I saw this a few days ago. Needless to say, I was blown away. I've been a Sonic fan so long, that I can't remember when I became one. While the production values are certainly state-of-the-art, the whole aesthetic and tone is something straight out of the 90s. I believe we're intended to be reminded of the animated sequence from the Sonic CD title. Everything is lovely about it. I was full of nostalgic satisfaction with the whole work...until I took a look at the credits. Turns out, this was animated and directed by Tyson Hesse, an old classmate of mine from my days at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
It really got me thinking where I went wrong. Or IF I went wrong. How is it that I'm still just making occasional little illustrations here in my house and rarely breaking even at conventions while many of my fellow graduates have more than made their bones with some big name contenders in the industry.
I'll admit, I was ecstatic that my former classmates have done so much for themselves. At the same time, I was envious, frustrated, and rather deeply ashamed with myself. Perhaps I'm just not trying hard enough. Perhaps I'm not maintaining connections with the right people. I'd love to do the kind of work Tyson and his folks are doing. Maybe I should just be more patient. I don't seem to have the same advantage that he and others like him have, so perhaps I'm working with a handicap here. Lord forgive me...