some other time i may compose a post detailing the process from initial sketches to final products, but right now i'm feeling lazy, so this will have to tide you over...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
freelancin' it...
I've had a coupla graphic design projects recently, here are the results:
some other time i may compose a post detailing the process from initial sketches to final products, but right now i'm feeling lazy, so this will have to tide you over...
some other time i may compose a post detailing the process from initial sketches to final products, but right now i'm feeling lazy, so this will have to tide you over...
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
more cartoons coming soon!
I've been busy lately. Actually, that would be putting it mildly. Let me start again.
I've been buried lately. However, for anyone that cares, I have been preparing the next installments of We'n'sday Comics. To prove it, I'll even give you a couple of my pencil sketches as proof. well, actually, only the first one is pencil- the rest are ball-point pen. I like to do my initial sketches in pen, because otherwise i tend to cop-out and erase, re-erase, and re-erase again, but with a pen you kind of scribble until it starts to look good, and you can't take any of it back, and I kind of like that.
I also tend to not frame things in at first, since if i start with a box then try to fit things in, it gets all crammed up, or I don't have the important frames big enough, blah blah blah.... here's my sketches:
I've been buried lately. However, for anyone that cares, I have been preparing the next installments of We'n'sday Comics. To prove it, I'll even give you a couple of my pencil sketches as proof. well, actually, only the first one is pencil- the rest are ball-point pen. I like to do my initial sketches in pen, because otherwise i tend to cop-out and erase, re-erase, and re-erase again, but with a pen you kind of scribble until it starts to look good, and you can't take any of it back, and I kind of like that.
I also tend to not frame things in at first, since if i start with a box then try to fit things in, it gets all crammed up, or I don't have the important frames big enough, blah blah blah.... here's my sketches:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Coming Soon to a Blog near YOU!!!
This October- it's comics like you've never seen them before- in a new weekly (though highly irregularly published) series of strips, panels and more. Wen's'day Comics, as the names suggests, will show up on wednesdays on this blog, though not necessarily every week- Due to my busy schedule they will be seen on an as-completed basis. whenever I've got a new one done, I will scheduled it to be posted on the nearest wednesday. Sometimes I may post extras like inks, pencils, rough sketches, etc., to give a glimpse at how the page has come together, but it all depends on how busy I am. I start my studies at AnimationMentor.com that month, and that may result in low productivity for the strip, but having it as a semi-regular thing will help me to continue pushing forward my skill as a cartoonist.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
yes, I am still among the living...
I've been busy with a number of projects, some I can't show yet, because they're not done or are not ready to be seen, so I'll just share a sketchbook drawing or two, maybe a stupid video I made too.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
timewaster
A terrifying descent into madness,
full of
stylized graphic violence!
Bear witness to the spectacle!
Behold the greatest drama of ours and all time!
Read the hyperbole!
See and hear
the special surprise cameo
BEFORE
the credits!
SEE THIS MOVIE
AND TURN UP THE VOLUME
to get
maximum impact!
Attend the IMAX screening
for a limited time only
at select theaters!
You won't want to miss this motion picture event!
full of
stylized graphic violence!
Bear witness to the spectacle!
Behold the greatest drama of ours and all time!
Read the hyperbole!
See and hear
the special surprise cameo
BEFORE
the credits!
SEE THIS MOVIE
AND TURN UP THE VOLUME
to get
maximum impact!
Attend the IMAX screening
for a limited time only
at select theaters!
You won't want to miss this motion picture event!
"Night on Dummy Mountain"
I was bored and decided to mess around with the focus, zoom, etc... on my new webcam. got my brother in on the action too. enjoy. or don't. but see it anyways, and tell me how much you hate it.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
whole lotta not much
I've been working hard on a billion different projects and not getting much accomplished on any one of them, but here is a glimpse of a few of those projects...
in addition to purchasing a new DV camera and updating to CS3 for my editing systems in anticipation of shooting and assembling a dvd of my younger sister's upcoming wedding, I am working on several other things:
some commissioned drawings:
animation for the "commercial" for O2:
creating more comic strips and panels for "We'n'sday Comics"- here are the title lettering and characters for one of the strips to feature in my weekly comic page:
Also I have been working in live-action for a while now, and here are some recent videos I made with a piece-o-poo camera and my little brothers as the actors:
in addition to purchasing a new DV camera and updating to CS3 for my editing systems in anticipation of shooting and assembling a dvd of my younger sister's upcoming wedding, I am working on several other things:
some commissioned drawings:
animation for the "commercial" for O2:
creating more comic strips and panels for "We'n'sday Comics"- here are the title lettering and characters for one of the strips to feature in my weekly comic page:
Also I have been working in live-action for a while now, and here are some recent videos I made with a piece-o-poo camera and my little brothers as the actors:
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sample Page
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Xpired Supers- final script
Characters:
1. Therapist-
2. Superman-
3. Poison Ivy-
4. Mr. Fantastic-
5. Rogue-
6. Cyclops -
Narrator: A typical day in the city of Metropolis… and from the 11th floor of Municipal towers, vigilant eyes are tirelessly scouring the skyline for ne’er-do-wells and good-for-naughts… Mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, the erstwhile hero Superman!!!
Fantastic: Clark! Clark! Hey, come away from the window, the meeting’s going to start soon.
