I DRAW STUFF

Fort Myers Derby Girls 2012 Bout Schedule

2012-01-16T11:37:00.005-05:00

It's time for another season of roller derby bouts for the Fort Myers Derby Girls. That means more roller derby flyer artwork! Be on the look out each month. Also, I'll be putting together some personal projects, so look out for those posts, too. Okay, 2012, let's do this....

TA-TA TAKEDOWN III (waaaay late post)

2012-01-02T14:44:00.004-05:00

This post is wicked late. Tried for more of an indy comic book feel on this one.

Now the new season is starting up and I'm putting together all the derby art I've done in an effort to see what I like, what worked, what didn't and at least to have them bound up in an easily accessible format for such reference.

It's 2012 now and I had fallen off of my art blog posting. Actually, artwork in general for a large portion of 2011. This will not do. Bringing old and new projects and pieces to fruition is a must. Gotta up the ante and continue to grow and produce.

Cheers, everyone. : )

Big Sketch Dump

2011-07-27T12:46:00.006-04:00

So here's a sketch dump from my current sketchbook that has been going on forever. Enjoy. : )

buddies Will and Steven during a drawing session, they're drawing not sleeping

ukiyo-e landscapes, probably after Hokusai

Twisted Man

the Mighty Thor

Silver Surfer

multiple Nosferatu

Mr. T

Hokusai waterfall

Ghost Rider

Dr. Strange

Dr. Sketchy session

Dr. Fate

Cap

Martians

Queen of the Rink

2011-07-22T08:44:00.000-04:00

Take Her Bout

2011-07-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

Anarchy in the U.S. Skate

2011-06-10T19:48:00.000-04:00

WRECKFEST OF CHAMPIONS

2011-05-18T08:50:00.000-04:00

Arr tee tee tar tidily tie tar aye?

2011-04-18T09:33:00.004-04:00

A little late, but here's an inked and colored sketch from my sketchbook. I kinda have this fascination with cartoon leprechauns. I dunno...

I had posted this on FB around St. Patty's and tagged all my ginger friends. They dug it.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT!!

2011-03-24T22:32:00.002-04:00

GET DOWN & DERBY

2011-03-02T22:59:00.002-05:00

The first flyer of the 2011 season...

BAM! BEE!

2011-02-28T21:25:00.003-05:00

Worked out the pencils and landed the pose I wanted. More to come...

RVA TEAM-UP!!

2010-12-28T22:33:00.008-05:00

Apparently, this was the day to get things done. That is, getting artwork done.

This is for a promotional collaboration between two of my favorite places here in Richmond, Strange Matter and Velocity Comics.

Strange Matter is a restaurant/music venue/arcade that has great people, food, atmosphere and entertainment.

Velocity Comics has great people and comic books, graphic novels.

Richmond is damn lucky to have them both.

FMDG 2011 Home Bouts Schedule

2010-12-28T15:23:00.009-05:00

So, 2011 is right around the corner. Impressive.

To me, equally impressive is the opportunity to make illustrations and designs for the Fort Myers Derby Girls again.

This double-sided flyer is their season schedule for bouts at home.

I had fun giving the design elements on this some energy with shapes, gradients and transparency. I wanted to push the roller rink feel with the colors and grid pattern that reminded me of the lights and video games from my younger days. (hint: the Eighties)

I'm looking forward to working a third season for FMDG!

The Kids Are Alright.

2010-12-13T23:21:00.004-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of a project that I'm just dragging out, I mean, trying new stuff on it.

"Thrashy"

"Bikey"

"The best there is..."

2010-11-09T22:21:00.005-05:00

I don't mean the picture, I mean the dude. Messin' around for an upcoming Velocity Comics DRAW! contest. Haven't done much cartooning in a while. Shame on me. Inks...

Then I flipped him and colored him. I'm not the best at color but I gave it a shot because that's what I'm supposed to do. Here ya go...

Soundtrack: Inca Babies, Jeffrey Lee Pierce 'Wildweed', Killjoys, King Brothers, KMFDM 'Opium', Laibach 'Life Is Life' single, Lard 'The Power of Lard'- basically iTunes rolling from the tail end of 'I'. Cheers.

ROLLER DERBY: NIGHTMARE ON SKATE ST.

