I'm from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I currently work as the character design supervisor on Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. I recently finished work at Nickelodeon as a designer and board artist on Danny Phantom. I own the copyrights on this stuff, (unless otherwise noted), so don't steal or copy it. Word-up.
Muttantkitten- Thanks! Can you see any of your folders through the chaos?
Ponzo- My friend Shannon suggested I make a print of this as well. I probably won't make one yet as it will be printed as the front and end pages of my graphic novel "Seaweed and the Cure for Mildew." I'm finishing the last touches on the book and will ship the files this December to the printer. The books going to be a whoping 12"x15" large!!!
Tapan- Thanks so much as always for your kind remarks!
Ok now that you have the basic shapes Ben you can start to put details into your drawings, just kidding. Seriously I still think you made a pact with the devil for these skills, can you send me his number.
My friend, WOW!!! I cannot wait until you release this badboy. You will never be the same again. You work transends animation and has such appeal in any country or region. I will gladly thumb thru the pages of this story, of my own copy. Best of luck,
Elaine- I would only expect someone as cruel and malicious as you to steal art from a baby. How many children must suffer due to your sick obsession with art thievery? Your a twisted evil hag! But thanks alot for the compliment! We miss all of you animators here at CN. :)
Shane- You need to get control of your girlfriend before she steals again!
Josh- Thanks man, hope your doing well!
Todd- 1(666) 666-1313 Be prepared to be put on hold for a long time.
Tiny Dean- Awesome it made it to another computer! I wish I could make a screen saver were they all flew in a cycle while pooping! THAT would be cool!
Per-H- Hey I'm half Sweedish, (Mom's side).
Skim- I love your avatar.
Chris- Sorry I'll just be delivering the files to the printer by then. It'll probably take about 3 months to print so expect the book to go on sale in March.
Randall- Thanks!! I've actually altered my strategy a bit. I'm going to split the story into 2 parts and then include 24 paes of sketches, development, and thrown away ideas, along with notes on what I was thinking about while making the book into each volume. I'm compiling all that info and scanning the art right now. The sketch book part of the book will be on a rougher "woodfree" paper that will be different than the paper of the comic.
Seth- Thank you. I love drawing birds! Pelicans are my favorite but I couldn't include any in this piece for story reasons.
awesome!! I'm a huge fan of your stuff, been checking it out occasionally, i love the shapes you used to capture each kind of bird so well and the fact that there is so much shape variation in there is really nice.
you inspire me, and make me feel like i suck, all at the same time.
Since, I drove you to the art store to buy the paper for this piece, I can only assume that you are going to give me the original. RIGHT!!!!!!!!! nicely done little buddy.
Your work never ceases to amaze me.This is absolutely breath taking man- your shape exploitation of each bird species is top knotch. I continue to stare and admire-and as always your line work is impressive.
I cannot wait to see this book, your visibility will increase ten fold and be a treat for those who have no idea what a talent you are in this current time.
I just stumbled upon your blog and it's top notch. This bird piece, as people have so eloquently put, is amazing! I'm in the "looking forward to your book" camp. Will be back regulary!
This makes a lovely desktop background ;D
ReplyDeleteany chance you have prints of this available for purchase??
ReplyDeletebreathtaking
ReplyDeleteMuttantkitten- Thanks! Can you see any of your folders through the chaos?
ReplyDeletePonzo- My friend Shannon suggested I make a print of this as well. I probably won't make one yet as it will be printed as the front and end pages of my graphic novel "Seaweed and the Cure for Mildew." I'm finishing the last touches on the book and will ship the files this December to the printer. The books going to be a whoping 12"x15" large!!!
Tapan- Thanks so much as always for your kind remarks!
This is awesome! I've been looking at it completely transfixed. Great, great job.
ReplyDeleteEvery one of those birds is amazing and there's so much to see! That's going to be the best front/end page ever.
ReplyDeleteoh, and i need to go steal that elephant below from that baby!
ReplyDeleteDude !! once AGAIN!!! THE WORLD HAS NO FREKING IDEA HOW POWERFUL THIS BOOK IS!!!! You are stepping uo the game my friend!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the book!
ReplyDeleteOk now that you have the basic shapes Ben you can start to put details into your drawings, just kidding. Seriously I still think you made a pact with the devil for these skills, can you send me his number.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is just fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, mutantkitten! This shall become my new desktop.
Terrific! downloaded it to the Ben Balistreri folder. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I can't wait for this book. Any chance it will be ready for Christmas?
ReplyDeleteBen.... Do you know how bad I want this? I was wondering, do you still have plans to have the "making of" book?
ReplyDeleteFantastic work! Your birds are some of my favorite designs that I like to go back to for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMy friend, WOW!!! I cannot wait until you release this badboy. You will never be the same again. You work transends animation and has such appeal in any country or region. I will gladly thumb thru the pages of this story, of my own copy. Best of luck,
ReplyDeleteMAC
Wow, thanks everyone!!
