Wise Whales

Maria, this tale is so moving and so gently told. I love the illustrations, the use of blue , and the warmth of the pencil line. I especially love image you selected for the thumbnail. It’s my favorite image in the piece. Our eye knows just where to look. It’s an incredible image. Thank you so much for your hard work, it’s really a lovely story, beautifully crafted. Keep going, I know you will have more to share with us:)

Hi Maria, I love the story of Andrés that you've given us! The moment he is alone in the ocean and starts doubting his own convictions is something that resonates with so many things in life, and I really appreciate that you included this. It makes the moment when the whale reappears more fulfilling because there are times in life when it feels like things are going to fail but then it takes a sudden turn for the good! The end of the story is also very well done: Andrés finding compromise/balance in his choices between being in the city and his love of the ocean is very clear and a lovely conclusion. I really appreciate your drawing style and the use of blue throughout the story - it created a calming tone even in the moments of conflict. Really well done, and thank you for sharing this again!

Hi Maria Pia! You have a beautiful story here. Andrés seems like a relatable character who has clearly defined wants and needs! The magic lore of the whales is a really cool way to have him interact with the ocean. Your camera angles and variety of shots was entertaining, too. Best of luck!! :)

It is a very tender and beautiful story that I was lucky enough to meet a few months ago at the summer exhibition. Congratulations once again, Maria, because you have once again done an excellent job full of feeling, kindness and important values. I was very happy to see you back here to continue giving voice and life to the inspiring story of Andres and the wise whales that guide his soils and his heart filling him with strength and greatness to achieve everything he sets his mind to. Best wishes and a big hug, my friend! :)

Your story is so well done, with impactful use of color, camera angles and narrative. I love how Andres makes his final decision and finds comfort and solace with the Wise Whale. He was very true to his dream and resisted being swayed by his family but then found his niche. Very satisfying emotional ending.

Wow, Maria, what a wonderful story! I like the visuals you chose, and the story moves along nicely. Great work!

Hi Maria, I started following your story later on in the process and I've been very excited to see how you would choose to end it. You've done an amazing job with your story and I love it to bits. Your visuals match your story perfectly and your whale scenes are by far some of my favorite. I saw in the notes that you said this is still a work in progress for you - I'm very excited to see where you take this story if you choose to share it in the next session of the Xperiential. Congrats on a job well done. :) -Hayley

Hi Maria! I loved this story so much! I think it's a story that is very relatable to many. I thought all the plot points and obstacles nicely lead to the ending. I love your drawings as well. I can really see this turning into a beautiful animated piece especially the scenes with the whale. Great job!

First of all, I really like the aesthetics of this story, especially when the blue illustrations appear with the big blue whale (an animal I adore). I love the chosen theme and the development of the narrative, which is clear and inspiring. The messages it has are very necessary and emotional, and, in particular, the moral it gives at the end seems to me very powerful and touching. CONGRATULATIONS, MARIA! :)

It was very satisfying to see the scenes with the whale!! The whale has really a very warming reaction. And the whole ending was super satisfying specially considering how well this resolves the character's story and main dilemma. It was very interesting to see the things the whale says, not only about the ocean but about that they know the boy cared about it. The information on Act 1 and 2 are now super clear! And all of Act 3 is super clear already, but I was missing some more explanations or more "discussions" to happen with the father, because I couldn't find information about how exactly he accepted (maybe easily or quickly). There is an opportunity I see, which is to show with more intention how the communication with the whale happens, since the boy seems to open his mouth but the viewer cannot know for sure on the drawings if it is happening like actual talk (and some bubbles should be shown since it is still underwater) or if it is inside the mind. In either way, the frame with the boy should reflect more about what is happening, and this would help also on giving this information to make the full animated version. Nice job!

Maria, your story is incredible. It’s easy to follow, and it has a great deep message. My favourite is the visuals of when he falls in the ocean and the whale talks to him. I love when she says “ that’s up to you ,my dear”. Great work!!!