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Crazygirl style: Flash animation, dark heart
Interview by Amanda Prouten
Tiff McGinnis is also know as Crazygirl and heads her own band called, er, Crazygirl (see our Crazygirl unplugged interview). Lately we've seen an addition to her already vast portfolio of talents (singer, musician, DJ, online radio mogul...) to that of animator. Tiff's animations are fresh, funky, witty and satirical - with a heart of darkness. We asked her the lowdown on her animation style.
Electric Crazyland net radio show
Crazygirl unplugged - previous Mookychick interview
How has your role as a performing artist evolved into that of an animation artist?
Animation is something I have dabbled in for the past few years. It's also something that if technologically able, I like to incorporate into my live shows. I am presenting a multi-media, burlesque, circus/cabaret. This was always going to be that - an audio-visual explosion. I'm releasing an album/DVD.
How would you describe your style?
Psychedelic, computer generated folk-art. With a heavy emphasis on storytelling; humorous, yet thought provoking.
Do you do all the animations for your singles or were some done by fellow vj, ladypat?
All the illustrated cartoons are mine. ladypat made the videos for Kick Yo Booty, Punk Rock I love Lucy, Cocaine Talk and It's Bitchin.
You're a beautiful girl but never feature yourself in your animations unless as a drawn character? Would you consider incorporating more standard real clips of yourself incorporated into your animations?
Thank you for the compliment! You're so sweet! The videos ladypat made are more performance based. But it's too difficult to combine cartoon and video. You have to compress the animations and they come out all grainy looking. I prefer to keep the mediums separate. Although ladypat did a brilliant job of that with Kick Yo Booty.
What software do you use?
Everything is hand drawn (with a mouse!) in Flash. I tried using one of those pads once, but I've been drawing with the mouse for 13 years now, so I'm kinda used to it.
You're clearly a brilliant artist and designer. Did you have any formal training?
Thanks again. No I've had no formal training with anything I do. Self taught. I'm one of those people who have learnt on my own. I've never been able to follow instructions properly. I was miserable in school.
How long does it take to make a 3 minute animation?
It depends - most of my music videos took 3 weeks, 17 hours a day. It's funny when I'm working on music I can shut off from it. But the visual aspect takes a hold of me and I go into this zone. I don't sleep, all I can think about is what will be next. I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and It's great for the animations, because I can just fixate on the details. The Fou Fou ones were easier because I prepped a lot of the scenes; they took me about 2 and a half weeks. Most of my videos are about 3 to 4 minutes long. Each Fou Fou episode is 2 minutes. It takes about a week of work per minute.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I have a lot of books from the 1970s I look at. Different cultures. Modern day society... I find inspiration everywhere.
Do you draw straight to screen or do you hand-render and then scan your images to get it all going?
Draw straight to screen.
Artistic influences? What other animators do you admire? Other artists?
Artists- Maurice Sendak, Big Daddy Roth, Peter Max, Bill Plimton, Al Jaffe, Sid & Marty Kroft
Animations - Fantastic Planet, Bottles, Heavy Metal, Jack And The Beanstalk, Crystal Tips And Alistair, School House Rocks, The Simpsons and South Park
Fou Fou, your blue-rinse poodle character is the star of your shorts. Do you have a poodle? Do you want a poodle? Would you crazy-colour her blue?
I have a Bichon Frise named Boo Boo Bee Bee The Third. He looks similar to a poodle, but cuter! He's my little baby boy. I would never put dye on him; I think that's cruel.
Or is Fou Fou your alter ego?
Fou Fou is definitely my alter ego. Comedy is something I am also passionate about. I have a few acted out comedy skits on my DVD as well. The DVD has a bit of a Kenny Everett feel to it. But society hates funny women. I can use Fou Fou as my vehicle for humour. Without feeling the brunt of public disgust so to speak. (I should mention, Fou Fou is entirely separate to my album! It's not on my DVD).
Do you do all the voices as well?
I do everything. Write the script. Do the voices and music. And illustrate and animate the cartoon.
Can you see animation and film making taking over from your performing side?
In a way I wouldn't mind it. The great thing about animation is I can do it in my underwear with a bad cold. When I'm 50 I don't want to be dancing around in a wig shakin my ass in a club full of 20 year olds, that's for sure! But that being said, I am a modern day renaissance woman, and I don't like having to work in only one medium. That's why I dropped out of University, because I liked to do too many things, I could never make up my mind.
I have the next few albums sketched out and I would like to see them come to fruition
What's next for Crazygirl animations? BBC? MTV? Blue-chip clients?
I have some more Fou Fous on the way. I have entered them in a contest, but I don't want to say which one at the moment, so I don't jinx it.. But if I become a finalist, you will hear about it! The Rebel video is currently a finalist for The Greatest Story Never Told Flash Animation Festival, in the viewer's choice category. I need votes to win, so please go here to vote for me!!!! It's video 12 www.tgsnt.com/tgsnt_IV/
I'm also in the process of storyboarding album 3 which is a Sci-Fi animated rock opera.
Do you work for commercial clients? And if so, do they give you free reign to do what you want or do you have to stick to a tight brief?
I have done 1 commercial job thus far. And they gave me 100% free reign. I think I would only work well on those kinds of jobs. I'm a bit of a control freak and hate being told what to do.
Do you find it easy working from home, especially with a hectic lifestyle, or can you just get on with it and get up on time and work until the wee small hours when you've got a project on the go?
Believe it or not. I don't have a hectic life style. I don't leave the house too much. I prefer working from home; it's nice not having to deal with anyone.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to get into the animation business?
Ohh, I don't know. I lead a pauper's existence. So I'm not really one to give advice on business matters. Haven't quite figured out the money thing yet.
Tiff's limited box set album is out on Tummy Touch Records America in July
Catch her radio show - Eclectic Crazyland - featuring rare tracks from the cosmos past and present. New Show every Monday.
See more Feminist interviews on Mookychick
