Sketchbook Sessions

The Hidden Content

2011-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

aka taking tests!

I've been working the past few months on a few things that I can't show (yet?). One is a test for LEGO. Another is a test for Boom Studios (a comic publisher). Then I'm learning Maya for what would hopefully be content creation for a MMO.

We'll see how these go. In the meantime, I should be posting more sketches on a regular basis. This is a good thing. The reason why I'm able to? Not so good.

I'm working on my old workhorse computer, Locke, who has all the drivers needed for scanning, working, etc. It runs pretty slow, but at least it's still kicking.

A few months ago I got a much better computer as a hand me down. Dual core, good vid card, plenty of RAM...but it ran on 64-bit Win XP. Which my scanner has no known drivers for, along with other small compatibility issues. So a lot of sketches went unposted - the notion of plugging back in an older computer to do one specific thing didn't make much sense for me.

Now a new issue came up - the newer computer won't boot past the bios. So, I'm back on Locke full-time until the mess is sorted. On the bright side, more excuse to scan sketches!

The Wall

2011-11-08T00:47:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

I haven't been doing much updating here. After spending some time talking with other illustrators, going to conventions, and giving it some thought, I've decided this place should be used more for content right now, other than feeling the need to have something specific to show.

It used to be that I would update deviantart (heavily) with finished work, while this had a mix of that and some sketch stuff. One thing I've noticed in other blogs though, is that people also share information on how to do stuff or thoughts on certain issues in art, work, and visual communication.

I'm not 100% sure what I can add to this kind of conversation, but I think an effort should be made. If for nothing else, at least for my own sanity - sometimes the illustrators life is much like the mountain-dwelling hermit :p

Designed for Threadless

2010-08-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hey folks!

I'm submitting a design for the "Threadless Loves Comics" contest! The winner gets paid, an iPad, plus a few trades of "Chew" along with their design showing up an issue of the comic.

Here's the link:

http://www.threadless.com/submission/290501/Tonsil_Hockey

So please, if you dig it, tell others about it! It's not up for voting yet (but when it does, I'll let you know) but I'm just concerned about getting some eyeballs on it first.

Smarter than the Average...You Know...

2010-07-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

An artwork request - lots of open space for the type treatment going in.

It's BBQin' Time!

2010-07-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

In before the 4th of July

PS - Happy Canada Day my northern cousins!

Red Cyclone!

2010-06-25T14:16:00.001-07:00

Sure You Can!

2010-06-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

Tonsil Hockey

2010-06-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

Logo/shirt/something idea!

Summer Can Be Brutal

2010-06-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Dave

2010-06-05T00:26:00.001-07:00

Inspired by my girlfriend's roomate - we were all out at the beach this past week and she had mentioned something about hairy men...so I sketched Dave, the rainbow, and stars. Didn't have a layout in mind until working on it tonight.

June is National Safety Month

2010-06-03T22:40:00.001-07:00

Guy and sign were done for work - all the extra treatments (type, tones, BG) were for fun!

Started an Etsy!

2010-06-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Check it out - http://herogear.etsy.com

Selling a few postcard sized prints to start, but the sky's the limit!

Also: Some new work (made for a friend):

Mini Updates

2010-04-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Been taking some time to work on a submission for Disney Animation's Talent Development Program. Looking to get into the Visual Development arm for 6 months and get some experience and face time with creatives already doing what I'm aiming for.

Outside that, just some daily sketching and big overhauls at home. Got a new TV and stand, had to do some major reorganizing between the old shelf space, the new stand, and my ridiculous collection of art books, comics, and...games!

Past few weeks have been exciting - Crewest Show, then Easter, then my girlfriend's birthday followed by mine the day after, then a new TV...*whew* Lots of blessings and lots of hustle.

Character Designs - Artists and Star Wars

2010-04-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Gallery opening at Crewest was a lot of fun! The night started slow but by the time I left, it was so crowded that folks spilled out into the streets!

Been drawing a lot for the Design a Character group on DA. These two assignments were fun. The artist was a 'prop' challenge where the chair had to be created first, then a character based on the chair. The Star Wars characters came from an opposites challenge - making two characters that play off the opposites of each other.

Super SF4 - Ibuki

2010-03-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dudley - Street Fighter 3 (and 4)

2010-03-09T01:49:00.000-08:00

Another in this series of SF characters. This time with more deliberate design in pattern and badge/frame/motif around the character.

Makoto - Street Fighter 3 (and 4!)

