more, more, more
Friday, December 5, 2008
New arts
Thought I'd post some stuff I'd done, some recent and some not so recent. Next post will have more
Problem Solving Assignment
Well, here's a drawing I did for my Problem Solving class. I was supposed to be taking ideas from the book The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker and creating an illusrtation(the assignment is way more detailed than that, I just dont feel like putting it all up on here.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Oh, and...
I wanted to add, that I feel completely renewed as an artist, I feel like I remember why I want to be an artist, why I have quit many things, but never art. Thank God, I thought that the muse had completely left me...
"...and I'll whisper no."
If you had asked me two days ago, what was my favorite comic book, I probably would've responded "Probably the first appearance of Venom, or maybe an issue of The Darkness." I am by no means saying that I do not love these comics, they rank among my favorites, especially Spider-Man. I love all types of comic books, ranging from dark and depressing, to campy and eccentric. However, nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, could prepare me for what I got myself into when I went to Borders today and grabbed what might end up being the single most influential piece of art that I have in my possession. If you don't know by now, I'm speaking of Watchmen.
From the second that I picked it up, I could not put it down(you can ask my roommate, I literally only took a break from reading to eat and do a little homework.). I have not been this emotionally attached to characters in quite some time. When I reached the final page, my I had been run through the emotional gamut. I had been nearly brought to tears multiple times, clenched my fists so hard that they hurt, and sat in disbelief, mouth simply agape. The entire time, I was fully enveloped by the world I was reading about. I had a chill run down my spine on more than one occasion because I felt as though events in the book were happening right outside my window.
I remember when it was announced that they were making a movie of Watchmen, I had heard that it was a great graphic novel, and I saw the immediate mix of fear and excitement that lit up in the eyes of its fans. I appreciated it, but I didn't get it, not yet. Every time I walked into a Borders or Barnes and Noble, I thought to myself" I really should pick up Watchmen...", but the thought was always overshadowed by a book I needed to get for class, or by the beckoning of friends. If I had known how this book would blow my mind into little pieces and re-attach them as it saw fit, I might have been more scared than excited to buy it. It was by chance that I even went into Borders yesterday, due to the fact that my Dad was visiting, he mentioned that he wanted to stop by one the way home, so I suggested that we go to the Borders on Broad St. Once we arrived, he set off to find the book he was looking for, and I walked around aimlessly. Then I saw it, under a pile of "Buy One, Get One Half Off" books, its bright yellow cover called to me. I picked it up and examined it, immediately interested in a book with a blood covered smiley face on the cover. It was at this point that my Dad asked "What's that?" I proceeded to tell him of all the things I had heard about it, and he seemed genuinely interested, something I am always grateful of(I am lucky in the fact that my Dad has a genuine interest in the things I am interested in, especially when discussing art). "It's buy one get one half off, go ahead and grab it, Ill find one in here and get it for myself." My Dad may have very well affected my life in a much greater way than he might have thought when he bought me the graphic novel with the bloody smiley face on the cover.
I've already stated that I was glued to Watchmen from the minute I opened it, and that it took all of the things I thought I felt, and turned them on their ear. But I don't think any words can explain to you how this book made me feel. Once I finally closed it(I took my time over a few hours and read it, trying to soak everything in.) I felt a new sense of purpose as an artist. I have always admired those who used their art as a way to change peoples notions of what art can be, but felt as though it wasn't what I was meant to do. Not anymore. I want my art to do to someone what this did to me. I want someone to see an animation I've created, or a comic book I've illustrated, and to have their emotions simply take over. I want to use all of the things that have shaped me into the person I have become, and plaster them on a page for all to see, for all to judge and discuss. I want people to finish looking at what I've done, and spend longer than it took to view it thinking about it, analyzing it and feeling inspired or changed. There are some quotes in that book that I know will never leave my mind, they are most definately part of who I am now.
