{Emily's Flip Book}

This is a very exciting day, dear readers! Since 2002, October 28 has been designated International Animation Day by the International Animated Film Association. It’s intended to inspire artists and animators to create and share their talents.

As mentioned in previous blogs, I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. I have not taken an art class since middle school, and I have never learned to animate. But still, I wanted to be able to participate in the holiday, so I turned to Disney Parks’ Youtube channel for some help.

There is a variety of characters to choose from for aspiring animators, including Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Grumpy and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. I decided to go in a more traditional direction, and selected Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

I have to be honest that I partly chose Oswald because he seemed fairly simple to draw, and the video was only five minutes long (compared to others that were 20 or more). Disney Character Artist Jason Zucker teaches this tutorial. He also shares the story of Oswald’s creation:

Oswald was the first animated character created by Walt Disney, but he was lost to Universal Studio’s in the early days of Disney’s career. It was on his train ride home after losing Oswald that Disney created Mickey Mouse. In 2006, The Walt Disney Company reclaimed Oswald, and began to feature him in Disney video games, cartoons, merchandise and more.

And now, here is my final drawing of Oswald!

I certainly won’t be hired as a Disney Character Artist anytime soon, but I am really glad that I challenged myself and celebrated Animation Day! Hope you all enjoy the day in a fun, creative way as well!

One of the reasons I created this blog was to share my thoughts on the new animation films hitting theaters this season. Although it’s already been out for a few weeks, I had planned to save Reel FX Animation Studios’ newest movie, The Book of Life, for the week of Halloween since it is inspired by Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead (a Mexican holiday celebrated October 31 – November 2).

The film looks creative, colorful and very distinct in its animation style – enough to make me interested! I casually announced this plan to my parents over dinner and the following conversation ensued:

• Me: So, I think I’m going to go see “The Book of Life” sometime next week.
• Mom: Is that a Disney movie?
• Me: No, It’s made by Reel FX.
• Dad: Does Disney own that?
• Me: No, it’s owned and distributed by Twentieth Century Fox.
• Mom: How did it do in reviews?
• Me: I’m not sure.
• Dad: I think The New York Times only gave it two stars.
• Mom: Do you even want to see it if it only got two stars?
• Me: *sigh*

END SCENE.

I don’t say this in any sort of rebellion against my parents (although they don’t even read this), but I don’t decide whether or not to see a new animated film based on the opinion of a movie critic. And because of that, I tend not to read many reviews of a film before I see it. That’s not because I think they are wrong, but it’s because I don’t think they’re right either.

I think that movies, like books, music, art, dance and other forms of entertainment, are at least somewhat subjective, or in the case of animated films very subjective. And I think one of the faults in this is the popular connotation that “animated” movies are automatically “children’s” movies. And because of this, many adult film critics of professional publications seem to already assume a certain rating or opinion of such films.

In order to accurately write this blog post, I have a break my rule and read a movie review before seeing it for myself. I selected The New York Times review by Manohla Dargis per my parent’s suggestion, Roger Moore’s review in The Chicago Tribune as it was run on Syracuse.com and an online review by the Rotoscopers (a website and YouTube channel devoted to animation entertainment written and produced by a group of young adults). Below is the rating and an opening quote taken from each review:

• Dargis: ★★ 1/2
  It’s a drag how frequently the stories in feature animations get in the way of the visuals. Such is the case in “The Book of Life.”  
• Moore: ★★★
  “The Book of Life” is a Mexican-accented kids’ cartoon so colorful and unconventionally dazzling it almost reinvents the art form.
• Rotoscopers: ★★★★ 1/2
  For a film based on the premise of death, The Book of Life is very colorful, joyful and positive, which is really the foundation of the Día de los Muertos holiday.

There is nothing wrong with the reviews by Dargis and Moore, and I’m sure many will agree with them. But I could tell from the first sentence of each that neither was a fan of animation. They are certainly more than qualified to view and write about films, but if they don’t actually enjoy these “kids’ cartoons” as a whole, why not find someone who does?

I hope that I will like the film as much as the Rotoscopers did – they actually called it “a must-see for 2014.” And I would like to add to this term: “must-see-for-yourself.” Everyone watches and interprets movie differently, and we all are looking for something different when we go to the theater. The Rotoscopers’ opinions are not better than those of Dargis or Moore, but they are more appealing and relatable to me as they are animation fans.

I could see this film and write a review of it that other animation fans think is crazy. At the end of the day, it’s not the published reviews of a film that determine its success, but the opinions of all those who see it (and pay for it).

