figure out how to get that stupid light to stay on that pole so i know ya did you best. ya got a good point about the being able to draw naked people anywhere i didnt think about that.

edit: oh and about the opening im not the kind of guy to complain about half naked women so i wont it was great. i was a little confused when i first walked down but i totaly loved just watching the demos. jason chans made my cry it took him like no time or effort. also i never thought anyone could get away with useing the blur filters but he did. and hell marko make a gradiant look cool.

[skvv]

Here's how I figure up the whole money deal, totally worth every penny I've spent for everything. If you can see ANYTHING like this elsewhere consider yourself spoiled. I've never been to San Fran and had a great time chilling with friends I've known online for years in a completely new town however some people have that luxury automatically.

All I can say is personally I needed this and I have to agree with sdbarber has to say (hell sitting and watching him paint for an hour then going over and drawing w/ wes was worth the whole afternoon).

I can't complain in the least... it was different than my expectations but certainly not less than.

And if you missed out on andrew painting in the dome while coro was doing the sasquatch demo, i'm sorry, it was hot.

Thanks guys, really.

edit: and concerning the loft... you may have noticed that it was the "french" table, and we got what was known as the "work" end of things. These guys know english but not enough to spout every single thought when someone asks. Aleksi gave a shitload of notes on his process when he took breaks, and if you didn't see these you weren't really watching with the intention of learning.

If you came for a lot of "tips and tricks" there are few compared to the UNDERSTANDING you get from just watching and trying to figure it out for yourself... I mean damn, that makes you YOU.

[Flake]

$330 bucks to watch Bill Whittaker (yes, THAT bill Whittaker) and a dozen other spiffy artists paint stuff?

If it wasn't for the awkward transatlantic flight thing I'd have been up for that.

I have rather large student loans that did not represent value for money, if some of it had been blown on learning from people who actually knew what they were doing I would likely be a much less bitter and angry individual right now. :)

Edit: everyone complaining about the cold is a pussy who needs to live in Northern Europe. We have proper cold, where people freeze to death on their walk back from the pub.

Wear a hat.

[Adam l Ward]

I really enjoyed the event, but I didn't get a bit of art done because I was too busy running around checking everything out!

Is it possible to get the art that was made in the demos and presentations posted here? I hate only having my blurry digital photos of the projections. Also, will there be video of the presentations available anywhere?

As far as the opening party goes, I thought it was pretty cool, but I didn't exactly come prepared to dance or anything (packing a ton of art supplies around) and I'd wager that was the case with most everyone. Too much gear to just toss aside. I wish I had been better prepared to enjoy it!

Anyway, I came away with a lot of very useful information. My brain is still solidifiying from the melt-o-nation! Thanks for a great workshop.

[Mike Dutton]

As far as the cold, just be glad it wasn't later in the week. It's supposed to drop into the 20's.... it already feels like it... I've been wearing the "bay area cowboy hat" all day. And my stupid ass only has fingerless gloves.

[Interceptor]

It's funny how alot of people are complaining about hnot learning much when about half of them were just painting on laptops and not watching a single thing or asking any questions throuhgout the entire workshop.

At first I was'nt sure of how much I learned this weekend. But thinking about it while I waited for my plane I learned a ton. You have to get in there and make this experience the best it can be for you. all 20 / 30 something instructors can'y read your mind and answer every unasked question you might have.

[Malicious Panda]

I thought it was an awesome event, from when things first kicked off with Andrew revving the shit out of his engine, to the firebreather being just a few inches away from me, that was really nuts and awesome. I thought the party itself was awesome, it was inspiring to see all these new sights and things, I feel more inclined to check out all the cirque du solei shows here in town now after all that. I felt kind of bummed after I realized Marko and Jason had done some short paintings too, only got to see Jason finish his up. The rest of the night was awesome as well, but since I wasn't used to staying up so late, I started to doze off eventually during one of Jason Manley's speeches, sorry! :P


Even so, I learned a lot from this event, even just by watching some of these bad ass artists, like James Kei and HPX, I didn't know who was who, since I'm not familiar with the faces/names, but seeing HPX do his thing, was amazing, and inspiring. I think the highlight of that event for me was Andrew's speech during Marko's presentation, haha. That, and having him sign my poster and Metroid game. But i think the whole thing was great, and everyone, whether they spoke or not, were great resources for me. And after seeing, and hearing all these artists, and why they do it, and how they do it, it just kind of changed my perspective on a lot of things, and for that I am grateful. I stayed up all day from Saturday afternoon until Sunday night, I felt like my brain had been melted, from everything I just had experienced, it was great. It just made me realize that this is truly something I want to do in life, and that I should work even harder to even come close to what some of these guys were doing.

