- Desert of the Real has been quite the process--with the characters, writing, and research. Above is an in progress shot and some rough notes.
- Also! I had an amazing time shooting with Circle23. He is the best photographer to work with in PDX, hands down.
- Annnnnnddd here's a metal flower I welded back in high school. Cheers!
- I need to finish his face, but then the coloring begins!
- Storyboard is coming along nicely, as well. Pictures soon.
- Also currently working on a painting series: A love letter to Aliens. Seven, simple, adorable portraits of aliens. These are just the backgrounds.
- I have been obsessed with mental illness. Most people I get to know struggle with it, I personally struggle with it, my family struggles with it. I've done a lot of research, and am continuously fascinated by it. I figure that if I'm going to contribute to making the world a better place, I feel that my part lies with spreading awareness and empathy when it comes to mental illness. I recognized it's relevance a long time ago, and it's a big problem in this country.
- I'm really excited for another round of ECCC this year. I did not get a table, but next year I will for sure. Love, love, LOVE Seattle--and can't wait to visit again! It is so amazing to see all of these famous and talented artists draw before your eyes. Seeing the voice actors is fun, too.
- Also--not sure if some of you knew this, but I do live drawings every month--to every other month--at the Someday Lounge in downtown, Portland.
- Some people complain about Instagram--but I am beginning to love it. The picture above was taken on my drive to work the other morning--all this makes me more interested in photography as a hobby. And speaking of work, I made a cartoon drawing of a mad doggie and left it laying around at my job. People will leave my drawings be for weeks! I'm glad people seem to like them enough:
- I have always loved aliens. Since I was BORN they've been my number one source of inspiration. Starting from E.T., Alien, Invader Zim, pugs, Aeon Flux, Die Antwoord--anything that's weird and alien-related. Perhaps because I myself, ever since I was a toddler, have felt like an alien. Most of the time it is a great feeling! I bring this up because on a recent date I was asked what's inspired me all throughout my life... for those who were curious--aliens will always have a special place in my he[art].
Here's the color palettes that I really love:
- Also, my best friend Alex and I make concrete skulls, and they are on sale for $40! Just in time for Turkey-day and Christmas. Contact me if you're interested in purchasing the coolest concrete skull ever molded:
- Here's an in-progress of one of my comic characters, Miss Tibbs. Yes she is named after my cat. Yes my cat was named after my childhood best friend's cat--who was declawed and always slapped my friend in the face.
- There hasn't been many art updates going on as of late--I've been super busy trying to snag art-related jobs. I've also endured some tough / personal situations this summer. Years ago, I was diagnosed with this condition called Dysthymia / Major Depressive Disorder. Whenever something majorly bad happens in my life, I go through what's called 'double-depression'... which is the worst thing in the world. I'm not just like any other person that gets sad once in a while when unfortunate things happen--without help, my brain chemistry CANNOT function--and basically my DEFAULT emotion is sadness. It's a pretty sucky disposition.
- But I am recovering, and slowly getting better. You'll be seeing more works soon! <3
- Making a short little comic about my doggie, Jack. Who is half pug, half chihuahua. He actually looks SUPER crazy.
- I've been changing the title to my main comic, and was stuck on 'Desert of the Real' for a while--which is an actual [philosophical] thing. I was thinking; 'Walkie Talkie', too--but a band came out recently called 'Talkie Walkie'. Is that too weird? When you come up with names for things like this--you've got to think of something that has a ring to it--of course--but something that's a normal term / word. I know about this. I've come up with all the characters, too. After this Jack comic is finished, I am going to work on the character designs.
- I have an interview next week for [NYC], but not sure if I'll have to move there. I sort of hope not--as the east coast freaks me out a bit. I love the west coast too much.
- The last three days I've been drawing more than ever. The left cartoon has a Don Trip lyric.
- The right piece is for a First Thursday show I mentioned in an earlier entry. I don't like it that much... but I'll make it work! More information on that as it comes.
I've been applying for more work at Viacom. But they are probably LOADED with applications from artists. More freelance work awaits--but right now I'd like it if I worked with an ad-agency or in-house media / corporation.
My cartoon-style is different from most of my work because I usually use reference photos when I make illustrations. But when I draw without references and out of my head--it's all pretty cartoony. I am beginning to like my cartoon-style more.
- In the last few months, I haven't worked nearly as hard as I usually do. But I am picking up the slack with all my might. I am also taking much better care of myself; vitamins, eating right, drinking tons of water, beauty supplements, exercise, etc. I can see / feel a difference already--it's only been a few days.
- Oh and before I forget--check out my iphone collection at izozzi! I am working on changing the banner above the description--but I am pretty proud of this--because these are GOOD / durable cases.
