31 - New Sketchbook
Tada! I have new section artwork! And also here is an exclusive drawing I did just for you, a portrait of my 18-month-old.
SKETCHBOOK
Finally finished Sketchbook #17 Here are some of my favorites from this one. This sketchbook spanned over a year which is WAY too long. My aim is to fill this new sketchbook (it’s the same size) by the end of this year.
THE OBLIVION TRIALS
I had a great signing at Infinite Realities last month for Issue #1 I did an art giveaway raffle, and the winner is Jorge D. Send me an email in response and I’ll collect your mailing address to send you the original art.
Issue #2 is out now! Remember, all four covers will connect to make a panorama, make sure you collect them all!
FISH COIN PRESS: JOB
I’m still working on illustrating the book of Job. Here is an illustration that I really like.
THE NATURALS
I have a new project (shocker) The pitch is: Baseball has evolved with the players now having robotic augmentations until a team of all-natural athletes aims to win it all. I have an editor interested so I am just working on test pages. Here is some concept art.
JP CREATIVE
I am coloring another project with Jake Parker. His recent Kickstarter, Kepler’s Intergalactic Guide to Spaceships. Here is a process GIF of one of the pages.
CONS
August 27 FairFax Comic Con - Chantilly, VA: Dulles Expo Center
September 1-4 DragonCon - Atlanta, GA: Comic and Pop Artist Alley
I will have comics, prints, and I’ll be taking commissions. If you want a commission it will really help me out if you email me ahead of time. Email me for rates and details. I only have 5 slots open for each show, so make sure you hop on it!
CLASSES
I am teaching Middle and Highschool classes again at Metro Academic Studies in Vinnings, GA. My Character Design class is full but I still have some slots available in my Comics class. You can check it out Here
READ: Prolong
I had Kristian and his girlfriend over for dinner the other day and he gave me a copy of his latest book, Prolong. Kristian is a fantastic writer and this short story about friendship was really touching. He also has a uniquely subversive series called Sidekick for Hire about a sidekick looking for a super to team up with. you can read some of his comics Here. I cant wait to read his next book and hopefully, we will get to collab in the future.
LISTEN: Unwritten
In conjunction with my baseball project, I have started listening to this show hosted by baseball legends Jimmy Rollins and Ron Darling. They talk with each other and guests about the unwritten rules of baseball, covering everything from bat flips to talking to the umps. It is a new podcast so there are only 10 episodes, but a new show comes out every week.
WATCH: Foundation
This is a gorgeous show! Based on the book of the same name by Issac Asimov, the story is a space opera about how math can save the universe. Amongst the confusing math and politics, the aspect that really shines is the production design. One of the characters is a clone and every two generations they make another one so that his reign never ends. They call each other Brother Dawn, Day, and Dusk, referencing the age and stage of life that they are in. But they mirror this with the costuming, having the robes shift from pastel to vibrant and finally dull hues of blue. *smooch, chef’s kiss*
Today’s rant is just a few quotes that I have had ringing in my ears.
“Be Undeniable” -Joe Rogan
Rogan said this in reference to being a comedian. However, the same holds true in most fields. Work hard so that when someone capable of giving you an opportunity sees your work, there is no question, it is an undeniable truth that you are excellent at your craft and you deserve recognition.
“Make it Sexy” -Daniel Warren Johnson
Meaning, it is acceptable, but it could be stunning. At HeroesCon I got a portfolio review from the incredible DWJ and he was very encouraging. He told me that I am almost there, by inches. He had a few notes and I didn’t have any scratch paper with me so he ripped the lid off a nearby box to draw some thumbnails. He gave it to me at the end, so naturally, it is now on my wall with his call to action.
“This coming Friday will be an exciting time for you.”
I don’t know. It was in a fortune cookie so it must be true, I can’t wait till Friday!
Pursue Excellence,
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