MICHAEL WHELAN — Have you ever experimented with animation, Mr....

fingerfrets

asked:

Have you ever experimented with animation, Mr. Whelan? When I look at your incredible paintings, and me being a fan of animation (the classics, such as the early Warner Bros, the original Walt Disney team, and many more) I cannot help but think, had animation in America matured beyond it's comedic roots, I would have hoped animation would have the look and finesse that is represented by your fine style. :)

Thanks for the compliments. Actually, while I was attending Art Center in LA I visited Disney Studios for an interview, but it never led to anything. Soon afterwards I was receiving offers for book cover assignments – which is what I had wanted to do in the first place anyway – so I didn’t feel bad about how things turned out. In retrospect I don’t think Disney would have given me the freedom I’ve come to relish in my illustration career, so I am content. :-)

Thanks again for your comments.

MRW