HOME | DD
ManiacalDude β 80s'd Out
Published: 2010-04-29 22:09:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 5382; Favourites: 48; Downloads: 60
Redirect to original
Description
You probably all know that I'm a huge 80s enthusiast. I love the music, the movies, the commercials, the closing logos, the distinct atmosphere, the crazy-awesomeness of it all, I just enjoy so many aspects of that time. Sure, animation might not have been at its best at that time, considering a lot of them were Saturday Morning 30-Minute Toy Commercials, but I've still managed to find a lot of great cartoons and animation from that period, and I'm still in the search of some really good 80s cartoons, which goes to show how fascinated I am with the decade.I honestly wished I lived through it, though, since I'm actually a 90s child. I mean, it's not bad, but I think it would've been cool to live during the 80s, where fashions were crazy & synthesizers ruled the music industry.
But then again, I consider my childhood a mixture of both 80s AND 90s, probably the reason why I love that time so much while still showing some appreciation for the time I grew up in. And I'd take the 80s & 90s over a large percentage of today's stuff.
Before I continue, let me just say that I hate the notion of "dating", by the way, when it refers to trends like a lot of the stuff in the 80s. I mean, sure they might be classified as what some people would say "out of style", but I really don't care. I prefer the trends of the past & personally think they're timeless. For instance, movie SFX. I enjoy some of today's movies alright, even with CGI, but personally, I think CGI is too overdone in movies these days, & prefer the older effects like animatronics, stop motion, & other stuff like that, because they seem more "natural" & it took a lot more creativity to create those kinda effects before computers were advanced enough. Nowadays, CGI seems to be overtaking everything in the movie business & I feel that's being kinda lazy. Can't someone just balance out the new effects with the older ones as well? I mean, jeez, it's not like we can abandon the older traditions forever, it's not a law that we can't use older stuff like that, is it?
Also on that topic, music. I can understand why some music would be considered dated, like in terms of how long certain songs have been hits, but the 80s synthesizer music style dated? Come on, that's bullcrap. If anything, 80s synths sound more futuristic than the majority of today's REALLY generic music. In fact, 80s synths sound better than today's synths, considering the people who make the music like that. I think a lot of 80s synths are more atmospheric-sounding while today's synths are way too generic & repetitive. Sure, some 80s songs like "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell ARE more generic than atmospheric, but whenever songs have a note or chord held down for a period of time on a synthesizer at some point during the song, that's the kinda atmosphere I'm referring to, like the opening to Phil Collins' "Another Day In Paradise".
Anyways, I decided to mess around by drawing myself in a rather 80s kinda style in hair (longer hair with a forelock) & in clothing (shoulder pads & acid-washed jeans) dancing in front of a background of multi-colored shapes that could make one think of the 80s or somewhat even the 90s a little. Tell me what you think about it if you can (Although it would be nice if you gave a response & not just a fav & run).
There's a little more experimentation with Illustrator there, as well as the use of the blur tool on Photoshop for the shading.
Also, for those of you that can't stand the 80s, I have this to say: it's not my fault that your taste sucks.
Art (c) Me
Related content
Comments: 56
"Stone-Washed", huh? Well, I guess that makes sense. Surprised I haven't seen that term being used to describe those jeans.
π: 0 β©: 1
"Acid-washed" is a term I've only ever heard used in the 21st century to describe what I always knew as "stone-washed" jeans (as someone who actually wore that style back then). Chlorine is used, along with pumice rocks, to create that effect. On its own, it has a neutral pH balance and is, therefore, not an acid. So the term doesn't work literally or figuratively.
Of course, I'm a "word nerd," so I don't expect most people to care about these things as much as I do. But part of me kinda wishes they did 
π: 0 β©: 0
It was my decade! I really like this piece it is just as colorful and graphic as those times.
π: 0 β©: 1
Thanks. I'm glad you think so.
π: 0 β©: 0
I'm a big fan of 80's music myself. Sooooo much better than all the bland sounding modern-day music that I have to hear on the radio today. I contribute that not only to the instrumentation, but also the amount of great vocal talent we had back then (some of which, like Michael Jackson and Prince, are sadly no longer with us 
And like you, I was also born too late in the 80's to have appreciated that decade fully, but Oliver & Company was technically the first new Disney animated film that came out after I was born, and one reason it's now one of my favorites from that period, despite it's "dated" 80's New York setting, is because of all that great music from Billy Joel (Dodger) and Huey Lewis.
