Corner of My Eye, Back of My Mind

Style Shift for "The ARRIVAL"

2011-11-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

My original vision for this story was to use a simple vector style. My project and job plates are filling up too fast to pull this off, though (simple design is NOT simple and takes forever!) So, I'm switching the story to a style I'm more comfortable and faster with. The same thing happened with "STACK/STUCK"...That book started out with vector art as well.

Day 004 - Day 008 of 365 Etsy Items

2011-10-31T21:03:00.001-05:00

denverwagner.etsy.com

Zombie! Magnet (Large) Day 003 of 365 Etsy Items

2011-10-26T10:56:00.001-05:00

This colorful and silly zombie head is approximately 10" tall with a full magnetic back. Free shipping in U.S.

denverwagner.etsy.com

The Pig Painting: Day 002 of 365 Etsy Items

2011-10-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

I painted this about 5 or 6 years ago. It is one of my early palette knife paintings. I use knives in almost all of my paintings now. I painted a new protective gloss finish which really refreshed the colors.

18" x 24" Stretched Canvas
Thickly Textured Painting - produced with Acrylic and Palette Knives
-Painted Edges
-High Gloss Protective Finish

$50.00

denverwagner.etsy.com

Polar Bear Adrift: Etsy Challenge Day 001

2011-10-24T13:45:00.000-05:00

Today I am starting a 365 Etsy items in one year challenge. Here is item #001: Polar Bear Adrift.

This image was originally created for the illustrationfriday.com topic "adrift".

Limited Edition Digital Print
8.5" x 11" Antique Parchment Paper
w/ 11" x 14" White Matte
Ready for Framing
Free Shipping in U.S.

$12.00

denverwagner.etsy.com

WIPs for new story "The Arrival"

2011-10-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

Here are some work in progress images for my new story that will be in the illopond's upcoming "Anthology in Spaaaace!":

I will add some shadows and highlights yet, but the artwork will remain very simple. The story has a Twilight Zone-like feel and the clean graphic style will help disguise the twist until the last page.

The Cuckoo County Fair

2011-09-26T13:02:00.000-05:00

I like to try to make something out of even little ideas and doodles. Something like this only takes a couple of hours but it was fun and now it is out of my head so I can move on!

Noah's Ark Interactive "Mural"

2011-09-21T13:02:00.002-05:00

This is a small project that I plan on donating to the children's ministry of my church. It is an interactive "mural" painted on a 36"x 54" wood panel.

I painted the entire surface with magnetic paint which you can find at most hardware and craft stores. Then I painted the simple ark scene with acrylic paints and brushed a coat of gloss sealer for a textural finish. The panel has a wooden frame attached to the back so it stands about 2.5" off the wall when mounted.

Here are some detailed images of the magnets:

I sketched the characters with pencil and scanned them into my computer. I painted them with digital watercolor in Corel Painter and then printed them on "antique parchment" paper which gives them a warm and textural look. I used 3M spray adhesive to attach the prints to a sheet of magnetic material (which can be purchased from sign suppliers) and then covered them with a layer of clear gloss vinyl.

I'd like to make a bunch of these that could possibly be used as interactive apps as well. I have dozens of scene ideas (space, jungle, fairy tales, ocean, cars, zoo, etc). It would be a dream to make a living by painting fun interactive murals for daycares, schools, libraries, kid's rooms, restaurants, etc...

...so...

...feel free to contact me if you have an interest in commissioning a fun interactive mural of your own!

denver@denverwagner.com

New Boo Poster

2011-08-08T22:33:00.001-05:00

Salt and Pepper...DONE!!!!

2011-08-05T22:40:00.001-05:00

Here is the "cover" for my contribution to BOO!: Spooky Tales for Kids. I will spend the next week or so on the book's layout and bio pages. The contributors did an AMAZING job. I couldn't find a book that combined my love of horror, art, and kid's stories, so I asked for one...and it is AWESOME! Stay tuned to find out where you can order a copy. It will be available this October.

Food Sketches for Daycare Mural

2011-08-04T16:37:00.001-05:00

Here are some food character sketches for a daycare mural proposal.

