Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Professor Arklight 30/30!!!
Professor Jacob Arklight is recently retired. He has gone back to university to study archeology and met a coed and classmate recent widower Isabella Smith-Jones. Together these two "fossils" will discover that there is much more to life than hiding yourself away...
30 in 3o is done! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! I did it! I really did it!
ArrrOOooo!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Mik n Mok 28/30
Mik n Mok 28/30
Mik N Mok can only ever remember being together. Always helping each other out since they was podlings. When they grew up they decided why break up a great team and they started a career as galactic bounty hunters. They have no love fer anyone but themselves unless you got yer face on a wanted poster!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Dread Mirror 27/30
A Path of Your Own! Be Safe, Be Reflective, GRIT YOUR TEETH AND GIV'ER!!!!
So it's Sunday! Day 28 of 30 in the 30 Character Challenge (click the banner to the right to find out more!) I'm reflective as I near the end of this challenge. I have four or five thumbs or partial sketches ready to go. That's great because I only need 4! Limiting the inking on the last few has helped me along and talking amongst fellow 30 character "challengees" about their recent experiences has also has greatly helped (these are other cool and crazy art guys you should be checking out: Rene van Belzen, Bob Learned, calmplexlocust, Rob Stenzinger and Jose Gonzalez!)
It is neat what can get you motivated to try new/old things.
I picked up some cheap dollar store water colours as well as some tube ones in doing the 30 character challenge I have found my "painting juices" flowing again. I know. I know. Make sure I clean up after myself..
My Art Week:
If you noticed I hit a bit of bump in the road the last couple of days as real life stuff has heated up just when it is getting cold in Toronto! No snow yet but I know it is coming (so is Christmas) Black Friday has just passed south of the border and Turkey holiday is almost over. I hope all of you that celebrated it, had your fill and those that are "running" this 30 character "race" along with me should have the necessary nutrition to grind out the last few characters!
So as I said four more characters to go. I'm gonna start working on 27 as soon as I post this! Thanks for all the positive comments! Here and Twitter and Buzz mail and Facebook. The time will come soon when my stuff will be collected into one location. My friend's daughter asked me to do a commission for a Christmas gift for a classmate so I am excited, I will post it here. I hope she can afford me ;)
30 Character mates we are nearing the wire, GRIT YOUR TEETH AND GIV'ER!!!!
Be creative guys, it will make a healthier, happier you!
ArrrOOooo!
Super Chef 26/30
Super Chef 26/30
Gastogne Cullen always enjoyed cooking and had a flair with a knife so when the time came to decide what he wanted to do after high school Gastogne applied and got into the best cooking school in Paris. After an unfortunate chopping accident involving one of his instructors Gastogne was dismissed form the school before receiving his diploma. Bent but not broken Gastogne hired himself out to dignitaries and celebrities as a chef bodyguard. Gastogne has not gone unnoticed by the secret government agency G.A.S. or Government Agency of Spies...
Sumz - Character 25/30
"Sumz" - character 25/30
Val Summerz has always liked to hit things since she was a toddler so mom brought out the pots and pans and "Sumz" kept on hittin. She loves Punk music and hopes to someday join her favourite punk band "More" But it's tough on the road for girls and especially girl drummers, Sumz thinks she has what it takes to add it up!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Mini Merv the Quarterling 24/30
Mini Merv the Quarterling 24/30
Mervin was always made fun of by his halfling sibs. They called him Mini Merv or The Quarterling.
Merv knew it wasn't what you looked like but what you did with what you had.
Merv had a calling and one day he realized that sometimes even a small person in stature can become too big for a small "minded" village...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Betsy Balderson 23/30
Betsy Balderson 23/30
Betsy Balderson is lead strategist and one of the founding members of the UNA (United Nations (of) Animals).
She is quick on her "feathers" and use her speed to her advantage.