I don't know if I'll be able to make the Italy workshop, don't know if I'll have the funds to do it, but believe me, given the opportunity, I would be all over that. Also, I admit, I was one of the shy people, I mainly just talked between me and my friend from school, although I did meet a couple of other people, and another local guy I spoke to through email as well, it was great, haha, but for me, the whole thing was surreal and overwhelming, taking it all in, left me kind of with not much to say, but I learned a lot, probably would have learned a lot more if I spoke some more, man.

[joelhinxman]

yea like interceptor i was kinda questioning how much i learned and gatherd. but now that im home and got a real nights sleep and my brain is working i realize how much info it gathered up just by watching. now i want to go draw and try it all hout but im stuck at work

[Molly]

Awesome photographs by Phil Holland, especially the model pics.
I wish I hadda gone; looks like some of you need educating when it comes to the word 'Party'.

Roll on Italy...:)

Mx

[rlederer]

That was one the most inspiring and humbling experiences of my life. Jason, Layil, and the rest - Thank you(!) for putting this incredible event together. The pre-party was hilarious, fun, sexy, and of course inspiring. I also REALLY liked the musicians playing in the figure drawing area, that was a nice touch. the Models were beautiful and the drag queen was hilariously sweet and disturbing:) For the naysayers 'WORKSHOP' is the operative word. Learn by osmosis and stepping up to talk with people. Something I didn't do enough of but will definitely do next time I attend. I saw how available all the artists seemed even in the midst of concentrating hard on a piece. $330 bucks was an amazing good deal to have access to so much talent and paint with the likes of William Whitaker. Thanks again for creating this space and allowing us to share, learn, and create with you. -Ray

[ShamusAmos]

This was my first workshop outside of the offerings at GDC and E3. I'd have to say it was a bit of a shock. I wasn't prepared for the circus/band/painting opening but I think that was the intention. It was to throw you off guard and make you start thinking outside the box. At least that is my interpretation of the opening ceremony.

I actually learned a huge amount just from watching people like Alexi paint. The vocal workshops with Marko were cool too but sometimes I just need to watch people paint without their interpretation. Also, I got a lot out of some of the philosophies the artists brought up. Marko mentioned that artists need to challenge that fear and notion that we can't achieve certain things. "The only thing that is stopping you from creating art is you" I thought that this was a fantastic point. I also loved watching the artists make a ton of mistakes but then incorporate it into their art. Also Marko working on one layer mostly...kick ass man. Confidence...dope.

I would have liked a schedule that was a little more adhered to. It didn't have to be a classroom setting or nothing like that...just a little more organized. That is my only complaint.

Well, congrats to all who attended and were inspired. I was one of the many as well.

Westcoast yo!

Shamus

PS--I was the guy wearing black that looked very alternative in the group photo. :wink: Actually, I was the guy with the Westcoast sign in the air. I know...lame.

[Mau Fournier]

It's funny how alot of people are complaining about hnot learning much when about half of them were just painting on laptops and not watching a single thing or asking any questions throuhgout the entire workshop.

At first I was'nt sure of how much I learned this weekend. But thinking about it while I waited for my plane I learned a ton. You have to get in there and make this experience the best it can be for you. all 20 / 30 something instructors can'y read your mind and answer every unasked question you might have.

True. I think everyone could have taken home a shitload of knowledge, inspiration and motivation, but you just had to have the appropiate attitude and approach to the event. I think what I enjoyed the most was how different it was from regular classes and/or corporate events, and I hope these NEVER turn into that.

I was somewhat kept to myself and I regret that, but it's mostly cause I get quite insecure about my spoken english, gotta brush up on that so that I can be myself next time. Still big thanks to my room mates, my new buddies from ohio and all the people I met, you all rock! :wink: Not to mention the MB guys I got a chance to talk to. thank you Ron!!

[Layil]

thanks you guys, you hit it right on the head.

we will NEVER go corporate, don't worry. its the antithesis of everything conceptart and massive black stand for.

[draw]

Here's my two cents as an antipodean.


I think all these complaints are definitely a good thing to discuss and improve processes.