Cuckoo County Fair: Style Update

2011-07-15T13:55:00.001-05:00

I've decided to illustrate Cuckoo County Fair as an 11 year-old boy named "me". Using pencils, crayons, and markers turns out to be creatively refreshing. This book will come together fast.

Cuckoo County Fair

2011-07-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

I am hard at work on Salt and Pepper for the upcoming Boo! Anthology. This year I will be attending APE with some fellow creators from the Illopond. I want to finish another book along side S&P for the show. This means I have about 5 weeks to write and illustrate a full 32 page book and send it off to the printer. The goal here is simple, silly, and FUN! The story is about a boy's trip to the Cuckoo County Fair...Here is a sample page:

Salt and Pepper: Pages 4 and 5

2011-06-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

Here are semi-finalized pages from my contribution to "Boo!" Check out the process and progress of some amazing creators here:www.illopond.com

Salt and Pepper: Page 3

2011-06-08T16:36:00.000-05:00

Here's a semi-finalized page from my contribution to "Boo!" Check out the process and progress of some amazing creators here:www.illopond.com

Salt and Pepper: Page 2

2011-05-27T08:13:00.001-05:00

Here's a semi-finalized page from my contribution to "Boo!" Check out the process and progress of some amazing creators here:www.illopond.com

Salt and Pepper: Page 1

2011-05-19T13:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a semi-finalized page from my contribution to "Boo!" Check out the process and progress of some amazing creators here: www.illopond.com

Sample Panel from SALT and PEPPER

2011-05-17T07:49:00.001-05:00

Story Page Wednesday 12: Boo! Promo

2011-05-10T13:29:00.005-05:00

Here's a promo page for BOO! 8: Spooky Tales for Kids.

Final

Character Monday #16: Olivia and Caleb Wagner

2011-05-08T22:42:00.000-05:00

Here are some caricatures of the kids that I used for our Mother's Day card.

ART PRINT OVERLOAD!!!!!!

2011-04-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

Check out some new prints at my etsy shop!

denverwagner.etsy.com

Character Monday #15: Chickadee Sweet

2011-04-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick sketch for a small personal project: a comic with soundtrack titled " Chickadee Sweet and the Super Shrimp Vs. the Super Villains of Dance".

Character Monday #14: Mr. WorryWort

2011-04-11T23:33:00.000-05:00

Here is an early design for Mr. WorryWort - he's a character from my scary kid's story "Salt and Pepper". You can check out the art and story development process from a bunch of really awesome creators here:

illopond.com

Character Monday #13: The Mighty Moth

2011-04-03T22:11:00.000-05:00

Character Monday #12: Colonel Clam

2011-03-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

Creature of the Week #11: Pouncer in the Morning

2011-03-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

Story Page Wednesday #11: Opposites Attract

2011-03-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

Character Monday #11: Teddy the Yeti

2011-03-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

For Sale Friday #10: Curious the Cat and Owl On Orange

2011-03-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

Vinyl Art available at: denverwagner.etsy.com

Creature of the Week #10: MEGALODON!!!

2011-03-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

Story Page Wednesday #10: Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

2011-03-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

Character Monday #10: Azure Li

2011-03-14T16:42:00.000-05:00

Azure Li is a character from the "Boo!" anthology story, "Salt and Pepper". Check out illopond.com to see the stories develop.

Creature of the week #9: Gizmodo

2011-03-12T07:39:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #9: Mister Lion

2011-03-10T21:45:00.000-06:00

16" x 20" canvas, acrylic with a worn and textured treatment, high gloss finish available at denverwagner.etsy.com

Story Page Wednesday #9: Raccoon needs a caption

2011-03-09T22:51:00.001-06:00

I asked for some captions for this page on facebook. Recieved 4 great replies...see below.

"Raccoon was trying to remember if the Jambalaya recipe said crawdad or lobster."

-Mark Harmon

"Raccoon gazed at the crawdad and thought to himself, "Mud bugs are more delicious than the name would lead you to believe."

-Kim Sash

"Step away from the pinchers and nobody gets hurt."

-Chris Wagner

"Mmm, raccoon 4 dinner, dont mind if i do!!"

-Heidi Wagner

Thanks!

Character Monday #9: Car Town

2011-03-07T14:50:00.001-06:00

I am making a small magnetic mural for my son's room. Here are some car character designs.

