Animation for Cartoonists Workshop in Vermont

Finally! Putting words together with pictures is an odd mix. When you tell someone you are cartoonist, they start talking about animation. If you tell them you make comics, they think you make funny-ha-ha jokes in a smoky, dim nightclub. This summer, CCS is holding its first workshop on animation led by the incredible Scott Dikkers and Jennifer Shiman. Who has the last laugh now?

Scott Dikkers made his first marks in a college newspaper with his Jim’s Journal comics in 1991, the very slice-of-life comics that inspired Diary of a Wimpy Kid. His quirky sense of humor could not be contained by the panel and he went on to be the founding editor of The Onion, a satirical local newspaper that has transformed into a national tabloid and even website full of faux news reports. Returning back to the pen and paper, Dikkers currently creates animated cartoons for all audiences and has returned to The Center for Cartoon Studies, not as a visiting artist but a workshop instructor! From August 14-19, a lucky group of workshop students are learning about designing characters that can move and act, foley art (sound design) and how to make a gag work.

A scene from Ape Trouble, a 6 minute animation by Dikkers

Also teaching in White River is Jennifer Shiman, known as the infamous creator of 30 Second Bunnies Theater, which debuted in 2004. Armed with a frisky group of long-eared hoppers and less than a minutes on the clock, Shiman’s recreated everything from Alien to Christmas Vacation to Saw and Superbad.  She brings with her vast knowledge of Flash animation and impeccable timing.

A scene from the 30 second version of Twilight.

Wish you had made it out to White River Junction for our summer workshops? Never fear, keep your eyes peeled on our main page next spring to sign up early for the workshops!

–Jen Vaughn