Hexjibber's Blog

Hexjibber @ Thought Bubble Convention!

2010-11-19T16:54:00.004Z

Come along to Thought Bubble Convention Saturday 20th November, where I will be doing some giant Hexjibber Colouring and selling Hexjibber goodies. Plus loads more self-published and published comic dudes, cosplay and shenanigans. 10:00 am - 17:00 Savilles Hall, Leeds. For tickets click here and directions click here.

See you there!
A.

Black Metal Threadless Design

2010-11-16T23:27:00.001Z

Hi dudes,
I had whim recently, that it would be fun to make a really evil looking Black Metal t-shirt, with a nice friendly slogan. So, I made one. You can see it below and vote for it to get printed on Threadless. If it gets enough votes, they'll print it, otherwise I'll print it myself!

Score this design: "Let's Be Black Metal Friends!," to help it get printed on Threadless!

A.

Hexjibber @ Handmade Nation

2010-11-13T15:41:00.003Z

Join us on Sunday 14th November at A Nation of Shopkeepers to celebrate the indie craft spirit, at an event jam-packed full of art & craft fun and frolics with a whole heap of fab folk *plus* your chance to see the amazing documentary Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design, directed by Faythe Levine.

The fun kicks off at 4pm and it is all TOTALLY FREE, so why not come and spend the afternoon with us, make some new friends, learn some crafty skills and get ahead with your christmas shopping, all whilst enjoying a nice drink from the bar! Spread the word and you will get big craftsville love points, and if you have some mad craft skills you want to share then why not drop us a line.

Come and get creative:

Folding fun with origami ninja Kirsty Ware
Zine making with our very own Helen (Memo)
Learn how to make gift tages and suffolk puff brooches with the Buns & Roses WI crew
Colouring in Hexjibber stylee!

Buy lovely things from:

Memo
Fox Bunting
Finest Imaginery
Hexjibber
Buns & Roses

Handmade Nation is being screened as part of the Cinema Versa strand of the 24th Leeds International Film Festival, which includes a whole heap of fab documentaries under the banner Human Rights and Underground Voices. Topics this year include the disturbing infringement of surveillance society on individual privacy, the problems of sustainability and waste in the food industry and an entertaining history of the peace movement. Plus Music on Film captures a diverse array of musical styles through some of the best contemporary documentaries: from world music to hip-hop, classical to the illegal rave scene, soul/funk and the search for the legendary Sly Stone.

Hexjibber Motion Comic Workshop @ Thought Bubble 2010

2010-11-08T10:14:00.005Z

Check out the flyer for details of the Hexjibber Motion Comic Workshop at Thought Bubble 2010, plus Dr. Simpo' Superhero Laboratory. Thursday 18th November 17:00- 19:00.

Both workshops are free, just e-mail thoughtbubbleinfo@googlemail.com to sign up.

Bradford Big Draw Contributions

2010-10-24T17:36:00.003+01:00

Hi All!
I had a great time at Bradford Big Draw on 14th and 23rd October. We got some great contributions, which you can see below. We had one FriiSpray setup and a Wacom tablet, both feeding live into the BBC Big Screen in Centenary Square. Thanks to everyone who came down and contributed!

14th October
(click pic to see gallery)

23rd October
(click pic to see gallery)

A.

Leeds Light Night Video 2010

2010-10-20T11:12:00.002+01:00

Hi there!
I've just finished editing the video from my Leeds Light Night Event, "Hexjibber's Consequences Game", which you can see below. I have also embedded the full video of the public's contributions.

Bradford Animation Festival Ident 2010

2010-10-15T16:34:00.004+01:00

Hi All,
I was commissioned to create the ident for this year's Bradford Animation Festival, with illustrator Tom Woolley. I produced the animation, based on Tom's illustrations and storyboards. It was a really fun project to work on and a nice chance to animate lots of exploding things and transformations:) I made the whole thing in Flash and created the sound effects myself.

The festival runs 9-13 Nov 2010 at The National Media Museum in Bradford. Get your tickets for it here. Check the ident out below:

Leeds Light Night 2010 Contributions

2010-10-12T16:56:00.003+01:00

Hi There,
Thanks to everyone how came to "Hexjibber's Consequences Game" at Leeds Light Night last week. Below you can see the movie that went out on the BBC Big Screen and the Flickr collections of all the contributions from both screens. We got some great stuff:

Screen A:

Screen B

Hexjibber Workshop @ Big Draw Bradford 14th & 23rd Oct

2010-10-11T13:57:00.005+01:00

Hi,
I've got two drop-in workshops in Bradford coming up in October on 14th and 23rd using FriiSpray and the BBC Big Screen. Check out the clip below to hear me talking about the workshops on BBC Radio Leeds. I've also included all the details below:

1. Big Draw Bradford - Digital Draw Drop In

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 , 4pm - 7pm
Ever wanted to try your hand at spray painting? Why not come down and use FRII SPRAY with artist Andy Sykes. You can digitally spray your work on to an imaginary graffiti wall and have it shown live onto the Big Screen in Centenary Square. Other activities inclued painting Etch-A-Sketch and lots more

FREE

2. Big Draw Bradford- Digital Draw Drop In Take 2

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 , 12pm - 4pm
Andy Sykes will be offering a second session of FRII SPRAY, all the fun of spray painting without the mess! Come and join us - this is your chance to see your work displayed on the Big Screen in Centenary Square. Lots of other activities as well
FREE

Upcoming Hexjibber Events

2010-10-04T14:57:00.009+01:00

Hi again,
Here is a list of upcoming Hexjibber events in October and November. Starting with Light Night this Friday.

1. Light Night

Fri, 8th Oct 2010 , 6pm - 11pm

Come along to my Light Night event, "Hexjibber's Consequences Game", on Friday 8th October, from 6pm-11pm, Millenium Square, Leeds. The event will be similar to last year, using FriiSpray in the window of Ha Ha Bar in Millenium Square. The twist this year is that members of the public will be asked to draw a picture based on a sequence of 4 titles.

Once upon a time...
When Suddenly...
Then Things Got Interesting...
And They Lived Happily Ever After!