2010-10-11T22:50:00.004-04:00

Frederique

2010-10-07T22:59:00.002-04:00

Here's some of the line art for the last roller derby home game of the Ft. Myers Derby Girls' season. I hate to have to put my name over it but I've had people stealing my derby images on Google searches. Glad for the exposure, but not the rip off. It's both flattering and annoying. More to come...

ROLLER DERBY: TA-TA TAKEDOWN II - finis

2010-09-17T02:28:00.003-04:00

Under protest from my poor, little G4 and my blurry, bleary eyes....

TA-TA TAKEDOWN II inks

2010-09-12T03:16:00.003-04:00

Today was a very good day for me. A lot of inspirational things happened to me. I have terrific people in my life. I'm very grateful.

Oh, and I jammed out pencils which I inked this evening. It feels solid to me. I'm pretty happy about it.

And last night I started writing the plot, exposition, story and character development for a comic project that I've had bouncing around in my head for years.

I am stoked!!!

ROLLER DERBY: FACE THE HEAT!!!

2010-08-15T02:31:00.002-04:00

ROLLER DERBY: SWAMP SMACKDOWN (or Duelin' Daisies)

2010-07-08T22:58:00.009-04:00

Did someone order some alligator cheesecake? (Which I've actually eaten at Jacques-Imo's, Oak Street, Uptown Nawlins.)

Click on image to embiggen...
Click 'Word Ups' to leave a comment, please.

ROLLER DERBY: DERBYTANTE BRAWL - Cake or Death?!!?

2010-06-01T19:42:00.003-04:00

Eyrie Twylite at Dr. Sketchy's

2010-05-12T21:37:00.020-04:00

My first Dr. Sketchy's at the Camel tonight. It's been a while since I've drawn life poses.

Strychnine is good for what's a-ailin' you.

After my request for "more gams!"

My old Russian figure drawing teacher would be destroying me about these.

ROLLER DERBY: MILITIA MAYHEM!!!

2010-05-10T19:59:00.004-04:00

Up to no good.

2010-04-19T22:31:00.004-04:00

After a couple of months unemployed I've gotten a job at a digital press. I was also doing some more roller derby freelance art. Once I acclimate to my schedule I'll start kicking up more cartoons.

...crustoons...

2010-04-09T23:58:00.004-04:00

Saw these young men and woman at 821 Cafe 'round supper time. The girl was cuter than this toon and I didn't get her tattoos on her arms. But I totally made that guy's tats up as he was kicking back what the RVA Proles call the 'Peoples' Beer of Richmond'.

p.s. - Supper was delicious.

'Ey, Remy! Where Y'at!!

2010-04-09T20:28:00.008-04:00

From my last sketchbook, a sketch that I decided it wouldn't hurt ink to tonight and toss some digital colors on it. It doesn't hurt, does it?

...

In my current sketchbook I had done a not so inspired interpretation, much cartoonier but not as realized in expression. Around that I'd sketched out a Gambit melee that was based on the 26 Movements of the Shaolin Staff Kung Fu form. I may panel it up for entertainment consumption at a later date. Maybe with some beignets or a shrimp po' boy. Lagniappe.

puh-puh-puh previous post process pictures

2010-04-09T12:38:00.003-04:00

Haaayyyyyyy...!!!

ROLLER DERBY: Geez Louise!!! If you haven't seen this image enough...

2010-04-09T04:05:00.010-04:00

HERE IT IS AGAIN! But... something's... different...

Wait! Is that A ZOMBIE JUMPING A MODEL-T FORD?!?!
You bet your sweet ass...!

Upon closer inspection...

ROLLER DERBY: Block Rock & Roll ! ! !

2010-04-05T13:40:00.006-04:00

I actually finished this a week ago, just now posting it. Mainly just design here, reusing the image from the t-shirt because of short notice. This season the team decided to go with a sponsor to do their flyers. When they got the sponsor's flyer they called me again. Sponsor's flyer was hurting. The client, she told me, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I'll take it...

Back Alley 1

2010-04-01T19:55:00.003-04:00

Tuesday I took about 350 pictures in the neighborhood of Jackson Ward in which I live. The photos are reference for cityscape studies in ink and wash. Most, if not all, of the photos feature derelict buildings, graffiti and refuse.

This piece is calligraphy ink with a crow quill pen in my sketchbook. The tones are digital in Photoshop.

KOOK ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

2010-03-30T00:36:00.003-04:00

I totally blame Plus-Tech Squeeze Box for this.
And I blame them with manic adulation.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

FORT MYERS DERBY GIRLS!!

