When faced with the simplicity of most modern animated television shows, it’s easy to forget that they are created and designed by wildly talented individuals who don’t share the same ideas about tone and content with the shows they produce. Check out any number of the Internet’s art blogs that have been rapidly springing up over the last few years, where creatives are simultaneously building up their portfolios and networking with other creatives across the country, and the curious preoccupations of the artists become clearer. Jared Deal, respective art blogger and co-founder of Carnival Cartoons, rounded up a collection of animation professionals for a group exhibit entitled, Shady Characters a tribute to all the creepers and tweakers, freaks and geeks we encounter on a daily basis. A showcase of animation character design work and illustration from industry heavyhitters from New York, Los Angeles and Canada, the broadness of theme allows for a wide variety of subject and style. And whether the work is in ink, acrylic or cut felt, the results are refreshingly hand crafted and deliciously free from the play-it-safe mentality of the artists’ day-to-day product.

Through Sept. 9. Live With Animals Gallery, 210 Kent Ave. (at Metropolitan), Brooklyn, 347-526-3179; Fri-Sat. 4-8 p.m.; Sun. 2-7 p.m., Free.