Creature of the Week #8: Rhinocorn

2011-03-06T00:07:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #8: Digital Copy of "STACK/STUCK" for only $1.99!

2011-03-04T07:07:00.000-06:00

This week's themed posts will all be related to my new release

"STACK / STUCK".

The digital copy is available here: theillustratedsection.com

The print version will be available soon.

Story Page Wednesday #8: Page 11 from "STACK/STUCK"

2011-03-02T07:03:00.000-06:00

This week's themed posts will all be related to my new release

"STACK / STUCK".

The digital copy is available here: theillustratedsection.com

The print version will be available soon.

Character Monday #8: Mr. Monkey from "STUCK"

2011-02-28T07:21:00.000-06:00

This week's themed posts will all be related to my new release

"STACK / STUCK".

The digital copy is available here: theillustratedsection.com

The print version will be available soon.

Creature of the Week #7: Green Monster from VEkzeG 43

2011-02-26T19:45:00.000-06:00

Buy the original 16" x 20" painting here: denverwagner.etsy.com

For Sale Friday #7: Cuckoo Crazy Grab Bag Blowout!!!!

2011-02-25T05:54:00.000-06:00

Grab Bags featuring: sketches, prints, stickers, postcards, original artwork, and one of a kind pieces. Items will vary and may be different from the sample picture. Get yours here: denverwagner.etsy.com

Story Page Wednesday #7: Another Final Page from "Stack"

2011-02-23T07:01:00.000-06:00

Book available soon. Digital PDF available sooner! Stay tuned...

Character Monday #7: Sasquatch & Son

2011-02-21T20:33:00.000-06:00

"Hey Dad, Remember that squirrel that used to wake you up every morning by dropping acorns on your head?...He sure was delicious!"

For Sale Friday #6: Animal Fun

2011-02-18T07:04:00.000-06:00

Fun mixed-media pieces available at: denverwagner.etsy.com

Creature of the Week #6: The Beast of Gudshyll

2011-02-17T05:44:00.000-06:00

Story Page Wednesday #6: How a Ghost is Made

2011-02-16T08:03:00.000-06:00

Character Monday #6: Joe Common Sense

2011-02-14T08:47:00.001-06:00

Blame this. Blame that. Blame him. Blame her. Blame them. Blame.

Blame. Blame. Blame.

Joe Common Sense blames himself.

Then he "liked" it on facebook.

Creature of the Week #5: Flying Bong Bong

2011-02-12T13:55:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #5: Digital Copy of 8: A Kid's Book Anthology for $2.99!

2011-02-11T07:52:00.000-06:00

Dani Jones, creator of My Sister the Freak , Frosty the Gourdman, and other awesome stuff, has recently launched one of the coolest shops around. TheIllustratedSection.com is the marketplace for independent creators to sell their books, comics, and other creations as affordable digital PDF versions.

Print on demand services have made it easier than ever to self publish our books. The downside, however, is it is still an expensive process. A digital version is much more affordable and can be read on an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle, Nook, Blackberry, or on any computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader (free).

So here's our awesome anthology for only $2.99! 8: A Kid's Anthology I recommend shopping around at TheIllustratedSection.com. There are tons of great books available (some are even FREE!)

Story Page Wednesday #5: a FINAL!!! page from Stack

2011-02-10T07:14:00.002-06:00

Character Monday #5: The Crypto Kid

2011-02-07T21:35:00.000-06:00

This is Julian Forrester from my long term project Morgan Monster Hunter and the Crypto Kid. He and Morgan Calhoun become reluctant heroes in a world where the adults have disappeared just as a monster invasion begins. This is a project that I wish was finished already because I personally want to see it. Alas, there are only 24 hours in a day.

Creature of the Week #4: The Lump

2011-02-05T09:44:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #4: Monkey Tells A Joke and Swampy Smile Crocodile

2011-02-03T23:07:00.000-06:00

Buy them here: denverwagner.etsy.com

Story Page Wednesday #4: Iguanas Love Tacos

2011-02-02T22:08:00.000-06:00

Character Monday #4: Jack Yak

2011-01-31T08:36:00.000-06:00

Creature of the Week #3: Crustibian

2011-01-29T06:40:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #3: Woof Monster Sketch

2011-01-28T07:01:00.001-06:00

Buy it here: denverwagner.etsy.com

Story Page Wednesday #3: Cthulhu Wants You!