2010-03-28T15:07:00.007-04:00

Fort Myers Derby Girls T-shirt design. Based on Romero's "Day of the Dead" movie poster. The movie's opening scene and others were filmed in Fort Myers. The original sketch had Bub jumping a Model-T Ford (Henry Ford had a vacation home in Fort Myers) in the top of the circle.

Abstrurtzman

2010-03-14T14:42:00.003-04:00

When inking up loose, kinetic lines a la Kurtzman, Aphex Twin's 'Richard D. James' album ain't a shabby accompaniment.

"I wish the milkman would deliver my milk
... in the morning.
I wish the milkman would deliver my milk
... when I'm yawning."

Final Audit of Mammon

2010-02-14T23:40:00.006-05:00

Local Post-Punk rockers LA MERE VIPERE are releasing a free CD in all their sardonic, dark glory. So here's the flyer I did for them. Cheers!

You can download this album at the link provided. You can also check out their myspace page.

"CAN YOU FEEL ME?"

2010-02-06T21:08:00.005-05:00

So, I've missed some time. But it's a new year now. There have been some tough times but I've been able to tighten my focus on the things that matter more. I'm going to bring this guy around a lot more often. Just a tight sketch, playing with different things, from my sketchbook.

TURBO-LASER!!

2009-11-11T01:24:00.003-05:00

Power Metal Brits TURBO-LASER asked my buddy Will 'INKWOLF' Towles to bust out a logo for them. With a bit of help from yours truly here are the results!

Gad-Darmit Varmit: Rough & Dirty

2009-10-12T00:08:00.013-04:00

HEY!

Attitudes...

Sheesh! More attitudes...!

Obstacles... I mean, "supporting cast".

Out for a stroll.

More to it. More or less.

"HOW-DEE-DOO?!!?

ROLLER DERBY: TA-TA TAKEDOWN

2009-09-13T17:57:00.007-04:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Bout,
and the last of the season.

Anton LaVey hey hey nonnie na

2009-08-19T21:45:00.005-04:00

Eh, minimal...

ROLLER DERBY: HOT SUMMER FIGHTS!

2009-08-10T00:14:00.003-04:00

Steven

2009-07-29T22:52:00.002-04:00

This guy makes hilarious art.

Graphic (violence) Design

2009-07-26T19:11:00.014-04:00

A heaping dose of the metal.

The last flyer's show was cancelled.

Miley couldn't make it.

FLYER WORK...

2009-07-07T19:33:00.020-04:00

In prior entries, I mention how much I like to do flyers and posters. I'll also say there are good flyers around town, but not many. Some people just slop together some picture with 5-8 different fonts without regard for contrast, arrangement or flow. It hurts me to see bad promotional flyers and posters.

I'm not saying I'm a master but I think, as do others, that I do a pretty good job. It's something that I enjoy doing given the right motivation. Having been in numerous bands in the past I'm sensitive to this art form. I started with hand drawn, hand lettered flyers until I learned to use Pagemaker and Photoshop back in '98. These days I use the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac. I still do custom art for flyers and even a little hand lettering, but mostly I pick a suitable font or fonts. I have been known to use other artists' artwork that is typically considered public domain usually because it's quicker.

This flyer was assigned to me last night and I jammed it out because my roomie needed to pass out handbills at Metal Mondays. His band just landed the gig and only has a week to promote. I decided that the elements of the bands on the bill and the dynamics of their music deserved dynamic and esoteric imagery. One of the elements I found on Akris' myspace profile (I listen to songs of bands to make sure imagery fits their sound) was the praying mantis. M.C. Escher's 'Dream (Mantis Religiosa)' sprang to mind and I banged out this flyer.

Click on the image to enlarge and FLYERS AND POSTERS link in STUFF to see more flyers and posters work.

ROLLER DERBY: RED, WHITE & BRUISED!!!

2009-07-05T17:57:00.005-04:00

For the upcoming Ft. Myers roller derby bout!

The Shape of Things to Come...

2009-07-04T20:16:00.004-04:00

Work in progress for the latest derby flyer. Due tomorrow. Whatcha think?

Metal

2009-06-27T20:09:00.011-04:00

Ham-fisted gouache on mat board. Sketch out the cartoon. Slop on the paint. 997 more crappy gouache paintings to go before I 'get it.'
Dance, robot, dance!