2010-03-06T01:38:00.001-08:00

I grew up play a lot of Street Fighter. When SF3 - Third Strike came out it was decided that I try to learn Makoto, one of the game's harder to learn characters. She's the kind of fighter that with enough time and effort, her usefulness opens WAY up.

Heard she'll be in Super Street Fighter 4 coming out in April. So did this little illustration.

I feel like tonight's process was kinda like learning to use her in the game. Lots of extra work and effort up front, but this feels like one of those 'breakthrough' pieces artists are lucky to get in life.

Night well spent!

Goku Re-Imagined

2010-03-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

Another assignment for the DAC group.

Image is up, but you can follow the links to DA too!

Design-A-Character

2010-02-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

Joined up to a group on DA called Design-A-Character . Each week a new challenge is posted, from designing characters based on random shapes to re imagining existing designs.

These were a few for the first time I participated. Looking forward to doing more!

Another Gallery Show + Computer Issues

2010-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

Long time, no talk folks!

I'll be in another gallery show on April 3rd in the LA area! It another bike-themed show, and all art will be 'hand printed' meaning silkscreen, lino block print, etc. I've got a design figured but no color scheme yet. Want to keep it one color so it's affordable though.

Also, I caught the first malware/spyware infection ever! Had my current PC for 5+ years, and I've been working to fix it (and almost there!), but until then I've kept most of my updating to password-protected places to other computers. Gotta thank the girl for the laptop use...

Here's the design for the show, plus some sketchwork and stuff that's gone up at DeviantArt but failed to go up here!

This last one is for the art show.

Monsters on Bikes Art Show

2009-11-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

On November 14th, from 6pm to midnight, I'll have a work (or two?) at an art show in Highland Park. There's two physical locations, and it's part show, part benefit - sales will help support two non-profits helping people with buying, repairing, and maintaining bikes.

Which brings us to the theme - monsters on bikes! I have a penchant for monsters and putting one on or around a bike sounds like fun!

You can find more info at their website, http://www.monstersonbikes.blogspot.com/

A million thanks to Shing Yin Khor (of http://www.sawdustbear.com/) for the heads up on this!

A Girl and Her Blob

2009-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Inspired by WayForward's adorable remake of A Boy and His Blob. Once an 8-bit NES game, now on the Wii.

Alive and Kicking

2009-10-27T00:25:00.001-07:00

Also working on a Halloween card, and a submission for an upcoming art show. Details to follow!

Today's sketches

2009-09-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of sketches done for work and on my break.

I Cut You To The MAX

2009-09-17T21:43:00.001-07:00

Done for a DA friend, iloveyoutothemax. You can check out her work over here!

Had a lot of fun with this. Not a big expert on robots, so I did what I could while keeping it goofy and fluid. It's put me in the mood to do more robots too!

Super (?) Mario

2009-09-16T18:38:00.001-07:00

The Day's Doodles

2009-09-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

Just some stuff I was sketching during downtime today at work. Figure being productive one way or another is better than goofing off when I'm waiting for design approvals.

Worky Worky

2009-09-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Work related drawings!

Re: The King of Brothers

2009-08-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

A few months back I posted some WIP of a King of Fighters pic. Got word today that the piece is in the top ten of the contest! I'm stoked about getting that far, seeing as there were some pretty amazing last-minute entries.

Also - totally not slacking...sort of. I started a new job two weeks back and between it and some hush-hush work, I haven't had much to update with. I'll make it up starting this week!

Oops - Darkstalkers!

2009-08-06T22:47:00.001-07:00

I knew I was forgetting something. This is the submission that made it into the Darkstalkers Tribute album, published by Udon Entertainment.

The Sasquatch darling is copyright Capcom.

Mai Oh My

2009-08-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

This was created for the King of Fighters 12 art contest at http://www.kingoffighters12.com . Unfortunately it was down to the wire and didn't get in on time.

At least I got a cute piece out of it.

(Mai & King of Fighters are copyright SNK-Playmore)

Moderation in Panic

2009-07-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy few weeks. Called back in for some freelance, let off again, and producing some more examples of work to show at San Diego Comic Con. Haven't posted them because a) still ironing them out and b) need to make printing examples and integrating into portfolio priority one.

This update is to more or less assure you (actually, myself) that keeping to a dedicated workflow and update schedule is still at the forefront of my mind.

Now, who else is hitting up Comic Con?

Duncan Colors

2009-07-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Took Duncan - one of the early concept sketches this week - and whipped up a color layout.

Lonestar Officers

2009-07-10T18:06:00.001-07:00

Two color layouts for a single outfit idea across three body types.