I know video is posted, but why not heaps more, it would make good PR, it would 'teach' the community to produce higher quality work and it would definitely make it more of a privilege to attend. It would also allow organizers to get a better idea on what could be improved, participants wouldn't be jibbed by attending if video was posted after the event, it would enrich their experience. Why couldn't we listen to what Mr. Whittaker said on the tour? or see Noxismad paint? It's after the fact, we'd still feel shit for missing it but we'd appreciate being part of the community all the more.

more video of events (posted)

[schlichte]

one suggestion.... have another workshop

that was a great expierence yeah everyone isn't going to like everything some people are going to be unhappy bla bla bla. you get out what you put in! let me know of another industry where you can go to an event and professionals will gladly tell you anything you need to know about industry or life for that matter, tips and tricks in various programs, etc. this is an amazing event for instructors and attendees both. thanks jason, layil, andrew, coro, marco, william, ron, vanessa, james, jason, aleksi, hpx, nox, shaun, john, wes, dan, i know i forgot some people so thank all who helped put this event together and any random people who hopped on the unicycle for everyones amusement. see you in florence

[silvestri99]

You know in really thinking about it i don't really have any problems with the workshop. I think i told Jason at one point the only problem i had was that I couldn't be in three places at once, there were just so many cool things happening. When I've talked to my friends about it (believe me they can't shut me up) I'll I've done is rave. For those of us on the outside looking in withoiut the knowledge of what went on behind the scenes we should just reflect on the whole event without opening up more of a bitch fest...and that includes me as well. Cheers guys!!

[arechiga_tony]

AGAIN!!!! I LEARNED SOOOOO MUCH!!! talking to Marc Holmes and watching Android work!!!!! I cant wait for Italy........i think im hooked!!!!!

[deltron05]

Besides the artistic purpose of every workshop, I think that Jason and his crew , they always tried to innovate on every aspect of the event. EVERY workshops seems to be different and I think it's the beauty of it. Unfortunately I wans't there this time but i had the chance to be in the MTL WS and when i saw the diversity of the things that were presente din front of us i didn't know where to start. Jason stated clearly, if you want Gnomon or Adapt .ur in the wrong place!! truly agree with this. Plus they organized this event at home on their own comfort, and they had "carte blanche" Instead of nagging and bitching about it..just enjoy it.......for what it is.because i am SURE that you will never see this again..so be part of the experience and i am positive that there was so much to learn....Just think about all the efforts and the organization of this thing..and the ppl that are nagging about this instead they should be greatful because they had the cahnce to see the artists at their best + in hometown....Damn i am sure i have missed quite something......Congrats Jason,Layil, Andrew,Marko,El Coro...and all the rest of the MB inc on pulling 2 WS in 2006 ..I guess this is a pretty big achievment ...Once agian Congrats
Regards
D.

[Thaelys]

I didn't go to the workshop but I'm enjoying some of the pics. It looks like you all had a memorable time that you'll remember for the rest of your lives. Congrats for pulling this event off. It's great to see how you've molded this experience into something unique. I would have enjoyed this myself.

One thing that I'm noticing here though is that there is this "us vs. them", "gnomon vs. MB" jingoism going on here.

Wait a minute...aren't we all on the same goddamn team? Sure, Gnomon doesn't have this gritty streetcred art vibe that you all pride yourselves on, but the proponents of both schools of thought are creating the same kind content for the exact same market! MB wouldn't exist if it didn't have a hand in the creation of "The BESTEST AAAAAAA NexGen© PSWii360 Games & Movies", and neither would Gnomon. In the end you're both in business, right?

Honestly, I think it's great that your crew has cultivated this scene around yourselves, and that you share it with visitors. But how many of us live and work like that on a daily basis? I'm guessing 5% of the 40,000+ other members here. So you want to change the format of the sterile silicon valley style workshops? Hey that's cool and all, but when you start calling out, by name, another group for attempting to educate creatives, regardless of their "corporate" image, it comes of as flagrantly arrogant. You guys should be above that if you are truly uplifted by your latest endeavor.

[Jason Manley]

I am not even going to respond to that Thaelys. You are doing a great job at attempting to create drama, but I am not interested in the bait...or the drama.



Jason

[archnemesis dbal]

At first I was'nt sure of how much I learned this weekend. But thinking about it while I waited for my plane I learned a ton. You have to get in there and make this experience the best it can be for you. all 20 / 30 something instructors can'y read your mind and answer every unasked question you might have.

I totally agree with Interceptor, I can't stop thinking about art and how inspired I am to use everything I learned at Insomania now. I admire Massive Black incredibly. If anyone were to ask me what the ideal business is, I'd recommend MB. I definitely look forward to the next workshop, and being apart of the CA community.

[timpaatkins]

Just got back home, hoping to reassemble my brain, and let all the fragments of information find their place in there somehow. I had an amazing time, and met some truly wonderful people, hopefully I have made friends that will last me a while!