Superman: But wait, I think I see a kitty-cat stuck in that tree down there!
Fantastic: Uh, no. That’s a fire hydrant, and that’s a dog. Where are your glasses at?
(Knock on the door)
Therapist: Ah, the newest member of our group is here. (goes to open door)
superman: Wait, let me use my x-ray vision to see who it is. squints) Wonder Woman?
Therapist: No, try again…
Superman: It’s… batman! Wait, he never had any powers…
(Therapist opens door and Poison Ivy Enters)
The entire group instinctively gets up in reaction- loud commotion, seats being pushed back, etc., All talking at once.
Superman: What is she doing here?!
Therapist: Now, now - everyone calm down- she's here for the same reason as the rest of you. Please welcome our new group member. She may be a super-villain, but she needs a place of support just as much as anyone else.
Poison Ivy sits between Superman & Rogue.
Therapist: to Poison Ivy)Why don't we start off by having everyone introduce themselves. And why they're here. Pam, would you start?
Poison Ivy shares with regret, yet thoroughly enjoys the attention and the discomfort she causes the other characters.
Poison Ivy: Hi, My Name is Pamela Isley, formerly the Supervillain Poison Ivy. I used to be able to produce powerful toxins and love potions which I used to control and subdue my enemies and victims. I also was able to create mutated deadly plants, which were under my total control. But I lost my super powers about a week ago. I guess I’m OK with not having them…hasn’t really changed who I am…but I do feel a bit lost …like, what next?! I can’t manipulate people like I used to…
Therapist: thank you for sharing, Pamela. (clapping)
The other characters slowly, reluctantly clap as well. Poison Ivy smirks, pretending to not know that she is bothering others
Therapist: Scott would you share next?
Cyclops: Hi, my name is Scott Summers. It’s been 3 months now since I’ve lost my super powers. I was formerly known as the X-man, Cyclops. Professor Xaxier found me as a kid and and I eventually became one of the team leaders. I possessed the mutant ability to project a concussive beam from my eyes. I had to intensely focus to control the eye-blast but required special glasses to shut off and block the optic blasts.
Rogue: He says he's doing very well, but he still thinks he needs the glasses when he’s outside around people.
Poison Ivy: So you don’t need these then!(Taking sunglasses from his eyes, and puts them on) how do you SEE through these?
Cyclops quickly closes his eyes and covers them w/ his hand.
Cyclops: No! Are you insane!?! My powers could come back at any time! I could burn a hole right through somebody!
Ivy tries to take his hands from his eyes. The Therapist tries to calm them down. Therapist goes over to them and steps in front of Ivy.
Therapist: That’s not helping… Scott, its OK…you can open your eyes…you’ve done this in my office several times now and didn’t wreck the place, right? Come on! Remember- Baby steps! Baby Steps to open your eyes…
Cyclops shakes his head like a kid, eyes shut, unconvinced. The rest of the characters encourage him to take peek. Very slowly, he opens one eye…then the next. And nothing happens, to his relief.
Therapist: Why don’t you share next, Reed.
Mr. Fantastic: Ok-name, Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four. I was a scientist. My colleagues and I were exposed to cosmic radiation which triggered mutant changes in their bodies. One of those colleagues is now my wife. Anyhow, my mutant powers included the ability to convert the mass of my entire body into a highly malleable state at will.
Superman: It’s still in a malleable state (jokingly muttered aside)
Poison Ivy: in English, please?
Mr. Fantastic: I was stretchy. And I relied on my powers for so many tasks, both big and small. I owned my mutant powers… it became who I was and why I was on this Earth. Sooooooooo, you can imagine…how hard its been for me to try to lead the Fantastic Four with NO powers. This year has been so hard – especially due to the fact that my wife, Susan, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman still has her powers. She says she doesn’t love me any less….but I know that look in her eyes…she doesn’t look at me the same. I don’t think I’m enough for her. I didn’t realize how out-of-shape I was until I lost my power to change my appearance, now she’s got me on a diet, and exercise regimen… Plus, I think the others think they need a new leader for the Fantastic Four…WITH powers! They've taken to calling themselves the Fantastic Three Plus One!
Mr. Fantastic puts his face in his hands…in shame and hopelessness. Superman pats his back reassuringly.
Superman: There, there, citizen.
Therapist: It’s OK, let it out…
Ivy: (to Superman) Can you bend that steal beam with your head?!
Superman, who is in denial about losing his powers, nods in confidence and proceeds quietly to try to bend it behind his neck.
Therapist: (ignoring Superman & Ivy and trying to move the attention off of Mr. Fantastic who is very upset and pretty much lost his composure…)Marie, perhaps we could hear from you next.
Rogue: (timidly starts…southern accent) Hi, my name is Marie, but you can call me Rogue. I used to be a part of the X-MEN family until…until, well, you know - lost my powers. When I was younger, I was misled and abused my powers against people – eventually Professor Xavier took me in and taught me how to control my mutant powers and use them for good.
Poison Ivy: (doing her best Scarlett O’Hara) My, my - well, of course - ah do declare! Ah have always depended upon the kindness of strangers! (ah, be a man!!!)
