Meeting Joe Murray!

Back in early October, I was lucky enough to go to a great lecture/Q&A w/ Rocko's Modern Life/Camp Lazlo creator Joe Murray at a local Barnes & Noble bookstore.

The talk was promoting Joe's new book, Creating Animated Cartoons with Character, and it was very encouraging and inspiring.
For those of you who have always dreamed of creating and making your own cartoons, this is a great handy dandy guide to help you get you started and on the right, roller-coasterey, path!

Joe was also kind enough to sign an earlier E-Book version(Ok, so I printed it. I know that defeats the purpose of an E-Book. But c'mon. What are ya s'posed ta do?!?) of his book I had bought back while I was in NY working for Fred Seibert & Frederator. That dog-eared, battered, well-read book kept me company on all those subway rides to and from work.

Here are a few sketch note doodles I did at the event:


Joe said my Rocko was better than his that night! (I think he meant to say creepier?)

Joe also seemed to recognize me from somewhere before, I guess I just have one of those faces or perhaps my own legend and notoriety in the animation world precedes me! Maybe it was cause I was sitting next to my pal from school, Laura Allen. ;)

Here's a few acorns of wisdom I gathered up from Joe.
"There's a show inside you that only YOU can do, that no one else can."
"Stay true to your gut."
"Keep the Execs off the floor!"
"If you don't have story- it won't carry."
"If you don't connect w/ the character- you will check out sooner."
"Nothing is overnight."
"Pencil and brush mileage"
"Stepping stones are not always noticeable until you decide to use them."

Better yet, why don't I let Joe tell you for yourselves!

My buddy, and composer pal, Brian Barrale was in attendance w/ me and recorded Joe's lecture thru his Iphone. It's not the greatest quality, but it gives you an idea as to how fun and genuine Joe's lecture was.
Enjoy!
http://limelinx.com/files/b127b1be9bc70311adaf270c4530da89

Joe was very gracious to his fans who showed up and was truly genuine and welcoming.

Thanks for being so cool, thanks for the cartoons, and thanks for the encouraging and inspiring lecture Joe!

I hope our paths cross again soon!
-Jeaux Janovsky