Hooray for movies and consumerism!

I spent this morning the way I spend all of my weekday mornings: listening to NPR during my 20 minute commute to campus. One of today’s segments was an installment of The Changing Lives of Women Series. NPR’s Rachel Martin interviewed editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, Joanna Coles.

I’m not personally a subscriber to or even a  reader of the magazine outside of waiting rooms or the check-out line at Wegmans, but Coles’ message really stood out to me. She spoke of the challenges faced by women to be respected in the professional world and having their opinions and interests represented. My favorite quote of the interview was:

“I think that women’s lives are multilayered. I have no problem understanding that women are interested in mascara and the Middle East. Men are allowed to talk about sports relentlessly, and yet we still take them seriously. I don’t understand why women can’t talk about fashion, or sex, or love, or wanting more money and not be taken as seriously as men.”

This statement really connected to me as a young woman who aspires to have a professional career and to do so in my own style. But I also found it relatable to an issue I have encountered many times: the “anti-feminist” Disney Princesses.

There are many, many accounts available on this vast information cornucopia that is the Internet machine that share the popular opinion that the Disney Princesses pose serious threats to the psychology, social skills and gender identities of young girls. Author Peggy Orenstein wrote from this perspective in The New York Times Magazine in December 2006 that she later published in the form of a book entitled Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture.

With all due respect to Orenstein and those who share her opinion, I would like to disagree and present my counterargument. I believe that the Disney Princesses – and other Disney heroines – are positive, wholesome images for young girls. I’d like to address the four key reasons for this:

1. Context. First, let’s look at the context of history, since many of the classic Disney animated films derive from classic fairytales and take place in the past. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, for example, can be placed in the 1400s or 1500s, a time when “scullery maid” was one of the few professions available to young women. Additionally, we need to consider that the film was made in 1937, when most women were stay-at-home wives/mothers and spent their days cooking and cleaning for their families. Snow White acts as this primary caregiver for the dwarves, the way that many real women did for their families. Cinderella echoes a similar sentiment, but she stands up to her oppressive step mothers and sisters, which even in 1950 was acting independently. We need to understand that the Disney Princesses are historical characters, and their stories provide a mirror into what reality was like in their world and in our world at the time the film was made.

2. Evolution. Just as real women have changed over the last century, so have the Disney Princesses. This goes hand in hand with understanding the context of Disney films. I really hope that Orenstein and other anti-Disney Princess preachers have or will watch Tangled, Brave and Frozen to see for themselves that princesses are smart, funny, quirky, courageous and independent. This trend can be seen earlier, notably with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Meg from Hercules and Mulan. One of my personal heroes of media analysis, Colin Stokes has given an excellent Ted Talk about this trend, which is also a popular topic on his blog. Stokes says that the modern Disney Princesses movies not only teach girls about positive attitudes and good role models, but the films teach boys about respecting girls.

3. Humor. When did everyone start to take the dialogue and lyrics of animated Disney films so literally? These fairytales are certainly intended to inspire an audience with magic and pixie dust, but there is always laughter along the way to happily ever after. In some cases, humor is created in poking fun at outdated gender norms. In The Little Mermaid, Ursula the Sea Witch explains to Ariel that she won’t need a voice to make a man fall in love with her because: “The men up there don’t like a lot of blabber; they think a girl who gossips is a bore; yet they dote and swoon and fawn on a lady who’s withdrawn; it’s she who holds her tongue who gets her man.” Obviously, neither Ariel nor the audience is supposed to take this advice seriously because it’s a gross exaggeration meant to make people laugh. We also see the damsel-in-distress allegory mocked in Beauty and the Beast by the bicep-bearing chauvinist, Gaston. When he sees Belle reading he tells her, “It’s not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas and thinking.” Young viewers know that Gaston is the bad guy and that what he is saying is crazy, so much so that it is a joke.

4. Young girls’ opinions. This is arguably the most important point. Millions of children (and children at heart) love and value Disney movies and characters. I grew up watching and loving the Disney Princess films, singing and dancing along, playing dress up and enjoying plenty of merchandise featuring my favorite characters. And I definitely don’t think that I am an anti-feminist or a damsel-in-distress or a pawn in the game of gender ideology. I am an independent thinker and I follow my own thoughts, goals and dreams. To say that a young girl’s desire to wear a sparkly dress makes her automatically succumb to a preconceived gender role insults her opinions as an individual and her right to choose for herself what she likes and how she wants to express herself. If you ask me, that way of thinking is what’s anti-feminist.

