Artist of the Day: Romney Caswell

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
PRIMARY MEDIA: Digital [Photoshop], pencils, erasers, pens, markers
EDUCATION:

Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm [grades k-12 included arts-heavy curriculum]
CalArts [character animation, left in 2009]
MAJOR PROJECTS:
StoryBots world development [JibJab]
Lead designer on Clarence, seasons 1 and 2 [Cartoon Network]
WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE PIECE OF ARTISTIC ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED, AND FROM WHO?
I’ve always liked this Jim Jarmusch quote: “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery–celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: ‘It’s not where you take things from–it’s where you take them to.'” Whoa, quote within quote, dope. I think this advice might be especially good for animation artists. Surround yourself with people smarter than you — and go outside.