I wish I didn't have to be so nostalgic for the way everything used to be, but I can tell that I'd be a lot happier if I were living in the 80's right now instead of today. If only we had a DeLorean... Β
π: 0 β©: 0
This definitely does bring the 80s to mind- even before one sees the title. Β I'm actually in the process of illustrating a story that partly takes place in the 80s, and even though I am an 80s kid, it was kind of tough for me to capture that tone; I spent an inordinate amount of time googling 80s fashions, etc. and I'm still not sure I was totally successful. Β Then I noticed that the author had had a character print something off the internet (not the sort of thing that was commonly available at the time), at which point I realized that I was putting way more thought into this than he had. Β At least he changed that anachronism when I pointed it out.
π: 0 β©: 0
I have a particular soft spot in my heart for anything 80s. I was born in 1978, so I grew up all throughout the 80s. My earliest memories start from when I was two years old in 1980, so I remember every year of that decade.
The mainstream music and Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s I find to be the best of all. Early 90s cartoon were okay, but I believe tanked from the mid 90s and onward. I find most cartoons from the last 12 years to be unwatchable at best. My subjective opinion of course, but I personally believe Saturday morning cartoons PEAKED in the 80s and have been downhill ever since the mid to late 90s.
Growing up to such cartoons like Smurfs and Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears, I prefer the cute light hearted toons and what I have my own cartoons modeled after.
π: 0 β©: 1
Personally, in all honesty, Saturday Morning Cartoons are probably the only thing I don't really care for when it comes to the 80s. Most of them were basically cheaply-animated 30 minute toy commercials, (which is saying something, since even the actual commercials at the time were entertaining and often really well-animated,) but at least it was preferable to most of the dreck that came out in the 70s, and by the mid-80s, cartoons actually started to break away from the Dark Age it was in, what with indie animation and the distribution of anime and Disney building its way back to a renaissance and all that good stuff.
But yeah, as much as I love the 80s, I'm still a 90s child at heart. If anything, animated cartoons were at an all-time high during the 90s, because, as one of my friends put it, they "really captured the true essence of what cartoons were supposed to be - chaotic, free-flowing, and of course, hilarious." Not that I don't have a soft spot for cute light-hearted toons, but I love the majority of my cartoons to be zany and hilarious. Though I do agree that the TV cartoons in the last 12 years have been pretty lame most of the time.
Your views on cartoons from the 90s, however, matches my view of mainstream music. I love mainstream music from the 80s, early 90s ranged from great to okay, and the majority of it tanked from the mid 90s on, with a lot of the mainstream music from the last 12 years to be unlistenable at best. I do find stuff from today that I like, but it's not often that I do.
π: 0 β©: 1
Oh dang it. I hate when people use that "30 minute toy commercial" argument against most of the 80s cartoons. I was afraid you'd say that. I have to disagree with you, though. While a lot of those cartoons did have an extensive toy line, I don't feel like the quality of the shows and stories suffered as a result. Perhaps it's my nostalgia making me very biased, I tend to think otherwise. What I love most about those cartoons is that they have a very light heartedness to them that just gave me a zen like relaxation like no other. Great escapism in my opinion. I feel like most cartoons since the mid to late 90s has become more intense and fast pace and also crude. Since the introduction of Ren and Stimpy, cartoons have used a more crude ugly style for most cartoons as well as more increasing crude humor. I just don't go for that.
While a lot of 80s cartoons had a lot of merchandising behind them, most of my favorites growing up were actually based on stories or comics that had been around a while. Like Smurfs for example. My favorite cartoon of all time. While having a rather large toy line, that came much later. The Smurfs started as a major successful comic in the late 50s. The toy line didn't really take off until almost 20 years later. And yeah, the cartoon followed that, but I think more in parallel than as a result of the toy line.
Good to see we are in agreement with the music. I pretty much see the same trend with the cartoons just like the music.
π: 0 β©: 1
I wouldn't have anything against cartoons with extensive toy lines if the cartoons themselves weren't so bland. And that's one of my problems with such 80s TV cartoons: they're bland and they play it WAY too safe. Like I said, I have nothing against light-heartedness, and I like using cartoons and that stuff as escapism, but at the same time, I love seeing cartoonists and animators showing off their skills and being creative and energetic and all that good stuff. I don't really get that very much from 80s TV cartoons. I dunno, maybe I haven't seen enough cartoons yet to make a definite judgement, as I'm sure there were some good cartoons to come out of the 80s, but I consider 90s cartoons to be far superior. So what if they're fast paced? Who cares if they're intense? As long as they're entertaining and have good animation, I'm all for it.