After which, the sequence will begin again, creating a constantly evolving, looping narrative, which builds as more people contribute. The pictures will be shown in a slideshow on the BBC Big Screen, which is directly above Ha Ha Bar. This year I intend to use 2 FriiSpray setups to facilitate more people taking part.

Come along on Friday 8th October, from 6pm-11pm, Millenium Square, Leeds to check it out. For more on Light Night Leeds, check out the website.

2. Big Draw Bradford - Digital Draw Drop In

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 , 4pm - 7pm
Ever wanted to try your hand at spray painting? Why not come down and use FRII SPRAY with artist Andy Sykes. You can digitally spray your work on to an imaginary graffiti wall and have it shown live onto the Big Screen in Centenary Square. Other activities inclued painting Etch-A-Sketch and lots more

FREE

3. Big Draw Bradford- Digital Draw Drop In Take 2

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 , 12pm - 4pm
Andy Sykes will be offering a second session of FRII SPRAY, all the fun of spray painting without the mess! Come and join us - this is your chance to see your work displayed on the Big Screen in Centenary Square. Lots of other activities as well
FREE

4. Hexjibber Motion Comic Workshop @ Thought Bubble

Thu, 18th Nov 2010 , 5pm - 7pm Impressions Gallery, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1SD. Ages 12 to 18 and families.

Hexjibber Motion Comic Workshop.
Make your very own motion comic with Hexjibber and FriiSpray, the virtual graffiti wall! Come along and draw 4 comic panels using FriiSpray and have your ideas animated into a motion comic! The results will be instantly uploaded to Thought Bubble's Youtube channel for the world to see. 17:00 - 19:00 Impressions Gallery, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1SD. Ages 12 to 18 and families. For directions click here

Plus!

Dr Simpos Superhero Design Laboratory.
Come and join the Doctor in his ideas laboratory and learn how to go about creating your very own superhero! Factfiles, backgrounds, history and all in the Doctor Simpo way. You can even stay and use your superhero as part of the Hexjibber Motion comic! Plus, bonus booty for best superhero designs! 17:00 - 18:00 Impressions Gallery, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1SD. Ages 12 to 18 and families. For directions click here

Hexjibber in Pixelate Exhibition

2010-09-27T17:05:00.005+01:00

Hi,
I 've got some work in a great exhibition in Trafford in Manchester! My film Stupid Table, copies of the The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book and Pixelate Text Art animations are on show. See the blurb below:

Empowering Communities Through New Technology - Pixelate 2006-10

An exciting exhibition of creative community media projects from across the Greater Manchester region.

Features documentary video, portrait photography, short films, animation, video projections and much more,
all made by the varied communities of Greater Manchester and associated artists including: Richard Ramchurn,
Johan Oldekop, Kim Wiltshire, Mark Haig, Andy Sykes, Kavyasiddhi Mulvey, Luke Marsh, Mat Johns, TheBox.TV & Peopleprint

Saturday 18th September - Saturday 16th October 2010

FREE ENTRY

Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF

You can find out more about us by visiting www.trafford.gov.uk

Hexjibber Anti-Revision Book

2010-09-04T16:05:00.003+01:00

Hi Blog Humans,
I have started work on the follow up to my hilarious self published book, The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book, titled "The Hexjibber Anti-Revision Book".

It will have plenty of colouring and activities, just like the first book, but based around the subjects we were all forced to cram for in school. From Languages, to Sciences, Geography, History, through to Maths, they will all get the absurd Hexjibber treatment.

See below for one of the 1st completed pages in the Product Design section:

A.

Flash CS5 Video Lessons

2010-09-04T15:55:00.002+01:00

Hi!

I've been working on some free video tutorials for Flash CS5. You can see the first seven here, covering The Interface, Symbols, Classic Tweens, Easing, Guides, Masks and Colour Effects. See below for Lesson 1.

Click here for more.

A.

Hexjibber Colouring App

2010-09-04T15:39:00.006+01:00

Hi,
I have recently had the pleasure of working with web developer, artist, co-creator of FriiSpray and techno-dude Richard Garside on an App for smart phones, iPad and desktop web browsers, based on my fantastic self-published book, The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book. It is in the alpha stage at the moment, so won't be ready for a bit, but it is already working brilliantly and looking wicked.

So watch this space and you should soon be able to colour on your iPod Touch, iPhone, Android phone and web browser soon! For details on how Richard is creating the App, using Multi-touch and Canvas tags, check out his blog.

A.

Light Night 2010

2010-09-04T15:08:00.010+01:00

Hi again,
I have been preparing for my event at Light Night Leeds 2010 this week. Check out the flyer below.

The event will be similar to last year, using FriiSpray in the window of Ha Ha Bar in Millenium Square. The twist this year is that members of the public will be asked to draw a picture based on a sequence of 4 titles.

Once upon a time...
When Suddenly...
Then Things Got Interesting...
And They Lived Happily Ever After!

InspirEd and BAF Ident

2010-09-04T14:28:00.012+01:00

Hi Blog Dudes,

Here's what I have been up to lately. I recently created an animated sting for InspirEd, which you can see below. InspirEd deliver creative workshops for schools, youth clubs and community centres, specialising in film making, photography and digital media. I've even done some workshops for them myself!

I have created the animated ident for this year's Bradford Animation Festival, with illustrator Tom Wooley. You'll have to wait until the festival in November to see it, but see below for a still sneek peek. It involves a lot of anime whooshing, giant lizard transformation and explodiness. Details about the festival can be found here.

A.

Photos from Drawing Time 31.07.10

2010-08-02T11:45:00.009+01:00

Hi!
Thanks to everyone who came to Drawing Time! at Leeds Corn Exchange on Saturday. It was a really fun event to take part in. It was great to meet all the other artists and see what they came up with. I had to draw an A0 sized picture in 44 mins and 12 seconds. I chose to depict my own personal history of the building in my drawing. You can see my finished contribution below. You can see the rest of the contributions here. The show will be up in The Corn Exchange until September 10th. Check out the Art In Unusual Spaces page for more events like this. More photos and videos from them here.

Here is a video from the Art In Unusual Spaces site:

Hexjibber @ Drawing Time Saturday 31st July!