2011-01-26T07:26:00.000-06:00

Character Monday #3: Emma Marten

2011-01-23T23:43:00.002-06:00

This is an early character concept for an upcoming short story called Salt and Pepper. There is something spooky going on in the woods behind the abandoned Marten milking barn. A ghost? Some sort of horrible creature? Emma, her best friend Azure, and her brother David, will get to the bottom of this mystery...whether they want to or not.

Creature of the Week #2: The Looker

2011-01-22T07:33:00.000-06:00

For Sale Friday #2: Monster Buddy Magnet Set

2011-01-21T05:56:00.000-06:00

Do you like to put weird stuff on your refrigerator? Super! Then you'll love this Monster Buddy magnet set featuring Sasquatch, Frankenstein's Monster, Swamp Breath, and the Token Zombie! Check it out at denverwagner.etsy.com.

Story Page Wednesday #2: Waiting on a Friend

2011-01-19T09:55:00.001-06:00

Character Monday #2: Terror the Tiger

2011-01-17T20:19:00.000-06:00

Nobody is safe when Terror is on the prowl ... 476 confirmed kills.

For Sale Friday #1: Textured Tapir Poster (Red and Green)

2011-01-14T07:13:00.001-06:00

I just opened a shop at DenverWagner.etsy.com. I have decided to use etsy for my store because it is already the online destination for buyers of hand-made, original, and limited edition items. Over the next year I hope to build a solid reputation as a unique, prolific, and genuine creator of cool quality stuff.

It may take a little time to have a fully stocked store...I have lots of stuff I want to put in there! I will add AT LEAST one item per week on For Sale Fridays and they will vary in price, style and function. Every item will meet these three criteria: 1.) Hand-made original or limited edition, 2.) high production and design quality, and most importantly... 3.) I think it is cool.

Check out my first items Textured Tapir Posters and stop back for new items often. You dig?

Creature of the Week #1: Moonhead

2011-01-12T22:02:00.028-06:00

The moonhead lives on the grassy plains of Nufsed. It sleeps for most of the day with its legs and head tucked under its body. This position keeps the moonhead hidden from the many predators of the Nufsed plains. Even from a short distance, a sleeping moonhead looks just like a large rock. As the sun sets, the moonheads begin stirring. Love is in the air and the plains begin to fill with thousands of bobbing and glowing moonhead heads. As the male approaches a female, literal sparks fly! The pair rears onto their hind legs and an electrical current bounces and crackles between their heads.

Story Page Wednesday # 1: The Absurd Bird

2011-01-12T05:31:00.000-06:00

Character Mondays: Mokele Mbembe

2011-01-10T23:25:00.001-06:00

During the 1970's and 80's, Mokele Mbembe was an ornery and reclusive fellow. Old age seems to have mellowed him out a bit.

Howdy. As part of an ongoing re-design of my website, I have added a new themed blog at denverwagner.com. I will be posting Character Mondays, Story Page Wednesday, For Sale Friday, and the Creature of the Week. Stay tuned for the opening of my etsy store, the release of my kid's book "Stack / Stuck", and more cool developments @ denverwagner.com.

Stuck Illustration: Flamingos are Pink

2010-12-21T22:51:00.000-06:00

"What Can I Do For You" #2 Patterns for the People!

2010-12-16T11:05:00.002-06:00

Between "Stack" and my next story, I want to produce a series of relatively simple "What Can I Do For You" images. I will use them for the "call to action / about me" section of my website and also in a small printed portfolio for marketing and promotion.

I am very interested in licensing my work. There are millions of products that require decorative art and design. Single images work great on most products, but sometimes a large area needs to be filled. A repeating pattern can be used for stationary and office supplies, fabric prints, website backgrounds, and more. Here is an example using a kiwi and a kiwi:

Advertisements ~ Banners (web and physical) ~ Book cover design / illustration ~ Brochures, pamphlets, etc ~ Business branding ~ Business cards ~ Cd art ~ Character design and Concept art ~ Children’s book illustration ~ Comics ~ Display ~ Game and toy design ~ Greeting cards ~ Licensing for home and office products ~ Logos ~ Magazine Illustration ~ Marketing Campaigns ~ Mascot and Spokes-Character design ~ Murals ~ Online Media and Gaming ~ Original Art for home, office, or business ~ Packaging design ~ Posters ~ Signs ~ Stationary ~ Stickers ~ T-shirt and clothing design ~ Website design ~ and more!!!