Gad Darmit Varmit

2009-06-20T17:18:00.005-04:00

I've had this little guy for almost a decade. He's been through a lot of changes and I've just about got him nailed down. Nobody wants this guy but me...

ROLLER DERBY: SHOVE HER SOLSTICE!

2009-06-15T00:24:00.007-04:00

June is picking up for me on illustration and design. But not everything I've been working on I'll be posting. Except for this!

Blue Mountain in Salmon Mist

2009-06-11T00:53:00.001-04:00

I don't paint very well at all. YET! But I aim to remedy this with enthusiasm, practice, diligence, and patience.

Really, I just set up, sat down, and whipped this little jobby out without a sketch, a plan, or a clue. This was plain jumping in both feet! I simply wanted to see whatever I might be capable of doing to conquer my irrational fear of painting! I feel better...

I've been looking at ukiyo-e prints lately along with animation background artists like Mary Blair and some pieces from one of my favorite cartoons, Samurai Jack! There are some awesome artists that I link to on the side that I study (and envy) that I hope to glean their secrets from their works. I'm stoked!

My ambition to work up animation background style paintings will be spurring me on to experiment and make mistakes. Here are plenty of mistakes but among them is NOT quitting or being shy about my progress. Any constructive comments and critiques are welcome!

7" x 8" gouache on mat board

Genzo & Kanzaburo

2009-06-08T09:38:00.000-04:00

These are character design tests I worked up for my Pirate Ninja Yarrri-Kari comic.

ROLLER DERBY: KENTUCKY FRIED DERBY

2009-05-14T23:54:00.001-04:00

The latest bout for my Ft. Myers Roller Derby client!

Suite Hearts

2009-05-04T23:57:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the first things I had ever done in Illustrator, probably 2004, for class. Much of my contrasts are poor, but I was learning.

Yarrri-Kari Pirate Ninja!!!

2009-05-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

These headturns are the latest character designs for my Yarrri-Kari Pirate Ninja character.

POLISHING THE LENS...

2009-04-23T01:07:00.001-04:00

My time for reflection is important in order to be able to move forward once again. Since I have been caught in place there is nothing else to do but to take stock of where I have been and what I have done. For me this will open up new paths of beneficial creativity and positive growth enabling new chapters and adventures to be written. I look forward to being able to share them with you soon.

Easter Y'all...

2009-04-11T23:23:00.000-04:00

Okay, Easter Bunny, I know I haven't been all that good so far this year, but I've been good enough! Right?!? I'm gonna throw some stuff out there that I think you should put in my Easter basket.

I've been smiling at people and I turn my venomous glare to the ground away from the combustible heads of those weaker than myself. So whaddaya say?!?

I like little fuzzy creatures! YOU'RE a little fuzzy creature! Easter Bunny, I swear I won't eat anymore of those eggs you've been hiding! I'll swear off omelets! Pleeeeeaaaassse???

Alright. Fine! But you just better stay out of my bathtub!
...Got it!?

ROLLER DERBY: Buh-Rownie Buh-Roozers!

2009-04-09T00:50:00.001-04:00

Ah, revisions... Orange instead of pink, add a sash, make the skates more skatier and the boobs less Russ Meyer torpedo-y.

Brownie Bruisers!

2009-04-07T21:42:00.000-04:00

I love doing team logos! I just have too much fun with them!

ROLLER DERBY: SCHOOL'S BOUT FOR SUMMER!

2009-03-29T20:32:00.001-04:00

I've got the gig for the Ft. Myers Derby Girls again! I'm very happy about that! I really missed doing pinup style cartoons for their bout promo posters. Here is the first of mine for the season!

Dr. Alec Holland

2009-03-17T23:24:00.000-04:00

AKA the SWAMP THING !!!

That Guy...

2009-03-14T19:30:00.000-04:00

Here's a self-portrait from 2006, I think, done with crow-quill pen, brush and india ink. I like hatching and definitely don't do it enough. Hell, I don't even draw enough, hence the 2006 artwork. I'm loathe to initiate any new projects until I get settled in my new apartment. Sounds dumb, probably, but I've got a plan...

"All the time, I say-- with my FISTS!!!"

2009-02-12T23:33:00.001-05:00

So I started my Wu Xing Ba Fa (Five Animal Style) Shaolin Gong Fu again today after not doing anything for over a year now. It was really good to see Sifu Tracy Fleming again. Sifu has a great spirit and disposition, very positive in spite of any adversity.