Sketch Dump 7/8 - 7/9

2009-07-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Went to a local cafe in Long Beach, Portfolio's last night with a few art friends and Liz.

Today drew the view looking out from my balcony window while sitting on the couch. Here's a photo for comparison.

Tonight went to Starbucks with Liz and had the foresight to bring the 4"x6" pad.

Digital Painting - 07/08/09

2009-07-08T01:51:00.001-07:00

Concepts Abound!

2009-07-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some character sketches - the kids are reiterations of older characters I had while the eye lamp/tree thingie was just for goofing around.

Digital Painting

2009-07-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've been watching free vids at Digital Art Tutorials - it's been giving me a better understanding of how others work through PhotoShop for painting. The recent freelance work taught the same lessons with Illustrator. So I'm taking a real focused look at how others approach mediums in an attempt to see if there's faster approaches than those I'm used to.

Anywho, the image is the result from staying up too late, watching tutorials, and painting in CS2 for about 40 minutes.

Baby Steps in 3DS Max

2009-05-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

Trying something new - attempting to wrap my head around 3D programs. Using 3DS Max and the tutorials at 3D Total, I whipped up this little thing. You know the phrase, " a face only a mother could love?" That's the vibe I'm feeling - this is a real early attempt and yet I'm so excited that I made something.

Big Illustration Party Time

2009-05-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a budding illustrator heading to school, just starting out in the real world, or even been around the block, there's a great podcast out there. Big Illustration Party Time is hosted by freelance illustrators and published cartoonists Joshua Kemble and Kevin Cross, and covers a lot of technical aspects of illustration.

The format's informal with loads of helpful content. They cover topics such as starting out, building a portfolio, promotion, and process of projects. It's the first podcast I've ever heard that gets into the nuts and bolts of illustration and never resorts to generalizations or vague insights. While they go off topic from time to time, it's never a distraction. In fact some of their tangents provide even greater bits of info. Plus it's a lot of fun just listening to other artists "talk shop" - a definite joy for any freelancer working from home.

It's been a personal boon this past week, seeing as I've been redoubling efforts into producing work at a steady pace. I got so caught up over finding a job that I feel the need to place just as much emphasis on daily practice and steady content. BIPT is a great listen and a smart addition to any playlist.

King of Fighters 12

2009-05-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

The King of Fighters 12 website has a contest running. Submitting art for their upcoming game under "Fan Art" and there's a $1,000 first prize attached.

I grew up playing a LOT of video games, KoF being one of them. So I have an affinity for doing this sort of thing and since the Darkstalkers thing went so well, I thought "why not?"

For one it gives me another project to work on. For some reason I become way more productive when I have a defined goal or end point to work with. When I'm drawing just to fritter away time I may get some good ideas, but I never flesh something out to the point of completion. Psyching myself out into viewing any artwork as a project tends to accomplish more.

In that spirit, take a gander at some of these process drawings. All characters are copyright SNK/Playmore and I'll update as I put more work into this thing.

05/20/09 - New process at top added.
05/21/09 - Background added.
05/22/09 - Added type, not too sure if I can call it done.

Linking Things Together

2009-05-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

With a LinkedIn account I found a neat program that aggregates my blogs from here as well as my Deviant Art page. Not too shabby - I'm all about integrating elements.

Which got me to thinking about owning a domain, and consolidating everything into one website. It's about time too - having patchwork elements on the web may have passed in the 90s, but not today!

House Cleaning

2009-04-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

It's funny that cleaning seems like such a great way to unwind. Spent so much time growing up avoiding it or at odds ends with it that it's weird to enjoy it.

Been poking away on sketching and making new friends on Deviantart. I think that will stay as my big launch pad for work until enough friends follow the work here. Or just register a domain and throw all relevant content there.

These drawings were from a life drawing class. I miss life drawing classes - especially for the gestures.

Return to Darkstalkers

2009-03-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Remember the Darkstalkers Tribute Album I mentioned earlier?

Got an e-mail today saying I'll be in it! I'm telling friends and family, getting some buzz going about it. They still want the actual pieces to be hush-hush, so I won't put the work up til after summer.

In the meantime I need to get back in the habit of putting my daily sketches and projects up here. Been doing some color samples for comics, so those should be up shortly.

Finished!

2009-01-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

This didn't too long, once I had a color palette put together. Enjoy!

Christmas-E

2008-12-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

Liz's mom said Wall E is her favorite character. That inspired this little gift. Working on cleanup and colors today.

