Last updated on April 23, 2010
Over on Cartoon Brew, Amid posted a still frame from the new Looney Tunes show that was designed by Ottawa’s own Jessica Borutski. Well, as expected, the comments lit up with fear and horror. You can read all about it here.
(Editor’s note: Jess is an amazing designer and one of our top talents, the reaction on Cartoon Brew is typical and not unexpected. With characters of this iconic stature, any attempt to update or alter them is seen by a very vocal contingent as pretty much blasphemy. This is the internet, so we get to hear all about it)
Jess herself posted about the experience handling these iconic characters over on her blog. Here’s that link.
I have to say, despite being a friend of the editor and of this site…I find the crafting of this article rather vexing. I know this was not your intent, but the way you have worded “…designed by Ottawa’s own Jessica Borutski. Well, as expected, the comments lit up with fear and horror.” To those that wouldn’t know better, it could be interpreted you’re throwing a top talent under the bus. I understand through reading Jessica’s blog that she has gotten a kick out of the negative comments…but I don’t think this is the way we want to spotlight one of our own.
Jess is one of the top talents in our industry, and it really bothers me that loose words like this may be damaging. Am I being super anal? …most likely. But having worked with a number of studio execs…I know how easily influenced many can be, particularly when there’s a high profile brand involved.
I’ve seen a tone of Jess’ work and all of it is stellar. There’s a reason why she’s so saught after. Can we at least make note of this???
…guess I just did.
Sorry, maybe I’m just old and crabby, but that’s my two cents. I just think this is really wrong.
Well, I’ve yet to read the blog or other posts, but from what I see here, I must say I like it. Retro, but still up to date. I’m actually looking forwars to it now 😀
Yeah, you’re old and crabby Craig, but you do make a valid point. I made assumptions that my readers would instantly grab the subtext of the post. Lazy writing on my part. Jess is a fantastic designer, one of the best around, that’s why she was given this job. As job’s go, it’s a plum. But at the same time, Jessica is doomed to be raked over the coals no matter what. This type of character is so iconic, any attempt to alter their design is looked upon as blasphemy by a very vocal segment of fandom and professionals alike. Jess expected it. She’s somewhat amused by it. We spoke about this very topic a few weeks back. She absolutley knew it was coming. So did I. I shouldn’t expect you, the reader, to be armed with that same expectation. I only gave you half the conversation in this instance, and for that, I apologize. Thank you Craig.
I am glad that Jessica is taking this all in stride. the sign of a true pro! I think the style is fine and would expect the animation to be great as well. The story outline makes me cringe to no end but that is only the fault of the studio not the artists. Good on Jessica!
Haha…thanks Mike. You’re doing our community an enormous favour with this site, so I hope you didn’t take offense to my concern. Again, I know it’s not at all what you intended.
Now if I could just convince Jessica to do some design work for us, all would be well with the world!
Cheers,
Craig