We were lucky to catch up with Barry Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Barry, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I created my own children’s book, Danny Diamondback, published by Harper Collins.
It is an entirely original story that has personal significance to me. It’s a story of a rattlesnake who does not understand why no one likes him. He discovers art and it changes the way others relate to him and changes his life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began my career as an commercial artist working in the record industry for such artists as Neil Young, The Band, ZZ Top, and The Grateful Dead. Movie posters, include Disney’s Fantasia, Escape from New York, Predator 2 and many others.
In the field of animation I have earned over 20 screen credits including the films, Horton Hears a Who, The Nightmare before Christmas, Shrek, The Prince of Egypt, Ron Howard’s, The Grinch, and Sausage Party.
Feature film production design credits include the Weinstein’s, Escape from Planet Earth, and Warner Bros., The Ant Bully.
Awards include the 2011 Telly Award for production design of Cartoon Network CG feature, Firebreather. His animated short film, The Killer Buzz, won the Director’s Circle Award and numerous others.
Art for opening titles designs include, The Great and Powerful Oz, Mary Poppins Returns, the mini-series, The Leftovers, and A Crowded Room, all done in concert with Yu and Company.
Writing credits include his first children’s book, Danny Diamondback, which along with his screenplay has been optioned as a CG feature.
Barry teaches a popular Zoom Art Class for his Instagram followers, which you can join at www.barryejacksonart.com
A book of his artwork is available at: www.barryejacksonart.com
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Yes Iwas awarded the job to be the first production designer on the movie Shrek. I failed miserably. However many people on the crew saw something they liked in me and this led to some significant opportunities that redeemed my career.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think the most rewarding thing is that eventually you come to”know thyself.” You come to understand who you are and who you are not. Thishelps you in every aspect of you life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barryedwardjacksonfineart.com
- Instagram: @barry.e.jackson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barry.zoom.art.studio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thezoomartstudio
- Other: https://www.barryejacksonart.com
Image Credits
all images are copyrighted to Barry e. Jackson