Mark Kennedy - Cartoonist Survey #87

Mark Kennedy has been an animator and storyboard artist for close to 20 years. His work in the Animation Department at Disney includes, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Chicken Little and Bolt. In addition to animating and storyboarding Mark was a writer on Chicken Little, Home on the Range, Tarzan and Hercules. He is also a voice actor, lending his voice to the character Hollywood Runt, in the film Chicken Little. Mark is presently working on Disney’s 50th animated movie, Tangled, which is loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale Rapunzel. He runs one of the best blogs out there on drawing, storyboarding and animation, called Temple of the Seven Golden Camels. Mark’s site has it all as you can tell from his description; “An online repository for everything I know about storyboarding, film making, drawing and animation but mostly storyboarding, also, curses lifted, relics appraised and fishing licenses sold Tuesdays 10-2.” He started his blog back in March of 2006 and he continues to add to this wonderful resource. With over 600 followers you can tell that The Temple of Seven Golden Camels is a goldmine. I recommend starting from the earliest posts and working your way forward. You will be amazed at how much you learn. Visit Mark’s blog here and then immediately bookmark it.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Disposable Expresso extra fine point pens.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Computer.

What type of paper do you use?
Disney story pads and Disney 16 field animation paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I don't really hate to draw anything but I don't really like drawing cars or motorcycles.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Websites.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
None.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Carl Bark's Donald Duck/Uncle Scrooge, Tintin by Herge.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Richard Scarry's Tinker and Tanker, I still own it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
3 years at California Institute of the Arts in the Character Animation School.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Blessing.

Did either of your parents draw?
No.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My wife, Cindy.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I have taught it (at CalArts) and I didn't like it.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
No.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Donald Duck.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Musician.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Two large desks pushed together, so I have enough room to draw on paper and also I have room for my laptop, Cintiq tablet, Wacom tablet, and all my model sheets, pens, etc.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play trumpet.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Study real life and get as much of your life's experiences into your work as you can.

Who is your favorite artist?
Quentin Blake.

Thank you Mark, for answering and for providing all of the information that you do on your blog.

Eric Reaves, cartoonist, illustrator, fine artist and fly fisherman is next.