During my College Program at Disney World, I spoke to hundreds of little girls (and boys) who were dressed up and eager to meet their favorite Disney Princesses. I loved to ask why a particular princess was their favorite, and I can say with quite certainty that the answer was never, “I like Ariel because she gives up her voice to be with Prince Eric in a clear metaphor of a woman giving up her freedom for a man” or anything along those lines. Instead, the kids would say that they liked that Ariel can swim, sing, dance or have fun with her friends. The Disney Princesses show the values of loyalty, confidence, kindness, hard work, appreciation for music and art, love of animals and dedication to following one’s dreams.

Recently, Disney created the “I Am A Princess” campaign that brings all of this together: 

While some may disagree, I hope that this video can start the conversations that we need to have about equality and empowerment for girls. Whether they want to wear a princess crown or a hockey helmet, girls should have the confidence and comfort to express themselves and to dream big. For me personally, this means that I’ll be happy to wear a graduation cap and a tiara when I get my diploma this spring and follow my ambitions of “adventure in the great wide somewhere…”

A few nights ago, I was babysitting for a family friend. After homework and dinner, the kids and I spent the time learning to draw Pokemon characters, playing Mario Kart and watching a Disney movie. Surprisingly enough, I didn’t actually suggest any of these activities, but I most certainly didn’t object either. The feature film for the evening was the 1997 Walt Disney Animation classic Hercules.

I’ve seen this film dozens of times, but I was happily reminded how much I love the music, the Greek mythology puns and my all-time favorite Disney sidekick, Pegasus. While drastically different from his original myth, this particular rendition of the famous winged-horse is loyal, brave, quirky and entertaining from the minute he’s introduced.

Pegasus is in good company among dozens of other Disney horses. But I find him clearly superior since he can fly, thus making transportation much faster and a lot more fun. Unlike other memorable Disney sidekicks, Pegasus doesn’t speak or sing, but instead pantomimes in order to communicate. This leads to some confusing and ultimately hilarious interactions. Best of all, I would like to credit Pegasus as “the first Disney horse to display dog-like characteristics.” This seemingly bizarre yet successful trend can be seen in recent Disney films including Tangled‘s Maximus and Sven from Frozen.

While he’s clearly a trailblazer (or air-blazer) for modern Disney animated animals, I also appreciate Pegasus for the history and legacy he represents. His myth as the victorious steed is centuries old, but he has also made an appearance in another classic Disney film. We can see an early version of Pegasus among other winged-horses in Walt Disney’s Fantasia:

By the end of the film, I was about ready to start searching for a Pegasus of my very own (sadly “winged-horses” are not available at PetSmart). It’s a little rude of Zeus to say that he was simply made with “A little cirrus, a touch of nimbostratus and a dash of cumulus” when us mere mortals don’t have it that easy.

So, perhaps you could imagine my surprise and absolute joy to see this little friend 
sitting at the end of my driveway the next morning!

It turns out that my mother had found this wooden Pegasus look-a-like at a church sale. A brief background: my mom does this really cool thing that I respect and admire but frankly don’t understand – she buys antiques and vintage decorations to restore or repurpose them (and she blogs about all of it here). Sometimes, she buys terrifying things that belong in a haunted house. But there are times like this that it’s really awesome. Luckily, I saved my new friend from being listed for sale on my mother’s Etsy shop.

Now of course I realize that he’s a little on the small side and he doesn’t have any wings, but I really do like my personal Pegasus. I may even start the ambitious arts and crafts endeavor that would be painting him!

I can’t believe that it’s already October! Overall, it’s a time of year that I really enjoy, as shown below in Pro-Con form:

Pros: pumpkin-flavored everything (including pumpkin cheesecake finally available at the Cheesecake Factory as of yesterday!), actual pumpkins, scarves, beanies, bonfires, beautiful foliage and one of the best holidays, Halloween!

Con: I’m not celebrating in Walt Disney World at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

For an animation nerd like myself, Halloween is the ultimate holiday to bring a favorite animated character to life. And believe me, I have taken full advantage of this opportunity nearly every year so far. This year will be no different, as my Pokemon Officer Jenny costume is already in the works. But I really wish I could celebrate in the ultimate animation-themed event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

This special event is held in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park every year, approximately from September 1 to October 31. I’ve never attended before, but it is at the top of my bucket list!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary celebrates all of Disney’s classic animation characters and stories with a Halloween twist. Most characters dress in costume for the event (Mickey and Minnie shown below), and the park is full of special tricks and treats. In addition to characters and attractions, the event boasts a special parade and Halloween-themed fireworks.