It's-a-Me, Bending Proportions

2008-12-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

I love Mario and Luigi - I had some fun drawing alterations of their designs.

Meet Liz

2008-11-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

We went to Disneyland for free, so I made a little thank you card. Then there was our anniversary and, being broke, I made Liz a small gift.

Quickie Update

2008-11-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

My time with DCP came to a close last month and I've been doing some toy freelancing. Looking for more clients along the way. Again more NDAs were signed so doodles are go for the update!

More sketches

2008-08-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

Digital stuff mixed with costumed figure drawing at work. Go Indy!

From Deviantart

2008-08-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Still updating at deviantart

BUT

Both the blog and DA should get updates at the same time, or at least kept current of each other. Not this "mix and match" scene.

Will fix tonight (today?)

Daily Doodles

2008-06-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

I've been making it a point to draw non-work stuff, even if it's a small drawing every morning. Which means a long overdue art dump:

Hold the Phone

2008-04-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am alive and kicking.

I've also been drawing. Some of it I can't show - a lot probably. I'm currently working for Disney Consumer Products in Apparel design. It's a pretty neat gig - I get to draw what will hopefully turn into icons used on children's clothing. Then there's the usual layout/design stuff that became second nature when working at 49er Shops.

Funny enough, I haven't spent nearly as much time drawing outside of work. Partly from a lack of self motivation to the hand cramps acting up again and now much, much worse. It worries me, but no insurance means I can't get it looked at. Need to fix that.

But I have done some work I can show (I think) - it was a submission to Udon's Street Fighter fanart book that's coming out in time for Comic Con 08. I'll edit this post later once I get my hands on the link. Anyway the submission wasn't selected to I think its safe to post this one up.

Freakin' A'

2008-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

Loooooooooooooooooooooooong time no talk folks!

So here's the skinny - I worked on a month-long freelance project, which I hope to put up soon as soon as I get the ok from my client. THEN I got a new fulltime job (YAY!) as a game tester (YAY?). So far it's been intense hours, so we'll see if I survive and create as I go, or go off and create to hopefully keep the bills in check.

Yes - bills. Blah. Rent. Pah! All of this needs to be covered and while it was working to a degree in freelance, I was dying to find a way make more than just my financial ends meet. Getting a car, insurance, food would all be nice things and for that I need some 9 to 5 employment.

In short - don't count me out. I draw on my breaks now and have been keeping my energy up and hopefully game testing sucks the gaming nerd out of me so I'll spend more time on the weekends drawing. And less playing Phoenix Wright >.>

Undercovers: panels 1 - 8

2007-11-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, a big thanks goes to Kidnemo (of Washed Ashore and Comet 7 fame, to name a few) for this idea. I told him of a story I've been knocking around in my head and finding excuses to NOT do. He mentioned if I take it bit by bit, and make sure to do it every day, not only would I get it done, but it would help with my drawing skill. So here are the first two panels/pages of what I'll call "Undercovers" for the time being.

I'll keep updating with regular drawings as-is, but this needs to be a daily update.

Spider-ween!

2007-10-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Heads Up - Art Challenges Ahead

2007-10-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Will and his site, Clockwork Machina, are doing an illustration contest of sorts. It's 'oekaki lottery' or Oelotto for short. Each week a new theme will be drawn lottery-style and then people can work on the theme. Results will be posted, another theme chosen, etc etc.

Details can be found here.

Sketches

2007-10-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at Sean "Cheeks" Galloway's stuff a lot lately, which got me into drawing some simpler versions of Wolverine and Spiderman than I'm accustomed to. I'm liking the results - especially those that try to portray personality within the body shape, gesture, etc. Spidey and Wolvie are so iconic that the only real way to make a rendition stand out is to tweak those sort of aspects.

My 2 cents.

Working Again

2007-10-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is more design-oriented, but with an illustrator's...flourish? Logo for a re-occurring event.

Running Turkey

2007-10-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Kinda like "Raging Bull" insomuch that it's nothing like it.

From the Workbench

2007-10-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

This one was made for an ad, putting our school mascot "Prospector Pete" into the mix. If you want to see what...erm...inspiration I had to draw from, just follow the link.

Not-So-Super Mario

2007-09-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

I think I spent too long tightening up this sketch too soon. I like the face so it's inked, but the rest could use some more fluidity. It's a cute idea though.

More Sketching

2007-09-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

These are just some rough sketches I've been doing recently. With the exception of the Samus thumbnail (about an inch and a half big), I've only been drawing lines, ellipses, grids, cubes, cylinders, etc. Rather than dump all of that on you, I posted some more interesting stuff I've done in the past week.

