Jim Zubkavich - Udon Entertainment

Jim Zubkavich gave an Animex talk on his digital art North American based company "Udon" who amongst other clients have worked with DC Comics, Marvel and Capcom especially with the Street Fighter franchise.

  Their works are heavily stylised digital paintings used in marketing and concept within the games/film Industry and recently printed "art of " books. His artists on payroll span the globe and for this reason has a 24 hour workforce. Jim mentioned how the obvious language barriers and distance take a toll on business relationships however the increased work flow through a 24/7 team outweighs these limitations. Examples of Udon's prints can be found through udoncrew.deviantart.com/art


Their works are predominantly although not entirely Anime in style due to the extent of the Japanese market they work with.  Jim's talk was inspiring to all of those looking for careers in the digital animation and art industries, he  explained how being persistent when approaching companies is extremely important to being known in the industry and to showing improvement in your Showreel/Portfolio.  Here are a few other key bullet points he shed light on :

• If you are dedicated you "CAN" get there.
• This chance won't be your last.
• There's no fixed point in life you will succeed at. 
• A creative job brings with it enormous fulfilment and an ever-changing outlook.   

Overall Jim's talk was exhilarating and gave me a fresh and more relaxed outlook on employment in the digital arts. His company Udon was mentioned to be looking for new artists so any budding matte painters or digital artists should apply. http://www.udonentertainment.com/blog/

I myself dabble and hope to get more experienced in the field.