2010-07-20T12:20:00.007+01:00

Hi Dudes!
I am taking part in an awesome drawing event called Drawing Time, in Leeds Saturday 31st July @ The Corn Exchange 2-3pm. It's organised by Art In Unusual Spaces, who have been curating a series of visual art exhibitions, installations and curiosities in shop units across Leeds city centre.
I am charged with drawing for 44mins and 12 secs, which should be a fun challenge! Check out the blurb below for details and I hope to see you there!:

Art in Unusual Spaces is hosting a live drawing event to take place in the magnificent Corn Exchange in Leeds on Saturday 31st July 2pm – 3pm. The event aims to bring together a number of artists who draw, ranging from traditional to experimental approaches to the medium, in a fun hour-long event that will hopefully broaden the public’s understanding and experience of drawing and contemporary art practice.

The plan is to make use of the circular structure of the Corn Exchange by having 46 pieces of A0 paper displayed on the first-floor doors (currently on exhibition ‘Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained’ by Amelia Crouch see Flickr for documentation). Each piece of paper will eventually have a drawing by a different artist. The ‘live’ element is that all the drawings will be done in the space at an hour-long event that the public can watch.

Furthermore, some parameters will be set for the drawing. The position in the building where your work will eventually hang will dictate how much time artists will get to make your drawing. That is, if positioned at 2 o’clock they will get 5 minutes to make a drawing and positioned at 10’o clock there will be 50 minutes.

It is hoped that this playful approach will highlight the joyous nature of drawing and allow an accessible entrance-point for the public into techniques and styles that they may normally be put off by. It will also be a great opportunity to bring together lots of interesting artists to discuss a medium with such a broad field and be an exciting social event.

More Hexjibber Press Coverage

2010-07-06T14:09:00.006+01:00

Check out this great bit of coverage for The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book in Aquila, which is a wonderful magazine for children.

More to come!
A.

Hexjibber Colouring Press Coverage

2010-06-29T21:11:00.006+01:00

Hi there!
Check out the first bits of coverage from my recent publicity campaign, for my self-published book The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book. Primary Times, which has a huge distribution, was kind enough to feature my book in both its Midlands and Derby editions this month. The book is available at Amazon. More coverage to come!

Click on thumbnails to enlarge:

A.

InspirEd Plasticine Animation Workshop 11th August

2010-06-15T17:49:00.004+01:00

Hi All,
I'll be the Animation Artist at InspirEd's Plasticine Animation Workshop on August 11th @ Rodillian School in Leeds. Click on the flyer above for more info.
A.

Hexjibber Press Release

2010-06-01T16:03:00.003+01:00

Hi,
If you came to my page via a press release, check out the viral adverts for my colouring book below:

You can get your copy today by clicking on the button below:

City Uni Viral

2010-05-28T18:27:00.004+01:00

Hi!
Last week I finished a commission for City University London, directed and animated by me, with illustrations by Dr. Simpo. It uses a mix of Flash animation and a live storyboarding technique. The video is to mark the launch of the new Masters in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership from City University London. It was produced with Claremont Communications. See the results below:

A.

BAF 2010 Ident & Stuff

2010-05-03T18:13:00.005+01:00

Hi,
Here's an update on all things Hexjibber.

I am currently working on the ident for the Bradford Animation Festival 2010, with illustrator Tom Wooley. Check his blog out here.

It's going to involve a giant lizard man and lots of whooshing and exploding!

On that subject, I am currently working on a little viral tribute to Marvel vs Capcom, using my characters. Is going to be very silly:) See screen shot below.

That's all for now. Cheerio!

Video and Pics from Hexjibber's FriiSpray and Flash Workshop

2010-04-12T11:34:00.007+01:00

Hi,
Thanks to everyone who came to my FriiSpray and Flash workshop @ Leeds Young People's Film Festival 2010 . We made 4 great animations in the session, which you can see below. Click on the picture above for all the FriiSpray contributions.

Many thanks to the FriiSpray guys for letting me use their invention and everyone that took part!

A.

Photos from Colouring @ Leeds Young Film Fest 2010

2010-04-06T17:02:00.004+01:00

Thanks to everyone who came to Hexjibber Colouring @ The Light, as part of Leeds Young People's Film Festival. Check out the photos here.

Hexjibber @ Leeds Young People's Film Festival

2010-03-24T16:18:00.007Z

This year Andy Sykes aka "Hexjibber" is putting on two super exciting workshops for Leeds Young People's Film Festival in April!

Tuesday 6th April 1-3pm: Hexjibber Colouring in Leeds Light Shopping Centre. Free to all.

Thursday 8th April 10am - 4pm: Hexjibber Interactive Animation and Flash Workshop, @ Leeds Film Academy in Leeds Town Hall. Draw your creation using Friispray in the morning and learn to animate it the afternoon using Flash. Free, but you have to book tickets here, or call 0113 247 8398.

Hope see you there!

A.

Hexjibber 2010 Showreel

2010-03-22T20:31:00.002Z

Hi!
Check out my new showreel for my animation work here, or click on the video above.
If you want to comission some animation from me, get in touch at andy@hexjibber.com

A.

Hexjibber Bursts Into Live Action For New Ad

2010-03-16T13:53:00.004Z

Check out the new advert for The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book here. It is a parody of the pretentious testimonial ads you get for toothpaste and yoghurts. Many thanks to Jamie Evans for starring (see his terrifying films here) - and Matt Baldwinson for the excellent cheesy music.

The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book is available on Amazon (UK, US, Germany, France, Japan)

Enjoy!

A.

Stupid Table Bristol Screening

2010-02-26T13:40:00.004Z

Hi all,
My BAF award winning short, Stupid Table will be screening at Show Me the Animation's bi-monthly animation night at The Hen and Chicken, in Bristol on Tuesday 2nd March, 7pm- 10pm. I'll be attending, and introducing my film. I'll see you there! Full details below:

Date: Tuesday 2nd March 2010
Venue: Upstairs at the Hen and Chicken, 210 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1JF. 0117 9663143
Doors open from 7pm- 10pm (Film screening between 7.30- 8.30pm)
Screening wise we have the pleasure of showing this years' Bristol based Bafta award winning animated short- MOTHER OF MANY- and have director Emma Lazenby come along and introduce the film. Plus the other nominees.