Therapist: (giving Ivy a disapproving stare) please continue…
Rogue: Yeah, well, as I was saying… I lost my mutant powers about 4 months ago. With one touch, I had the ability to absorb other mutant’s powers- their memories, knowledge, talents, physical abilities, even personality traits- May sound cool, 'cept I was real lonely. I had to keep my distance. I couldn’t touch another person without temporarily absorbing that person's abilities and rendering em unconscious! (starting to get upset)
Poison Ivy: Awwwwe, poor wittle Rogue…did that make you feel like a freaky outsider?
Rogue: Look, there's a reason why I have trouble getting close to people!! The first boy I ever kissed as a teenager…I put him in a permanent coma! How would anyone take that!?!
Ivy: So, I can’t do….. THIS?
Ivy jumps up and puts her hands on Rogue’s face
Rogue: No! stop! Let go!!!
Ivy: (laughs) See, you aren’t sucking the life outta me! (tearing gloves off) you don’t need to wear these!
*montage* Rogue in astonishment and amazement starts to trust that her mutant powers are gone. She goes over to the Therapist to shake his/her hand slowly. Therapist gives her a hug.*
Therapist: Ok, now we are making good progress folks. (Walks over to look down at Superman, who is still trying to bend the steel bar) Ok, Clark, will this be the week you have a breakthrough?
Superman looks up, half-listening… didn’t really hear the Therapist since he wasn’t paying attention.
Superman: Huh? What was that? (He stands to attention) you need someone to break through a car to save a little girl?!
Superman starts to run out. Shaking his head, the Therapist chases after him and guides him back to his seat.
Therapist: Noooooooooo, Earth to Clark! I asked you to share next with the rest of the group.
Superman: (sighs) Oh, ok… (monotone) Hi, my name is Kal El, also knows as Superman, I currently defeats dastardly villains, like (points at Ivy) her. (suddenly perking up, cheerily nonchalant in his boasting) My powers are limitless I have super-strength – probably the strongest superhero on Earth, I can fly, my skin in nigh invulnerable, I can survive outerspace, I have super-speed, I have super-hearing, super-vision, Heat Vision, and Ice Breath! And I use my powers to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!
During this speech, the characters roll eyes, yawn, shaking their heads, generally showing signs of boredom. They know he does not have ANY of those powers anymore.
Poison Ivy slips over to Superman.
Ivy: (feigning ditziness) So, wow - you like, have super everything! Guess that’s why they call you Superman! (Superman looks up in agreement) Well, you know…I’m dying for a nice cup of hot coffee right now - you know, could you be a dear…and take a quick super-flight to Starbucks…I’d love a triple tall nonfat extra hot no foam latte please? That should only take like 2 or 3 minutes, huh?
Therapist: Please don't encourage him!(Walking between Ivy and Superman) Ok, Clark…now we’ve been through this with you over an over…for the past YEAR! You lost your superpowers going on a year now and you currently work as an editor for the city’s paper. There are no more calls from the police asking for your help, and no more trips to the moon either. We are here for you - we accept you just as Clark Kent. You are a talented writer and a great friend. I think its time to accept who you are, don’t you?!
Superman looks around the room apprehensively. The other characters look back in encouragement. Superman looks around the room and then stops at Ivy, who is giving him that smiling smirk and holding up a cup hoping he’ll take the trip. Superman gets up. The Therapists smiles thinking he is making the next step to recovery and is about to shake his hand, but then Superman walks to the window.
Superman: Ivy, I am more than capable of getting that triple latte. I am here to serve ALL humanity...
Superman opens the window and gets in position to take off. The Therapist drops to chair in shakes head.
Mr. Fantastic: Here we go again.
Superman puts his hand out to stop anyone from coming any closer.
Superman: No, no, I insist I shall do this good deed for the fair maid!
Superman jumps out the window. Ivy laughs. We hear the sound of his descent as the other characters continue their dialogue.
Mr. Fantastic: Every week it's the same thing!
Cyclops: What a numbskull.
Mr. Fantastic: yeah, you'd think he would get it by now...
Rogue: Don't worry I already called an ambulance.
Therapist: I’ll call Lois.
We finally hear the muffled thump as Superman hits the ground, and cut to long overhead shot of Superman sprawled out on the sidewalk below, barely moving.
Superman: (weakly) I’m… ok…
1. Therapist-
2. Superman-
3. Poison Ivy-
4. Mr. Fantastic-
5. Rogue-
6. Cyclops -
Narrator: A typical day in the city of Metropolis… and from the 11th floor of Municipal towers, vigilant eyes are tirelessly scouring the skyline for ne’er-do-wells and good-for-naughts… Mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, the erstwhile hero Superman!!!
Fantastic: Clark! Clark! Hey, come away from the window, the meeting’s going to start soon.
Superman: But wait, I think I see a kitty-cat stuck in that tree down there!
Fantastic: Uh, no. That’s a fire hydrant, and that’s a dog. Where are your glasses at?
(Knock on the door)
Therapist: Ah, the newest member of our group is here. (goes to open door)
superman: Wait, let me use my x-ray vision to see who it is. squints) Wonder Woman?
Therapist: No, try again…
Superman: It’s… batman! Wait, he never had any powers…
(Therapist opens door and Poison Ivy Enters)
The entire group instinctively gets up in reaction- loud commotion, seats being pushed back, etc., All talking at once.
Superman: What is she doing here?!