I too only wish that I could have been in three placec at the same time. I spent most my hours on the third floor, and I absolutley loved the atmosphere, and having multible things going on at the same time, all centering around art! One moment I was imersed in Rons demo, and the next I could just turn around, whip out my papaer and pen and try and capture the amazing models just a few feet away from me. Then glance over and see Kevin, coro william, Hussar and god knows who else painitng away on the other side of the room. Then back to the demo again, just to catch an earfull of an on the spot colortheory lesson from Jason to a gathering crowd behind me.

Regarding the party, It really set bar for the weekend, and for a moment I could imagine what Tolouse latrec and his mates felt like in Paris so many years ago, surrounded by decadance and mischievousness(sp) and the green fairy but in a modern MB setting! It felt like one was in the middle of a giant art snakepit, naked and experienced oily minds and limbs sliding over each other, and one would cop a mental feel where one could, hoping to get that little snippet of information or insight to another artist process, and taking it and making it in to ones own. And I did draw at the opening dance. Sure, only blind contours, but it was hard not to pick up a pen at that point.
I hope that I "got"what the crew set out to achieve, something that NONE of the people at the workshop have experienced ( me included) and to try and show the entertainement kids out there that there is more to this thing called art than spaceships and monsters!
And that is directed to noone in particular.

Giant asspats too all I met, befriended and unintentionally offended.

Ill post my pics as soon as the are developed!

Tim

[Thaelys]

Apologies Jason; it's my observation that I'm sure most including yourself find baseless and inappropriate. For that reason I'll step away from that incendiary tone of criticism.

I find value in each of these different approaches to workshops, info forums and instructional DVDs. Many of you in the top tier of the industry go to great lengths to provide these services to us. For that, thank you very much, and keep doing these good things for aspiring artists. I'll leave it at that.

[Mr Man]

For me I had one of the best experiences of my life. As soon as the event started I knew that the best thing to do would be to talk to everyone. I did just that and Ive made some great friendships not just with the people attending but with some of the Instructers too. For me I thought It was a great privalege just to be able to talk to, chill and learn from all of the instructers. My main goal here for the workshop was to be inspired, Of course I wanted to learn but In my opinion the hands on interaction with the artists was the most important to me. How often do you get to look over hussars shoulder then look right slightly and be a few meters away from whittaker, walk around the corner and then chat to kevin and sean barber. It was a strange yet thrilling experience. It seemed almost unimaginable sometimes that I was actually having a laugh with some of the most respected artists out there, just relaxing and being social.

My own personal complaint was that in the digital area there wasnt as much interaction with artists as the upstairs, but thats about as bad as it gets for me. I spend most my time in the traditional section anyway so I was a happy bunny :)

Florence here I come :)

[Gory]

I got an idea guys, how about we all start the Wal-Mart™ School for the Arts? There intructors will teach the techniques of such masterful painters like Thomas Kinkade and Jeff Koons! Students will learn how to delegate 100% of the work to studio hands and then sign their name on the paintings! You'll earn millions!


...*sigh*

[Jessica Hook]

I got an idea guys, how about we all start the Wal-Mart™ School for the Arts? There intructors will teach the techniques of such masterful painters like Thomas Kinkade and Jeff Koons! Students will learn how to delegate 100% of the work to studio hands and then sign their name on the paintings! You'll earn millions!


...*sigh*

Mental Note: Run this by Legal...

Best idea EVAR!

[bangbangteng]

i was there, i loved it. some parts didn't go exactly as i had planned... as i'm sure they weren't... but I have a few comments about the workshop myself.

COMPLETELY WORTH MY MONEY. John Mueller's presentation alone was a privilage and honor to hear. As a young aspirering concept artist, such encouragement and insight into the industry was INVALUABLE.

MORE THAN JUST THE VENUE. I had just as much fun and learning from my peers at the Downtown Hostel as I did at the event itself. Interceptor, Mr. Blonde, Emily Sue, Mr. Mann, Frank Wade, Joel, Blue Severin, Maus, Zord, all you guys... thanks a bunch.

and lastly... yeah, it was cold, at least it gave us all something to talk about...

[0kelvin]

I gotta say this workshop was fantastic. You dealt with a ton of the criticisms people had after Montreal, and the workshop experience was improved so much for it. The venue, the tech, the entertainment, etc, was all so much better than it had ever been in the past. This workshop was a great success. All that being said, I think a few of the criticisms in this thread are valid thoughts that can be used to improve future workshops even further.