Yes, I am aware that The Smurfs were originally created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo, but I didn't know it was started in the late 50s. Personally, I'm not a fan of The Smurfs, so I wouldn't care that much, regardless of that, although I'd still take the original cartoon to that live-action/CGI movie garbage any day.
π: 0 β©: 1
I guess that's why you feel the 80s cartoons are bland, because you are comparing them to the 90s cartoons you grew up to. Just different perspectives and opinions is really all it comes down to. Not that one is better than the other. Only personal likes. The 90s cartoons crammed too much in I felt where the 80s toons paced themselves more. I'm a slacker easy going zenned out type of person, so I personally love the paced out easygoingness of the 80s stuff. Just my perspective I suppose.
However, I did tend to enjoy more of the better of the 80s stuff and the blandest stuff I avoided (like the Getalong gang and several others in that regard). I did like Pound Puppies, though. The ones at the top of my list were Smurfs, Snoks, Disney's Gummie Bears, The Smurfs and Kissyfur. The Gummie Bears was probably the most well made and least bland of them all.
I actually liked the Smurfs movie to be honest. But I don't want to debate the quality of it. To each their own.
π: 0 β©: 1
It's not just my love for cartoons of the 90s. It's my love for cartoons in general, especially from the Golden Age of Animation, like Disney, Looney Tunes, Tex Avery, the Fleischer Bros., and all that kinda stuff, which I also grew up on. As an aspiring cartoonist/animator and animation history buff, I tend to have pretty high standards when it comes to cartoons. I may be a slacker easy going zenned out type of person myself, but on the inside, I'm also something of a wild child with a love of rock music and wacky, humorous cartoons. I tend to love slow paced stuff myself (heck, 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite movies,) but to me, there's more to cartoons than just pacing or light-heartedness or any of that.
You listed The Smurfs twice. I admit the Gummie Bears do interest me, but mainly because I'm a huge fan and lover of Disney animation in general. Kissyfur just looks like an odd, slightly saccharine mix of Disney and Hanna-Barbera, and it doesn't sound that interesting either.
Don't tell that to Jake and Boyd. They hated that movie, and their angry rant towards it was posted on their friend Brad Jones' website, The Cinema Snob.
π: 0 β©: 1
I understand fully on the love for all cartoons. I do as well since I grew up to watching a lot of the older stuff, Disney, Loony Toons, Hanna Barbera, a lot of the 60s and 70s stuff. So I totally understand what you mean. I guess I mainly take such a liking to some of the 80s stuff since it's such a pinnacle of my childhood.
Oops. Didn't mean to list Smurfs twice. I was at work when I wrote that and was rushing. I can see how Kissyfur can come off as weird. With any cartoons released by DIC, there did seem to be a bit of low budget like qualities to it. Not for everyone if someone is a cartoon purist. I tend to like some stuff like that, though, but that's just me.
I don't know who Jake and Boyd are. I don't care for critics because I very rarely ever agree with them. I can see why this movie would be ripped apart. Definitely wasn't as good as the cartoon, and I knew that was going to be the case when I first heard of the plans to make this movie years ago. So I didn't have any high expectations when I went to watch. I do have the Blu-Ray and will be watching the second film this summer.
All in all, everything comes down to personal opinions at the end of the day and what we personally like. I used to get upset when someone trashed a show or movie that I liked. Even up until a couple of years ago. But it's not worth it. I can respect the reasons being why someone likes this or doesn't like that, and regardless if someone likes it or not, isn't going to take away my enjoyment out of it when I sit down with my glass of wine and put on some old cheesy 80s cartoons or the Smurf movie. LOL
Hey I like talking with you about these things. You know your stuff real good. Perhaps we can have more cartoon discussions.
π: 0 β©: 0
Thanks for the comment and fav!
π: 0 β©: 1
you're welcome
π: 0 β©: 0
You kiddin'? The 80's are my life! I was born in 1987, so that HAS to be my favorite decade.
π: 0 β©: 0
I really like this pic! Being born in 1983, it does give off the that wacky feel some music videos and special effects had at the time.
It was a good decade, at least for a child then.
Innocent, no political correctness, and your neighborhood was truly safe.
But I'm "old" now, so what do I know?