Stack Illustration: Sneak Peak of Page 3!

2010-12-14T11:59:00.000-06:00

I have had some creative light bulbs flashing overhead. Lot's of fun and cool stuff planned for 2011. I'm ready! I am on track to have the pages from "Stack" done this year, and printed early next year. Stay tuned for ordering information. Here's a peak of page 3:

A Page from "A Roar and A Squeak"

2010-12-10T09:30:00.001-06:00

Here is another page from my story, "A Roar and A Squeak". You can order a copy of "8: A Kid's Book Anthology" here: Indy Planet

Below are some of my thoughts on creative steps and the state of illustration. You can find the responses from the other 8 Anthology contributors here: Artist Q & A

What advice do you have for someone who wants to add more creativity to their life?
Success (no matter what your creative goals are) does not happen overnight, so get started now. We are lucky to live in a time where we don’t need a huge studio with expensive equipment and supplies to produce quality work. Save up and invest in a decent “work” computer, a wacom tablet, and some art programs. Look for deals on art supplies and start filling a few art drawers with them. If you have the space, it is helpful to set up a permanent work area. You may be surprised by how many tiny bits of time you can find in a day to chop away at a project if it can stay set up and ready to be worked on.

I keep huge idea lists and smaller project lists and give myself deadlines to finish projects. Starting a blog has helped me keep track of my artistic progress and stay motivated and focused. The online art community is full of supportive, helpful, and cool people, and there are tons of opportunities for critique, collaboration, and networking. You can almost create your own art school experience with all the great forums, tutorials, and communities. Get involved! Here is a good place to start: http://www.illopond.com/ Podcasts have played a huge role in building my artistic confidence.

How do you balance family, financial obligations, and creative personal projects?
I do have to work a day job to pay the bills. I try to make the best of it. I keep notebooks/sketchbooks around at all times. I think through plot problems and brainstorm ideas so I can put "pencil to paper" during the limited time at my art desk. I listen to tons of art and business related podcasts and audiobooks at work.

Time with my family is my #1 priority. This time generates the vast majority of my ideas. We eat dinner together every night. We read or tell stories every night at bedtime. We talk about the authors and the illustrators. We draw characters from our own stories. We cherish imagination. We have a lot of art supplies for the kids to use. They are encouraged to work on their own projects. We don’t watch much TV, but we do watch lots of movies together. We talk about all the work and creativity that goes into movie production. When we see something cool (toys, park designs, games, books, clothes, etc.), I try to talk about the design, creativity, and production that goes into it. Spending time with my kids helps me see the world with artist’s eyes and a wondering mind.

What is the current state of illustration, and where is it headed?
Almost everything we see has some element of design and/or illustration to it. From toys, games, books, movies, ads, clothing, packaging, signs, websites, stationary, logos, and decor…It is everywhere. For such a massive presence in our society, I don’t think that artists/illustrators/designers are always appreciated or taken seriously. Here are some pretty hilarious examples of that: ClientsFromHell.net Some people understand how much time and effort goes into quality illustration, but many people still think it is a cute little hobby job, and that’s how they want to pay for it. (see my previous post Caring for and Communicating with Your Artist) Finding the right market/audience/outlet is the key for success. (and that's not easy!)

Is there a future for print?
I hope so! I love books. I’ve heard talk that my generation may be the last one to appreciate the printed book. There are plenty of kids out there who have full book shelves, and love trips to the library and bookstores. My kids do– I think they always will.

Is learning animation and programming necessary with the increasing demand for interactive media?
It is impossible to learn every tool and technology. I believe we should learn as much as we can, but focus on a few areas that we love and do those “awesomely”.

