Here’s a logo design I finished for a gaming group:
Any fan of The Red Star will enjoy this. I will color it later:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
San Diego Comic Con starts tomorrow!
A reminder: I will be doing sketches for donations at the Cartoon Art Museum table on Friday, July 25th from 2-3 pm. The museum's table is on the mezzanine level in the Fan Club section, number MZ11. According to the staff, it’s $10 for a 5.5x8.5 and $25 for a 8.5x11. It may be different once there, but it’s a heads up. Come on by!
Here’s a logo design I finished for a gaming group:
Any fan of The Red Star will enjoy this. I will color it later:
Here’s a logo design I finished for a gaming group:
Any fan of The Red Star will enjoy this. I will color it later:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
sketches at SDCC!
San Diego Comic Con is just around the corner! I don't have a table, so I'll be roaming as a free agent on the floor. I will be doing sketches for donations at the Cartoon Art Museum table on Friday, July 25th from 2-3 pm. CAM's table is on the mezzanine level in the Fan Club section, number MZ11. Come on by!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Raconteur update
Here's the latest page of my current story Treaty. After this story is done, I'll be putting Raconteur on hiatus for a while.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
MoCCA bound!
Mark your calendars: Leigh Dragoon, Karen Luk and Rachel Nabors will be at MoCCA! We're at table S41, on the second floor of the Puck Building.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Art Spiegelman and Chris Ware, Serial Boxes, April 30th
Chris Ware and Art Spiegelman were guest speakers at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco on April 30th. Their conversation, as guided by Heidi Chute, was part of Serial Boxes – a series of lectures exploring the graphic novel.
Ware is known for his graphic and geometric comics that look computer generated, but is done by hand. His notable works include the Acme Novelty Library and Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth. Spiegelman’s underground comics work began in the 1960s and 1970s and continued with co-founding of Arcade and Raw. His Pulitzer-winning Maus elevated graphic novels to literary status. He equated his recent work, In the Shadow of Two Towers, as current generation’s World War II influence.
Spiegelman believes that graphic novels are still bidding for respectability. The graphic novel is a medium, not a genre. He views the term “graphic novel” as a marketing term, instead of just saying “comics” to describe his work. Chute had Spiegelman define comics – words and pictures, reduced level of visuals, picture words. Ware shared his view of sequential art as “typography of picture words.”
To Spiegelman, comics represent timeless space, much like a musical score. Large panels may equal no passage of time. Spiegelman claimed rational barely exists in comics. Plain painting ignores the story. Ware creates his panels as he goes, increasing the complexity of the pages to have the reader linger over the pages. He joked how drawing naked people brings him to the drawing board.
Speaking historically, Spiegelman suggested comics as architecture derived from the church stained glass windows. Spiegelman focuses his narrative stories, looking for visual coherence of panels in and out of the story. On the other hand, Ware gives the story a more cursory glance (whether it works or not) tempered with real life parallels.
On the question about which panel to read next, Spiegelman replied that it was the artist’s responsibility to know. Spiegelman added that ambiguity lends to more reader involvement. “You have to use what little space you have to pack inside everything you can!” quoted Spiegelman of his father showing him how to pack in a cartoon strip. He stated that this was the best advice he ever received as a cartoonist.
Ware uses comic panels as a typographic element and as “memory pictures.” He experiments with story, not necessarily storytelling. Relying on the perception of ambiguity for his panels, he said that it must feel right to work. He commented that man is the only creature surrounded by man-made things.
Regarding influences on his work, Spiegelman cited Harvey Kurtzman of Mad magazine. Spiegelman showed slides of an ugly woman portrait that spoke more to him than some pretty girl magazine color. Ware cited Frank King’s Gasoline Alley for its parallel to real life story, use of contemplation and color. He also included Daniel Clowes’ Ghost World and Eightball.
Throughout the conversation, Spiegelman and Ware showed slides of their work, applicable cartoons and references. For example, Spiegelman showed a cartoon of himself overshadowed by a monolith of Maus with his grandson in the foreground playing World of Warcraft on a laptop. He wondered if could ever escape Maus’ shadow, while his grandson asked to be left alone to finish up a quest.
Ware discussed the details of the Acme Novelty Library, covering repeated letter design and a glow-in-a-dark constellation of the story’s cast. He lamented how much he over thinks his stories and their format. Spiegelman had single cartoons and strips ready to illustrate his answers, while Ware was self-deprecating about the fact he was not as prepared or witty.