2nd Hexjibber Colouring Ad Online!!!

2010-01-31T13:25:00.003Z

Hi!
Check out the 2nd exciting advert for my self published colouring book, available on Amazon (UK, US, Germany, France, Japan)!!! This one is more METAL!
You can see the 1st one here.

Yay!

A.

Hexjibber vs Simpo Showreel

2009-12-17T19:12:00.002Z

Hi!
Fellow animator Dr Simpo and I have created a shared showreel for our animation work. Check it out below:

Doctor Simpo Vs Hexjibber Showreel from Andy Sykes on Vimeo.

Special Glue @ Animated Exeter 2010!

2009-12-15T17:22:00.005Z

Hi,
My film, Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected for inclusion in the Screen Out Loud programme @ Animated Exeter 2010 and is in competition for the Independent Talent Award.

Special Glue and Other Stories will screen at the festival on Saturday 13th February. More info at the festival website.

A.

New Hexjibber Colouring Book Ad!!!

2009-12-07T11:47:00.004Z

Hi!
Check out the exciting new advert for my self published colouring book, available on Amazon (UK, US, Germany, France, Japan)!!!

Ideal for Christmas!

A.

Thought Bubble 2009 Photos

2009-11-23T13:22:00.002Z

Hi!
Thanks to everyone who came down to Thought Bubble on Saturday. I had a great time and sold lots of books. See you all next year! Click on the photo above to see the photos.

A.

Hexjibber @ Thought Bubble Convention

2009-11-20T15:35:00.003Z

Hi!
I'll be @ Thought Bubble Convention tomorrow, with my giant colouring in and selling my books. Come along! Details here.

A.

Stupid Table Wins Shorts Shorts Award @ BAF09!

2009-11-15T13:26:00.005Z

Great news to report!
My film "Stupid Table" won the award for Best Short Short at The Bradford Animation Festival 2009 last night. I had a great night at the awards ceremony and spoke to a lot of interesting people. Big thanks to the festival organisers for putting my film on and the jury for selecting it! The award is now sitting proudly on my mantle piece:)
A.

Stupid Table @ BAF! 09

2009-11-11T15:29:00.001Z

Hi there!
"Stupid Table" has been selected for screening at The Bradford Animation Festival 2009, in the Short Shorts category. The festival runs from 11th-14th November and Stupid Table will screen on Thu, 12 Nov 10:30 and Fri, 13 Nov 15:00. See baf.org.uk for more details. I'll be at the festival on Sat 14th for the awards. See you there!
A.

Hexjibber @ Flip Anim Fest!

2009-11-03T11:18:00.004Z

Hi!
Special Glue and Other Stories is screening at the Flip Animation Festival, in the Light House, Wolverhampton, Saturday 7th November 2009, 9.45 – 11.00am, in the "Open Shorts 2" programme. More info here.

I'll be at the festival all of Saturday, if you want to say hello.

A.

Light Night 2009 Film Uploaded!

2009-10-16T18:33:00.004+01:00

Hi!
Here's a short film documenting my event at Leeds Light Night 2009!

Photos of the event
Animation from BBC Big Screen
FriiSpray contributions

Light Night Animation 2009!

2009-10-13T23:57:00.004+01:00

Hi!
Here's the finished animation from Light Night 2009, which I created on the fly, with people's FriiSpray contributions. A video of the event will follow in the next few days.

A.

Friispray contributions uploaded!

2009-10-11T21:23:00.005+01:00

Click on the image above to look at the drawings contributed by the public, via Friispray on Light Night 2009.

The animation and video of the evening will follow next week.

A.

Light Night Photos

2009-10-10T18:41:00.013+01:00

Hi,
Hexjibber's Interactive Animation, last night was great success! Thanks to everyone who came along and everyone who helped me put the event on. Click on the picture above for photos from the event. More photos to come. The animation and a video of the night will be available at some point next week.

A.

Hexjibber Colouring and Monsters @ Light Night 2009!!!

2009-10-07T16:21:00.005+01:00

Hi!
Yes, Light Night 2009 is nearly upon us. On top of his Interactive Animation event in Millennium Square, Hexjibber's presence will also be felt at 2 other events on the night.

1.Free Light Night’s Monsters! Which I did the illustrations for.
Pavilion, Saw Mill Yard,
Holbeck Urban Village, LS11 5WH
5.30 - 10pm

and

2. ‘Wonkaland’: raisetheroof . Where there will some Hexjibber Giant Colouring in.
The West Indian Centre,
Chapel Town, LS7 3AJ
9pm – 5am / £8.50 Entry

Hexjibber @ Light Night 2009!

2009-09-14T12:52:00.005+01:00

Friday October 9th @ Ha! Ha! Bar 6pm - 11pm

Following the success of his Interactive Animation at last year’s Light Night, Andy ‘Hexjibber’ Sykes returns with an interactive animation in Millennium Square’s Ha! Ha! Bar.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to contribute images for an interactive animation, using an infra red spray can, called “Frii Spray”.

Frii Spray uses a Wii Remote, a laptop and a projector to create a virtual spray wall. Frii Spray will be set up in a ground floor window of Ha! Ha! Bar, allowing passers by to virtually paint their own creations, with an infra red spray can. These images will be saved onto a computer and then animated by Andy “Hexjibber” Sykes on the spot. The resulting animation will be screened during the event, on the BBC Big Screen, directly above the venue.

So come along to Ha! Ha! Bar Friday 9th October and add your own piece to Light Night history! Visit hexjibber.com and www.lightnightleeds.co.uk for more info.

Stupid Table @ BAF! 09

2009-09-14T12:37:00.007+01:00

Special Glue @ Flip Animation Festival 2009

2009-08-27T16:37:00.004+01:00

Hi,
Another screening!
Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected to screen at the Flip Animation Festival, in the Midlands, 5th-7th November 2009, as part of the Open Submissions programme. More info here.

A.