Class was excellent and I didn't suffer as much as I thought I would after my hiatus. The kicks were definitely my weakest point since I've got these giraffe legs to swing around.

My endurance surprised me but my cardio was as rough as ever. Sometimes I wonder if I have exercise induced asthma. I think after 2 months of steady, diligent practice I'll be back to where I was before I fell off my exercise.

I'm looking forward to this journey again as it's one of my favorites. Remember, to taste sweet you must eat bitter.

Elevate Music 'BROKE CITY' cd party

2009-02-05T23:24:00.000-05:00

Local hiphop duo Elevate Music are debuting their disc 'BROKE CITY' at the end of the month.

And the cd cover for 'BROKE CITY.'

"Not As Brightly Lit..."

2009-01-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I revamped the logo layout for the album. My 'negaforest', as I call it, is more of a photographic film negative than a screen negative. It feels better that way. Can't be a complete rip, eh? It makes more sense this way and is more in keeping with the homage to Tales from the Darkside that I'm referencing.

Speaking of which, I've always been completely ensorcelled (believe it...!) by the opening title sequence for this show that I watched as a wee runt. It's completely creepy and chills my blood beautifully. A while back I sought out a possible dvd set of the complete series. I found a bootleg set and when I got it delivered, home and put into my player I was wicked bummed. Not one episode had the opening title sequence!!!

Well, Cthulhu bless the interwebs, because on the old YouTube I found it. And, man, does it still give me the willies...

Tales from the Darkside Intro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnE3-0X-174

Latest Haps (Frrreeeeaaaakkkkkyyy...)

2009-01-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

First, my apologies for indulging in the mundane drivel that I usually don't have the stomach for. But there have been some interesting, borderline bizarre, occurrences here of late. I'm blaming Facebook.

I got an e-mail on Saturday morning that Jason Willingham sent me a Facebook message. I hadn't seen Jason in 20+ years. He was responsible for turning me on to the gospel of punk rock in 1984 in podunk, intolerant Lynchburg, VA. We ended up meeting for a late lunch at the Village and then we hung out a little afterward. Blew my freaking mind...

So, today after band practice, I'm checking my e-mail again and an old girlfriend sends me a message via Facebook! Unbelievable. Jena Mae Tway and her family put me up for a little bit here in Richmond when the crew of punks I was running with in '92 turned on me like a pack of dogs. Strange times...

Seeing as how these things usually happen in clusters, whether Mercury is retrograde or whatever, I'm getting a little freaked out.

Again, I blame Facebook. But in a good way.

I decided to see who else was out there and happened to contact another old girlfriend, whom I've yet to hear back from. It's just weird.

None of this is what I'd expected. And since I haven't been turning out any artwork lately, here's the latest (freaky) haps.

Witchy Woman

2009-01-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

Some flyers just break my heart to see. It really hurts my feelings.

The one that inspired this flyer is one such.

Fake Ass Flyers

2009-01-04T03:52:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I take my punky self and make some fake ass flyers. Yeah! Stuff I'd like to see. Bands that would rock together and tear shit up! And then I like put those flyers on a dirty wall and smash the staples in with my freakin' head! Raaaaghh!!! But I can't do none of that crap withouts me chamomile tea...

LONG TIME COMING or "get off your ass, you worthless bum!"

2009-01-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

So, I've been in this terrific slump of not creating artwork, really not even drawing anything at all. Not even sketches too much. I couldn't tell you why for that matter. Just a general ennui and a desire to place myself in a new environment.

Aside from my day job I've really only got 2 major things going for me that are rather encompassing on which I'm focusing my energies.

Firstly, I've decided to move to Austin, TX in about six months. And so I'm putting my plan into effect of all the usual: saving money, figuring out a job, finding a place to live, downsizing possessions, thinking about the move, etc.

Secondly, I'm seriously writing music again for the first time in 10 or so years. I've got a

garage punk project called Drop Dead, Johnny!

This is starting out as some equal parts "Static

Age" Misfits, "Psychedelic Jungle" Cramps, and "Experiment Zero" Man or Astro-Man? with a smattering of Tom Waits for seasoning.

The self-published debut disc will be a 7 song e.p. titled Other Side.