A highlight for many in attendance is the Mix and Mingle with Disney Villains. In the past few years, the villains in classic animated films have become more popular than ever. Halloween is the perfect time to have all of these characters in the parks with guests. These animated characters are larger than life and showcase some of the most creative and memorable artistry and character development. It’s no surprise that they command quite the crowd at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary!

While it’s not exactly easy to scroll through Facebook and Instagram to see dozens of my good friends’ Not-So-Scary adventures, I’ve put my jealousy aside. This special event celebrates everything that is great about Disney animation and encourages the audience to participate with the creative characters and stories. It lets everyone bring animation to life in an innovative and enjoyable way, and I just can’t wait to be a part of it soon!

Yesterday, Walt Disney Animation Studios released the second official trailer for the upcoming film Big Hero 6.

It. Is. Brilliant.

The trailer shows outstanding animation and a first glimpse at the characters and plot. I don’t want to set my expectations too high, but I anticipate loving this film as much as Tangled, Wreck It Ralph, and the almighty Frozen. These three films have become the new “Holy Trinity” in Disney Animation.

As much as I would love to analyze the new Big Hero 6 trailer second by second (meaning I’d get to watch it another 47 times), I think I’ll let the film and you, my friends, know what it’s up against to become one of my top 15 favorite animated films.

15. Despicable Me (2010, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment)

No other film has done such fine merchandising.
And I mean that as a compliment! The minions and fluffy unicorn are adorable and lend themselves so well to being toys, t-shirts, backpacks and more, but they also make for some really funny moments in story.

14. Sleeping Beauty (1959, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

For having backgrounds that are more beautiful than the characters.
This film took Disney longer than was anticipated to produce, and it wasn’t as commercially successful as Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. But, in my opinion, this one comes out on top for its fine details in the animation and the beautiful, painted settings.

13. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, United Feature Syndicate)

Because I’ll never tire of watching the clouds of dirt sync with Pigpen’s singing.
While it’s not a full length film, I would classify this as a movie, and one that my family and I watch every year. It’s charming and funny, and I love a good Christmas movie.

12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, Touchstone Pictures)

Because I also love a good anti-Christmas movie.
I wrote last week about my appreciation for Tim Burton’s storytelling techniques through stop motion animation in this beautiful film. I’ll add that it’s also that its music is excellent!

11. Monsters, Inc. (2001, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios)

For justifying my childhood fears and putting them to rest.
Pixar is almost on another level with the creativity and innovation they apply their storytelling. I just love that no two monsters look or move the same way.

10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009, Sony Pictures Animated and Columbia Pictures)

It’s actually much better than the book.
Don’t get me wrong, the children’s book that inspired this film is very cute, but it really lacked a hero. The film offers many, and presents them in a colorful, cool and quirky world.

9. Fantasia (1940, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Because too many people overlook this masterpiece.
Fantasia was one of Walt Disney’s boldest ideas, and at the time, a lot of people didn’t really get it. But for me, as a musician, seeing the epic music selections brought to life is incredible.

8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988, Studio Ghibli)

Traditional animation at its best.
Studio Ghibli has created dozens of beautiful films over the last few decades, and all of them are hand-drawn. In a world that’s dominated by CGI, My Neighbor Totoro and others stand out for their artistry and tradition.

7. Wreck-It Ralph (2012, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

The film with the best catch phrases.
Before I saw Wreck-It Ralph, I was a nervous that it was too far outside of Disney’s comfort zone to make a film about video games. I’m so glad it proved me wrong. Wreck-It Ralph is clever, funny and heart-warming and displays some of the most creative animation from Disney.

6. Toy Story (1995, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Because it wasn’t about selling toys, even though it did.
I feel especially nostalgic about the Toy Story trilogy since I grew up seeing the films. Toy Story takes our world and shows us a new perspective and an awesome adventure.

5. How to Train Your Dragon (2010, DreamWorks Animation)

Because it made everyone want pet dragons.
This is one of the few movies I’ve seen in the theater in 3D, AND felt that it was worth it. I love that the setting is this old, far away land with mythical creatures, yet it feels so close because of the characters.