I appreciated having only one instructor speaking at a time (it was great being able to hear them clearly this time), but I'd have really liked to see more instructors talk. It seemed like a lot of the time there was no instructor speaking at all. I certainly learned things by watching the demos without the presenter speaking, but for myself (this may just be my personal learning style), I can learn so much better and more efficiently by listening to the person speak about what they're doing. In Montreal there were a few demos where someone painted while someone else who was better at presenting talked about what they were doing and asked them questions. I really enjoyed those.

The going all night thing was a good experiment and cool to experience, but it's something I hope isn't repeated in the future. I thought it was a great idea, seeing as most people stayed up all night at the previous workshops, but I found it was a lot more enjoyable when we would do the workshop thing earlier in the day and then just chill back at the hostel or go out on the town or whatever in smaller groups of people. It gave you time to decompress and absorb everything you'd learnt during the day, rather than just going back to your bed and crashing.

The party was a great way to start things, it really broke the ice and got me pumped and inspired. It felt like it ran a little long, but it was very enjoyable. Especially with Android painting to the music, that was great. Anyone complaining about the girl dancing in front of the projector is just whining for the sake of whining. She barely covered a fraction of the screen, and it was only for a few minutes. Besides, that was the point of the demo, the interaction of the art and the music.

Thanks for another great experience guys, I'm still coming down off it. I got home and slept for 12 hours straight.



0kelvin

[Carnifex]

I wish I hadda gone; looks like some of you need educating when it comes to the word 'Party'.

Roll on Italy...:)

Mx
yeah,we're gonna show them hehe ;)
but seriously,you get what you take guys.

some (general) thougts i have,consider or not:
i liked it very much in prague how the thunderdome etc. was dealt with-just a note on the door with the assignment and whatever you needed to know bout it,and if something had changed,an updated schedule.
the instructors being in seperate rooms (with great acoustic) and no overlapping from other rooms (again in prague). i understand though that this is location-based,just saying it's nice.
as 0kelv said,instructors painting while someone better experienced in public speech commenting and asking questions. that was really good. can't be done all the time of course,seeing as so many courses are goin on at the same time.
k,that's my two cents,see you in italy! :D

[Punchy]

I was fortunate enough to be local (I work only a couple blocks away) and the guy at the door friday night was cool enough to take a check ( I just showed up, which somehow worked out,)

I thought the cost was waay reasonable. GDC is over a Grand and I got way more out of the this. I found both practical and inspirational teaching=)

I really only have a couple of minor suggestions

-My sketchpad for a coffee machine! Just a couple of those "con" coffee containers would have made the cool air and the late night sail past.I know, I know, I could go buy a coffee somewhere (hell I guess I could have gone back to work for one) but having it on hand would have been great

-For the non speaking digital demos, just having the artists names up in the corner would have been nice. As it was, there was sort of a guessing game that people got to play.

- a few more tables would be cool for the digital stuff. I found it kind of neat watching other "students" almost doing demos themselfs while they watched the big screens. I SOoo wish I had brought a laptop and tablet. gah.

I'd like to give props to Coro for being so approachable to people and giving out great advise.

The first night listening to Andrew and Jason (particularly Andrew) was really nice. Good background to the demos going on. I found what they said to be moving, and funny. good times.

[Main Loop]

I gotta say this workshop was fantastic. You dealt with a ton of the criticisms people had after Montreal, and the workshop experience was improved so much for it. The venue, the tech, the entertainment, etc, was all so much better than it had ever been in the past. This workshop was a great success. All that being said, I think a few of the criticisms in this thread are valid thoughts that can be used to improve future workshops even further.

I appreciated having only one instructor speaking at a time (it was great being able to hear them clearly this time), but I'd have really liked to see more instructors talk. It seemed like a lot of the time there was no instructor speaking at all. I certainly learned things by watching the demos without the presenter speaking, but for myself (this may just be my personal learning style), I can learn so much better and more efficiently by listening to the person speak about what they're doing. In Montreal there were a few demos where someone painted while someone else who was better at presenting talked about what they were doing and asked them questions. I really enjoyed those.

The going all night thing was a good experiment and cool to experience, but it's something I hope isn't repeated in the future. I thought it was a great idea, seeing as most people stayed up all night at the previous workshops, but I found it was a lot more enjoyable when we would do the workshop thing earlier in the day and then just chill back at the hostel or go out on the town or whatever in smaller groups of people. It gave you time to decompress and absorb everything you'd learnt during the day, rather than just going back to your bed and crashing.