Therapist: Now, now - everyone calm down- she's here for the same reason as the rest of you. Please welcome our new group member. She may be a super-villain, but she needs a place of support just as much as anyone else.
Poison Ivy sits between Superman & Rogue.
Therapist: to Poison Ivy)Why don't we start off by having everyone introduce themselves. And why they're here. Pam, would you start?
Poison Ivy shares with regret, yet thoroughly enjoys the attention and the discomfort she causes the other characters.
Poison Ivy: Hi, My Name is Pamela Isley, formerly the Supervillain Poison Ivy. I used to be able to produce powerful toxins and love potions which I used to control and subdue my enemies and victims. I also was able to create mutated deadly plants, which were under my total control. But I lost my super powers about a week ago. I guess I’m OK with not having them…hasn’t really changed who I am…but I do feel a bit lost …like, what next?! I can’t manipulate people like I used to…
Therapist: thank you for sharing, Pamela. (clapping)
The other characters slowly, reluctantly clap as well. Poison Ivy smirks, pretending to not know that she is bothering others
Therapist: Scott would you share next?
Cyclops: Hi, my name is Scott Summers. It’s been 3 months now since I’ve lost my super powers. I was formerly known as the X-man, Cyclops. Professor Xaxier found me as a kid and and I eventually became one of the team leaders. I possessed the mutant ability to project a concussive beam from my eyes. I had to intensely focus to control the eye-blast but required special glasses to shut off and block the optic blasts.
Rogue: He says he's doing very well, but he still thinks he needs the glasses when he’s outside around people.
Poison Ivy: So you don’t need these then!(Taking sunglasses from his eyes, and puts them on) how do you SEE through these?
Cyclops quickly closes his eyes and covers them w/ his hand.
Cyclops: No! Are you insane!?! My powers could come back at any time! I could burn a hole right through somebody!
Ivy tries to take his hands from his eyes. The Therapist tries to calm them down. Therapist goes over to them and steps in front of Ivy.
Therapist: That’s not helping… Scott, its OK…you can open your eyes…you’ve done this in my office several times now and didn’t wreck the place, right? Come on! Remember- Baby steps! Baby Steps to open your eyes…
Cyclops shakes his head like a kid, eyes shut, unconvinced. The rest of the characters encourage him to take peek. Very slowly, he opens one eye…then the next. And nothing happens, to his relief.
Therapist: Why don’t you share next, Reed.
Mr. Fantastic: Ok-name, Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four. I was a scientist. My colleagues and I were exposed to cosmic radiation which triggered mutant changes in their bodies. One of those colleagues is now my wife. Anyhow, my mutant powers included the ability to convert the mass of my entire body into a highly malleable state at will.
Superman: It’s still in a malleable state (jokingly muttered aside)
Poison Ivy: in English, please?
Mr. Fantastic: I was stretchy. And I relied on my powers for so many tasks, both big and small. I owned my mutant powers… it became who I was and why I was on this Earth. Sooooooooo, you can imagine…how hard its been for me to try to lead the Fantastic Four with NO powers. This year has been so hard – especially due to the fact that my wife, Susan, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman still has her powers. She says she doesn’t love me any less….but I know that look in her eyes…she doesn’t look at me the same. I don’t think I’m enough for her. I didn’t realize how out-of-shape I was until I lost my power to change my appearance, now she’s got me on a diet, and exercise regimen… Plus, I think the others think they need a new leader for the Fantastic Four…WITH powers! They've taken to calling themselves the Fantastic Three Plus One!
Mr. Fantastic puts his face in his hands…in shame and hopelessness. Superman pats his back reassuringly.
Superman: There, there, citizen.
Therapist: It’s OK, let it out…
Ivy: (to Superman) Can you bend that steal beam with your head?!
Superman, who is in denial about losing his powers, nods in confidence and proceeds quietly to try to bend it behind his neck.
Therapist: (ignoring Superman & Ivy and trying to move the attention off of Mr. Fantastic who is very upset and pretty much lost his composure…)Marie, perhaps we could hear from you next.
Rogue: (timidly starts…southern accent) Hi, my name is Marie, but you can call me Rogue. I used to be a part of the X-MEN family until…until, well, you know - lost my powers. When I was younger, I was misled and abused my powers against people – eventually Professor Xavier took me in and taught me how to control my mutant powers and use them for good.
Poison Ivy: (doing her best Scarlett O’Hara) My, my - well, of course - ah do declare! Ah have always depended upon the kindness of strangers! (ah, be a man!!!)
Therapist: (giving Ivy a disapproving stare) please continue…
Rogue: Yeah, well, as I was saying… I lost my mutant powers about 4 months ago. With one touch, I had the ability to absorb other mutant’s powers- their memories, knowledge, talents, physical abilities, even personality traits- May sound cool, 'cept I was real lonely. I had to keep my distance. I couldn’t touch another person without temporarily absorbing that person's abilities and rendering em unconscious! (starting to get upset)
Poison Ivy: Awwwwe, poor wittle Rogue…did that make you feel like a freaky outsider?
Rogue: Look, there's a reason why I have trouble getting close to people!! The first boy I ever kissed as a teenager…I put him in a permanent coma! How would anyone take that!?!
Ivy: So, I can’t do….. THIS?
Ivy jumps up and puts her hands on Rogue’s face
Rogue: No! stop! Let go!!!