π: 0 β©: 1
Cool. That's kinda what I was aiming for with that. Although I felt it could have used a few "bright light beam" effects or something.
Was that what it was like to be a kid then? Interesting. I'm not really a fan of the perceived "political correctness" aspect, but that's nice to know that there's a reason it tends to be looked at fondly.
Thanks for the comment and fav, by the way.
π: 0 β©: 1
So you want to know about the 80s?
Here are a couple of pics of me as a child:
[link]
[link]
I can remember the Cold War, fearing Russians taking over the US.
The Berlin Wall coming down.
Gulf War I (Desert Storm)
Cartoons and toys ruled the children's market. They were the core of excitement and joy back then. Other than those you would use you imagination, like have tree fort and pretend our a pirate.
Nintendo was the gaming console of my youth. The games were impossibly hard and unforgiving, it could take all day to beat it, I would call my friends on a cord phone mounted on the wall to tell them of my accomplishment.
People interacted and played together, without the distractions of modern technology. TV shows were wholesome and had meaning.
No internet or cell phones (gasp!)
Michael Jackson, Madonna, ruled the airwaves, there was no tabloids speaking ill of them, people just loved their music.
Having a friend spend the night and scaring each other with nothing but a blanket and the darkness.
Look at me, reminiscing, like an old man. I'm not old, in fact I'm fortunate to grow up in an innocent, yet innovative time.
π: 0 β©: 2
Russians ruling America? Have you seen this movie? [link]
π: 0 β©: 1
Oh, I know quite a bit about that time already from articles on RetroJunk and from various 80s-focused books and media. I just wanted to hear what you had to say about it that made it a great time for you to live in.
π: 0 β©: 0
If you made shirts of the designs of those shapes I'd buy them! 
π: 0 β©: 0
I myself was born in 1989, so that makes me a 90s kid, but there are many 80s stuff that I like - cartoons, video games, computer graphics, that sort of thing. 
π: 0 β©: 1
Cool! The only thing I could say about 80s cartoons is that I think the animation quality could've been a little more livelier, like Golden Age Animation or 90s cartoons.
I've never heard of those other two, but I definitely know Weird Al Yankovic.
Thanks. By style, you mean like the clothing and the graphics, I guess?
π: 0 β©: 0
This looks awesome. Don't worry, you're not alone. I was born in 1984, and lived through most of the 1980's myself.
π: 0 β©: 1
I'm friggin' jealous! I wish I were an 80s child!
π: 0 β©: 0
Hellz yes. I'm in your exact same situation. Fav'd.
π: 0 β©: 1
Ooh, sweet! Someone else who doesn't let age matter in his search for awesome music!
Thanks!
π: 0 β©: 1
Should we totally be friends? I think we should totally be friends.
π: 0 β©: 1
Well, I dunno yet, I think I should check out your stuff first in order to judge. So far, from what I gather, you have a unique & interesting style...
π: 0 β©: 1
Yeah, it's just that I'm kind of a procrastinator. I am, however, going to fiddle with my scanner and see if I can get it to work. Then I can finally clear that pile of papers sitting in the middle of my room. 
π: 0 β©: 0
I like the 80's, too.. despite being 15.. I love the hair, music, and the clothing.. But, I like it so much because my parents listen to that stuff, too. Also, you gotta love those wacky prints people used to wear then. >u<
π: 0 β©: 1
Oh yeah, I love the styles & designs then. All spastic & odd like that. Same goes for the clothing & hair.
The music freakin' ruled then. The vast majority of music in this day & age suck, in my honest opinion.
π: 0 β©: 1
Yeah.. I hate a lot of the music nowadays.. I don't want to listen to someone scream in a microphone for 3 minutes straight!
π: 0 β©: 1
Yeah, me either. That, & the music sounds too similar these days...
π: 0 β©: 1
Sorry it took me a while to comment on this. Anyway, it looks great, and I like those funky patterns!
π: 0 β©: 1
I like the eighties too, but I'm glad I didn't live through them, 'cause I don't want to be ten years older. (I'm almost nineteen and already feeling old as is..) XD
There are plenty of people who love the decade, and you can still dress the way you like and listen to the music from then too.
Plus, I like your american style of drawing cartoons.
π: 0 β©: 1
I'm already nineteen myself.
That's nice to know.
Thanks. I'm also trying out different styles to see which one fits mine the best.
π: 0 β©: 0
| Next =>