Everyone feels as though they can relate to a superhero, whether it be Batman, Spider-Man, whoever. We all feel like we have a bit of superhero in us. Throughout my life, I have always had a strong pull towards a number of heroes. When I was younger, I believed I was going to be Spider-Man when I grew up, my smart mouth was simply meant to be used to swing around New York in red spandex. As I got older, the always conflicted emotions of The Hulk seemed a bit better suited to me, a teenager who felt as though his anger could envelope him at any moment. When my life started taking some very unexpected and unpleasant turns, I felt as though I related to the motives of The Punisher a bit more, someone who believed that those who perform evil should be punished for the pain they cause, plain and simple.
Well, now I can add one more hero to that list, and his name is Rorschach. Like the punisher, he believes that evil must be punished, there is no other way to deal with it. However, his inner turmoil and pain extend to a level not seen in Frank Castle. A man so disconnected with reality that he refers to his mask as "his face", someone whose convictions are so strong that he would sooner die than compromise...now that is a man that truly makes me sit in awe. He is such a beautifully crafter character that he almost seems real, I feel like I could look out my window and see him giving some piece of scum their due in an alleyway. I wish that someone like him did exist, somone to give the wicked their just desert, someone who had convictions, and wasn't ruled by the almighty dollar. Of course, I find the other characters in Watchmen fascinating, but whenever I think about the book, he is the character that dominates my mind.
I'm not saying that I want to give up loving humor and turn into a dark writer of comics of death and despair, I simply want to expand what I believe that I can accomplish. If this book could touch me the way it did, maybe I could inspire a new generation of artists and writers to challenge what they believe an established genre to be.
"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout 'Save us!'...
...and I'll look down and whisper 'no.'"
From the second that I picked it up, I could not put it down(you can ask my roommate, I literally only took a break from reading to eat and do a little homework.). I have not been this emotionally attached to characters in quite some time. When I reached the final page, my I had been run through the emotional gamut. I had been nearly brought to tears multiple times, clenched my fists so hard that they hurt, and sat in disbelief, mouth simply agape. The entire time, I was fully enveloped by the world I was reading about. I had a chill run down my spine on more than one occasion because I felt as though events in the book were happening right outside my window.
I remember when it was announced that they were making a movie of Watchmen, I had heard that it was a great graphic novel, and I saw the immediate mix of fear and excitement that lit up in the eyes of its fans. I appreciated it, but I didn't get it, not yet. Every time I walked into a Borders or Barnes and Noble, I thought to myself" I really should pick up Watchmen...", but the thought was always overshadowed by a book I needed to get for class, or by the beckoning of friends. If I had known how this book would blow my mind into little pieces and re-attach them as it saw fit, I might have been more scared than excited to buy it. It was by chance that I even went into Borders yesterday, due to the fact that my Dad was visiting, he mentioned that he wanted to stop by one the way home, so I suggested that we go to the Borders on Broad St. Once we arrived, he set off to find the book he was looking for, and I walked around aimlessly. Then I saw it, under a pile of "Buy One, Get One Half Off" books, its bright yellow cover called to me. I picked it up and examined it, immediately interested in a book with a blood covered smiley face on the cover. It was at this point that my Dad asked "What's that?" I proceeded to tell him of all the things I had heard about it, and he seemed genuinely interested, something I am always grateful of(I am lucky in the fact that my Dad has a genuine interest in the things I am interested in, especially when discussing art). "It's buy one get one half off, go ahead and grab it, Ill find one in here and get it for myself." My Dad may have very well affected my life in a much greater way than he might have thought when he bought me the graphic novel with the bloody smiley face on the cover.
