Biography of Verne Andru - CaptainCannabis.com

Biography of Verne Andru

Born in 1955, he grew up in the dawn of the television era with its wacky worlds of Beatle mania and Bugs Bunny. While he dabbled in music and drawing, it wasn’t until he met the crew from Captain Canuck Comics at a high school “career day” that he found his calling. He quickly became the studio pest, dropping by weekly to show off his latest and get a much-needed serving of humble pie.

Out of high school he took a job with Canadian Pacific Railway where he set about to learn the fine art of comic book illustrating, partially to help stay awake during the night shift. His career got a boost with his first paid job - cel painting on “Blowhard”, a National Film Board animated short. This was followed by animation assignments for Hanna Barberra’s Saturday morning lineup. At the same time, he continued working in comics, illustrating stories for Phantacea, doing ink and color on Captain Canuck and cover art for Charleton Comics Group.

During a feature assignment on Nelvana’s “Rock and Rule”, he worked with a leading special effects team and became intrigued with the opportunities computers held for fantasy creators. Upon completing that project he attended college, graduating on the honor roll a few years later as a computer systems specialist.

Given the state of technology in the 1980’s, it would take another decade for it to catch up to Verne’s vision. He spent that time teaching computer sciences as well as doing creative, design and advertising in Toronto and Vancouver. He provided the creative behind a number of high-tech success stories including “Simply Accounting”, a brand that remains the best selling small business accounting software to this day.

Verne has always been on the leading edge, applying new technology in novel ways. Desktop publishing replaced traditional typesetting and pre-press. He pioneered digital paint for location and character color styling on animated series work. His state-of-the-art desktop animation system produces a range of content for web and broadcast, including the highly successful Kid’s Club spots for Swedish furniture retailer, IKEA.

Verne creates best in Vancouver where he enjoys life with family and music.

Partial List of Credits:

Captain Canuck Comics – Inks and color on Captain Canuck comic books.
Chameleon Records/ Wexford Studios – Painting and illustration for various record album jackets.
Charlton Publications Inc. – Cover pencils and inks for “Gunfighters” comic book.
CREDO Group – Ink and paint on “Blowhart” animated short.
Debek Educational Video – Illustrated video stills for “Johnny Appleseed” and “Josephs Multicolored Coat”
Delaney & Friends – Layouts on “Nilus the Sandman” animated TV series
Hanna Barberra Films – Animation on “Jana of the Jungle” and “Godzilla Power Hour” animated TV series.
Hanna Barberra Films – Layouts on “I am Weasel” animated TV series.
IKEA Seattle – Producer/director on “Flaxy” TV commercials.
International Rocketship - Ink and paint on “Sing Beast Sing” animated short.
N.O.A. Network of Animation – Background color styling for “Billy the Cat” and “Mutant League” animated TV series.
Nelvana Animated Commercials – Animation for Philishave “Lift and Cut” TV commercial.
Nelvana Films Ltd. – Storyboard, design and layout on feature length animated film “Rock n Rule”.
Pillow People – Storyboards and designs for “Pillow People” animated TV series.
Universal Cartoon Studios – Storyboards for “Wing Commander” animated TV series.
Westworld Publications – Magazine illustrations.

A comprehensive on-line gallery of Verne's work is available at www.VerneAndru.com