Special Glue @ London International Animation Fest

2009-08-09T16:26:00.002+01:00

Hi,
Exciting news! Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected to screen at the London International Animation Festival, as part of the British Panorama programme, featuring animations by the likes of David Shrigley. The screening is Saturday 5th September, 7.00pm at Renoir Brunswick Sq, WC1 (tel: 0871 703 3991). More info here.

Hope to see you there!
A.

Shorts International Distributor for Special Glue and Other Stories

2009-07-17T12:54:00.005+01:00

Exciting news!
Shorts International is now distributing Special Glue and Other Stories. Shorts International is a short film production and distribution company based in the UK. They specialise in programming and selling short film. Check out their website here.

A.

Special Glue Screening @ Fest Anca, Slovak Republic

2009-07-17T12:18:00.003+01:00

Hi!
Special Glue and Other Stoires has been selected for screening at Fest Anca, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. It will screen on FRIDAY 31st July, Big Hall at 15:30 in the World Animation 1 showcase.

For more info see festanca.sk

A.

Hexjibber Films @ Glastonbury Festival

2009-06-26T17:13:00.005+01:00

Hello!
Many thanks to Chew TV for getting my animations on at the BBC Big Screen @ Glastonbury Festival this year! For more info see here.

You can see more of my films on my Youtube channel.

A.

Special Glue Screening at "FEST" Portugal

2009-05-25T13:27:00.010+01:00

Hi Everyone!
Special Glue and Other Stoires has been selected for screening at FEST - International Film Festival Portugal, Espinho Portugal, Thursday, June 25th @ 16:00 in Competitive Session 6. Full details here.

A.

Hexjibber @ Hungry Pigeon Manchester This Sunday!

2009-05-19T13:00:00.005+01:00

Hi Everyone,
Beatnik TV are holding an exciting event on Sunday 24th May at Nexus Art Cafe on Dale Street in Manchester 1pm - 4pm, as part of the Hungry Pigeon Festival in the Northern Quarter. They'll be showing the Anim Lab films and some of my films. I'll be doing a talk about the Lab and how to get started in animation from 3:30pm.

Come along, it's free!:)
A.

Five Trees Forest wins @ Yorkshire Digital Awards!

2009-05-08T18:48:00.007+01:00

Hi Everyone,
Awesome news!
Five Trees Forest, which is a game that I created the illustrations for, won the award for best use of mobile technology at yesterday's Yorkshire Digital Awards sponsored by 4iP.

Andy Wilson, who created the project has blogged about it here.

A.

Hexjibber @ Parklife Photos!

2009-05-03T21:51:00.008+01:00

Hi People,
Parklife went well yesterday. I chatted to loads of lovely people, both visitors and other people involved in the event. I sold a few books too! Thanks to everyone who came:)

Here are some photos.

A.

Hexjibber Colouring @ Parklife 2nd May!

2009-05-01T15:21:00.003+01:00

Hi there!
More Hexjibber Colouring this Saturday 2nd May at "Parklife", taking place on Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds 11am - 8:30pm (same place as Unity Day). There will be bands and all kinds of exciting stuff! I'll be there from 11am, until 5pm or 6pm. Come and join in the colouring fun!

From the organisers:

"Our main goals are to unite the communities of inner North-West Leeds towards retaining the ‘Leeds Girls School Hockey Field’ for public use and also to strengthen the sense of community cohesion. We want to ensure that our event appeals to a large cross section of the residential population and have therefore actively sought the input and involvement of as many people with an interest in the area as possible. These include religious groups, locally concerned charities, student societies, local businesses and residential organisations."

Sat: Special Glue @ East End Film Fest

2009-04-23T12:12:00.006+01:00

Just a reminder that Special Glue and Other Stories will screen this Saturday, 25th April at 4pm, at the East End Film Festival, in the "New UK Talent 1 - The Feel Good Factor" section, showing at Cineworld West India Quay (Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL).

See you there!

Special Glue and Other Stories has also been nominated at the East End Film Festival for the Best UK Short Film award, alongside 8 other UK films! Results next Thursday.

A

Five Trees Forest @ BBC White CIty

2009-04-20T12:33:00.003+01:00

Hi!
The illustrations I created for Five Trees Forest have now gone up at the BBC's White City site in London. Five Trees Forest is a pervasive game played with Nokia NFC enabled mobile phones. Check out http://www.fivetreesforest.org/ for more.

A.

Evil Fun Screening in Manchester

2009-04-14T12:43:00.003+01:00

I've just been informed by Noise Festival, that my film Evil Fun With Zimmy, which was shortlisted for the festival back in 2006, will be screened as part of the ‘Are the Oscars shit!?’ debate, being held at The Circle Club, Barton Arcade, Manchester on 15th April.

For more information or to confirm attendance to the debate, please email rsvp@thecircuitseries.co.uk

More info here.

A.

Special Glue Nominated!

2009-04-10T13:56:00.004+01:00

Special Glue and Other Stories has been nominated at the East End Film Festival for the Best UK Short Film award, alongside 8 other UK films! Awesome.

Special Glue and Other Stories will screen at the East End Film Festival, in the "New UK Talent 1 - The Feel Good Factor" section, showing at Cineworld West India Quay (Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL) on 25th April 2009.

See you there!

A

Special Glue on BBC Big Screen!

2009-04-09T12:41:00.005+01:00

Hi people,
Special Glue and Other Stories is now playing on the BBC Big Screen in Millenium Square in Leeds, and also Bradford's BBC Big Screen in Centenary Square, inbetween news and other programming. Stop by and check it out!:)

A.

Hexjibber Interviewed by Chew TV!

2009-04-07T15:50:00.006+01:00

Hi there!
I've been interviewed about my work by the lovely people at ChewTV. The interview is in the ChewTV spring e-mag's ‘In the spotlight’ section across pages 17-18. Check out the the interview here.

Also, click on the image below to check out videos by me (and others) @ ChewTV.

The UK Web & Mini Comix Thing '09

2009-03-29T21:25:00.006+01:00

Check it out!
Here's a bit of a report from the UK Web & Mini Comix Thing. Click on the the pic above for the photos.