Ivy: (laughs) See, you aren’t sucking the life outta me! (tearing gloves off) you don’t need to wear these!
*montage* Rogue in astonishment and amazement starts to trust that her mutant powers are gone. She goes over to the Therapist to shake his/her hand slowly. Therapist gives her a hug.*
Therapist: Ok, now we are making good progress folks. (Walks over to look down at Superman, who is still trying to bend the steel bar) Ok, Clark, will this be the week you have a breakthrough?
Superman looks up, half-listening… didn’t really hear the Therapist since he wasn’t paying attention.
Superman: Huh? What was that? (He stands to attention) you need someone to break through a car to save a little girl?!
Superman starts to run out. Shaking his head, the Therapist chases after him and guides him back to his seat.
Therapist: Noooooooooo, Earth to Clark! I asked you to share next with the rest of the group.
Superman: (sighs) Oh, ok… (monotone) Hi, my name is Kal El, also knows as Superman, I currently defeats dastardly villains, like (points at Ivy) her. (suddenly perking up, cheerily nonchalant in his boasting) My powers are limitless I have super-strength – probably the strongest superhero on Earth, I can fly, my skin in nigh invulnerable, I can survive outerspace, I have super-speed, I have super-hearing, super-vision, Heat Vision, and Ice Breath! And I use my powers to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!
During this speech, the characters roll eyes, yawn, shaking their heads, generally showing signs of boredom. They know he does not have ANY of those powers anymore.
Poison Ivy slips over to Superman.
Ivy: (feigning ditziness) So, wow - you like, have super everything! Guess that’s why they call you Superman! (Superman looks up in agreement) Well, you know…I’m dying for a nice cup of hot coffee right now - you know, could you be a dear…and take a quick super-flight to Starbucks…I’d love a triple tall nonfat extra hot no foam latte please? That should only take like 2 or 3 minutes, huh?
Therapist: Please don't encourage him!(Walking between Ivy and Superman) Ok, Clark…now we’ve been through this with you over an over…for the past YEAR! You lost your superpowers going on a year now and you currently work as an editor for the city’s paper. There are no more calls from the police asking for your help, and no more trips to the moon either. We are here for you - we accept you just as Clark Kent. You are a talented writer and a great friend. I think its time to accept who you are, don’t you?!
Superman looks around the room apprehensively. The other characters look back in encouragement. Superman looks around the room and then stops at Ivy, who is giving him that smiling smirk and holding up a cup hoping he’ll take the trip. Superman gets up. The Therapists smiles thinking he is making the next step to recovery and is about to shake his hand, but then Superman walks to the window.
Superman: Ivy, I am more than capable of getting that triple latte. I am here to serve ALL humanity...
Superman opens the window and gets in position to take off. The Therapist drops to chair in shakes head.
Mr. Fantastic: Here we go again.
Superman puts his hand out to stop anyone from coming any closer.
Superman: No, no, I insist I shall do this good deed for the fair maid!
Superman jumps out the window. Ivy laughs. We hear the sound of his descent as the other characters continue their dialogue.
Mr. Fantastic: Every week it's the same thing!
Cyclops: What a numbskull.
Mr. Fantastic: yeah, you'd think he would get it by now...
Rogue: Don't worry I already called an ambulance.
Therapist: I’ll call Lois.
We finally hear the muffled thump as Superman hits the ground, and cut to long overhead shot of Superman sprawled out on the sidewalk below, barely moving.
Superman: (weakly) I’m… ok…
Friday, June 06, 2008
Comic Strips- full story on page D2
I've been thinking lately of beginning a weekly page of cartoons, mostly as a means to motivate myself to produce art more regularly, as well as to amuse my three friends who actually read these posts. The page would have several different strips on it: a couple of continuing series, as well as spots that i would fill with one-shot gags or other things i might come up with. I haven't done a regular feature like this since college, when I did editorial cartoons for the school paper, and I'd kinda like to do it again, just for fun. here is a sample of the kinds of cartoon goodness you could look forward to if I decided to move forward with this plan:
the aboveis a finished strip, and below is a pencil for one i haven't inked or colored yet.
naturally, I would want to build up several weeks worth in advance so I don't have an impending deadline on weeks when I had other plans, but I've got all kinds of ideas I want to explore!
the aboveis a finished strip, and below is a pencil for one i haven't inked or colored yet.
naturally, I would want to build up several weeks worth in advance so I don't have an impending deadline on weeks when I had other plans, but I've got all kinds of ideas I want to explore!
Monday, May 26, 2008
commissioned art (sort of)
Someone I know asked me to produce the following piece of art for him:
i did a number of sketches trying to arrive at a composition i liked, as well as getting anatomical proportions reasonably accurate.
Initially, I was going to do it with Jesus' face out of the frame,
leaving only the suggestion of who He was by the marks in the hands, and leave the face to the viewer's imagination, but when i showed my friend my initial sketches, he asked me to put the face in, so, being an obliging artist, I went with what "the client" wanted.
i did a number of sketches trying to arrive at a composition i liked, as well as getting anatomical proportions reasonably accurate.
