MicahJGunnell

My friend and mentor passed away 8 years ago today. It was a day that I will never forget, as it was the only time in my life that I've ever had the misfortune of being in a hospital knowing that soon a close friend will pass. It's a very difficult thing and my heart goes out to anyone dealing with a similar situation. Mike, to me, was always this beacon of light, confidence, and strength, and to see him as he was at that time was tragic. But I knew that he left the world better off than it was when he came into it. 

  None of us know the day when we will take our last breath, but we all know that day will come. Please keep this in mind and live your life with the goal of making other's lives better. That is the only legacy that is worth leaving behind. Forget the trivialities that clutter our daily existences, and remember, YOU can leave a lasting and positive imprint on the lives of those around you. What will people remember you for? 

It's not unusual for me to reminisce on the integral moments in my life, but the last few days I've been thinking more and more about all the different variables that have lead up to where I am today in my career. I have had many people in my life who have stuck out their necks for me, taken a chance when they didn't need to, or just lent me a helping hand when there was absolutely no benefit in it for them. They gained little if anything from helping me, whereas my life is completely changed because of their generosity. I can never repay them for what they've done, and if I'm honest, I haven't done as much as I probably should have to try. Though of course I've already thanked them in the past, I wanted to do so again here.

  My parents have always been supportive of my pursuit of art. They haven't always understood my tastes in art, or everything necessary to become the artist I am today, but they have always given me their love and support, without which the trajectory of my career, and also my life, would have been skewed.

  Michael Turner, one of the few comic book artist rock stars and founder of Aspen Comics, has sadly passed on, but a few years before then he gave me my first job in comics. Most people in the industry know who he was, and that he was a really stand-up guy. I had the utmost pleasure and honor of working with him, and the great benefit of his guidance in my career. In retrospect, I didn't always appreciate all that he did for me as much as I should have, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to thank him before he left us.

  Peter Steigerwald (Aspen Comics co-founder) gave me a place to stay on his couch when I barely had two pennies to rub together, and if not for this there is no chance I would have been able to take the job that Aspen offered me. He has also been a great friend and an inspiration as an artist and a person.

  is the man. Without him, I would not have been able to get into the animation industry. I knew him casually from a few conventions, and for whatever reason, he decided to help me get in to the industry. When I was working in comics I didn't even own a car, and the idea of someday having my own place, family, etc, was pretty far fetched. I'm now married, have a son, and two cars, all made possible by his decision to help me out. 

  and her awesome husband Jon Shiring let me crash at their place much longer than they should have, and had they not, I'm not sure if I could have taken my first job opportunity in animation as I was pretty much completely broke at the time. 

was my first director in animation. He looked past the terrible storyboards in my "portfolio" and focused on my comic work, and decided to give me shot. He is now my supervising director, and has given me ANOTHER huge opportunity at my first directing position, which is something I never in a million years dreamed I would be doing. I am extremely grateful for the patience and encouragement he has given me throughout my animation career.

 So, that's my list! There are others out there for sure, but I don't have all day and would need it to thank all of them. My hope in posting this is that it might motivate others to thank those who have helped them in the past, and also to remind them to keep helping those that need it(and deserve it) when they have the ability to do so. I hate the term "pay it forward"(terrible movie), but that is basically the way I've personally been trying to do things. I have to say, it is one of the best feelings in the world to help someone, particularly when you remember a time when you were in their same position. So, who has helped you in your life/career? 

 

Hey all,

  First off, I want to apologize for my lack of updates lately...I have been extremely busy and have not been able to sketch much. I was recently promoted at Marvel to a Director's position on Avengers Assemble and have been working really hard to learn how to do the job correctly. In addition to my responsibilities as Director, I've also been contributing some character designs which eventually will appear on the show in some iteration. Anyway, I've not given up on my sketches, and will be trying to post another set tomorrow. I appreciate all the support and comments you guys give, and it motivates me to continue providing you with the best art I possibly can! 

Hey all, just thought I should let everyone know, I'll have a few weeks off from animation after this week and will be opening up my commissions list. I have a maximum of 5 spots open at this time, and I do not anticipate much free time for the foreseeable future, so if you've been wanting something from me, now is the time to get it! For those interested, please send me a private message. My rate ranges between $150-500 depending on the size, complexity, and if B&W or color. I give specific quotes based off of your request. Below are a few examples of my past commission work. Thanks!