How do you stay motivated when you see so many fantastic artists struggle, and “less professional” artists work for next to nothing?
Spec work and world economies make it incredibly difficult to earn a living wage as an illustrator. It is a competitive field that is full of awesome talent. It’s not ever easy. When I’m not feeling great about my professional progress, I try to remember how much I enjoy creating and look back at my finished work. I always hope that someone else “gets it”, but I do this “just for me”, too.
What are the most important things we can do right now to be relevant in 10 years?
Work on projects that we truly love and truly believe in. Stay informed and educated. Build deep and lasting relationships. Value children and teach value to children.

What are some of you influences and/or inspirations?
I am a pretty big fan of horror. I love horror movies from the Universal films to modern classics like The Devil’s Backbone. I especially love classic horror tales by M.R. James, Poe, Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, Saki, and all those old gruesome fairy tales.

"Art of..." concept books are a HUGE influence for me. I love the media experimentaion, the sketchy lines, and the variations that never became part of the finished work.

It is my opinion that the best artwork in the world is found in children’s books. I can (and do) spend hours and hours flipping through illustrated books for kids. Very inspiring stuff. Three of my favorite artists are Charley Harper, Pascal Campion, and Chris Ayers .

Stuck Illustration: Mooo?

2010-12-06T23:17:00.003-06:00

I haven't received any questions about whether or not a cow will play a significant role in Stack. The answer is no. She has a part in Stuck.

2010-12-05T23:41:00.000-06:00

The Stack anteater started his career posing for cheesy Valentine's Day cards in the early 1990's. "Those were crazy times." he said.

Stack Illustration: What an Anteater Does Best

2010-12-05T23:18:00.001-06:00

The Arrival

2010-12-01T23:13:00.000-06:00

Here is an early sketch for one of next year's short stories. It will be a 1950's style sci-fi romp with a Twilight Zonesque twist. Ughh! I've been reading too many badly written reviews lately.

Turkey, Pilgrims, and Zombies!

2010-12-01T13:22:00.000-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for the wonderful people in my life. I am especially thankful for my wife, who puts up with my cuckoo crazy mind and tries to understand my urgent need to empty it.

I am the proud father of probably the coolest 5 year old in the whole world. She knows who Cthulhu is. She likes the 1931 Frankenstein. And the subject she chose for our Thanksgiving sketch was Zombies. Here are our drawings:

This is mine.

This is my nephew's. I especially like how the leg rotted off.

And this is my daughter's. A pretty dynamic pose for a 5 year old.

My niece made a funny save the turkey sign. No zombie turkeys, though. She is writing and illustrating a book. Here are some of her character designs:

She is starting to learn about digital coloring. I think she will have a finished book in 2011! Very cool.

Stack Illustration: Turtles...patience required.

2010-11-30T22:47:00.000-06:00

Stack Illustration: Rustle...SNAP!...grrrrr

2010-11-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

Stack Illustration: No, You Hop On!

2010-11-23T22:54:00.002-06:00

Prana Electric II

2010-11-19T16:52:00.000-06:00

Here's the Prana design with some of the suggested changes.

Prana Electric

2010-11-19T09:08:00.001-06:00

A design option for a friend's new company.

Stack Illustration: Ready. Set. Stack!

2010-11-18T22:52:00.000-06:00

Stack Illustration: Otter Games

2010-11-17T22:27:00.000-06:00

"What Can I Do For You" #1 Stack: the game of animal stacking

2010-11-17T11:15:00.001-06:00

There are thousands of applications for artwork, illustration, and design. As a creative entrepreneur (Does that sound better than freelancer?...I think so.), I have to show my potential customers the benefits that good art and design will bring to their business, product, project, etc. By showing some examples of my art in context, a client can see potential solutions for their needs, and have a clear understanding of the value that I bring to their project.

I'd like to meet his tailor

2010-11-16T23:08:00.000-06:00

Do you remember that time your boyfriend said that he had a big secret to tell you, and you thought he was going to propose to you? Silly girl.

Stack Illustration: Oh No! The TIGER!!!

2010-11-16T21:16:00.001-06:00

Stack Illustration: The rabbit's morning jog comes to an end.

2010-11-15T22:19:00.001-06:00

An Illustration from 'Stack'

2010-11-11T23:46:00.001-06:00

Here is an illustration from 'Stack'. I've decided to use a loose and energetic style for the final artwork. I liked the clean vector-style character tests, but I think this story works better if the reader can see the "hand" behind the illustrations.

