Geoff Grogan: Drawing the Line Between Personal and Political
Geoff Grogan is a mixed media artist working across comics, collage, and animation. He also teaches as an Associate Professor of Art and Art History at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. His work centers on drawing as both a craft and a form of expression, often weaving personal and political themes together.
Every Animation Starts Differently
For Geoff, there is no single method to begin a project. “It’s different each time,” he explains. This openness allows him to explore each idea on its own terms, adjusting his approach to fit the nature of the story he wants to tell.
Drawing as the Foundation
Geoff’s animation style is rooted in a love for drawing. “I’m interested in drawing, and seeing drawings move, so everything I do revolves around that foundation.” His interest lies in expressing a personal vision, often reflecting on where individual experience meets broader political ideas.
An Independent Practice
He works independently rather than in teams. “I work alone,” he says. This approach gives him full control over the creative process and allows for a direct translation of his ideas into motion.
Improving Through Repetition
For Geoff, the biggest challenge is simply animating better. “The way to overcome that is to work harder and draw over and over again until you get it right, whatever that means. And throw it out when it feels wrong, whatever that means.” He embraces the process as one of constant revision and discovery.
Tools of the Trade
He creates his animations using an iPad along with Procreate, Photoshop, and After Effects. These tools support his drawing-focused process and allow for a seamless flow between sketching and animating.
Hoping for Connection
While he does not expect his films to influence the animation industry, Geoff hopes they resonate with individual viewers. “If someone takes the time to watch my films, I hope the work connects to their life or experience in some way. If it does, and they feel something as a result, then it has done its job.”
New Work in Progress
Geoff is currently working on a new animated short that differs in tone and feeling from his past work. This project speaks more directly to the current state of the United States and reflects his evolving perspective as an artist.
Advice for New Animators
“Animation is a lot of hard work. It is an obsessive medium,” Geoff says. His advice is to remember what drew you in to begin with. “Whatever ups and downs come along, it is important to hold on to the magic that inspired you in the first place.”
To explore more of Geoff’s work, visit https://geoffgrogan.com/.