John’s Profile
I have been in the animation industry for 20 years. In 1996, I started Noodleboy Inc. to provide animation services such as conceptual art and story development, layout and design, and storyboards.
I have worked with studios such as Nelvana Animation, Yowza Animation and Cookie Jar Entertainment. Some of the projects I have worked on: The Magic School Bus, Babar: King of the Elephants, Curious George the Movie and Johnny Test.
Much like any kid would, I got into animation by watching a lot of cartoons on television. Some of my favourite shows then were The Flintstones, Battle of the Planets (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman) and Starblazers (Space Cruiser Yamato). Not only was it the idea of taking a still image and making it move that drew me closer to the process of film and animation; but also the storytelling aspect. I studied animation at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario.
What most people don’t know about me: I have a classical art background that includes studies in drawing and painting, sculpture and architecture, and photography.
I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment here.
Thanks!
Vitae Graphicus - The Art of John K. Lei 
Hi John,
This is very cool. Excellent artwork. I figure if anyone taps into the most up-to-date technology, it’ll be you. We’ll have to get together and share “war stories” (past and current).
Paul
The blog looks great John…nice and clean and clear. I’ve been wondering for a while just how the hell I would ever get some of my stuff up on-line…now I just have to copy you. Thanks for the lead!
Rick
Hey John,
Your blog looks great! I did not know you have a classical art background- very cool.
I look forward to new posts.
Ginny
Great Stuff!!!!
i teach high school in the boston area and have been showing my kids some of your sketches. love to hear that you have a classic art background, so important for my kids to hear it from a pro.
good luck!
Hi Joel,
Thanks so much for your comment, I really appreciate it. I believe in doing things the right way, or not at all (well, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but that’s the gist of it).
I’m glad to hear you’re teaching your kids the right way.
Regards,
John.
Hello John
When I was a kid I use to watch “The Magic School Bus” it was ones that I liked. I don’t know if people liked it or not, but it helped me to learn some things. I was a kid that liked to know a lot of things. I just wanted to know if in the futur if anyone might bring it back like they did with “Voltron”? I’m Sorry if I may be asking the wrong person about this. I just wanted to know.
Oh, and I really like your locations! I hope I can do something like that some day. So far I can’t stop making characters, but I’m trying to fight it and try to start making scenery.
Halo
Hi Halo,
Yeah, you guessed right, I am not the right person to ask. 😉
“The Magic School Bus” if I recall is a property that is owned and licensed through Scholastic Books. It would ultimately be up to them to bring it back to screen. Who knows, perhaps they think about it once in a while.
Thanks for the comment on my locations, it was one of my earlier strengths when I entered the business – and I had to work to get my character drawing up to snuff. So, I was kind of at the opposite end of the spectrum to you.
Keep on working at the locations and scenery! You’ll get there if you tackle it a little bit at a time, it just takes practice, patience and observation.
Thanks again for visiting and posting a message! Keep in touch!
John.
Hi Halo, long time no speak! Just in case you hadn’t heard, The Magic School Bus is returning with a new series on Netflix. So your wish has come true!
Cheers,
John