A few months ago I had the privilege to interview one of my former professors at Parsons New School of Design. I was enrolled in a class he teaches at Parsons called, “Visual Narrative”. I really had no idea what to expect. On the first day of class, this normal looking unassuming guy entered the classroom. He began to talk about the idea of storytelling and narrative. The way he spoke about story was as if he was telling us about how much he loved one of his children. The whole class could immediately tell that he had an intense passion for not only the subject matter but also for inspiring and infecting students with this passion as well.
He began to discuss narrative concepts such as comedy and drama, and asked for a volunteer to come to the front of the classroom. As the unsuspecting student approached the front of the class, the professor asked the young man to slap him. Apprehensively the student responded with “I don’t think I am comfortable with…”, then SLAP! The professor slapped the student across the face! The collective gasp of the classroom quickly turned into a slightly riotous laughter as the professor and the student began a playful game of slap-boxing. After about a minute, the professor ended the match, returning to the academic poise he had before the slap-dance began. He then turned to face the class and ask, “Now class, why was that funny?”.
It was in that moment that I knew this guy was an amazing teacher. He was able to take an abstract concept and make it real, and everyone in that class will remember that moment for the rest of their lives. I know I will, because now I know that an unexpected “gap” widening event is a great way to make people laugh. If it doesn’t work, slapping helps.
At any rate, this guy is not only an amazing teacher, but it turns out he is an award-winning brilliant artist/animator as well.
Please take a moment to meet him in this little profile video we made. I think you will enjoy the ride.
“Stand clear of the closing doors please!”
For more amazing animations and comics from Andy, please visit his website: londonsquared.net