The party was a great way to start things, it really broke the ice and got me pumped and inspired. It felt like it ran a little long, but it was very enjoyable. Especially with Android painting to the music, that was great. Anyone complaining about the girl dancing in front of the projector is just whining for the sake of whining. She barely covered a fraction of the screen, and it was only for a few minutes. Besides, that was the point of the demo, the interaction of the art and the music.

Thanks for another great experience guys, I'm still coming down off it. I got home and slept for 12 hours straight.



0kelvin

agree with all of this, except about the girl in front of the projector thing, that was really annoying

[Pigeonkill]

Some artists would not have created as strong of demonstrations if they were forced to spend time speaking. This was a conscious choice we made, to allow that to happen. -Jason Manley

It was like watching Bob Ross on mute...making it harder to learn. One artist typed out some notes for the viewers which was nice. I applaud many of artist who volunteered to come down and paint.

[Simon.Rain]

Choose what suits you

Next time you have 330$ + flight and hostel money to spend on an event, choose the company that you can relate to.

I mean there's nothing wrong if you think you fit more with classical artists or if you are in love with abstract art. You know what CA and MB are like so if you think you'll be happier with a Gnomon atmosphere or some other event related to anime, choose wisely. it's a lot of money, and it's yours.

I don't mean any disrespect to anyone doing classic painting, anime or abstract. What I do mean is the list of artist were all over the place here so you knew what to expect. You know what the personal taste of the major artists here are also. I dont think people should expect anything remotly conservative about MB and CA.

Art doesnt only come from the techniques you learn. I'm sorry but try to do what the artists here are doing ( the mindblowing stuff you see here and love) if you stay all your life in a rural environment where all your friends sells John Deere equipment. It takes much more than just technical skills.

Bash me all you want but you can learn from a non-talkative demo. As Jason was saying, not everyone has the communication skills of Coro and Milligan. Sure they are able to answer questions while they are doing the demo but I know the others would have never waved off any questions after doing the demo. Take notes of what you want to know and go see them after. Personnaly it s much more interesting talking one to one with an instructor and not feel scared to ask any questions you would have probably not have the guts to ask anyway because you didnt want to sound like an art illeterate. And as Jason said too, knowing what brush the artist is using is probably the most uninteresting thing to know. and people did asked this back in Montreal.

So choose what suits you... it's all for you

[Pigeonkill]

...but you can learn from a non-talkative demo.

Yes, but you wouldn't learn as much... Who wouldn't want to hear their thought process. What Jason Manley finds uninteresting maybe innovating to others, pros, and students a like. There's always a new appoarch to familiar tools.

Asking questions afterwards is a great suggestion. I'm glad there were a few painting demos with lecture.

[Azzari]

I know I could have learned more technique for $320 but I don't regret going. I am at a cross roads between doing Illustration and Entertainment/ or concept art. I feel I got good insight into what concept art is all about, especially since I'd never been on the forum until after the event -- I just called my friend to hang out and he invited me. I enjoyed meeting all the good painters, and now I have new goals to work towards. Justifiably, it was more geared toward digital painters as the 3rd floor seemed neglected and extremely unorganized at times. I haven't picked up a stylus yet because I'm still trying to get good with oil -- a bad excuse perhaps. Their seemed to be a big problem with punctuality, a lot of "hurry up and wait". I think more effort should be taken to make sure things start on time, like getting in the first night, and having someting to do when we got there at noon. But I appreciate the anti-corporate sensability of this site and the services it provides to young artists like myself, so if my money went to support that I'm happy. Just keep in mind Insomnia felt much more like a CA convention or fundraiser than a workshop and the party was awsome but got old after an hour.

[sweetoblivion314]

ditto to what Marco said. If you didnt learn anything it was your fault. Hell i learned as much from listening to Ron Lemon's demo as a did just watching Dobsky paint and him not saying anything.

And for those complaining and didnt ask questions. Your just stupid. I watched Jason Manley several times go into hour long discussions on things because one guy asked one question. Thats the kind of people the instructors where and the kind of invironment it was. It was amazing.

Ask yourself if you where really there to learn or just there to get quick tips and tricks to become "better"? because those who are complaing im betting it was the second. And i find that sad. It tells me you just want the fast track to success. You just want everything handed to you and you dont want to have to do the work. Please quit now if thats the case cause the art world doesnt need you.

that being said. my only complaint was i couldnt watch dobsky and Ron and Hussar since they were all going at the same time and im sure i missed some great info or little gems of knowledge cause i missed them putting down one stroke or another :(

[navy_micheal]

party was awsome but got old after an hour.

When one of the demonic looking clown singers said "25 MORE SONGS!!! There was a groan in some the crowd, haha. But it was cool, it just gave more time for the guys to setup or enjoy the show.