Simpo and I drove down in his MG Rover. It took us a good 7 hours, some of which was taken up by the engine overheating and quite a bit driving round London, trying to find somewhere to park. By the time we got there, we had both gone pretty much insane. Luckily, I was staying with my nice friends Bee and Craig, who live really near the venue, so this made the process of getting up a lot less emotional. We had a beer in their incredible flat's in-house bar, with karaoke. I was impressed.

We sold pretty well. It was a bit slow and grim to start off with, but we both broke even by the end, with about £10 beer money.

I met Happy Harry, though I learnt he doesn't like being called that in public, who is responsible for the very popular short animation Saturday Morning Watchmen.

There was a lot of interest in my colouring book and I signed a lot of copies. I got some very positive feedback from people, which is the kind of thing that gives me the energy to keep going. Thanks to everyone who bought something and stayed for a chat. I even got chatting to someone from Manchester who came to my Pure Space show, back in 2004.

We had a extra table with a hat-trio, sea-side rock breakfast and my friend Bee's classy zine, with matching table-cloth.

All in all a worthwhile trip, if rather knackering:)

Cheerio,
A.

Hexjibber @ The UK Web & Mini Comix Thing '09

2009-03-23T14:17:00.006Z

Back for a second time, Doctor Simpo and I will be sharing a stall at this year's UK Web & Mini Comix Thing 10am to 5pm, Sat 28th March, Great Hall, Queen Mary University - Mile End - London. Come and check us out on table 66, up on the stage. See website for the event here.

See you there,
A.

East End Film Fest Date

2009-03-20T16:32:00.009Z

Special Glue and Other Stories will screen at the East End Film Festival, in the "New UK Talent 1 - The Feel Good Factor" section, showing at Cineworld West India Quay (Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL) on 25th April 2009.

See you there!

P.S. vote for the film on Shooting People, to help it become "Film of the Month".

Live Frii, Die Hard

2009-03-16T18:43:00.003Z

I just found this pic, whilst looking through Friispray's website. This is me enjoying myself at Friispray's Innovation Showcase Event on 30-01-09 at the Old Broadcasting House, Leeds. As per usual, I am drawing my face:)

Special Glue on Shooting People!

2009-03-13T14:48:00.002Z

Hi People,
Please vote me up on Shooting People here. If I get enough votes, I'll be eligible for Film of the Month, which is judged by famous filmmakers like Morgan Spurlock. If you've got the time, click to rate out 5 at the left hand side. Cheers!

A.

Hexjibber on Dailymotion!

2009-03-12T15:16:00.000Z

Dailymotion.com approached me this week and asked me to upload some of my films. So you can now check out my channel on Dailymotion here.

Here are a few of the films I've uploaded:

Special Glue and Other Stories
Uploaded by hexjibber

Andy's Life Animations
Uploaded by hexjibber

Human Beatbox
Uploaded by hexjibber

The Bad Mouse
Uploaded by hexjibber

Free London's Monsters!

2009-03-11T15:23:00.002Z

Check out a post by Andy Wilson about a project I did the illustrations for some time ago, called Free London's Monsters. It's a great project. Here is the wiki explaining what it is.

Here is a blog post about the most recent event at Sandpit #8 at the ICA.

"Bear With Me" @ illuminate Spring Forward

2009-03-07T15:04:00.001Z

Claire Louise's Anim Lab film, Bear With Me has been selected for screening at illuminate Spring Forward, 27-29 March 2009, North St Bristol. See details below and check out this link.

On the weekend that the clocks go forward ‘Spring Forward’ celebrates the transition from dark winter nights to the lighter ones ahead, transforming the windows of disused shop fronts and businesses into dynamic picture frames by using light and projected images from within.
The films are viewed from the outside and therefore can be seen by the public outside the normal art gallery setting. At No.28 North St an exhibition visually demonstrates our ideas for a larger festive spectacle, alongside an exhibition that reflects on South Bristol’s retail past and present. Reflecting upon the history of North St, the window of No.26 is transformed into an authentic ironmongers from years gone by.

Special Glue Screening at Hatch

2009-03-02T12:40:00.003Z

Special Glue and Other Stories is being screened at Hatch, 5th March, 07:30 - 10:30, Bradford Playhouse, 4-12 Chapel Street, Bradford. See Map

'Hatch' is Bradford's finest experimental arts showcase night.

A collaboration between Fabric and Bradford Playhouse, "Hatch" is an ongoing series of showcase events, featuring work from filmmakers, DJs, musicians, comedians, performers, poets, dancers and artists working in installation or time-based artforms, as an opportunity to workshop new work and showcase work already completed. Each event will be exciting and unique as it's all up to what work is submitted.

Special Glue and Other Stories should kick the event off at about 7:45.

A.

"Bear With Me" Fesitval Screening!

2009-02-27T17:48:00.002Z

Claire Louise's Anim Lab film, Bear With Me has been selected for screening at the Barton Hill Animation Festival in Bristol on 8th March.
Congrats to Claire!

A.

Bear With Me

Special Glue on IMDB

2009-02-22T16:41:00.002Z

Special Glue and Other Stories is now listed on IMDB, following some recent film festival submissions. Check it out, leave a comment and vote me up if you have time. I am also listed and it amuses me greatly that I now have a backcatalogue listed:).

A.

Special Glue to screen at East End Film Festival

2009-02-20T22:28:00.002Z

Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected to be screened at the London East End Film Festival in April. More details on the exact date to follow.

Hooray!

A.

Another positive review of Special Glue

2009-02-20T15:08:00.001Z

Here's a review of Special Glue and Other Stories on Chew TV.

‘Very special glue’

Andy Sykes shows that his animation is nearly as special as this glue he keeps talking about. This fun energetic collection of shorts comes to life through his quirky animation that keeps you “glued" to the screen at all times and leaves you wanting more. It has an educational sense and style to the work as we are taken through a collection of anecdotes that are amusing and very professionally made. Although in 2D the effects and movements are of the highest standard.
Rjrj

source: http://www.chewtv.com/reviews.aspx?progid=540

Special Glue on Animation Blog

2009-02-17T15:49:00.002Z

You can see a great post about my film Special Glue and Other Stories on Ian Lumsden's wonderful blog Animation Blog. Thanks a lot to Ian for that. Check out his other posts for a selection of the best of world animation.