Initially, I was going to do it with Jesus' face out of the frame,
leaving only the suggestion of who He was by the marks in the hands, and leave the face to the viewer's imagination, but when i showed my friend my initial sketches, he asked me to put the face in, so, being an obliging artist, I went with what "the client" wanted.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
commercial animation 4
been workin on this Oh-tu commercial some more, mostly backgrounds and extremes for character action:
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Xpired Supers- rough outline
here is the rough outline i started from:
- ROUGH PARTIAL SCRIPT/OUTLINE –
Length: 8 - 10 minutes (tops)
Character Roles (no particular order):
- Therapist (male or female)
- Superman (male)
- Poison Ivy (female)
- Mr. Fantastic (male)
- Rogue (female)
- Cyclops (male)
- Gene Grey
Opening Scene
(scene takes place in a meeting/office room of some sorts. A circle of chairs in the middle of the room – perhaps a table in the center with a tissue box, paper tablets and pens. A side table w/ donuts, water, coffee and snack type stuff. Some characters are standing and talking, eating and some are sitting patiently waiting for the support group meeting to start. Meeting room should have a window (2nd floor preferably). Everyone but the Therapist & Poison Ivy is in the room. )
(Therapist Enters)
- Therapist calls the meeting to an order and asks for people to take a seat since the meeting is gonna start in a minute. People start taking their seats.
- Therapist welcomes everyone back; possibly announce with enthusiasm the groups 1-year anniversary since the initiation.
- Before introductions, Therapist announces a new member to the group.
(Knock on the door, Poison Ivy Enters)
(the entire group instinctively gets up in reaction (loud commotion, seats being pushed back, etc.) to seeing arch enemy and villain Poison Ivy enter)
- Possibly have a few characters say some lines (i.e. “What is she doing here?!” - “Look what the cat dragged in!”, etc.)
- Therapist calms the group down & encourages them to welcome their new group member, despite being an x-villian, she needs a place of support as well.
(people pick up their chairs and get settled with eyes darting back and forth, sort of waiting for something waiting to happen)
(Poison Ivy sits in between Superman & Rogue – where she then proceeds to tease & torment throughout the skit – verbally & nonverbally. Later in the skit.)
- Therapist continues w/ the meeting. Proceeds to guide their discussion through “Introduction/Name”. Asks either Poison Ivy or Cyclops to start off by saying their name, the former superhero/villain name, what band of superhero/villain team they followed with and what superpowers they lost.
(Poison Ivy shares w/ much regret, yet thoroughly enjoys the attention and that she is making the other characters uncomfortable. The other characters react to her w/ facial responses)
- Poison Ivy: “Hi, My Name is Pamela Lillian Isley, former SuperVillian, Poison Ivy from the Super-Villains, Suicide Squad. I lost my super powers of botany expertise about a week ago. A few of my powers included my body’s chemistry created touch activated potions-truth serums, love potions, and a masterful manipulator for my victims. This led to my many creations of a number of mutated deadly plants, which were under my total control. I guess I’m OK with not having them…hasn’t really changed who I am…I do feel a bit lost though…like, what next?! I can’t torment people like I used…. (frowns))
(Perhaps have a character say a snide remark after Ivy shares. “Maybe you should take up landscaping?” sarcastic.)
- Therapist thanks Poison Ivy for sharing and starts to clap. The other characters slowly/reluctantly clap for her participation.
(Poison Ivy responds w/ sly smiles, yet pretending to not know that she is bothering others – knowing this is tormenting her former enemies to no end!)
- Therapists points to Cyclops to share next. (Hi, my name is Scott Summers, formerly SuperHero, Cyclops from the X-MEN. Professor Xaxier found me and and I eventually became the leader. Of course, that’s where I met Jean Grey. We fell in love and married. (smiles to Jean Grey who is sitting next to him – holding hands.) It’s been 3 months since I’ve lost my super powers. I possessed the mutant ability to project a beam of concussive, ruby-colored force from my eyes. I had to intensely focus to control the eye-blast. I had a brain injury which caused my inability to control the eye blasts, thus, they created these special glasses to shut off and block the optic blasts.)
(this leads Gene Grey to follow him…)
- Perhaps a starter line or two saying something like, “and he is doing very well. Still thinks he needs the glasses when we are outside around people, but he takes them off when we are in the house and w/ friends and family. Maybe a quick response from Cyclops, shaking head, etc.)
- (Ivy jumps on the opportunity to torment Cyclops) “So you don’t need these then!” (Ivy takes his protective glasses from his eyes.) (Cyclops quick closes his eyes and covers them w/ his hand) “
- Cyclops: “No! Are you crazy!?! I can burn a hole through somebody!”
(Ivy tries to take his hands from his eyes. The Therapist tries to calm them down. Gene Gray goes over to them and steps in front of Ivy (protective like).
- Gene Grey: “We can handle this… Honey, its OK…you can open your eyes…you’ve done this at home and didn’t wreck the place, right?
(Cyclops shakes his head (like a kid) with his eyes shut, not convinced. The rest of the characters encourage him to take peek. Verrrrrry slowly, he opens one eye…then the next. And nothing happens to his relief.)