4. Frozen (2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Because we will never be able to “let it go.”
Frozen came out on my birthday last year, and I often say that it’s the best present Disney’s ever given me (besides a job). I don’t think anyone can deny that this movie did just about everything right, from the awesome music to character design to the beauty and accuracy of Norway as the setting. Also, I am proud to admit saw it in the theaters three times.

3. Tangled (2010, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Because, yes, I do like it better than Frozen.
As perfect as Frozen is, I don’t think it could’ve happened if Tangled hadn’t paved the way for an outspoken and funny princess. Rapunzel is smart, sweet, fun and I absolutely love the way that she and the other characters move and interact. Bonus: Flynn Rider has some of the most wonderfully sarcastic lines to ever be said in a Disney film.

2. The Little Mermaid (1989, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Still Disney’s best soundtrack and score.
Alan Menken is an absolutely genius, and every musical moment in The Little Mermaid if proof. Each song fits perfectly to the characters and the world. Additionally, the songs actively tell the story instead of just breaking away from the action for the sake of singing. Fun fact: I watched the library VHS of this so many times that I broke it and my mom had to replace it.

1. The Lion King (1994, Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Because it’s the first film I saw in theaters. 
I will always favor The Lion King. At the age of four, I loved that it was about animals. And today, the animation of the animal kingdom still connects and tells an amazing story.

I’ve worn sweaters four days this week, and I’ve had a hot, pumpkin-flavored coffee drink nearly every day. That’s right, it’s autumn, or at least it sure does feel like it. Now, I’m not one to complain, I love fall in Upstate New York. It means apple picking, pumpkin picking, fall foods, Halloween and one of my favorite seasonal animated films: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

This stop motion animated film was released in 1993 by Touchstone Pictures (which is part of The Walt Disney Studios distribution). Stop motion is such a special animation technique, and can be achieved through a variety of approaches. I believe that The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most aesthetically pleasing examples of this style, and its use of memorable music and dark fairy-tale story line has helped it to remain popular today. I’m a very cyclical film watcher, and I know it’s just about time to revisit the movie (and the soundtrack!)

Later this month, we will have the opportunity to see a new stop motion animated film in theaters: The Box Trolls animated and produced by Laika. When I saw the first teaser trailers for The Box Trolls, I was really excited to see the level of detail in the animation. The stop motion is actually 3D for this movie, and I think even in the short previews it looks incredibly colorful and full of depth.

Wired just published this article about Laika’s lead animator, president and CEO, Travis Knight. It’s a great interview, and I was so thankful that Knight put the focus on the studio and the collaboration of everyone involved. He comes across very conscious of Laika’s image and the quality of its films. Knight acknowledges that The Box Trolls (as well as Coraline and ParaNorman) has a niche audience, but he hopes it will appeal to others as well.

The strongest takeaway I had was the craftsmanship and quality of work that went into The Box Trolls. Knight is clearly passionate about his work, and has enthusiasm when discussing this project and what’s next. That passion and attention to detail comes through in this behind-the-scenes video clip:

I have to admit that I’m not completely sold on the plot of this movie just yet. I think it has great potential, and I like the parallels that can be drawn to our society and issues like non-traditional families, adoption and society’s fear of things and people that are different. But I worry that this coming-of-age story may get lost in the over-the-top interpretation of the Victorian-ish era. However, I really think that the marriage of art and technology used to create the film are successful and perfectly quirky. And I’m always up for characters who are monsters-that-aren’t-really monsters (why isn’t that a movie category on Netflix yet?).

Overall, I’m looking forward to this film. How about anyone else?

Happy weekend, everyone! Now go enjoy some mainstream American football and fried food!

This post is indirectly about animation, I promise! However, if you were hoping to read a pure “animation-analysis” (copyright-pending-official-jargon) of mine, check out my post from Wednesday!

There’s something very important to me that I know is going to have a strong influence on this blog. And I feel that it is my duty to you, dear reader, to be transparent with you about this early on. Ready? Okay, here we go.

I am a die-hard Disney fan. 

I’m not even sure if that statement accurately expresses how much I love The Walt Disney Company and everything it creates. I watch a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at least once a week. I own and wear more than ten t-shirts from the children’s department with Disney characters on them. I have two identical Little Mermaid blankets from The Disney Store given to me by two different friends for my twentieth birthday. I almost exclusively sing Disney songs on karaoke nights. The list goes on and on. And I am seriously proud of my commitment.

