Thursday, May 9, 2019
Drawing A Bird
I never learned proper animation. Not even on one of those so-called “easy” computer programs, aimed at beginners. Even those newfangled drawing apps confuse me.
I made these cartoons by drawing the birds on real paper, scanning in the pictures, then adding words in MS Paint. That’s as hi-tech as I could get.
Fight The Good Foot
In this cartoon, a fire-breathing lizard lets loose on a foot man, who takes a step back, and silences the fire with a flower, before moving on.
▶️silent version
Inspiration For Bananas
This is just a slightly nonsensical, yet wholesomely appealing ditty.
Something to tickle the brain.
▶️silent version
Space Beach
This is part of my “Starship Birdtown” venture.
That rocket failed to launch, but the astro-birds had fun nevertheless.
Yes
Bird who thinks it’s a Butterfly (or a Butterfly who thinks it’s a Bird, I’m not sure...) flutters about and tries to say something good, “Happy” and “Yes” being the message. So, today, may things be Happy and Yes...for you.
▶️silent version
Pull Yourself Forward
This is a short “motivational” cartoon in which a bird learns that it does not need any external motivation.
A fowl contradiction.
This is my least favorite Birdtown cartoon.
The bird in the wagon is annoying.
I just want to tump the wagon over and tell it to just “deal with it”.
And I’m the one who drew it. Do I...have issues?
*sigh*
The Very Sad Bird
This video is the actual state of mind I was in, when Birdtown Comics was created in 2010. Eventually I decided that resigning to the way things were, both inside my head and external circumstances, was just not going to fly.
Depression is for the birds!
▶️silent version (Sad Bird)
Up
A bird is questioned about the stairs he’s on, so he explains to his friend that the amount of steps taken is not as important as simply taking one step in the right direction.
▶️silent version
Temptation
In this short, a bird eyeballs a cactus, and cannot resist touching it.
It reminds me of a day in 1977, in which 8 year-old-me could not resist touching someone else’s chicken pot pie. I was invited over for dinner at my friend’s house, and the table was nicely set with (what I thought I heard them call) “chicken POP pies”, which fascinated me, wondering what sort of chicken would not only be inside of a pie, but make it pop, and how and when do they pop?
I waited for the chance to investigate, staring at these cute little popping pies set on the table.
When the coast was clear, with nobody else in the dining room, I quickly approached what I thought was my place setting, and didn’t delay one second. I not only touched the little pie, but inserted my finger completely through the crust, holding it there, waiting for it to pop.
It was hot, but I needed to see how this worked.
It didn’t pop.
With my finger still in the pie, in walks my friend’s Grandmother, who saw me there with my finger in the pie, yelled at me, and told me how rude it was to “stick your finger in other people’s food.” As it turns out, that was not my place setting. Also, as it turns out, they are called chicken POT pies, and they do not explode.
I was embarrassed, and a little disappointed.
Love Birds
This cartoon short is about that awkward time when you first meet someone, and quiet suspicion is mixed with a few butterflies in your belly.
It’s always uncomfortable at first, getting to know someone.
But finding a suitable mate for yourself in this chaotic world is well worth it.
▶️silent version
The Horse
First drawn in 2010, it was my first attempt at making a “motivational” thing, and unfortunately, not my last.
I never did quite figure out how to create motivational things for real. It’s like I made a bunch of clearance bin motivationals. Maybe what a counselor who didn’t like you would show you.
▶️silent version
Flightless
In this cartoon, a bird finds itself confounded and perplexed, due to having its wings... fallen off.
An illustration of those times in life when we just can’t fly. Those times when nothing makes sense, and the Turnip Truck collides with the Crazy Train... mentally, that is.
I drew this silly cartoon to illustrate the feeling, but I also know of the Solution -
Jesus can stick our wings back on. And possibly even give us better wings, if our feathers were old and frayed...
▶️silent version
Zombie Bird
This bird is in a stupor, from staring at screens all day.
You know that feeling?
I have to unplug frequently to avoid this state.
Stuck
This is a comical illustration of those times in life when we find ourselves “stuck”.
Life circumstances and situations that are easy to get into, bit by bit, until we’re trapped, or unable to get out. It happens.
The prideful defenses of the stuck bird is that feeling when we know we need help... but just can’t reach out, or accept it.
▶️silent version
The Other Way
A bird seeks help finding his way, and receives some bad advice, causing the bird to turn around and go in the opposite direction.
A slightly offbeat inspirational message.
▶️silent version
Don’t Feed The Dragons
In this cartoon, a dragon inquires of a bird as to whether he’s bitter or not, and the bird narrowly escapes becoming dragon food, by claiming to not be bitter, but sweet.
Holding on to unforgiveness turns us bitter.
Don’t satisfy the dragons by not forgiving.
Choose to forgive, and be sweet!
▶️silent version
Have A Heart
In this short cartoon, a bird cheers up a sad ...bird? thing? ...who’s in need of a little love.
I guess we’ve all been in both places in life - the small, weak one in need, and the stronger one with something to give. This comic is just a simple reminder of the power of a little bit of kindness.
▶️silent version
The Big Nose
A bird sports a large, abnormal nose, instead of a beak, inviting curious glances from another bird.
▶️silent version
The Truth
In this cartoon, a bird confronts a snake about deceit, causing the snake to fade away.
▶️silent version
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