I might surmise that, in the past, I hadn't written any music for so long because I'd been focusing on artwork for so long. And now that I'm writing music again the flow has been redirected from the artwork to composition. Is that safe to assume?

In any case, I'm frequently guilty of 'spending too much time upstairs.' As the gears turn, the hours burn. Whether I can count the mental gestation of ideas any sort of accomplishment is probably suspect, but that's where I've been. I'd like to think they'll pay off in the future, hopefully soon enough.

Hop to the Future

2008-11-07T03:02:00.001-05:00

OK, the third comic mash-up! This idea was given to me by my coworker/friend Josh.

I just had to bang this one out before trying to get a little sleep before going to the airport at 5:30 a.m. and flying to Austin, TX for Fun Fun Fun Fest.

This week has been surprisingly rough on me and I haven't been getting good rest. So what do I do? Stay up ridiculously late just a-drawin' and artin'.

These are not complaints, just the facts.

I'm having fun despite my delirium...
*narf* *blat* *gwinch*

THE DARK CANUCK

2008-11-07T00:42:00.000-05:00

I gotta thank Tom Batten for inadvertently throwing me this idea. And although the DC/Marvel Amalgam series already did Dark Claw, I had my own ideas (if only slightly similar) for this treatment.

Caveat: This was only just a sketch that I wasn't even planning on taking this far, hence the busted anatomy and some generic ideas. And I accidentally gave him Thor boot tops instead of Wolverine boot tops. So I'll probably develop this more and enter it into the "MASH-UP" contest at Velocity Comics. I will say though my favorite features are the scalloped claws and the utility belt.

Not to mention the appellation of 'the Dark Canuck.' I'm sorry, that makes me chuckle each time I say it to myself. Also, what could more of a manly-man name be than Bruce Logan?!

The Mighty Incredible THORCULES!

2008-11-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

Yea, and verily! Forsooth! I shall bestow upon you... the SPOOF!

We the People, take our streets to show some love

2008-11-05T02:02:00.000-05:00

This was the scene at 12:16 a.m. at the corner of Broad St. and Laurel in Richmond, VA after Barack Obama was elected president. Six lanes of traffic completely taken over by everyone in an exhilirating and spontaneous eruption of celebration of the fruits of the democratic process gone right. The cops were terrific. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. (Apologies for the camera-phone pic.)

the stuff dreams are made of...

2008-10-30T22:51:00.001-04:00

This morning I dreamt that I was in someone's suburban basement infested with a demoniacal presence that was trying to torment me by torturing some cats. I raised my hands to it to ward off the evil and cast my palms out while I shouted, "Back! Back! Go back to where you came from! GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM!"

The best part about the dream was that it became so intense that I woke actually woke myself by saying in reality, "GO BACK...!"

It was awesome.

I have insomnia bunches and can only make myself sleep by taking melatonin sometimes. If I take too much then I have nightmares. But believe me you, I've had some doozies and that ain't nothin'!

Sorry, no art. I'm bein' a punk.

Virginia is for PBR Lovers

2008-10-14T23:32:00.000-04:00

You may have seen this guy if you live in Virginia. (understatement)

I went to school with this guy. I've gotten into fights with this guy. I've worked many jobs with this guy.

And, surprise! surprise!, in RVA I've gone to hardcore/punk/metal shows/parties with this guy- HUH?!?

And here's another guy I used to work with at a furniture shop. This is my friend Brian. He's not a redneck, he's a ginger-ninja.

He would usually make this face while saying something like, "Oh? Like YOUR FACE?!?" or, "HAGGIS!" or, "HADUKEN!!!"

Actually, today I was laid off from the job which we worked together. Hang in there, Brian, my ginja...

Fred Head

2008-10-14T20:57:00.001-04:00

I'm a few pages from finishing Max Brooks' World War Z and I've had zombie on the brain for a while. Can you tell?

Let me just say that World War Z is pretty damn rad. I have been enjoying the different perspectives given in this account of the worldwide zombie apocalypse.

So, good old Fred Head here is just a little zombie playtime sketch. I call him Fred because he reminds me of one of the neighbors in I Love Lucy.

He might drop by to borrow a cup of brains...

ROLLER DERBY: NIGHT OF THE LIVING SHRED

2008-10-09T23:11:00.001-04:00

bluebeak the quadropus

2008-09-14T00:52:00.000-04:00

I had to break away from other people's projects to just mess around with a creature I'm having fun beating to death. I haven't posted any of the other pics of this guy but I've been messing around with it for a while. Some call it obsessive, I call it love.

