May 10th Salon Talk at CTN Studio with Comic Artist and Naturalist Chris Chan
Stepping outside, isn’t just an exercise — it is a place speaking to you and through you without rules, restrictions or force - a place where ideas live quietly waiting to be found. Other artists who have stepped away from their writing pad, computer or drawing table to go outside have given permission to life to share its' magic with them include legendary names like Hayao Miyazaki, David Lynch, Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, Chris Compiet, Lewis Carroll, Georgia O’Keefe, Ansel Adams, Monet, Mike Nguyen, Aaron Blaise, A.A. Milne and Brian Froud to name only a few — and you can too.
Chris attended Art Center College of Design nd the Children's Book Academy. She is a Comic Creator and Recreation Leader at the Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank who has carved a unique path that bridges creative expression and environmental stewardship. There is some wonderful synergy here with her passion for art, nature and life. As a naturalist, Chris interprets the natural wonders for the community and many of her comic ideas are inspired by nature. She also advocates for artists to spend time in nature to recharge and gain creative inspiration + imagination.
I invite you to come by CTN Studio to hear more and get a sneak peek into upcoming CTN Artist Hikes in Burbank and the new CTN Creative Wellness Series for artists in the Visual Storytelling Community. RSVP and let's start this journey to recharge our creativity!!
Free and open to all CTN and Teen CTN Club Members (Join Club CTN Free https://app.joinit.com/o/clubctn)
May 17 CTN Chat and Sketch: Brian Mainolfi - Resources, Reference & Research for Animation
Pull up a chair and join us for another relaxed, inspiring and informative gathering at CTN Studio!
In this edition of CTN Salon Talk, we’re welcoming TV Animation Director and Story Artist, Brian Mainolfi, for an open conversation about the essential resources and reference tools
animators and visual storytellers rely on to help bring their stories to life.
From favorite books and websites to photo archives and visual databases, we’ll dive into the endless ways today’s creatives gather inspiration and fuel their projects. Whether you're deep in production, developing personal work, or just curious about where to start, this is your chance to share your go-to research habits, pick up new ones, and connect with fellow artists in an intimate, casual setting while sketch from a live model.
Free and open to all CTN and Teen CTN Club Members (Join Club CTN Free https://app.joinit.com/o/clubctn)
May 24 MasterClass Part 1: Directing Animator Michal Makarewicz
MICHAL MAKAREWICZ is a multi-Award winning, former 20 year Pixar Veteran; former Head of Animation Spire Studios, current Skydance Lead Animator.
- May 24th Masterclass Part 1 (only) - 10am -7pm
- Regular Price $250.00 (9 hours total)
- 50% off for Club CTN Members Using Code CTN50 - $125.00
- 1-Day Basic Ticket to CTNX25 Included
VISIT PAGE FOR DETAILS: https://ctn-events.com/event-michal-makarewicz
Open to all CTN and Teen CTN Club Members (Join Club CTN Free https://app.joinit.com/o/clubctn)
May 31 CTN Coffee Talk: Andreas Deja Ask Me Anything
An Intimate Conversation with a Legend of Animation
Join us at CTN Studio for an intimate and relaxed Coffee Talk with legendary Disney animator Andreas Deja, best known for bringing iconic characters like Scar, Jafar, Gaston, and Hercules to life and his award winning film "Mushka". In this open-format Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Andreas invites you to sit down, sip some coffee, and ask him anything — from his early days learning under the Nine Old Men, to his thoughts on the future of hand-drawn animation, mentoring or the stories behind your favorite scenes.
Whether you're a student or a professional this is your chance to gain real insight, hear behind-the-scenes tales, and engage in an authentic, unscripted conversation with one of the greats as we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Bring your curiosity, your sketchbook, and your questions — and be ready for a truly inspiring experience.
Free and open to all CTN and Teen CTN Club Members (Join Club CTN Free https://app.joinit.com/o/clubctn)
August 23 CTN Coffee Talk: Writer and Director Stephen Anderson Ask Me Anything
Stay tuned for more information!