I've already stated that I was glued to Watchmen from the minute I opened it, and that it took all of the things I thought I felt, and turned them on their ear. But I don't think any words can explain to you how this book made me feel. Once I finally closed it(I took my time over a few hours and read it, trying to soak everything in.) I felt a new sense of purpose as an artist. I have always admired those who used their art as a way to change peoples notions of what art can be, but felt as though it wasn't what I was meant to do. Not anymore. I want my art to do to someone what this did to me. I want someone to see an animation I've created, or a comic book I've illustrated, and to have their emotions simply take over. I want to use all of the things that have shaped me into the person I have become, and plaster them on a page for all to see, for all to judge and discuss. I want people to finish looking at what I've done, and spend longer than it took to view it thinking about it, analyzing it and feeling inspired or changed. There are some quotes in that book that I know will never leave my mind, they are most definately part of who I am now.
Everyone feels as though they can relate to a superhero, whether it be Batman, Spider-Man, whoever. We all feel like we have a bit of superhero in us. Throughout my life, I have always had a strong pull towards a number of heroes. When I was younger, I believed I was going to be Spider-Man when I grew up, my smart mouth was simply meant to be used to swing around New York in red spandex. As I got older, the always conflicted emotions of The Hulk seemed a bit better suited to me, a teenager who felt as though his anger could envelope him at any moment. When my life started taking some very unexpected and unpleasant turns, I felt as though I related to the motives of The Punisher a bit more, someone who believed that those who perform evil should be punished for the pain they cause, plain and simple.
Well, now I can add one more hero to that list, and his name is Rorschach. Like the punisher, he believes that evil must be punished, there is no other way to deal with it. However, his inner turmoil and pain extend to a level not seen in Frank Castle. A man so disconnected with reality that he refers to his mask as "his face", someone whose convictions are so strong that he would sooner die than compromise...now that is a man that truly makes me sit in awe. He is such a beautifully crafter character that he almost seems real, I feel like I could look out my window and see him giving some piece of scum their due in an alleyway. I wish that someone like him did exist, somone to give the wicked their just desert, someone who had convictions, and wasn't ruled by the almighty dollar. Of course, I find the other characters in Watchmen fascinating, but whenever I think about the book, he is the character that dominates my mind.
I'm not saying that I want to give up loving humor and turn into a dark writer of comics of death and despair, I simply want to expand what I believe that I can accomplish. If this book could touch me the way it did, maybe I could inspire a new generation of artists and writers to challenge what they believe an established genre to be.
"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout 'Save us!'...
...and I'll look down and whisper 'no.'"
Monday, September 22, 2008
Storyboarding and sketching
So Ive recently finished doing the really rough storyboarding for my Junior Animation workshop animation, and Im pleased with the feedback I got. I was given some really helpful tips by my classmates, some ideas which got me really excited to start animating.
Recently Ive been drawing like crazy, but for some reason, I dont feel like Im making any progress. I think that I need to start changing up my subjects, I seem to keep coming back to the same drawings, which are really starting to bore me. I think this Wednesday when I have the day off from classes Ill probably find agood bench to sit at and do some good ol' fashioned sketches of the fine citizens of Philly. Id better go get some good sunglasses, dont want anyone to think Im staring at them and get punched in the eye.
Recently Ive been more and more interested in classic comic artists like John Buscema, Jack Kirby and John Romita. Im trying extremely hard to grasp a better understanding of how to keep away from creating such flat drawings when Im trying to draw characters like Spider-Man, and I figured Id start with the "basics."
I'm really trying to polish my basic skills, and look at the Loomis studies of perspective and figure drawing(again and again), and I can honestly say I havent been this frustrated in a while. I feel like some of these concepts are too complex for me to grasp, even when I know they are really meant to be understood at a more basic level in order to master them. I guess I'd better start learning to crawl before I walk...sigh.
Recently Ive been drawing like crazy, but for some reason, I dont feel like Im making any progress. I think that I need to start changing up my subjects, I seem to keep coming back to the same drawings, which are really starting to bore me. I think this Wednesday when I have the day off from classes Ill probably find agood bench to sit at and do some good ol' fashioned sketches of the fine citizens of Philly. Id better go get some good sunglasses, dont want anyone to think Im staring at them and get punched in the eye.
