Here’s a Hidden Picture I made for ‘The Today Show’, to celebrate Highlight’s 75th (!) anniversary! You can watch the segment here! Can you find the Suitcase, Banana, Slice of Pie, Toothbrush, Paper Clip, Carrot, Rabbit, Sailboat, Hockey Stick, Broccoli, and Domino??
The HArdest Hidden Pictures Book Ever
The title of the book is fitting, because the cover was one of the HARDEST freaking HIDDEN PICTURES I’ve ever created!
I started by thinking of the setting like a cozy wooden clock interior, with some German or Swiss clockwork vibes. Mostly wood and steel. That was rejected as being a bit too simple, so I tried something a little busier. I submitted thumbnails that had more gears, and more creatures! They liked it, but when I turned in the sketch… they didn’t like it. Not busy enough. This the “HARDEST”, they reminded me!
So, I tried out some color comps, which I didn’t normally do, but we were determined to get this right! White background color, yellow background color, and one with depth! …They weren’t feeling them.
But I pushed on with the sketch, not knowing how I’d tie it all together in the end with color, but knowing I needed to go forward with the sketch nonethelessless. Finally we arrived at a sketch that the editors felt suited the book theme. Then the question of how to make it work, color-wise. I tried a bunch of things; muted colors, grays and browns, some color, LOTS of color! In the end, they chose the limited colors: cream, browns, grays, and the light blue back.
In the end, it’s ok. I like some of the hiding places I was able to put the Hidden Objects. Ultimately, I don’t look at this piece and see my best. But I do see one I worked my hardest on! I’ll take it as a win.
Mezozoic Mustard!!
My latest comic for Spider Magazine!!
Death Hacks!
Check out this show I got to work on for Snapchat! It stars Thomas Middleditch, Kristen Schaal, and James Adomian. I was an animatic artist, which is my favorite role on these productions. I get the script, audio, character designs, and thumbnails, and then it’s in my hands to sculpt the timing, composition, and acting. I love it!
It’s also a little bittersweet to watch. This was the last project I worked on in person before the world shut down. My last day there was March 2nd, 2020, and everything felt so normal! I look back on the days where I could traipse into the animation studio and goof around with my fellow artists. Sigh.
Here’s a trailer, and below that, the first episode:
What Happened to Neil Numberman??
Well Hello! Welcome to my new site! Great to have you? Who am I, you ask? I’m Brian Michael Weaver. Let me explain:
Many years ago, when my career was first beginning, I noticed there were many, MANY other Brian Weavers, and even a couple Brian MICHAEL Weaver illustrators. So I thought, how about a pen name?
So I became Neil Numberman! But… it never felt like a perfect match, and I always missed my REAL name.
So now Brian Michael Weaver is BACK! I hope you enjoy this new website. Today is the OFFICIAL launch!
And since you’ve come all this way, let’s celebrate with a St. Patrick’s Day puzzle for Highlights Magazine!