Why all these lines and shapes, you ask? My friend Shaun lent me some awesome DVDs from The Gnomon Workshop, so I've been practicing along today. The Samus thumbnail was an attempt at taking some of the more rudimentary stuff Scott Robertson mentions in his two volumes and putting it to practice with my own way of sketching. It looks cool and definitely more
solid than a lot of my other work. When it comes to gestural sketching and coloring it all comes easier than technical drawing. So rather than treat them as separate things I want to use the two to the best of their merits.

Cars, Cars, and Did I Mention...Cars?

2007-09-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Another 'sample assignment' - this time for a marketing group that deals in promotional merchandise and toys. I was asked to create a final line art and colors for Lightning McQueen's 'pull back car' toy, and then use it in a display board that would best promo it. These were the results of each stage (roughs, tightening the final, adding color, board). As usual I worked in Illustrator, mainly because it was a fast way to get what I wanted accomplished.

The Mural in Person

2007-08-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

The mural image I posted earlier (the second one specifically) went up today. So I took some pictures giving you an idea of its location. Originally it was to be painted, then when we found out the 5 illuminated signs they had weren't going down, we were asked if we could fit the image within them. Here's the result.

Not too shabby.

From the Job - Wednesday Edition

2007-08-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have to come up with better sounding titles.

Comic Stuffs

2007-08-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few sequential samples spurred from a few simple rules. I love making up monsters and I had an idea for a monster-themed story when I started doing monster designs last semester.

These didn't take long to do, but I've been slacking in putting them online. Plus for the sake of demonstrating sequential storytelling, I think the setup is too convoluted to do the way I approached it here. So I'll go back to the drawing board or do some smaller sequential stories to give myself something to practice on.

Also, I plan to start work on turnarounds and exploded views for toy design's sake.

Even more work stuff

2007-08-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

A 'fixed' mural (the same beach one I showed), plus some sketch/CG work that was to be put to an orientation flyer.

I'm challenged daily by how fast or work needs to be turned around in, and how part-time student employees are given entire jobs to see through from start to finish. It's mind-boggling.

Today's Scans

2007-08-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Just some scans of sketches from last night.

Straight From the Office

2007-08-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sort of - I mean, I don't work in an office nor do I have one. I think this is the only place on the planet where the design is a small corner of a copier room in the back of a warehouse. I'll put up some photos when I get the chance.

Anywho, some stuff that I've recently finished or am working on for the job. Hope you like!

Otis Redding

2007-08-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

I saw a job posting on Craigslist for a kid's book. They wanted illustrations of singer Otis Redding, so here were a few samples I produced. Obviously I made sure not to make them at print-level quality, as these were 'required' before they'd even consider me for the job. Sound like a pain but at the very least I have more work to show for it.

Drew - Character Designin'

2007-08-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I had to design a boy and a girl and do turn arounds for both in class. Then I had to show one character as he/she aged. Then I met with a really cool animator from Disney, who really dug the initial idea for "Drew" - the girl I used in both the turn arounds and the age progressions. So I've done some new concepting on her, taking what he talked to me into account. He design feels much simpler, but much, much stronger.

Work Art

2007-06-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Something I've done for a store promo here.

Last One

2007-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

And I'm off to watch Heroes!

Big, Overdue Art Dump

2007-05-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff to add to the blog today, so I'll just dive into it:

Dagnabbit

2007-03-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm behind on like...everything. But at least I did my character for the design class. He's supposed to be a homeless guy. A bum. A vagrant. And so on. I like this drawing, but I don't know if it works as someone out on their luck, you know?

Catching A Cold - Catching Up

2007-02-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

I know it's too late to put this in, but I had to put up the mime I did for character design. At least to show that I can do it. I definitely like the one on the right SO MUCH BETTER.

Character Design - Facial Expressions

2007-02-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

10 facial expressions based off a character loosely based off of my mug. Due for the character class on Thursday.

Character Design Class - Burglar

2007-02-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the criminal/burglar guy for my character class. I was gonna go for 'old man with a walker trying to run from the cops' but it turned into this instead. Is it a bad thing that I like the bank teller woman more?

Monster Show

2007-02-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

I want to submit this to the school's monster show. I wonder if the background color should be something other than white. But I kinda like it as-is.

2007-02-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pages from a children's book I was working on last semester for George's class. I'm going to get back into it again for Special Studies this semester.

Starters

2007-02-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

I think this'll be much easier to use for posting up art than DA. I hope.