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Jon Densk - Four4BIT Creative Spotlight

Four4BIT Creative Spotlight - Jon Densk

Four4BIT Animation Studio is excited to present our latest 'Four4BIT Creative Spotlight' featuring our fifth guest! The traditional Hand-Drawn Animator Jon (Jonathan) Densk! With collaborations including Disney, Warner Bros., Pixar, and PASSION Paris, Jon is making waves in the animation industry. If you follow animation on social media, you may already know him from his original short film "Axolodyssey". In this exclusive interview, Jon shares his journey, challenges, and insights. Get ready to be inspired by Jon’s story!


Hi Jon! Thank you for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you for a special interview on Four4BIT Creative Spotlight! Your work in animation is truly inspiring. From Disney's "Disenchanted" to WB's "Space Jam: A New Legacy", “Bjorn the Last Unicorn” directed by Tom Bancroft, to your original short film “Axolodyssey”, and so much more – your journey and dedication to the craft of hand-drawn animation are impressive and uplifting!


Jon Densk - Four4BIT Creative Spotlight

Let's start at the beginning. What ignited your passion for diving headfirst into the vibrant world of animation, and how did you get started in the industry?


That is actually a funny story.. I was never actually aspiring to be an animator growing up. I'm not even sure I fully knew what it was. I knew what cartoons were but I never understood what went into making them. I wanted to be a Comicbook artist. I was, and still love, Comicbooks like Bone, Garfield, Calvin and hobbes. It wasn't until I entered college that I was introduced into the world of animation properly. I did one test and I got immediately bit by the bug, as they say, and never looked back. However, years later I remembered I actually did some Animation in High school in cartooning class, and from what my old teacher had told me, I was the only one in class who was any good at it haha! It was meant to be, I suppose.


That's actually a very unique path that led you into the animation industry! It sounds like it was meant to be! Could you share one of your favorite or most memorable projects you've worked on and what made it so special for you?


I would say, even though I've worked for dream studios like Disney, WB, and Pixar, I would say my current favorite and most memorable project was the latest I was on, which is “Moonlit Bamboo Forest” done with PASSION Paris. I really learned a lot with them, felt like I was challenged 24/7, and loved the crew. Not to mention I had become a father 3 days before joining too haha! Talk about multitasking.


"Moonlit Bamboo Forest - HoYoFair "


Wow! That's a fantastic and exciting project! And 'Mazel Tov' on becoming a father! We would love to hear some insights into the creative process behind "Moonlit Bamboo Forest.


This project was Directed very well by David Pagaille, so every shot was pretty thought out before I even touched it, however, whenever I approach a shot, I always put myself in the character's shoes and lose myself for a few hours! I'll act out sitting in my chair the same thing over and over until I feel like I feel the shot enough to scribble it out. 


That's fascinating! Working with David must have been an incredible experience; he’s so professional and talented. And your dedication to understanding the character truly brings your work to life, we can definitely feel it in the final result! Jon, your passion for traditional Animation is truly inspiring! We're intrigued by your process of creating the original short film "Axolodyssey". First, could you share what this project is about?


The film is about Jojo, a lone axolotl on a journey to find his family. His only lead is a flyer for a pet store, selling axolotl. He's so desperate he'd ask anyone, even a bug to show him the way to the store. He encounters new friends as well as some not so friendly, giant creatures… :)


"Axolodyssey - The Movie Trailer"


That sounds like a beautiful adventure! Where did the inspiration for this idea come from?


The idea came to me almost all at once in 2020 one night. It was subconsciously written off my experience of being forced to not see my family for almost 2 years during the pandemic. Why an axolotl? I don't really know! I drew Jojo and watercolor’d him, Than the story just came to me. At this time too, I was being introduced to Studio Ghibli and realized how much I connected with their way of storytelling and articulate animation. I was overwhelmingly inspired to take what I've learned and tell my own story. I also was very inspired by the greenery in my neighborhood haha, lots of walks, lots of observation.


"Axolodyssey - Short film - Jon Densk

"Jon Densk's - Axolodyssey - Short film - (Layout)"


That's actually a very inspiring example of something positive emerging from a challenging time! This project is truly captivating! We would love to hear more about the creative process behind bringing this adventure to life!


A lot of people write a script first for their films, but I typically let an idea settle in my mind for a little while, thinking about it when I go out and about in my life. Images come to my mind and even sometime animated shots. So being that I thought up I'd say 75% of the film in one night, I just started storyboarding it. I didn't write a script, I wrote it as I boarded.


Your process is incredibly intriguing and unique! Creating a traditional hand-drawn short film independently must come with its own set of challenges. Could you share a particularly challenging experience you've encountered during this process and how you navigated through it?


There's a few things, Time, Money and a Strong Team. Animation really is a painful hassle. It takes forever. So that's always a challenge. I end up typically working 8am to 11pm myself. Monetarily, I have the worst budget on the planet. We almost were funded with a Kickstarter I ran last year but fell short at the last minute. So luckily, I have friends who want to help just see this get made. Both of these things fall flat to a strong team however. Finding animators and artists that fit the style isn't always easy. But they're out there!