Chute asked what concerns Spiegelman and Ware have about their own work. Spiegelman said that the birth of a notion was troublesome, citing the fame of Maus. Ware’s concern was keeping a grip on his self-worth as an artist.
Recognizing that inherent humor was in their work and answers, Chute asked if that was intentional. Ware remarked that comics are prefect for humor; although, it’s much harder for him to write humor, as his work reflects his “deep self.” Spiegelman paraphrased Mark Twain saying, “There’s no laughter in heaven.”
The conservation ended with applause from a full house. Both gentleman lingered afterwards, signing their books for an appreciative audience.
Ware is known for his graphic and geometric comics that look computer generated, but is done by hand. His notable works include the Acme Novelty Library and Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth. Spiegelman’s underground comics work began in the 1960s and 1970s and continued with co-founding of Arcade and Raw. His Pulitzer-winning Maus elevated graphic novels to literary status. He equated his recent work, In the Shadow of Two Towers, as current generation’s World War II influence.
Spiegelman believes that graphic novels are still bidding for respectability. The graphic novel is a medium, not a genre. He views the term “graphic novel” as a marketing term, instead of just saying “comics” to describe his work. Chute had Spiegelman define comics – words and pictures, reduced level of visuals, picture words. Ware shared his view of sequential art as “typography of picture words.”
To Spiegelman, comics represent timeless space, much like a musical score. Large panels may equal no passage of time. Spiegelman claimed rational barely exists in comics. Plain painting ignores the story. Ware creates his panels as he goes, increasing the complexity of the pages to have the reader linger over the pages. He joked how drawing naked people brings him to the drawing board.
Speaking historically, Spiegelman suggested comics as architecture derived from the church stained glass windows. Spiegelman focuses his narrative stories, looking for visual coherence of panels in and out of the story. On the other hand, Ware gives the story a more cursory glance (whether it works or not) tempered with real life parallels.
On the question about which panel to read next, Spiegelman replied that it was the artist’s responsibility to know. Spiegelman added that ambiguity lends to more reader involvement. “You have to use what little space you have to pack inside everything you can!” quoted Spiegelman of his father showing him how to pack in a cartoon strip. He stated that this was the best advice he ever received as a cartoonist.
Ware uses comic panels as a typographic element and as “memory pictures.” He experiments with story, not necessarily storytelling. Relying on the perception of ambiguity for his panels, he said that it must feel right to work. He commented that man is the only creature surrounded by man-made things.
Regarding influences on his work, Spiegelman cited Harvey Kurtzman of Mad magazine. Spiegelman showed slides of an ugly woman portrait that spoke more to him than some pretty girl magazine color. Ware cited Frank King’s Gasoline Alley for its parallel to real life story, use of contemplation and color. He also included Daniel Clowes’ Ghost World and Eightball.
Throughout the conversation, Spiegelman and Ware showed slides of their work, applicable cartoons and references. For example, Spiegelman showed a cartoon of himself overshadowed by a monolith of Maus with his grandson in the foreground playing World of Warcraft on a laptop. He wondered if could ever escape Maus’ shadow, while his grandson asked to be left alone to finish up a quest.
Ware discussed the details of the Acme Novelty Library, covering repeated letter design and a glow-in-a-dark constellation of the story’s cast. He lamented how much he over thinks his stories and their format. Spiegelman had single cartoons and strips ready to illustrate his answers, while Ware was self-deprecating about the fact he was not as prepared or witty.
Chute asked what concerns Spiegelman and Ware have about their own work. Spiegelman said that the birth of a notion was troublesome, citing the fame of Maus. Ware’s concern was keeping a grip on his self-worth as an artist.
Recognizing that inherent humor was in their work and answers, Chute asked if that was intentional. Ware remarked that comics are prefect for humor; although, it’s much harder for him to write humor, as his work reflects his “deep self.” Spiegelman paraphrased Mark Twain saying, “There’s no laughter in heaven.”
The conservation ended with applause from a full house. Both gentleman lingered afterwards, signing their books for an appreciative audience.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
new drawings
Here are a couple more finished looking drawings.
Conceptual drawing for a developing story done in ink wash.