She also designed the UNA flag and is defensive over the design often saying "Hey! I'd like to see what you could do with wings, thread and a needle?!?"
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Micron-Man 22/30
Micron-Man 22/30
Danilo Mikrovich was a big man in Ukraine under the Communist regime. His study of micro electronics was given number one priority! Communism came crashing down and Mikrovich emigrated to Canada. Mikrovich has decided he wants to be a big man again. A small accident at his workplace will cause Danilo to learn sometimes big things can come from small packages!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Mher Greenmile 21/30
Mher Greenmile 21/30
Mher left his Elfin home to go off into the world but before he left he took a piece of home with him. And now he is being hunted for it.
Mher Greenmile's biggest asset is his long arrow tri-shot and he needs it because Mher knows, "You can take it with you, problem is they may want it back!"
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sooooo I hit 20!
Okay I'm a "little' older than that ;) If you have been following the 30 in 30 character challenge that I have been taking part in then you know that I hit 20 today. I actually have a couple other characters I am considering working on this evening to get me to 21 which is where I'd like to be today...
Meet the New "Tool", Same as The Old "Tool":
I upgraded Manga Debut 4.0 to EX 4.0. It was 120.00 dollars for the download but you can also search for a coupon and (save 12.00 I believe it is fallsale) so I went ahead. It will be a while before I learn all the new features of the upgrade. I know it will be especially helpful with setting up pages because of the different panel features and the new colouring features too!
What I have Learned:
I learned I can do 20 characters in 20 er 21 days. I know they aren't perfect but many are usable. I learned that some days I think of it as a chore until I start drawing and then I like it. OK. I mostly like it... Some days I start the character and then I start inking it and I'm not thrilled with it, but I have to push through because this is "just a exercise" after all. This is how we learn what we need to work on and what we don't (I think I said that last week) Well, at least I am consistent!
My Art Week:
30 characters exercise. Look around here and you will see it. Thanks to all for the comments on Twitter and Facebook and Gmail Buzz.
Now get goin and create sumthin!
ArrOOooo!
Canuckle Head 20/30
Canuckle Head 20/30
Chip Woodley is the self proclaimed leader of the UNA and the Canadian representative in the United Nations (of) Animals...
"Diplomacy first!" is Chip's motto, but if it comes to getting his paws dirty, Chip leads with his 2 buck teeth!!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Good Sport 19/30
"The Good Sport" 19/30
Klak is a forward scout for a “supposed” alien invasion fleet from the planet Bingosia. He has been hiding on the other side of the Moon for the past 100 years. Just…observing. Actually he has been watching sports on TV. Klak has become a fanatic. He thinks that athletes are the Earth’s gladiators and he wishes he could be one! Now Klak will have his chance as his ship malfunctions and sends Klak plummeting to the Earth in the year 2010!
What will become of Klak and his sports obsession?
Will he be successful in his quest to become the first being to win every sports championship on the world?!?
Street Shadow 17/30
Street Shadow 17/30
Looking for someone who doesn't want to be found?
Doing it "quiet" when it can't be done above ground...
Look to the street shadows and whisper his name...
Lost cat or lost lover to him it's the same...
Since leaving his village the Street Shadow started off as a "quiet" PI but since adding a office manager to his set up, the motto has changed to get more customers or die trying....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Mickey "Mitch" Mitchell 18/30
Mickey "Mitch" Mitchell 18/30
Mickey had a dream. Graduate high school, go to college and get a 9 to 5 job, house in the burbs, wife, kids. Then he discovered Punk music and knew there was more to life. Now he is the front man for his Punk band "More" cuz sometimes wanting something "more' is alright!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Voice of Rheesun 16/30
Voice of Rheesun 16/30
Rheesun (at least that's what her/it's name sounds like to human ears.) Is she a god or alien or all the above?
Going back through Earth's history Rheesun has appeared in some form or another to the leading cultures of the time. Some have heeded her appearance and listened to what few words are uttered.