Watching Coro paint was a real treat!

Some of the previous comments are a bit flippant or condescending; Getting waaaaay too personal its like they are trying to big their ego while trying to be helpful. If people do not agree with you there is no need for name calling or telling them to shut up...keep that up an people are going to be afraid to share feedback. Chill, no need to get personal. It's a suggest forum. :wink:

//EDIT//: To be fair. Majority of the demos took place behind a wall/stage or on the second floor. So it is not like you can just walk up to them. Pestering them during break or yelling questions over loud music would be rude.
.

[Main Loop]

And for those complaining and didnt ask questions. Your just stupid. I watched Jason Manley several times go into hour long discussions on things because one guy asked one question. Thats the kind of people the instructors where and the kind of invironment it was. It was amazing.

Ask yourself if you where really there to learn or just there to get quick tips and tricks to become "better"? because those who are complaing im betting it was the second. And i find that sad. It tells me you just want the fast track to success. You just want everything handed to you and you dont want to have to do the work. Please quit now if thats the case cause the art world doesnt need you.

idve said something, but-----


Some of the previous comments are a bit flippant or condescending; Getting waaaaay too personal its like they are trying to big their ego while trying to be helpful. If people do not agree with you there is no need for name calling or telling them to shut up...keep that up an people are going to be afraid to share feedback. Chill, no need to get personal. It's a suggest forum. :wink:

[sweetoblivion314]

idve said something, but-----


Id like to apologize for the broad generalization before. I did not mean to word it that way. I know many of the people are giving genuine feedback about what could make the workshop better or worse and thats great. However there were people at the workshop and after that were complaining that they learned nothing and that the experiance was worthless. Thats who my comments were directed at. I tend to get angry at people who bash something great when it was there own fault they had a bad time.

again i apologize to anyone i inadvertantly offended.

oo and i thought the chicks infront of the projectors were cool :P

[bRyaN]

i'm gonna say after the seein phils pics(luv ya sweetums..lol)..i'm jealous of anyon who got to step foot in that party for 15 seconds...let alone the entire night...

Jason....italy...plz?????:bashful:

[DanJohnCox]

I've been to the montreal CA workshop, the Montreal ADAPT workshop and this SF one. I'm no expert but its interesting to see whats happened at each one. regardless of situation, people will find something to complain about. and hey, people dished out good money (regardless of how much they got for it, its not simply "cheap"). personally this was my favorite workshop to date and i wanna give you big kudos Jason and everyone else for making it so.

First, my only BIG issue is this. the party was interesting, and got me all inspired totally! I'm not easily offended and the party wasnt really "my kind of party" but i wanted to make the best of it so i did. but from every girl i talked to (whom all also made the best of it) we all felt there was a severe lack of male performers in terms of the ones dancing. those ladies bodies were great and so were their preformances. some of them were edgy yeah but im not gonna get into that now. but last i checked we really want more women around here dont we? so doesnt it seem counter productive to start off the workshop party with 98% scantily clad women dancing provocatively? yeah there were 2 male performers of note aswell as the fellow on stilts. but what about scantily clad male performers to maybe say "hey, this is for the ladies too!" otherwise i think we might just be getting art and ideas from the same folks as always. for better or for worse.

also, the party was cool i just wish i coulda had more light in some areas to DRAW the crazyness i was seeing. but yeah its a double edged blade, more drawing means less of me talking to folks possibly. but i still wouldve appreciated making use of the movement and performances right away. aswell, i couldnt see my book to take any good notes. i tried, but it was unpleasant.

now, honestly in terms of the problems with lectures. ive been to adapt where there was ALL lectures and no soul. no one had sketchbooks aside from 3 people in the audience. no one shared portfolios. yeah the lectures were AWESOME and VERY well done and organized. much more so then either of CA's workshops. they had people who REALLY could give a lecture on the work (not to say some of the guys here cant). and i think what happened this time is a really good direction. all lecture isnt the best thing. but no lecture sucks too. so a mix of inspiration and lecture is great. the lectures i saw this time were way better then the ones i saw in montreal (for the most part). my problem was, i didnt get to see alot of lectures. i wanted to learn alot more about traditional mediums this time around and in doing so made it very difficult to get alot of the digital aswell. which didnt happen as much in montreal where i could draw the model, turn around and see whats happening digitally and maybe popover/turnaround and listen to that. just a venue problem really but maybe one to keep in mind.