Recently Ive been more and more interested in classic comic artists like John Buscema, Jack Kirby and John Romita. Im trying extremely hard to grasp a better understanding of how to keep away from creating such flat drawings when Im trying to draw characters like Spider-Man, and I figured Id start with the "basics."
I'm really trying to polish my basic skills, and look at the Loomis studies of perspective and figure drawing(again and again), and I can honestly say I havent been this frustrated in a while. I feel like some of these concepts are too complex for me to grasp, even when I know they are really meant to be understood at a more basic level in order to master them. I guess I'd better start learning to crawl before I walk...sigh.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Metallica
Okay, so since Metallica's new album has been released, rather than give a review no one would read and feel is unbiased, I might as well just say one thing. Metallica is no doubt my favorite band, and always will be.
Metallica's music has helped me get through the hardest parts of my life, and they have yet to disappoint me(yes, I liked St Anger).
Screw all of the Metallica haters, they made metal and hard rock what they are, so get your heads out of your asses and throw the horns up in the air. \m/
Metallica's music has helped me get through the hardest parts of my life, and they have yet to disappoint me(yes, I liked St Anger).
Screw all of the Metallica haters, they made metal and hard rock what they are, so get your heads out of your asses and throw the horns up in the air. \m/
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
\m/ metal
Okay, so no one probbaly reads this anyway, but I figured I'd inform anyone who might, that Trivum AND Metallica have just released new singles. Both are quite simply put, amazing. Listen to them...now.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Animation
So, my final animation is coming together pretty nicely, it should be done right on schedule, as long as I keep working at the pace I'm working now. Hooray.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
An old rant
Okay, so I haven't ranted in quite some time, so I really need to vent, and if you don't like what I'm saying, then click the back button because I couldn't really give two shits right now.
The main thing that is making me lose my fucking mind right now, is television. Every time I turn the fucking thing on, theres a new "reality" tv show, or another show that allows people to obsess over celebrities. Look, I enjoy watching pretty people, but why the fuck do people care about what celebrities do, and what they wear, and who they date, and what they eat, and blah fucking blah? For the love of God, maybe instead of wondering who Jessica Alba is fucking, you could read a god damned book, or better yet, jump off a bridge. I dont know why it infuriates me so much, maybe its not normal , but I dont care, Id rather be crazy mad about something like this than sit back and watch another piece of shit tv show about how some spoiled celebrities like to buy 8000 dollar bags to carry their dogs in.
Oh, and yeah, its very old news, but if one more fucking person says "Superman that hoe" to me, Im going to buy a chainsaw and start cutting mother fuckers in half. No, I will not Superman that hoe, no I will not Spider-Man that hoe, Im not going to any of that dumb shit to anyone, especially not a hoe, they have it hard enough as it is.
And heres the one thats gonna ignite some serious shit. I hate Family Guy. I hate family guy with the fiery hot passion of a thousand burning suns. I like some dumb shows, I like Aqua Teen Hunger Force for gods sake, but if I have to hear "Hey Brian, remember the time.." again as some retarded collar-popping douche bag quotes that fucking abomination of a show while he orders his Big Mac in McDonalds again, Im going to lose it. I have a small chuckle or two when I watch the show occasionally, but for the most part, that show is the biggest pile of dogshit. Non-sequitor humor is meant to be used sparingly, not to be every fucking joke. No Peter, I dont remember the time you were doing something fucking stupid that involved some random celebrity.
Fuck this shit, Im going to go listen to some Boston and think about a world without reality tv, Family Guy, and Soldier Boy, yes I spelled it Soldier, because Im not going to fucking acknowledge the retarded ass way he spells his name.
The main thing that is making me lose my fucking mind right now, is television. Every time I turn the fucking thing on, theres a new "reality" tv show, or another show that allows people to obsess over celebrities. Look, I enjoy watching pretty people, but why the fuck do people care about what celebrities do, and what they wear, and who they date, and what they eat, and blah fucking blah? For the love of God, maybe instead of wondering who Jessica Alba is fucking, you could read a god damned book, or better yet, jump off a bridge. I dont know why it infuriates me so much, maybe its not normal , but I dont care, Id rather be crazy mad about something like this than sit back and watch another piece of shit tv show about how some spoiled celebrities like to buy 8000 dollar bags to carry their dogs in.