I have been reading a lot of "Art of..." books lately. (some of my favorites are "The Art of The Lion King", "The Art of How to Train Your Dragon", and Chris Ayers' "The Daily Zoo") The concept art for the character, set, and prop designs are totally fascinating to me. I love seeing the sketchy lines, media experimentation, and style tests. I love how alive concept art and storyboards feel. I hope to bring this loose and experimental style to "Stack", while keeping a purposeful feel and professional quality to the book's design.

Bedroom Eyes

2010-11-07T23:39:00.001-06:00

One crouched in a tenebrous corner of the bedroom. The thing's arms and legs were too long and it wrapped them around its scrawny body. Its bulbous head was covered in tiny bumps and valleys. It was the color, texture, and smell of rotten cauliflower. Two glossy black marble eyes were fixed on the end of fleshy stalks that protruded from each side of the head. Four more beady eyes glared forward into the darkness. A huge gaping mouth filled with needle teeth stretched across the whole lower half of the foot wide head. It was tangled mess on the verge of pouncing.

And it cackled.

Slug Love or Slime Time

2010-10-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

Aww. Two slugs found love! This is going to be gross.

I have a really cool promotional project that I'm excited to get started. First, I have to finish 'Stack'. I need some little elves that come out at night and finish my projects for me. What makes shoemakers so special?

The Gargoyle Goblin

2010-10-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

The Gargoyle Goblin is a character from Morgan MonsterHunter & the Crypto Kid. In this story, he threatens to devour Morgan's pet mouse, Fuzzbutt. In the end, Morgan tricks the Gargoyle Goblin into a eating a zhu zhu pet, leaving Fuzzbutt safe and happy.

Yes, much of this plot came from a 5-year old's head.

Swamp Eatin'

2010-10-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

Dude, seriously.

2010-10-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

I've been told that I say "Dude, seriously..." a lot. I want to finish about 12 stories before the end of 2010, but dude, seriously - that ain't happening. "Stack / Stuck" will be finished this year...but not by my original goal of Nov.1. The early stages of a project are so fun and full creativity, that I sometimes forget how much time and work is required to actually finish the project. Head to paper is ...S...L...O...W...! My realistic goal for "Stack" is to have the pencils done by Nov. 1 and the colors done by Dec. 1. Ok? Ok. Dude, seriously, get back to work.

Morgan's Dream...or is it?

2010-10-13T07:01:00.002-05:00

Story-time's ready! Y'all come and get it! 8: A Kid's Book Anthology is AVAILABLE NOW!

2010-10-05T15:53:00.001-05:00

You can check out the website that I made to promote the book here: 8: A Kid's Book Anthology

There you will find:

pages from each of the stories
artist interviews
links and contact information for all of the contributors
the link to the Indy Planet page where you can purchase your copy of "8"
the link to Illopond.com where you can join us on upcoming collaborations

Style Test for 'Stack'

2010-09-30T22:43:00.001-05:00

I am thinking of switching the art style of "Stack". I love the vector look from previous posts, but I can be much more efficient with my time if I use a technique that I'm more comfortable with. I want to produce a steady flow of books...I am already anxious to get started on the next one. I will use that vector style in a book someday, but for now I'm leaning pretty heavily towards the sketchy / digital watercolor style above.

Aim High!

2010-09-24T12:57:00.000-05:00

You may recognize the little hamster on the right from a previous post: Designing a New Character He is the main character from "Stack". His little friend on the left is the main character from "Stuck". You'll see.

I'm thinking of having these printed up as bookmarks for the finished book.

Coffee

2010-09-23T11:59:00.000-05:00

My almost two year old son MUST smell the bag of coffee after we grind it at the store and when we pour it into the coffee maker at home. I understand...sometimes you just have to stop and smell the coffee.

The Porcupine

2010-09-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

I have had little to no time to work on personal projects for a looong time. Frustrating. I still want to finish "Stack" by Nov.1st...but I've lost about 3 or 4 weeks of production. It is important for me to take this deadline seriously, though...or why even bother giving myself one.

The porcupine is another character from "Stack". Here's a promo poster from his band: The Porcupines. (They're not very good.)