Others have ignored the "voice of Rheesun" at their peril...
Muck Hammer 15/30
Muck Hammer 15/30
Tony Stucci witnessed his city going down hill for the past many years and he let it slide. That was until it overflowed into his personal life. Now it was time to make a stand!
Armed with his trusty hammer and hard hat Tony knew his indifference was one of the main reasons his city had become covered in "muck". Tony now realized it takes more than a shovel to dig yourself out from the muck" and slime.
Sometimes it takes a hammer!!!
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Iron Whip 14/30
The Iron Whip 14/30
The Iron Whip works for the Royal government and his primary role is the tracking and breaking of those disloyal to the regime.
Little is known about the "Iron Whip" even the name was one given to him by someone else and he hasn't discouraged its use. The whip he uses is ringed with iron and almost seems to "crackle" when snapped.
One thing is certain. You don't want the Iron Whip on your back!
Pirate Pete 13/30
Pete was living in a coastal town when the Boarder War "spilled" into his back yard. He was not "impressed" with either navy.
Pete decided t it was time to make his own navy and created the "Black Skulls"
"For when there is blood on the waters. Better the blood not be your own..."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Kelin Of the Twisted Axe 12/30
Kelin is another casualty of the Border War. She will not talk about what was done to her , her mother or sister during a raid on thier village.Kelin has taken up her father's axe and vowed "never again!" She twists her axe in her hands unconsciously before she brings it to action. Kelin is searching. The path is fraught with the fear that though visibly unmarred Sometimes it is the invisible wounds that never heal...
Willa The Hunter 11/30
Willa the Hunter and her Kill-cat Crunch. Who hasn't been affected by the border wars? Trained by her hunter father at an early age and thrust into a position by necessity Willa hunts war criminals where she may find that the only thing "criminal is war"....
The Illuminator 10/30
The Illuminator has the Illune alloy in his gun. Discovered after a meteor shower if you become exposed to the cosmic rays of this nugget it leads you to hallucinate and have your darkest secrets revealed. The Illuminator was able to re-purpose the metal into a gun. The other gun he uses is the N-gun which shoots flexi expanding net because most who are exposed to the I-ray try to outrun their secrets and as we all know you can run but you can't hide from THE ILLUMINATOR!!!
Keekee Lefay 9/30
Keekee Lefay 9/30
Keekee Lefay is of the Pixie race. The pixie race has been hunted near to extinction. Keekee's mad! And she ain't gonna take it no more! She may look all soft and nice but she hides a "sting!" A sword she calls "petal" that she wields with deft aplomb. Add the ability to camouflage herself to any forest background and you have a guerilla to be reckoned with!
"JK Kidd" Character 8/30
K Kidd
Drake Kidd was your typical spoiled rich kid. Didn't care much bout anything but himself. That would change. His family lost everything. His mother sick in the hospital and the bills piling up Drake's Dad took his own life. Now Drake had a decision to make. One day at the local Rec center he signed up for Judo and Karate classes and found he had a natural affinity for them. But what was Drake to do with his new found talent???
Layla the Rat Queen & Killer Kort
Layla the Rat Queen & Killer Kort
Layla the Rat Queen believes in spreading the love.
She is the result of an Alien experiment combining rat and human DNA. After taking over the ship where she was "born" Layla was able to free all her brothers and sisters including her brother "Killer Kort!"
Queen Layla wants nothing but total domination by spreading her kind across the universe. Cuz Queen Layla thinks everyone deserves a little "tail"...
I got Puter Face!
Definition of "puter face": Sittin in front of a computer screen too long with a "irradiated zombie like look" in your eyes...
I have 'puter face from looking at the screen trying to catch up with my 30 characters in 30 days challenge... I am drawing number 13 on day 14. I finished 11 and 12 today. I may get 13 done today. If not, I will do two a day till I am back "on the beam"...