- Therapist asks Jean to go next…
- Hi, my name is Gene Grey Summers, former SuperHero, the Phoenix from the X-Men crew. A psychiatrist recommended me to Professor Xaxier too. I lost my super powers before Scott – so I’ve had more time to accept the fact my powers are gone and I’m not who I was before. My mutant powers included telekinetic abilities enabling levitation of people and inanimate objects. I also possessed telepathic powers enabling her to read minds, project my thoughts into the minds of others. It’s been tough…I used to know what was wrong with Scott…well, because I could read his mind. Now! Now, I don’t know. It’s been tough on our relationship…
(Gene Grey get a bit emotional – Poison Ivy rolls her eyes – Cyclops (Scott) hunches over feeling a bit helpless and embarrassed.)
- Perhaps some lines between Scott and Gene Grey – sort of husband and wife bickering…Gene tries to work her mindpowers on Scott. Scott than proceeds to say…those tricks don’t work anymore honey!
(Mr. Fantastic starts to look frustrated and impatient.)
- (Mr. Fantistic cuts in) “You think you have problems!” My wife still has her superpowers!”
- Therapist cuts in to control the discussion … (i.e. Ok, one at a time…why don’t you go ahead Reed.”
- (Mr. Fantastic immediately starts talking) Hi, my name is Reed Richards, former SuperHero, Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four. I was a scientist. Me and my colleagues were exposed to cosmic radiation which triggered mutant changes in their bodies. One of my colleagues is now my wife who also was affected. Anyhow, my mutant powers included the ability to convert the mass of my entire body into a highly malleable state at will. In such a state, I could stretch, deform, expand, or compress in any shape. I relied on it from then on to do small and big tasks in life. I owned my mutant powers…it became who I was and why I was on this Earth. Sooooooooo, you can imagine…how hard its been for me to try to lead the Fantastic Four with NO powers. This year has been so hard – especially due to the fact that my wife, Susan Storm, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman still has her powers. She says she doesn’t love me any less….but I know that look in her eyes…she doesn’t look at me the same. I don’t think I’m enough for her. Plus, I think the others think they need a new leader for the Fantastic Four…WITH powers!
(Mr. Fantastik puts his face in his hands…in shame and hopelessness. Another character next to him puts their hand on his back to help him through. Perhaps a couple lines from other characters. i.e. “It’s OK, let it out…”)
(Perhaps have Ivy blurt a question out to Superman – “Can you bend that steal beam with your head?!” Superman (who is in denial of losing his powers) nods in confidence and proceeds quietly to try to bend it behind his neck.)
- Therapist ingnores Superman & Ivy…asks Rogue to go next…trying to move the attention off of Mr. Fantastic who is very upset and pretty much lost his composure…
- (Rogue timidly starts…southern accent) Hi, my name is Marie, but you can call me Rogue. I used to be a part of the X-MEN family (smiles) until….until (sadly), well, you know. I lost my powers. At first, I was misled and abused my powers against people – eventually Professor Xaxier accepted my genuine conversion to do good and learn to control my mutant powers. I grew up in Mississippi in Caldecott County.
(Poison Ivy interjects – perhaps a line in a southern drawl, patronizing, sort of, “Mississippi?! Lots of plants along that river, huh?” Poison Ivy gets real close to Rogue – Rogue is very uncomfortable and even freaking out a bit. Getting up from the chair even.)
- (Gene Grey or another character tells her to go on…ignore Ivy.)
- (Rogue continues) Yeah, well, as I was saying….I lost my mutant powers about 4 months ago. With one touch, I had the ability to steal or absorb like, other mutant’s powers if I needed to…their memories, knowledge, talents, physical abilities whether they wear superhuman or not! May sound cool…huh, cept I was real lonely. I had to keep my distance. I couldn’t touch another person without temporarily absorbing that person's abilities and rendering em unconscious! (starting to get upset)
- (Poison Ivy interjects) “Awwwwe, poor wittle Rogue…did that make you feel like a freaky outsider?
- (Rogue continues in defense and anger) “You may ask why am I so stand offish and refuse to get close to people??!! The first boy I ever kissed as a teenager…I put him in a permanent comma! How would anyone take that!?! Its all I’ve known my young adult life!
(Ivy jumps up and puts her hands on Rogue’s face.) One line, “See, you aren’t sucking the life outta me!”…”you don’t need to where these”…(takes gloves off.) Rogue in astonishment and amazement starts to trust that her mutant powers are gone. She goes over to the Therapist to shake his/her hand slowly.)
- (Therapist gives her a hug.) “Ok, now we are making good progress folks.”
(Rogue returns to her seat and continues to trust her new found freedom in touching people – perhaps – poking people or takes a seat real close to anther character.)
(Therapist walks over to Superman…the last character to share.)
- Therapists looks down at Superman who is still trying to bend the steal bar and says in a genuine manner) “Ok, Clark, will this be the week you have a breakthrough?”
(Superman looks up from his “project” sort of unaware…and didn’t really hear the Therapist since he wasn’t paying attention.)
- “Huh? What was that? (He stands to attention) “911 called and they need someone to break through a car to save a little girl?! (Super starts to run out…)
- (shaking his/her head – the Therapist chases after him and guides him back to his seat) “Noooooooooo, Earth to Clark! I asked you to share next w/ the rest of the group.”
(Superman than sighs…like it’s a waste of his precious SuperHero time)
“Oh, ok… (sort of robotic like) Hi, my name is Clark Kent, also knows as Superman. I currently defeats dastardly villains like…(looks over at Ivy)…well, like her (and points). I fight with Batman, Supergirl, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and loads more to keep Gotham City free of crime! My powers are limitless. I have super-strength – probably the strongest superhero on Earth. I can fly…able to defy gravity.
