The Daily Zoo (Chris Ayers)

"This is an inspiring collection of illustrations from top concept artist Chris Ayers created during his first year of recovery from leukaemia. In the spring of 2005, Chris Ayers was busy working as a concept artist in the Hollywood film industry. That all came crashing to a halt when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. After a year-long period of treatment and recovery, he started a sketchbook called "The Daily Zoo" on the anniversary of his diagnosis. Over the next 365 days he would draw one animal character each day, challenging not only his self-discipline but also his imagination. Most importantly, it allowed him the opportunity to celebrate the gift of each healthy day. Chock-full of wonderful creatures, ranging from curious pandas to sinister hyenas, athletic aardvarks to zealous zebra's, as well as Ayers touching commentary about his experience with cancer, this volume will leave you inspired as well as amused."

Website here.

Animation ABC - How it Works (Cirkus Animation)

There've been a lot of comical prods at the client/artist relationship lately. This is more of an instruction video for the unenlightened client - must've been born of some frustrating encounters though! Nicely done in a 50's 'infomercial' stylee. : )

Bad Day in Gesture Drawing Class

Entertaining little play on a comic strip, for anyone who's been on the wrong end of an unflattering pose in a life-drawing class. Click the image for the full story!

The Whispered World (Deadalic Entertainment)

German games developer Deadalic Entertainment have released a great looking point and click adventure, in the same genre as the recently featured Machinarium. Great rich colour palette and illustrative style - two very different stylistic approaches. More artwork on the site, click here.

2010 Oscar Nominations for Best Short Film

• The Lady and the Reaper - (Kandor Moon)
• Logorama - (H5)
• French Roast - (Pumkin Studio)
• Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death - (Aardman)
• Granny O'Grimm - (Brown Bag Films)

Cartoon Brew has links to watch all five online here. French Roast gets my vote, closely followed by The Lady and the Reaper (stills above) with it's unexpected highly stylized cuts and sense of chaotic, cartoony fun with some heart.

"A.D." teaser (directed by Ben Hibon)

Atmospheric little set-piece teaser for an upcoming animated zombie flick. This is directed by Ben Hibon who was also responsible for our own Heavenly Sword story animations, an excellent spot for MTV called Codehunters, and a host of other work you may be familiar with.

More from him here:
Stateless Films

Tostitos “Salsa” (Laika)

Animation studio Laika who were behind Coraline also have a commercial wing called Laika/House. This spot is directed by Nicholas Weigel who was also involved with Psyop on the wonderful Inside the Happiness Factory for Coke.

Laika/House

CGS Production Focus: Where the Wild Things Are

A CGS Production Focus on Where the Wild things are, documenting the work of Framestore, Jim Henson's Creature Shop and others.

Annecy 08 promo (Andres Salaff)

Another great use of colour, this time from Cal Arts graduate Andres Salaff. The inky watercoloured backgrounds and use of what looks like oil pastels on the feathers near the end of the clip lend this a distinctive look.

Inka Bola (Gobelins)

Wonderful expressive stylised character design remeniscent of both Up and Disney's Hercules, great vibrant colour palette and top notch animation...