It's certainly challenging, but having such creative and supportive friends invested in bringing Jojo's Adventure to life is truly inspiring! We're eagerly looking forward to seeing the final short film when it's ready! In your social media presence, viewers can see breakdowns of scenes you’ve created, offering a behind-the-scenes look at your animation process. What inspired you to share these posts, and what benefits do you believe viewers gain from seeing these detailed breakdowns?


I think young and seasoned animators can benefit from seeing how other artists work. Its fun and inspirational. So I always like sharing how I work visually, plus I like seeing scribbly lines move.


What are your thoughts and insights on using platforms like Instagram to showcase your artwork and creative process as an artist?


Well its definitely helped my life out a lot. Im not really a fan of social media but I can say without a doubt I wouldn't be here without it today. Its really nice and inspiring to see other artists work and get exposed to things I wouldn't otherwise. It also serves as an editable 24/7 portfolio too so for up and coming artists it's easier now to get recognized than it probably ever was.


"Axolodyssey - Animation Breakdown"


Amazing! Reflecting on your great experience, what key skills or techniques would you recommend aspiring traditional animators to focus on developing?


Animating truly from your heart, not to steal Glen Keane's line, and to focus on draftsmanship. I never understood what animating from the heart felt like until I started diving deep into my own projects, crafting my own worlds.. my own set of people.. You have to put your life experience and heart into those things. So if you can feel it in your heart, it comes out on the paper very easy. Plus, solid drawing is always important. And thats a struggle everyone deals with, including me.


"Bjorn The Last Unicorn - Pencilish Show - Episode 1"


That's incredibly significant! It's truly inspiring that this perspective arose from your involvement in developing your own personal projects and ideas. Now, what advice would you offer to individuals who are just starting out in the animation industry?



Don't give up. It is hard, and daunting for everyone. Just know your own capacity and do what you need to do to continue.


Beautiful! Regarding your other projects, we've noticed your significant involvement in writing an original comic book ("The Great Hollow"), being involved in creating the music for "Axolodyssey," and working on another feature film! Could you share how these projects fit into your schedule and creative journey? Additionally, what keeps you creatively inspired and motivated in your work?


Actually, my friend Kennoniah who rocks created the music! And that's a great question. I think I must have a problem. I just feel I have well of stories to tell. I've always wanted to have my own comic series (The Great Hollow), which I've renamed FLEA by the way! But I'm really turning my focus on animated features. It just has become what I love making.


If you think I am handling a lot, you should see the film idea list I have on my phone haha! The feature film I've been developing is very important to me. That takes up a lot of my brain space.


Haha, that's fantastic! It sounds like creativity runs deep with you. We're excited to see your vision unfold with your animated features and FLEA comic series! Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in a couple of years as you continue to advance in your career and pursue your passion for animation?


Ideally, I would be working on my own production. But I'm only 27 and there's a lot of years still ahead of me so I am waiting impatiently for that day to start haha. I would love to direct a film at the least! But being that I am so passionate about my own projects, I know I'll be working on them one way or another ha.


That sounds like an exciting journey ahead, Jon! It's clear that you have big dreams and a strong drive to bring your own projects to life! Moving forward, what changes or additions do you believe the industry needs right now?


I can say so much about this.. Haha. I think America really needs to let hand-drawn animation happen again. It's gone on long enough at this point, and I don't really see an excuse anymore, personally. I also think a lot of animated films are to angled at marketing or already established IP.



That's a compelling perspective! Bringing a stronger focus on hand-drawn animation would indeed infuse the industry with a unique charm and artistry, especially considering the technology available today! Now, as we strive to spread positivity and inspiration through our work, we believe in the power of each individual's voice to make a difference! Jon, the stage is yours to illuminate the world with your message of positivity. What would you like to say?


I believe that people are not inherently good or bad but human nature is inherently complex. One of my favorite lyrics by Neil Peart is "in the sweetest child there is a vicious streak, in the strongest man theres a child so weak". I think if people took the effort to look at others as a fellow individual, people would realize we are all not so different. This belief is one of the reasons I identify so strong with how Hyao Miyazaki views “Villians” in his films.


That's a beautiful message! Finally, what exciting projects or endeavors can we look forward to from you in the future? 


I have a few Disney Lorcana cards coming out at some point, but other than that I am working on Axolodyssey, Flea and my film every day.


Jon, thank you so much for sharing your fascinating journey and insights with us today. Your passion and commitment to hand-drawn animation are truly inspiring. It's evident that your creative drive and unique perspective will continue to shape the future of animation. We eagerly anticipate the incredible projects you'll bring to life, including Axolodyssey, your feature film, and Flea. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors, and thank you once again for enlightening us with your experiences and thoughts. All the best to you!


Jon Densk's Website | Kickstarter | LinkTree


You can also find Jon Densk on social media such as : Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Linkedin | TikTok | | Patreon



 
Four4BIT Animation Studio - Four4BIT Creative Spotlight

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