Oh, and yeah, its very old news, but if one more fucking person says "Superman that hoe" to me, Im going to buy a chainsaw and start cutting mother fuckers in half. No, I will not Superman that hoe, no I will not Spider-Man that hoe, Im not going to any of that dumb shit to anyone, especially not a hoe, they have it hard enough as it is.
And heres the one thats gonna ignite some serious shit. I hate Family Guy. I hate family guy with the fiery hot passion of a thousand burning suns. I like some dumb shows, I like Aqua Teen Hunger Force for gods sake, but if I have to hear "Hey Brian, remember the time.." again as some retarded collar-popping douche bag quotes that fucking abomination of a show while he orders his Big Mac in McDonalds again, Im going to lose it. I have a small chuckle or two when I watch the show occasionally, but for the most part, that show is the biggest pile of dogshit. Non-sequitor humor is meant to be used sparingly, not to be every fucking joke. No Peter, I dont remember the time you were doing something fucking stupid that involved some random celebrity.
Fuck this shit, Im going to go listen to some Boston and think about a world without reality tv, Family Guy, and Soldier Boy, yes I spelled it Soldier, because Im not going to fucking acknowledge the retarded ass way he spells his name.
Flash
Let me just say, that it probably wasn't the best idea to choose to do my final animation in flash, seeing as how I have never used flash before....sigh.
This is going to be one hell of a couple of weeks.
This is going to be one hell of a couple of weeks.
Art
So, when I get the chance, and have work Im proud of, Ill start posting my animations and drawings for any and all to see...which will probably be around 2-3 people...a year.
Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core
So, I finally beat Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, and I must say, bravo Square-Enix. Despite my fears that this game would be below average (Im looking at you Dirge Of Cerberus), I was pleasantly surprised. Actually, I could go so far to say as i was blown away by the games story, which I thought would be nothing new to me, seeing as how I know FF VII begins.
The gameplay, while a bit repetitive at times, is solid, and enjoyable for the most part. The combat is slower than I expected, but at the same time, infinitely better than I thought it was going to be. The game plays a bit like Kingdom Hearts, in my opinion, it plays better than KH, but that isn't the point of this post. Basically, the gameplay is simple to figure out, and keeps you hooked.
The plot, now that is the meat and potatoes of this game. This game takes the FF VII plot to a whole new place in terms of knowledge of what actually happened before FF VII began. The characters are well developed, and as the game progresses, you find yourself more and more attached to characters that you thought you might hate. Let me just say this, if a game can make someone as fucked up as Sephiroth seem like a good guy, then it has my vote for storytelling of the year. I wont go on into every detail, but trust me, the end of this game is one of the most emotional finales I've encountered in gaming.
Do yourself a favor, and play this game if you like FF VII even a little bit, the ending alone is worth the price of admission.
The gameplay, while a bit repetitive at times, is solid, and enjoyable for the most part. The combat is slower than I expected, but at the same time, infinitely better than I thought it was going to be. The game plays a bit like Kingdom Hearts, in my opinion, it plays better than KH, but that isn't the point of this post. Basically, the gameplay is simple to figure out, and keeps you hooked.
The plot, now that is the meat and potatoes of this game. This game takes the FF VII plot to a whole new place in terms of knowledge of what actually happened before FF VII began. The characters are well developed, and as the game progresses, you find yourself more and more attached to characters that you thought you might hate. Let me just say this, if a game can make someone as fucked up as Sephiroth seem like a good guy, then it has my vote for storytelling of the year. I wont go on into every detail, but trust me, the end of this game is one of the most emotional finales I've encountered in gaming.
Do yourself a favor, and play this game if you like FF VII even a little bit, the ending alone is worth the price of admission.
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