ReplyDeleteElaine- I would only expect someone as cruel and malicious as you to steal art from a baby. How many children must suffer due to your sick obsession with art thievery? Your a twisted evil hag! But thanks alot for the compliment! We miss all of you animators here at CN. :)
Shane- You need to get control of your girlfriend before she steals again!
Josh- Thanks man, hope your doing well!
Todd- 1(666) 666-1313 Be prepared to be put on hold for a long time.
Tiny Dean- Awesome it made it to another computer! I wish I could make a screen saver were they all flew in a cycle while pooping! THAT would be cool!
Per-H- Hey I'm half Sweedish, (Mom's side).
Skim- I love your avatar.
Chris- Sorry I'll just be delivering the files to the printer by then. It'll probably take about 3 months to print so expect the book to go on sale in March.
Randall- Thanks!! I've actually altered my strategy a bit. I'm going to split the story into 2 parts and then include 24 paes of sketches, development, and thrown away ideas, along with notes on what I was thinking about while making the book into each volume. I'm compiling all that info and scanning the art right now. The sketch book part of the book will be on a rougher "woodfree" paper that will be different than the paper of the comic.
Seth- Thank you. I love drawing birds! Pelicans are my favorite but I couldn't include any in this piece for story reasons.
Mark- Thanks alot, dude, that's incredibly kind!
BB!!
ReplyDeletedude, those are beautiful man. are you hinting at coming back up here with this piece?
hahah
>oVi
Where they go?
ReplyDeleteNice!
Holy crap dude, this is amazing!! I can't wait for the book!!!
ReplyDeleteawesome!! I'm a huge fan of your stuff, been checking it out occasionally, i love the shapes you used to capture each kind of bird so well and the fact that there is so much shape variation in there is really nice.
ReplyDeleteyou inspire me, and make me feel like i suck, all at the same time.
uhh.. but it's good! ...I think...
B-B-B-B-B Birds!!!! Man, you are too good. Amazing drawings!!
ReplyDeletepoops and giggles
ReplyDeleteWOW this is too cool for school.
ReplyDeletehey ben, i met you a couple times. i'm on class of 3000 on the first floor.anyways, i'm a huge fan of your blog! especially this piece. love it!
ReplyDeleteSo I hear you like birds. HA, that rocks!
ReplyDeleteSince, I drove you to the art store to buy the paper for this piece, I can only assume that you are going to give me the original. RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletenicely done little buddy.
Those are all freaking amazing. Each bundle o' love is a dreamboat in it's own way.
ReplyDeleterealy, realy , realy great work!!
ReplyDeletei love the pelican!
me gusta muchisimo!
I'm just glad I'm not standing below them! Incredible flock!
ReplyDeleteyikes thats so hot! i like the stupid sillym turkey, hehe!
ReplyDeletewow! mind blowing. An image full of superb birdy character designs... they are all perfect!
ReplyDeleteHowd u do it?
woaw!!!this piece is just awesome!!!i can't believe that you made all these bird's designs so perfect!can't stop to look evry details
ReplyDeletecongrats...
Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletethere is just too much to say about how amazing this image is. I can't wait to buy the book!
ReplyDeleteI hope I become at least half the artist you are!
ReplyDeleteman! I haven't been to your blog in a while. and it always blows my mind. great bird designs.
ReplyDeleteImpressive! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest thing I've ever seen! Those birds are amazing. Each one has a distinct personality based upon it's species.
ReplyDeleteAnother godly piece, Ben!
Amazing design, so much variety and each one of them rocks
ReplyDeleteWow, somebody knows their avians! Excellent stuff
ReplyDeleteHey Ben,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the Annie nomination! Way to go!
-Your Pal Dave
Your work never ceases to amaze me.This is absolutely breath taking man- your shape exploitation of each bird species is top knotch. I continue to stare and admire-and as always your line work is impressive.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see this book, your visibility will increase ten fold and be a treat for those who have no idea what a talent you are in this current time.
Be it known, Ben draws the best birds in the universe. Golly, I love these.
ReplyDeleteSo many awesome drawings in your blog. I think I'll come often looking for updates.
ReplyDeleteThank you all SO much!
ReplyDeleteHey Ben!Great meeting you today at Gordon Biersch. Also congrats on your annie nomination. Well deserved, sir.
ReplyDeleteThese are really great. Very inspiring work! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog and it's top notch. This bird piece, as people have so eloquently put, is amazing! I'm in the "looking forward to your book" camp. Will be back regulary!
ReplyDeleteO.......!!!!Ben!Philosophical composition..Beatiful style!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow!
ReplyDelete