Cartoons and animations that help you connect with millions using social media.

As you might have guessed, we love creating 2D animation.

And here’s a little history of how I (Phil) got into animating.

I had been drawing cartoons for years, and played around with a demo version of Flash 5. Then in 2001 a friend told me there was a job going with an animation house. I went in there and was told straight out that I didn’t have the necessary skills, but was also told there was a job going with the TV show ‘Catch Phrase’ which was in the same building. I went in there and had a quick chat with the producer, who gave me some sample ‘Phrases’ to draw up. I wasn’t really that interested in the job, but was offered it and eventually decided to take it.

Here’s some of the simple animations that I did for the show:

It turned out to be a great job, working with some great people and also a good introduction to some basic animation.

After the show finished I kept playing with Flash and started working with Underwater Adventures Aquarium doing shark cartoons. Around the same time, YouTube started and I casually suggested to my boss that would should try doing some short animations. He was keen, so I started animating their mascot ‘Sharky’ doing a world tour. Here was the first one I ever did:

You can see the all of my Sharky animations here.

It was also a great way to learn ‘on the job’ and at the same time I was discovering what worked for a YouTube audience.

Now here I am a few years later with a few more tricks up my sleeves, and still loving creating 2D animation. Here’s my latest showreel, and watch this space for more updates!

Phil

No, rocket science is the science of getting rockets into space. Social media is the … uh …science of connecting with people using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

But I’m guessing you want to know how difficult it is to have a social media strategy for your business.

Short answer, easy. The slightly longer answer, its easy when you know how. And yes this is a plug for my social media business www.onewhale.com Have a look through this blog for some simple suggestions of how to do social media well. Or contact me today and let me help you out. I’m happy to work within your budget, and have over 5 years of social media experience with a variety of local and international businesses.

Phil

Maybe not!

Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn’t I? My short answer is: if you’re not going to do it well, don’t bother doing it. If you are just going to plug your business on Facebook you won’t get that many people interested. Save yourself the hassle and focus on Twitter and YouTube.

So if you do want to create a Facebook page, remember to InfoTain people. Entertain them in order to give them information. Think about the kind of business you’re in. What would your customers talk about at a social gathering? That’s what you’re going to talk about on your facebook page. Share interesting news stories and videos. Post interesting pictures. Ask leading questions and get your customers talking.

One of the things i do is shark cartoons. I love the conversations I have on my Facebook page. We talk about all things shark related, and the fans do most of the talking (they even share my page with their friends).

So, are you ready to start a social conversation on Facebook? If not, I would suggest holding off on your Facebook page until you’re ready. But if you are ready, go for it!

Any questions? Would love to hear from you!

Phil onewhale@gmail.com

Did I mention that I’m a cartoonist?

Some people are surprised when they hear I now work in social media. For over 15 years I have been a cartoonist and animator. When you think about it, a cartoonist has to get information across quickly in an entertaining way. And that’s how social media works best. I like to call it InfoTainment.

Go on, hire a social media expert today. If you want the best, look for a cartoonist!

Phil (onewhale@gmail.com)