I went to the Aquarium the other day and had a fun time drawing some animals, the gators sat still the longest…
JOB: I have finished all the illustrations for this book. I still need to illustrate the cover and there might be a few alterations to the interior pages. but for now, it is in the hand of my art director who is formatting the book and preparing it for print.
GRAPHESIS: Andrew, my writer, and I have finished the pencils and sent this off to readers for review. We hope to hear back mid-summer and I can start inking in the fall.
BBMH: I finished coloring this amazing book written by William Outlaw and drawn by Keith Browning. It is going to print soon and I should have copies in time for HeroesCon, maybe even for MomoCon.
AI ART: There is a new feature in Substack where it has a built-in AI Art generator, so I thought I would put it up against my recent AI Art challenge drawing.
I am not worried about my job security.
I will say, the glyphs in the word balloons are pretty cool looking, completely illegible because they are not any known language, but it does have a futuristic/fantastical look.
WRITING CLUB: Despite the WGA strike… I am currently working on writing a book. I was invited by some friends to join a writing club where the goal is simply 1 page a month. Super low-stakes, and very chill. I have decided to be very freeform with this project and I have not created an outline or structure, I am simply writing and seeing where the story takes me. The story is fantasy, here is the first line:
“Twice upon a time, his world ended. Once is to be expected, but twice is unnatural, technically impossible.”
FCBD: Tomorrow, May 6th, 2023, is Free Comic Book Day at your local comic book store. Make sure to swing by and you might even meet some cool local creatives. I will be at Infinite Realities doing Free small sketches for kids, commissions, selling books, and bumping fists.
MOMOCON: Memorial Day weekend I will be a guest at MomoCon in Atlanta, GA. My table, AA-400R is front and center when you walk into the vendor hall. I look forward to seeing you there.
Exclusive Print: “Save the Peach” MomoCon Exclusive Limited Edition Print, 11”x17” Heavy Card-stock, Satin Finish: $20
Temp Tattoos: One new addition to my booth is a set of temporary tattoos! You can rep the Substack, Comics, and Art with this cool collection.
Commissions: I will be taking commissions at the show. However, if you want the best commission out of me, then you should send in your request early for two reasons:
My pre-show rates are lower than at the show
I will be doing the commission in the comfort of my home studio which will result in a better piece.
You can only order at this rate if you will be picking up at the show. Send me an email or dm and we can get you squared away.
Raffle: At every show, I have a sign-up sheet for this newsletter and the incentive (other than the great content you are reading) is a chance to win some original art. But if you are already subscribed, just come and tell me that you subscribe and I will give you a FREE gift for your support.
LIVESTREAM: My next IG Live stream will be May 8th at 8 pm. My wife and I will continue reading through and critiquing my first comic book ever. I hope you can join us and ask your comic or art questions!
WATCH: Jaws
This is the best use of the Zolly (Zoom and Dolly) in any film ever. Even surpassing its original use in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Jaws is hands down one of my favorite movies. It is easily considered a perfect movie. Quint is such an interesting character. The vignettes are so carefully constructed. The plot is simple and direct. Great movie, especially as we move towards beach season!
LISTEN: Hadestown
Do you like Jazz and Greek mythology? Then this is the show/soundtrack for you! I am a snob and as such I am specifically suggesting the Original Cast Off-Broadway version of this show. I like the vibe and intimacy of the small room where you can hear the audience and though I do like how André De Shields looks for the role of Hermes, I like the sound of Chris Sullivan’s voice better.
READ: Brave New World
I just finished reading this book last night. I enjoyed the book immensely. Chapter 3 has this really cool mechanism where Huxley tells three stories at the same time and it reads like a montage of these different people’s lives. His word choice is really superb. A few words that stand out are Viscous, Decanting, and Plump. These words set a unique scene that is artificial, futuristic, and sterile. The story is often compared to 1984 and they are similar but not the same. Between the two, I honestly think we are in more danger of slipping into the future of Brave New World. In order to avoid this, we must strive for beauty, encourage critical thinking, and always ask questions.
PLAY: Cricket
I was at a retreat with my church this last weekend and one of our members from Australia taught us how to play. You might not have an Aussie friend or oval pitch but I have two big takeaways that you can apply to any other game you play. Cricket games are notorious for lasting for days, with breaks for meals and tea (so British). Cricket is actually very dissimilar to baseball, initially, I was very adamant that baseball is better, but as I played I could see more of the benefits of Cricket and the unique flow of the game.
Takeaway 1: When you play, take your time, enjoy the vibe of the game, and don’t rush to the end.
Takeaway 2: Be open to new games and new ways to play. Don’t get too attached to your method, but consider that there might be another approach that will provide the best results.
The 3/8 method of becoming a great artist.
Duplic8-Emul8-Cre8
If you want to become a great artist I have a simple regimen for you to follow.
First, you Duplicate great works of art. Find a masterwork and copy it down to the finest detail. This could vary widely depending on your desired career. For example, when I was interested in Animation I would draw characters from frames of Disney movies to better understand the look, feel, and style. This is also what is being done when you draw from a photograph. Copying the image exactly can teach you how light and shadow operate. The final form of duplication is copying life. Draw a scene or figure in front of you, duplicating the values and shapes by the nano-meter.
Next, you Emulate the visual language of great artists. One of my favorite comic artists is James Harren. He has a great way of portraying motion with speed lines and strong silhouettes. Below you can see his work on the left and mine on the right. Notice how they are similar but also how they are different.
Emulating is also how you ought to use photo references. When emulating, the image is just the starting point. This can mean clothing the figure in a unique costume, or else it could mean that you alter the pose. (This is why an understanding of anatomy is paramount.)
Finally, you Create your own work. This is where people want to skip to, however, it takes time. You have to build up a visual language. Consider when you were a child (or if you have young kids like myself you can witness this) and you did not have the word to express a need or desire. First, you would duplicate your parents, just making noises and it would get you a form of comfort. Then, you learned to ask for a “drink” and you didn’t get a snack or hug instead. And finally, you would specify that you wanted “apple juice” and you would receive your desired outcome.
It is important to note that you don’t go through these steps and then you are done. I am constantly Duplicating and Emulating even today. But as I get further into my career I am doing more wholecloth Creating. Be patient, take your time, and build up that language.
Don’t forget: 3/8
Cheers,
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