ROLLER DERBY: ROCKIN ROLLER CIRCUS!

2008-09-08T00:12:00.002-04:00

Wicked Crazy Outta Control!

2008-08-29T23:46:00.000-04:00

ch-ch-ch-ch-check it check it out

ROLLER DERBY: A HECK OF A BOUT: Demons vs. Devils!

2008-08-25T23:09:00.002-04:00

I'm digging on the font coupled with the creepy colored conflagration background. It reminds me of a 70s satanic horror flick.

Elevate Skin Ink

2008-08-24T14:55:00.001-04:00

Ato liked the design so much he's getting it tattooed on his upper arm.

He text messaged me after seeing this work-up, "That joint is fresh."

Aw, yea.

ROLLER DERBY: SKATE, BATTLE and BRAWL!

2008-08-18T02:56:00.001-04:00

hip hop flyer

2008-08-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

Ato comes from Harlem so I took some Harlem imagery and collaged them together. This is for him.

RAWK OUT WITH YA CAWK OUT

2008-08-06T22:14:00.001-04:00

Colored sketch inspired by a great show and Jerry A from Poison Idea. Don't underestimate the big boys of punk rock. They'll take ya to the mat! RAWK!!!

Former blog header image

2008-08-06T20:15:00.000-04:00

So, now you can see I have a new one. Word up.

4 hours 2 flyers

2008-07-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

Above for Ato's hip hop group Elevation and other artists.

This for roomie Dean's band and other country/folk/blues/acoustic/americana etc.

Both on short notice yesterday. More excuses are: tired from work and "sloppy-as-a-style" technique. You buying it? Just check out the shows...

Timmy Tumbleweed

2008-07-22T23:53:00.000-04:00

When I should be sleeping, I'm putzing around with silly artses like below. After work, a fat nap can throw one's reason off kilter and a person can make existential b-day cards for oneself. Thirty-six approaches like gila monsters grimacing across the scorching wastes...

ELEVATE MUSIC final

2008-07-14T07:25:00.000-04:00

ROLLER DERBY: Fistmas in July

2008-07-09T22:44:00.001-04:00

Samurai study sketch

2008-07-07T23:31:00.000-04:00

ELEVATE MUSIC final sketch

2008-06-26T21:35:00.001-04:00

Here's a logo I'm doing for Ato (pronounced like Otto), a co-worker, and his hip-hop group, Elevate Music. This is just a rough final sketch done with Pitt brush pen, Microns, Prismacolor markers, and white acrylic ink and brush.

I had fun with this one because I'd never done graffiti artwork before. The book below is full of sweet, old school graffiti art from the 80s and helped me figure some stuff out.

I'll post the final when it's done. Cheers!

STAR CITY HARDCORE

2008-06-15T20:08:00.000-04:00

Nothing Shocking

2008-06-08T15:37:00.000-04:00

My Pop is an electrician. He got a new work van the other week.

I got inspired to throw down some signage for me Pappy's new van. Dig?

SAMURAI CINEMA!

2008-06-05T18:46:00.001-04:00

Above, Unosuke (Tatsuya Nakadai) and Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune) square off in Yojimbo.

Who says you can't bring a 'knife' to a gunfight?

Below, Sanjuro Kuwabatake (Toshiro Mifune) scratches out a scruffy scheme.

Above, the path Ryunosuke Tsukue (Tatsuya Nakadai) carves in The Sword of Doom.

Below, the stealthy and notorious Ishikawa Goemon (Raizo Ichikawa) in Shinobi No Mono.

Above, Sanjuro Tsubaki (Toshiro Mifune) rests while rascals roust about in Sanjuro.

Below, Ogami Itto (Tomisaburo Wakayama) and Diagoro (Akihiro Tomikawa), otherwise known as 'Lone Wolf and Cub.'

Above, the Lone Wolf and Cub, living the lives of demons.

Below, the icy beauty of Yuki Kashima (Meiko Kaji) otherwise known as Lady Snowblood (Shurayukihime.) Revenge is a dish best served cold.

So, no art to show as yet. But I've been restocking my grey matter with plenty of choice goodies. Allow me to explain...

SAMURAI CINEMA!!!

In an effort to gain accuracy in costumes, culture, architecture, landscapes and the like, I've been watching lots of Japanese gems. Let the countdown begin!