What I have learned from this exercise so far:
I have learned that staying to a set routine is best. If you know yourself and know that "I should do one a day minimum" then do it.
I have been thumb-nailing and penciling each sketch on paper and then scanning them into Manga Debut 4. I use the inking tool for most some of the sketches and basic colouring tool for some. Some of the inks are a little wild but I don't mind it. I am much more painterly with the program than traditional inking because of the different feel of the stylus on my Wacom Bamboo Touch...
My art Week:
See following posted drawings!
Have a great week and create!
ArrrOOooo!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
I Knew I had Character (so far 6)!
Hey Fool! Where's Part Two bout tools?
Errr sorry my blog is being hijacked by the "30 Character Challenge!" Tools will be back at the end of the month or sprinkled into each blog... Why? Because it's my blog and because I can!!!
Character Building!
So it is nearing the end of week one of the 30 character challenge. The idea came from Tyler James and more info can be found at The 30 Character Challenge. I didn't sign up at the official site but the challenge was taken up by members of the Art and Story Supreme "Storriors" including one of the lead "Storriors" Kevin Cross.
What is 30 in 30? (my name for the challenge)
So basically you need to come up with 30 new characters in the 30 days of November. You don't need to put one out every day but you need to have 30 created by the end of November 30th. If you are a writer you could come up with character descriptions as long as you have 30 of em! It's not just about drawing, it's about being creative!!!
So what have you done Mr. Jahhdog?!?
Well, I have completed 6 characters as of this posting, I plan on doing one a day. I find that right now this schedule suits me and my routine. I'm notorious for missing deadlines that I set. OK. I don't just miss em, obliterate em!
How do you do it Mr. J?
I find that what works for me to get a character idea in my head, might start with a name, might be a clothing ora costume idea, might be a female I see, might be an animal, might be an era. Might be ANYHTHING!
Once I have a general idea from "a couple" of these things I start to brain storm onto a notebook or piece of paper. This leads into my thumbnail...
I "usually" thumbnail (with pencil) a small sketch in a notebook. It could be the book in my pocket at my day gig (but since I'm outside, usually not). Most often I pencil by my computer desk or in my living room. This sketch is fairly rough, just an outline of the character as I find in the process of drawing the character other characteristics may pop into my head. Such as back story and motivation for the character.
The 5 Wubble U's and The One "H"
I ask this of the character, character what are your 5 "W's"? Who, what, when, where and why? Oh and the 1 "h" how... So for example My last character Doctor Pockets started as a name "Mr. Smarty Pants" Now I didn't think this was a bad name but when I started to thumbnail the character I thought he would have these pants full of pockets and gadgets filling each pocket. Then I thought about "why" he would have only pants with "pockets" "why" not a whole suit??? And the word Pockets kept appearing in my head (and on my sketch) so I thought Pockets just sounds better and "who" would wear such a suit? Well could be a mechanic, could be astronaut but a doctor/engineer just might... And then I just kept up with the rest of the W's till they were answered...Oh and the "H" too!
This is the way I do it but I think it would be helpful for your character as long as you keep asking these questions throughout the process. Face it! All 30 characters may not be winners but the point is that you are creating and using that "muffin head" that you call a brain (OK. Maybe I'm the muffin head)...
Use both feet!
Hey you! You can jump in at any time! Just cuz it's November 7 doesn't mean you can't. You can create as many characters as you want as long as you got 30 by the end of November.
You Got Character TOO! I know it!
I want to see or read em! Link em in my comments or Email me! Questions? Love em! Comments Likewise!
My Art Week:
Dude or Dude-ette! Look up. Look way up!!! OK. At least read the previous part of this blog!
Here are the 6 characters I have created... You can look at bigger images and descriptions at Flickr. Friend me and I'll friend YOU!
Whoa! ! You made it to the end!?! Well really it is "just the beginning!" Remember to have fun and keep creating!!!
ArrrOOooo!