Ink drawing of yet-to-be named lead of a developing story. She's riding on a back of an ostru (made up creature based on two-legged dinosaurs and ostriches). Ostrus are also in the current Raconteur story Treaty.
Conceptual drawing for a developing story done in ink wash.
Ink drawing of yet-to-be named lead of a developing story. She's riding on a back of an ostru (made up creature based on two-legged dinosaurs and ostriches). Ostrus are also in the current Raconteur story Treaty.
Orphan Works Bill for 2008
Please take a moment to fill this out:
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/
More information on what it is about:
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/bills/?billid=11320236
A few key points:
The Orphan Works Act defines an "orphan work" as any copyrighted work whose author any infringer says he is unable to locate with what the infringer himself decides has been a "reasonably diligent search." In a radical departure from existing copyright law and business practice, the U.S. Copyright Office has proposed that Congress grant such infringers freedom to ignore the rights of the author and use the work for any purpose, including commercial usage. In the case of visual art, the word "author" means "artist."
It is a violation of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works for any country to impose registration on a rights holder as as a condition of protecting his copyright. See Article 5(2) "The enjoyment and the exercise of these rights shall not be subject to any formality (emphasis added)."
Publishers and other art licensees will be less likely to commission new work from artists if they can surf the net for free images that have become separated from identifying information. An artist's pre-existing paintings and drawings - orphaned through no fault of his own - would be competing against him for the new commissions he needs to make a living.
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnersh
More information on what it is about:
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnersh
A few key points:
The Orphan Works Act defines an "orphan work" as any copyrighted work whose author any infringer says he is unable to locate with what the infringer himself decides has been a "reasonably diligent search." In a radical departure from existing copyright law and business practice, the U.S. Copyright Office has proposed that Congress grant such infringers freedom to ignore the rights of the author and use the work for any purpose, including commercial usage. In the case of visual art, the word "author" means "artist."
It is a violation of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works for any country to impose registration on a rights holder as as a condition of protecting his copyright. See Article 5(2) "The enjoyment and the exercise of these rights shall not be subject to any formality (emphasis added)."
Publishers and other art licensees will be less likely to commission new work from artists if they can surf the net for free images that have become separated from identifying information. An artist's pre-existing paintings and drawings - orphaned through no fault of his own - would be competing against him for the new commissions he needs to make a living.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Manga, Art and Graphic Novel Expo for Teens
I'm going to be at the Manga, Art and Graphic Novel Expo for Teens this Saturday, April 26th, in Fremont, CA. Come on by! I'll be at my table doing small drawings like these for a small price:
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Sketchcrawl 18 results
While the main Bay Area group met up in San Francisco, my friend and I went to the Oakland Zoo instead. Here are my sketches from the day.
Monday, April 07, 2008
GAM is 5 years old!
Girlamatic.com is 5 years old this month! Here's my birthday card, based on an earlier short I did.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
making of March
I did the cover for GirlAMatic's March cover. Here's the process of making the illustration.
1. Holidays, phrases and ideas associated with the month of March. I researched online and the local library for reference.
2. After settling on a concept, I roughed up a value study in the correct proportions.
3. I looked up more reference and do the finalized linework.
4. This was the work in progress on the final piece, after transferring the line work onto the paper.
5. Finished piece.
1. Holidays, phrases and ideas associated with the month of March. I researched online and the local library for reference.
2. After settling on a concept, I roughed up a value study in the correct proportions.
3. I looked up more reference and do the finalized linework.
4. This was the work in progress on the final piece, after transferring the line work onto the paper.
5. Finished piece.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Raconteur update
Here's the painted page two. Next week, will be another fully painted page and then Raconteur will resume its biweekly schedule.
By the way, don't forget to check out the March Girlamatic.com done by yours truly.
By the way, don't forget to check out the March Girlamatic.com done by yours truly.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Raconteur update and request for help
Only black and white linework with dialogue this week. I’ll post the finished color page next week, so that will mean two full color pages for the next two Wednesdays!
Help fellow web comicker Rachel Nabors!
Help fellow web comicker Rachel Nabors!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Raconteur returns!
Go read:
I’m switching to a biweekly schedule on Wednesdays. While you’re there, go read the rest of the comics restarting today on Girlamatic.com!