A.

Lectures and Colouring @ Interactive Arts

2009-02-16T18:11:00.002Z

Today I gave two lectures on Interactive Arts at Manchester Met, one to the 1st years and one to the 3rd years. I talked about my work and brought along some colouring-in to illustrate (ha ha) what I do. Check it out:

Thanks to Michael Leigh for the photos.

A.

Hexjibber @ MAPS in May

2009-02-06T13:16:00.006Z

Hi Everyone,
Beatnik TV are holding an exciting event on Sunday 24th May at Nexus Art Cafe on Dale Street in Manchester 1pm - 4pm, as part of the "MAPS Festival Northern Quarter". They'll be showing the Anim Lab films and some of my films. I'll be doing a talk about the Lab and how to get started in animation from 3:30pm.

Come along, it's free!:)
A.

Anim Lab Films and Special Glue on Chew TV...

2009-02-06T12:48:00.008Z

All four films made in the AYUP Anim Lab, "A Masquerade", "Zimmy's Guide to Plasticine Animation", "Bear With Me" and "A Conversation" and my film "Special Glue and Other Stories" are now screening on Chew TV. Chew TV is an internet TV channel run by and for young people. As well as being the place for hot new talent in digital media, Chew TV gives a voice to young people and provides a unique platform and network for young people to connect and share ideas.

Check them out!

A.

Anim Lab Films on Beatnik TV!

2009-01-26T13:11:00.008Z

Check out:
www.myspace.com/beatnikmusictv
Which is now screening all 4 Anim Lab films:

A Conversation, Zimmy's Guide to Plasticine Animation, Bear With Me, A Masquerade, as well as a number of films by me, including The Bad Mouse, Human Beatbox and Special Glue and Other Stories! They have plans to show a selection of films in Manchester later in the year.

A.

Bad Mouse Featured on 4mations!

2009-01-19T18:41:00.004Z

One of my student films, The Bad Mouse has been featured on 4mations! Check it out if you haven't seen it before and please vote it up and or leave me a comment. I might win some money:)

A.

Anim Lab Film Wins Prize!

2009-01-17T21:17:00.005Z

Congratulations to Clare Louise for winning £50 for her Anim Lab film Bear With Me on 4mations!

Special Glue Featured on MyToons...

2009-01-15T18:16:00.002Z

Special Glue and Other Stories has been featured on the front page of MyToons . Check it out here.

Guerrilla Shorts...

2009-01-15T18:02:00.005Z

Last night, Guerrilla Shorts, a short film night held at the Hyde Park Picture House Leeds screened 'A Conversation', one of the AYUP Anim Lab films, amoungst other great shorts from all over the world. It's a great event, held bi-monthly and I can recommend it to anyone living in or around Leeds.

Andy.

A Conversation

London Short Film Festival Reminder.

2009-01-06T22:23:00.000Z

Just a little reminder...

Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected to screen at the 6th London Short Film Festival. It will be part of the comedy-themed selection screening at the Renoir cinema, Russell Square on Saturday 10th January at 12 midday.

This will be the world premiere. I'll be down at the screening, so come along if you can make it:)

A.

NEW Sock Puppet Threadless Design!

2008-12-16T16:56:00.004Z

I have ANOTHER exciting design on Threadless that needs your voting. This one seems to be going down a lot better than the first two:) I think it is more up Threaless' street. Please vote my design up, it only takes a mo!
Click here to vote.

Vote for my Threadless Tees!!!

2008-12-12T01:05:00.003Z

Hooray!
Hi People,
I've entered a couple of T-shirt designs, titled "Metal T-Shirt" and "Sea Dragon" to Threadless.com to be voted on and hopefully printed.

If I get enough high scores the shirt(s) will be printed and sold from the site and I will win some cash. Please take a look at it and if you like them, by clicking on the pics below, sign up and give them a score. Go on, I will super grateful and it only takes a minute. All comments welcome!!

London Short Film Festival

2008-12-08T12:12:00.002Z

Awesome news!

Special Glue and Other Stories has been selected to screen at the 6th London Short Film Festival (9th – 18th January 2009). It will be part of the comedy-themed selection screening at the Renoir cinema, Russell Square on Saturday 10th January at 12 midday.

This will be the world premiere. I'll be down at the screening, so come along if you can make it:)

A.

Threadless

2008-12-05T12:26:00.006Z

I came across a site called Threadless recently through a fellow self-published comicy person. I thought I'd have a go at submitting a few designs. I've started off simple, to get a feel for what might be successful. There's a potential $2,000 to win if I get a design picked for printing.

Coolio!
A.

Extra BAF!08 Vids

2008-11-27T23:08:00.003Z

Two extra vids added to the BAF!08 Blog below. I just finished these off today. I didn't have the time to do them before, but here they are now (or you can check them out in the earlier BAF!08 Blog entry).

Documentary Video of AYUP Anim Lab's activities at the festival:

Zimmy and I's improvised animation (filmed off the monitor). I might try and put a better quality version up in due course:

Animétion...

2008-11-26T18:51:00.008Z

Water Animation Experiment from Andy Sykes on Vimeo.
Hi Everybody!
I am playing with animé techniques at the moment. Here is my go at a big ripple, that I made over the past couple of days. It's inspired by the kind you see in DBZ when someone is charging up over water:) I am trying to get the hang of a convincing loop and forms that collapse into eachother as the wave expands.

I made it in Flash, in widescreen. I reckon it still needs a bit of work, but I thought I'd share. Check it out!

A.

2 new films and BAF! 2008

2008-11-19T17:26:00.001Z

Check this video out of BAF!08 and then read the blog below with photos and more detail:

Hi Everyone,

Andy Sykes here. 6 months after we started the AYUP Anim Lab, we have made 4 great films and had the great privelige of having the films screened at this year's Bradford Animation Festival, held at the National Media Museum!

Jamie Evans, myself and Zimmy Iredale (one our previous residents) camped out in the Lab during the festival, with the intention of raising its profile amoungst the delegates.

