I like getting stuff int he mail. It's so rare now. But today i received two excellent packages. Firstly, there was a package from Bill Plympton! ( yaay) which contained an original animation sketch from his new movie "Cheatin' " as well a a colour print from a scene in the film. I pitched in to the kickstarter and this was one of the perks. I've been a fan of Mr. Plymptons since highschool when my Grandfather gave me a book on caricatures that featured his work. Then in college i discovered his films "Your Face", "How to Kiss" and others and always loved his style and the humour is very much up my alley. You should check out his Vimeo page where he has uploaded many behind the scenes and making of videos for his film. Also now that the film is finished I'll get to see it at this years TAAFI festival. If you are near or at least a quick drive to Toronto in June i highly recommend checking this out. Definitely looking forward to that.

Package #2 contained an ACME animation punch from Lightfoot ltd. It even comes with a little screw driver for adjustments! I've been wanting one of thee for a while and finally bit the bullet and got one. Very excited to be punching some regular paper and magically transforming it into ANIMATION PAPER. ( Oooh! AHHHH!) I used to buy animation paper Chromacolour in Calgary, AB, but they seem to have disappeared, so this will at least make sure i can still animate on paper in the future. Also i have some ideas for water colours and inks i'd like to try and this will allow me to punch different kinds of paper and experiment with that. I'll post some more about that over the summer.

So yaay for exciting animation mail! 
Pictures below... i have no idea why they are upside down. They aren't upside down in the jpegs on my desktop... and i can't seem to change them here. Weird.

I finally managed to get my submission in for the inaugural TAAFi art book in Sunday night. I was hoping to have more time to do some original art specifically for the book but it's a mix of art from my various projects with some new doodles instead. At least it's something though. I look forward to seeing how it all turns out and everyone else's entries. 
If you want to get your copy of the book they will be available through TAAFi during the festival. more info here:  TAAFI link

er...I'm on Twitter i meant to say. I'm not yet sure what to do with it. I'm planning on posting weekly sketches and thought relating to animation and silly things. I think it would be a good work out for the creative brain. We shall see but if you are curious FOLLOW ME! @brycehallett on twitter (you can click the link on the top right of the page). In the meantime....the count down is on to finish my submission to the TAAFI art book. ( Toronto Animated Arts Festival International)  If you haven't submitted your art , illustration or cartoon to the inaugural TAAFI art book you have until midnight tonight! Get drawing!
cheers
-Bryce