In our newest birthday eCard, Old People Smell, you can let that someone special know that they are getting older & beginning to develop that old person smell. We talked more with Neil Housego to learn about the artistic ability reeking from him.

1. Where did you go to school?

I went to school at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and graduated with a BA in Three Dimensional Design, way back in 1997. I’m a self taught animator, but in recent times I’ve been lucky enough to get to know the amazing Matt Williames (Coraline, Princess and the Frog). His advice and passion for the discipline has really helped me to grow as an artist.

2. How long did this card take to animate?

I took one weekend to complete all the character design and development. Then the following two weekends to take it from the pencil test stage all the way through to painting and compositing.

3. Where did your inspiration come from?

As with all my work, the main inspiration for the piece comes from life and observing the things going on around me. It sounds so cliche but it really is an endless source of inspiration. Also I think one of my favourite artists the legendary Playboy cartoonist Erich Sokol may be in there somewhere.

4. Do you think old people really do smell?

Just a little bit, but that’s endearing, right?

If you would like to see more of Neil’s work you can visit his portfolio here: www.cargocollective.com/neilhousego.

Have a friend with a birthday? Send this eCard or another one of our funny birthday eCards. Smell ya later!