(at this point…most of the characters have heard this before and showing they are bored of his speel….knowing he does not have ANY of those powers…shaking their heads.)
(Clark continues…) I’m invulnerable to exposure to solar energy…I can survive outerspace. I have super-speed…for instance, I can fly from Metropolis to have dinner with Lois Lane (my main squeeze) (sheepish smile) in Paris, France, or in a few minutes fly to the Moon. I have super-hearing…super-vision and super….
(Poison Ivy slips over to Superman)
(Ivy acts dumb…) So, wow….you like have super everything! Guess that’s why they call you “SuperMan!?!” (Superman looks up in agreement) “Well, you know…I’m dying for a nice cup of hot coffee right now…you know, could you be a dear…and take a quick super-fly trip to Starbucks…I’d love a triple tall nonfat extra hot no foam latte please? That should only take like 2 or 3 minutes, huh?!”
- One of the characters tells Ivy not to encourage him!
- Therapists says the same
(Therapists walks in between Ivy and Superman)
- “Ok, Clark…now we’ve been through this with you over an over…for the past YEAR! You lost your superpowers going on a year now and you currently work as an editor for the city’s paper. No more calls from the police asking for your help, no more trips to the moon either. We are here for you…we accept you just as Clark Kent. You are a talented writer and a great friend…I think its time to accept who you are, don’t you?! (Therapist smiles to encourage progress)
(Superman looks around the room (sort of scared like). The other characters look back in encouragement…) Perhaps a line or two from them (i.e. “Its OK Clark…”
(Superman looks around the room and then stops at Ivy…who is giving him that smiling smirk and picks up a cup nearby hoping he’ll take the trip.)
- (With determination Superman gets up…the Therapists smiles thinking he is making the next step to recovery…and is about to shake his hand…but then Superman proceeds to walk to the window.)
- “Ivy, I am more than capable to handle such a task as a triple latte. I am here to serve…
(Superman proceeds to open the window and get in position to take off)
- The Therapist drops to his/her chair in shakes his/her head.
- Perhaps Mr. Fantastic says “Here we go again…”
- Gene Gray tries to convince Superman (mind control) to stay inside the window! “Step back from the window Clark!”
- (Superman puts his hand out to stop anyone from coming any closer…) “Stand back – I will not let anyone stop me!”
(Superman flies/jumps out the window.)
(Ivy laughs.)
- (Rogue says with a hopeful smile) “At least we’re only on the 2nd floor THIS time…”
(Perhaps a camera shot ending the scene looking down at Superman pasted on the cement parking lot, sprawled out.)
- (camera close up to the side of Superman’s face still down on the ground as he barely squeaks out and says) “I’m ok.”
Saturday, May 10, 2008
walk on by...
I completed the walk cycle, here's a peek:
It doesn't play this long in the actual clip, I just looped the cycle so you could get a better glimpse without having to play it a billion times.
and here is a hi-res pic of one of the frames so you can get an idea what you're missing thanks to internet video compression techniques:
It doesn't play this long in the actual clip, I just looped the cycle so you could get a better glimpse without having to play it a billion times.
and here is a hi-res pic of one of the frames so you can get an idea what you're missing thanks to internet video compression techniques:
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Commercial Animation 3
i did some more work on the o2 commercial, this time a walk cycle for the opening shot.
Only the even numbered frames are done, so it's a little choppy, but overall I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Effects animation
after finishing all the backgrounds i need for the O2 commercial, I started to work on the simpler parts that don't involve character animation.
First I created images of an oxygen tank, a loaf of bread and some water bottles for the sequence "from the people who brought you sliced bread and bottled water, it's Oh!Tu."
I drew the outlines in ink and shaded them with pencil, then adding additional shades in photoshop.
I used a drybrush technique to make the rays of light radiating from the objects, but used black paint, then inverted it and set them on a separate Photoshop layer on the "lighten" setting, at roughly 80% transparency. I also added additional beams of light in photoshop for the O2 cannister.
here is another little bit i worked on today:
Next I animated the tree bags opening and closing every 12-ish frames. The final drawings were done in charcoal then inverted and set to "lighten" in photoshop. Of course, by "animate," in this case i mean I drew three different frames: two extremes, & one in-between. It sound cheap, but the actions are very quick, and if you take a peak at my test video, you'll see it works well.
First I created images of an oxygen tank, a loaf of bread and some water bottles for the sequence "from the people who brought you sliced bread and bottled water, it's Oh!Tu."
I drew the outlines in ink and shaded them with pencil, then adding additional shades in photoshop.I used a drybrush technique to make the rays of light radiating from the objects, but used black paint, then inverted it and set them on a separate Photoshop layer on the "lighten" setting, at roughly 80% transparency. I also added additional beams of light in photoshop for the O2 cannister.
here is another little bit i worked on today:
Next I animated the tree bags opening and closing every 12-ish frames. The final drawings were done in charcoal then inverted and set to "lighten" in photoshop. Of course, by "animate," in this case i mean I drew three different frames: two extremes, & one in-between. It sound cheap, but the actions are very quick, and if you take a peak at my test video, you'll see it works well.
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