1. Yojimbo

2. Sanjuro

3. Lone Wolf & Cub: Sword of Vengeance

4. Lone Wolf & Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx

5. Lone Wolf & Cub: Baby Cart in Hades

6. Lone Wolf & Cub: Baby Cart in Peril

7. Sword of Doom

8. Lady Snowblood

9. Shinobi No Mono

And more are coming my way!

good peeps

2008-05-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

no pictures. just words.

i'm gonna keep this in the informal non-caps that i can just throw down. please excuse.

basically this blog is an appreciation of some of the people that i call friends. and i'll actually narrow it down to someone that i admire and appreciate for his particular brand of friendship.

this shout out goes to Patrick Godfrey. he's good peeps. genuinely.

i've got to say that Patrick's level of honesty is justified, non-bullshitting, and even-tempered. this isn't to say that he is stone-faced and unapproachable. Patrick has a demeanor that has certainly been forged by the experiences of his life, that is he has learned from those experiences and makes them count by exercising the wisdom gained from those lessons.

it is a misfortune that many don't operate on this same level. much to Patrick's credit his integrity is well intact, as far as i've witnessed. and i have no reason to believe otherwise.

the reason for this appreciation stems from a meeting that we had this evening. i met with Patrick to express my regrets and misgivings about having to pull out of the Team 8 Press Creator Showcase comic. the reason being that my job (having nothing to do with my degree or interests) has pretty much been handing me my ass on a daily basis. by the time i get home i have no creative energy left and can barely draw and/or read. i'm not cool with this and i'm trying to work life into a semblance of satisfying productivity.

having been unemployed for 4 months while finishing up school in december 2007 took its toll on me and i'm only just now crawling out from under that rock. i wasn't receiving unemployment b/c i couldn't actively seek employment with my school schedule so i was forced to borrow money, a practice i'm almost too proud to do. hence i've been working a job since mid january that isn't creative in the sense that counts for me. and it's draining.

i'm working toward creative expressions regardless but as i've mentioned before this flow is a weak trickle by day's end. i'm still trying to grow as an artist b/c i'm ever critical of my ability, skill, and techniques not to mention my overall headspace as an artist. i have so much to learn and i aspire to be better always.

Patrick recognizes and empathizes with these things with earnest clarity. for that i'm appreciative. moreover i'm grateful for his faith in my ability as an artist despite my sharp inward eye.

so my thanks to P.G. he's good peeps.

ROLLER DERBY: Ft. Myers Roller Derby Bout

2008-05-06T20:38:00.002-04:00

PIRATE NINJA YARRRI-KARI COMIC

2008-04-27T22:20:00.000-04:00

A few things really...

Tonight I was working on art & design for the Ft. Myers, FL roller derby bout in June. I'd only had a bowl of oatmeal for breggies and was loopy-famished. My plan was to hit the vegetarian buffet at Panda Veg at 5pm and go to figure drawing afterward.

I crushed 3 fat plates at the buffet with serious diet soda

washdowns. Just as I was thinking I was the champ, the radio played the Rocky theme just for me, no lie.

I got to figure drawing an hour late because I thought it was later than sooner. Cue Redd Foxx, "You big dummy!" I got 2 decent sketches in.

Then Patrick Godfrey and I went to pick up Tom and go to the Team 8 Designs meeting for the Creator Showcase comics they're publishing.

I've hinted at my project previously, but here's the actual working material. Team 8 is screen printing covers with 3 color ink and color bristol cover with offset press b/w interiors. I've breathed enough life into my lark character, Pirate Ninja Yarrri-Kari, to be satisfied presenting an initial public offering. I'll be illustrating a 21 line poem penned by an anonymous 14th century samurai that is commonly known as the "Warrior's Creed." My biggest influences for this project are ukiyo-e prints and the beloved Samurai Jack. Stop me if you've heard this one...

So here you go. A peek of the character design (probably still in development) and I'll be finishing the cover in a few days. Feedback more than welcome. Cheers.

old art series - b/c I'm way wicked busy...

2008-04-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

So it's a cop out. I've been very busy with many tasks, activities, situations. I've been very tired. I will be kicking some A before long though. Speaking of which, look at these guys getting ready to do just that.

old art series - OUR LADY OF CAPITALISM

2008-04-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

old art series - I WANT YOUR SKULLS!

2008-04-07T20:28:00.001-04:00