I’m switching to a biweekly schedule on Wednesdays. While you’re there, go read the rest of the comics restarting today on Girlamatic.com!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sketchcrawl 18 is on March 29th
A bit late, but here are my drawings from January's 17th Sketchcrawl. The next is one March 29th, so mark it on your calendars!
Some quick BART passengers.
Kids on the monkey in Portsmouth Square Park.
Spofford alley, where you can hear the clicking and clacking of mah jong tiles echoing.
Iconic lamps strung between buildings and on street corners.
Some quick BART passengers.
Kids on the monkey in Portsmouth Square Park.
Spofford alley, where you can hear the clicking and clacking of mah jong tiles echoing.
Iconic lamps strung between buildings and on street corners.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
GRAPHIC DEBATE with Amanda Waller
The day job has me so busy that I forgot to post this: Graphic Debate with Amanda Waller. I've posted my illos below. I scanned in the ink lines and then colored them digitally. I did the San Francisco skyline freehand digitally with use of reference. I do recommend you read the column to see how they match up!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Outspoken with Leigh Dragoon and Sketchcrawl
Monday, January 07, 2008
Bay Area Comics Workshop
Bay Area Comics Workshop, sponsored by the Friends of Lulu, is on February 2nd. Come on by!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Breezie
Here's Breezie the cat. It was a portrait commission of a client's house cat, showing outdoor elements.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
random SD
I just felt like drawing some super-deformed characters. The first five are from Knights of the Shroud by Matt Bayne. The next three are from Leigh Dragoon's By the Wayside. Both are web comics on Girlamatic.com. The last two are test designs for an unveiled project.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Holiday Anime Faire wrap
I had a great time at the Holiday Anime Faire with out-of-town friends and talking to folks I met from the Manga Expo and Sakura of America meet up previously. I used the Asian zodiac animals on a fortune teller for the kids who came by my table. Here's a snapshot of my table with little origami Pikachus I made.
That's it for shows this year. I'm already working on plans for next year.
That's it for shows this year. I'm already working on plans for next year.
Outspoken with Jason Thompson and new comics on Girlamatic!
Here's the interview I did of Jason Thompson, creator of The Stiff on GAM's Outspoken.
Go read the fresh new comics on Girlamatic.com:
Pressing Dawn by Rachael Moore and Marisa Delvaille
the road to god knows by Von Allan
Five Star by Laura Wilson
Fairy Underground by Jean Ciolek
Alas, no new comics from me. In January 2008, I'll have a different publishing schedule and new stories.
Go read the fresh new comics on Girlamatic.com:
Pressing Dawn by Rachael Moore and Marisa Delvaille
the road to god knows by Von Allan
Five Star by Laura Wilson
Fairy Underground by Jean Ciolek
Alas, no new comics from me. In January 2008, I'll have a different publishing schedule and new stories.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Outspoken with Lisa R. Jonté
Read the inner workings of esteemed GAM editor Lisa R. Jonté on Outspoken!
I'm filling in for the next few Outspoken columns on Girlamatic. I highly recommend going back and reading through the previous Outspoken interviews to get more familiar with many varied creators of GAM and their comics.
I'm filling in for the next few Outspoken columns on Girlamatic. I highly recommend going back and reading through the previous Outspoken interviews to get more familiar with many varied creators of GAM and their comics.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Holiday Anime Faire
On December 1st, I will be at the Holiday Anime Faire hosted by the city of Fremont. Download the flyer here for more information. I'll be there selling prints of work on my folio site, comics and buttons. Come on by! You'll have to see me there to find out what the animals below have in common.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tanis, Half-Elven from Dragonlance
I was following this thread, so this is my contribution. It was fun to playing around in a different style and practice using Photoshop. I remember reading the books in junior high.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Raconteur hiatus
My hiatus from Raconteur on GirlaMatic.com will be longer than expected. After the show finished, I was approached to complete three portrait commissions before the end of the year. They are pretty straight forward, but time consuming. As a result, I do not have time for more Raconteur stories until January at the latest. I've posted the recent GAM-o-Ween comics I completed and I may update random work-in-progress comics as time permits.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Sketchcrawl 16 results
I missed the last Sketchcrawl in August, so I had to make it to this one. I think I've only missed maybe 5 or 6 of them since they've started in November 2004. I warmed up on BART and then picked up the parasol ladies on the way to Fishermans' Wharf. Those are boats in the harbor there. I made it over to Washington Square and called it day there. Here are my results.
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