The 4 finished films and interviews with residents were on loop in the Animation Gallery in National Media Museum, home of the Anim Lab. The films were also given their official premiere at a screening in TV Heaven on the Thursday of the festival, presented by Jamie and myself. Jamie and I also took attendees on a tour of the Lab and took people's questions. Thanks to everyone who came along!

You now can see, for the first time online, Matt Saunders film, 'A Conversation' and Claire Louise's film, 'Bear With Me'.

Bear With Me

A Conversation

Zimmy and I had a go at animating our own improvised claymation film on the Friday of the festival to attract people into the Lab. You can see a clip of that below:

On the Thursday we also showed the films in the foyer of the Museum and chatted to people there. AYUP were doing some improvised animation work there too to promote the network.

Here you can see Jamie and Zimmy stroking up my ident on a poster in the foyer.

Here is the BAF ident by me and Rozi Fuller on the big screen in Pictureville Cinema. You can see the animated ident, that played before each film below:

Here you can see Jamie and I modelling the two page spread that AYUP and the Anim Lab had in the BAF!08 Programme. Exciting!

Oh course, it wasn't all hard work:) Jamie, Zimmy and I also enjoyed ourselves eating complimentary cake/curry other sensible food and booze during our stay at BAF. Thanks to Deb Singleton for that!

Below you can see the mega scrum at the BAF desk!

I would personally like to says thanks to all 4 filmakers for all their hard work in the Anim Lab. I think we've made such a unique and diverse range of films, with few resources and in such a short time period. To have the films finished and being screened at a festival is a great achievement in just 6 months and I look forward to what the future will bring! I will be liasing with the filmakers and submitting the films to other film festivals, so look out for them appearing near you in the future!

The Anim Lab is now on hiatus, as Jamie and I are currently persuing funding, with the assistance of Kath Shakleton, the head of AYUP. We'll keep you posted about that and the future of the Lab right here! This means we won't be commissioning any new films whilst we are doing this, but we are accepting applications for when the Lab starts up again. If you would like to apply for the next phase of the scheme, we would love to hear from you. E-mail a proposal in 500 words or less, with accompanying storyboards/concept drawings/animatics to Andy Sykes: pjboysyko@yahoo.co.uk, with your contact details.

Zimmy and I have discussed a plan to do an improvised animation in a week some time during the hiatus, to promote the Lab, so look out for details soon!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Andy.

P.S. Check out all the photos from BAF!08 here.

Thought Bubble 2008!

2008-11-17T15:29:00.000Z

As promised, here are the the photos from Thought Bubble 2008. Check out all of them here.
Thanks to everyone who came and coloured in. I had a really good day both fun and business wise. It was Cosplay to the max! Check it out.

BAF Blog coming soon!

2008-11-17T14:54:00.000Z

BAF!08 Ident from Andy Sykes on Vimeo.

I am having a bit of rest and working on the Blog for BAF!08. You will be able to see it here and on the Anim Lab page, including photos and video. In the meantime, check out the ident by me and Rozi Fuller for the Festival. I'll also post some photos of Thought Bubble.

BAF and Thought Bubble

2008-11-08T15:49:00.000Z

Check it out!
Hi Everyone,
Come to The Bradford Animation Festival on Thurs 13th Nov and see the premiere of all 4 Anim Lab Films 5:30pm in TV Heaven, on the 3rd floor of The National Media Museum! This includes Zimmy's awesome edu-tainment film, 'Zimmy's Guide to Plasticine Animation' and Fiona's eerie 'A Masquerade' plus the two new, as-yet-unseen films by Claire Lousie and Matt Saunders.

The films will also be on loop in the Cinema Space of the Animation Gallery, home of the Anim Lab, on the 5th Floor, for the duration of The Bradford Animation Festival Nov 12th - 15th.

Jamie and I will be there for the festival in and around the booth if you want to discuss being involved.

You can also see the exciting BAF!08 ident by me and Rozi Fuller on show before every screening at the festival. Catch a sneek peek at the festivals website baf.org.uk

Also! I will have a stall with more Hexjibber Giant Colouring in at this year's Thought Bubble, Leeds' very own Comic Con, November 15th @ Saville's Hall, opposite the Royal Armouries, 10am - 5pm. Tickets are just £6 or £4.50 concs. Check out the website here.

I will be at Thought Bubble until 5pm on Nov 15th, after which I will head to Bradford for BAF! awards. Cool beans.

See you there!
A.

Light Night 2008 A1 Contributions

2008-11-07T17:15:00.000Z

Hi Everyone,
I have now photographed and uploaded all the A1 contributions from Hexjibber's Interactive Animation @ Light Night 2008. This completes all the contributions. Check them out here. You can see all the A4 conbtributions and photos here. They are all zoom-in-able. Just click on the magnifying glass to get a more detailed version.

Special Glue in French

2008-10-27T22:14:00.000Z

Hi people. Thanks to the translating skills of my French older brother, John Sykes, there is now a wonderful French subtitled version of "Special Glue and Other Stories". You can check it out above, or visit the page to watch it in high quality (and more legibly). You'll need to click "watch in high quality" under the video.

AYUP Anim Lab Update 22.10.08

2008-10-27T18:01:00.000Z

Check out baf.org.uk

Hexjibber's Interactive Animation Docu-film

2008-10-24T16:42:00.000+01:00

Film documenting Hexjibber's Interactive Animation, by Andy Sykes @ Leeds Light Night 2008. Members of the public were asked to contribute some dialogue, a scenario, a character, or background. These were scanned in and incorporated into the animation before their very eyes! Check it out.

Also, if you like the music, check out ASA's myspace.

Higher Quality Version on Vimeo:

Hexjibber's Interactive Animation @ Light Night 2008 from Andy Sykes on Vimeo.

Light Night '08 goodies uploaded

2008-10-19T22:38:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!
I have scanned in all the contributions from Light Night and uploaded them to my Flickr page. So, even if you didn't make the animation on the night, then your creation is available for all the world to see, by clicking on the link above.

Below, you can see the full animation from the night. I got through about 20 people's ideas before the end of the night. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed and made the event go so well.

Expect a video of the event to be uploaded here next week. I'll try and work some more of the contributions into a post Light Night Redux animation if I get the chance over the next week or so.

Keep checking back for more!