Now, onto how this may (read: WILL) effect this blog. I am not going to pretend that I don’t love Disney animation more than that of other studios, because I do. Walt Disney Animation Studios films were the first movies I ever watched, so they have a very special place in my heart. In addition to my nostalgia, I think the animation techniques, storytelling elements and overall craftsmanship that goes into every Disney animation is truly top-notch and the company is a trailblazer in the industry. I still appreciate, enjoy and even love films made my other studios, but I don’t think the overall Disney name will ever falter from my number one.

Disney even teaches its animation and illustration at the theme parks! The Magic of Animation and Animation Academy in Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios offer illustration classes where guests can learn to draw their favorite characters. I’ve been several times, and while I’m not the best artist, it gives me so much appreciation for the skill and time that goes into every illustration and animation, and it really is fun!

In addition to being my favorite creator of animation, Disney also happens to be one of my favorite internship experiences. Surprise! I participated in the Disney College Program in the spring of 2013!

I had the best time working in Walt Disney World Resort and meeting other Disney-enthusiasts, many of whom remain my closest friends to this day.

So, to anyone reading who may have heard about this outstanding internship opportunity in the past (like the very sweet sales girl at Gift-ology in Destiny USA who I talked to about this for about twenty minutes yesterday!): APPLY! 

I can’t say enough good things about my experiences in the program, and encourage others to pursue it as well! It really was a dream come true. And it inspires me to continue working hard to achieve my increasingly-ambitious goals.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! I’m sure ABC family will show at least one Disney film between now and Monday, so you all know how I’ll be spending mine.

Some people read the paper or turn on the news every morning to find out what’s going on in the world. Blame my generation, but I typically turn to my homepage for information, updates and inspiration.

Full disclosure: I’m a Google girl. It’s my favorite search engine. I admire the wide variety of online products and services offered by the organization. I believe I’ve also been influenced by the Google New York Offices as well as the organization’s mission and values.

Of the many innovations applied to the search engine, I absolutely love Google Doodles. These images vary from simple additions to the original Google word mark, elegant illustrations, quirky graphics, interactive mini-games and creative animations. You may have already guessed, but it’s the latter that inspired this post.

Today, September 9, 2014, is Leo Tolstoy’s birthday. The Russian writer was responsible for several classic novels, including Anna Karenina and War and Peace. In celebration of what would’ve been Tolstoy’s 186th birthday, today’s Google Doodle displayed an animated slideshow that illustrated some of his most famous works.

I’ve clicked through this Doodle at least twelve times today. The graphics are elegant yet understated, and I love the color scheme. The animation is fairly simple; as you click through the slideshow, the characters and backgrounds rotate and overlap from one to the next, almost as if they were on a wraparound background in an old film. I think this is very effective and entertaining. It even made me consider taking another crack at the Tolstoy’s challenging literature.

I love that this example reminds us that animation doesn’t have to be a full length film or a CGI video game. Animation can be found everywhere. And I certainly look forward to finding it again on Google!

Greetings and salutations! I’m Emily, and I’ll be your tour guide through the adventure that this blog experience is sure to be.

In the real world, I’m a full time graduate student earning a master’s degree in public relations. I work three part time jobs and live with my parents. Such a glamorous life leaves me with limited time to spare, but I use some of that time to watch, research and enjoy animated films, television shows and shorts.

This interest began when I was young. I absolutely adored the films of the “Disney Renaissance.” At the age of seven, I was infamously known to the librarians at our local library as “the girl who broke The Little Mermaid VHS because she watched it too many times.”

Today, not much has changed. I still watch and rewatch animated entertainment more than any other kind. My personal collection of animated films has grown, and it now includes DVDs and Blu-rays. I’ve come to appreciate the art and skill that goes into each and every film, the hundreds of pieces coming together to make a single frame. It’s inspiring, I think it’s one of the most amazing things people can create. It brings movement to art and life to an imagined place.

I am not and artist. I am not a designer. I am not a musical composer or director. I am not a screenwriter. I am not a producer. I am not a voice actor (although this remains a dream job). Chances are, I will not have a career directly in the creation of animated entertainment. But I have this blog, and the opportunity to share my humble thoughts on upcoming films, television series and my personal favorites past and present.

I hope you’ll join me for this endeavor. I’m eager to share my enthusiasm, opinions and hopefully some humor along the way!

To close this post, I’d like to suggest the newest video released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is the first clip from the upcoming Big Hero 6. Disney revealed the clip at the close of the televised special “The Making of Frozen” on the ABC Network on Tuesday, September 2. This is sure to be one of the biggest animated movies this fall, and it comes to theaters on November 7.

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!