Hannah Lees

Name: Hannah Lees
Location: Los Angeles
Job Position: Hair and Cloth Specialist (Technical Animator/Creature TD)
Current Employer: Sony Imageworks

What are some things you have worked on: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Incredible Hulk, Vampire's Assistant, Land of the Lost, Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakqual and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

What is the process you go through in doing your art, as well as the types of tools you use: First things first, I can't do a lick of anything without some inspiration. Now I've found that inspiration can come from anywhere, you just have to be open to it. Sometimes I am inspired by music, other times by something I see, or an emotion I'm feeling. I'm excited to be a part of this blog since the point of it is to be inspired by the topics! Next up, I just start sketching. Sometimes I work with several thumbnails, other times I just start drawing and the drawing just finished itself with little planing. Either way, I like to start lite and loose and get darker and more precise as I better realize the idea. It's a very organic experience, I'm usually not thinking so much about the steps, as I am just doing what feels right. I mostly work with a sketch pad and mechanical pencil. When it comes to color it's a toss up between colored pencils or photoshop, just whatever feels right.

What inspired you to become an artist: Once I was old enough to hold a pencil I never put it down. In second grade I told my parents I would be an animator, and 14 years later I graduated from Art School and got a job in Visual Effects.

What is your most favorite subject to draw/why: People and clothes. I don't know why, but I've always been drawn to the human form, and how clothes drape on it. I can get lost for hours in fabric folds, or the curves and weight shifts a body. So many expressive lines, each telling their own story.

Any tips you can give: First of all, have fun! If you're not having fun, then why do it? Second, don't be afraid to push yourself, go outside your comfort zone. We learn the most when we are open to the possibilities.

Favorite Artists: Jim Lee, Georgia O'Keefe, Glen Keane and Kosuke Fujishima, to name a few.

Favorite Animated Movie:The Incredibles, the Last Unicorn, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Disney's Tarzan, Anastasia, Nausicaa

Hobbies: Drawing (Obviously), Painting, Sewing, Singing, Video Games, Swing Dancing, Rollerblading, Baking and Riding my Motorcycle.