all and all i know this was the best workshop for me cause i MADE it the best and i was given a BIG opportunity to do so. i came way out of my shell and talked to as many people as i could aswell as talking to the instructors as much as i could. I tossed the my self conciousness away as best i could and got out there and learned, and asked whatever questions i could even if they would see stupid. hell! i even got to have breakfast with Mike Hussar, Kevin Llewellyn (god damn your last name's spelling), and Shawn Barber. Fuck i couldnt ask for better company. and i didnt get that chance i'm a good artist, im not. its just cause i got up and asked the questions i wanted to know and picked everyones brains.

a workshop like CA's is really only what YOU make it. if you sit back and worry and fret and say nothing, you wont get that much. I didnt get that much from montreal in comparison to SF cause i didnt say shit and barely brought a portfolio. and to those of you who didnt bring a portfolio, you really lost out. hands down the portfolio review is my favorite part of the CA workshops and where i've personally
learned shit tons.

btw, just to make it clear, this is a "PRO Workshop" post. yes, there were problems as is to be expected and ive pointed out the ones i thought were worth pointing out. but i enjoyed the experience and am taking alot back with me. and oh yeah, it woulda been nice if we coulda at least asked the digital guys question while they were painting

[wim]

Well, I was going to type some remarks and constructive critique, but I'll just leave it at this :

let's hope we'll hear some of the instructors talk at the next workshop (preferably with a mike) :rendered:
As far as the schedule is concerned, doing the workshop during the day and leaving the evening open for people to draw, meet other people, explore the city or whatever else they wish to do, might not be such a bad idea. I don't know about everyone else here, but staying awake and focused until 4 AM is not something I'm really good at anyway.

That said, I'm still curious how you guys are going to handle the Italy workshop. Any plans on the date yet ?

[NoSeRider]

A Suggestion for Future Workshops.

Warmer weather.

[minjarr]

so, I've been a member for a while now, and had to start a new account for different reasons. That said Conceptart.org has helped me so much, and not only through posts and replies, but mostly as a spectator. I've just come home from a vacation of virtually no communication and to come home to my warm and welcoming cable internet and find that people are saying such vulgar expressions towards the hard work put forth for Insomania makes me very perplexed.

My experience of course is much different than others and the same for some, but throughout the workshop my mind was being rebooted. Art if you let it can consume you and it isn't always a good place it takes you, and being an artist attempting conversations with others that are very technical can make you feel very out of place. Insomania made me realize that it is completly okay to just do whatever feels right, (within certain social and legal confines) It's okay to stare at people and it's okay to stop and listen and to smell and to feel the way everything is so very perfect from every angle. I've always said life isn't a hobbie, it's a lifestyle. Not specifically what you where or how you talk, but how you interpret the world around you. Most jobs are 9-5 but art can hit you at anytime.

Instead of looking at the subjects, (dancers and music with very little instruction) look at what they are there for and how they can help you.

(sillhouttes, colors, music-stimulates the mind, and the amount of talent all willing to share their thoughts)

thankyou

[Carnifex]

oh,proper judgement on thunderdomes is nice though. montreal felt like a rushjob in that aspect.
only minor gripe though.

[Lord Edwin]

So people could see, I wanted to come back in and post this:

http://www.artbyphil.com/cgi-bin/phfxgv.cgi?link=http://www.artbyphil.com/phfx/photography/CAinsomania%5FMain/



I couldn't be at the workshop, though I was at the Montreal one (being from Montreal and all..) but I just have to say that I would have loved to see all of the performers, based on the photos you posted. Those performers and models are dressed and acting in ways that as artists we can mostly only dream of ever getting to see for inspiration/reference/whatever you want to take from it. Kudos on that, Jason and everyone else who organized it. I would love to see something like that if the workshop ever makes its way back to Montreal, or wherever else I could get to.

-Greg

[ArtZealot]

I

Amen!

If I had one major complaint about these wonderfull workshops, it's all the introverted, shy, people , who spend WAY too much time with their noses in their sketchbooks and not enough time "absorbing" their surroundings. I was shocked how shy and impersonal many of the attendees were at this great event.

I noticed the sketchbook table and was amazed how people were not sharing books or doing a monster of the "minute" exercise or somthing.

Maybe some exercises to bring people out. Somthing like a sketchbook exchange, mini thunderdome....etc.?

I know most artists are introverts, but I belive you have to come out of your shell to grow.

I agree on that part about how some of the people complaining about the party need to get out of their shell. When i walked downstairs and saw the party i knew there would be people who got offended by or didn't think the party was appropriate. I think it really added to the experience, it made the whole thing that much harder to forget, along with everything i learned. I really liked almost everything that went on at Insomania. My only gripe is thati wish there was more instruction during the demos.