New Project!

Although I have been kept busy with freelance work, I can't help but have other ideas in the process. While I am forced to put them on the back burner, I do try to at least put them down. Here are some concept sketches for a comic, that's right--a comic--I am working on. It's a twelve-pager set in the 1930's that involves a woman bringing a repairman a broken mirror. The script has been written and thumbnails completed, but I am still fiddling around with the character designs. This is a first look at the characters and environments for "Broken" (working title).

These sketches of the characters are very close to what I want. I am still tinkering with small details and proportions. I am even considering sculpting them to make sure I have them fully locked-in. I am considering simplifying them a bit as well.

For a larger project like this, I typically have the idea stewing in my head for a while as I try to finish my mandatory work. As it unwillingly coalesces into what I know it needs to be, I feel the need to draw it but resist because I have other work to do. Then--usually some point around 3 A.M.--I realize I can't avoid drawing it any more. So I get up, click on the light, and let my pencil fly. That is how the following backgrounds were created. I draw quickly and rough, not being overly specific about perspective or details because I am just trying to get my ideas onto the page. Once they are drawn, I can see what I need to refine, and move forward from there.

Antique Store

 Kitchen

Workshop

I will be updating more of this as time goes on. Look for more advanced character studies and refined backgrounds! I'm very excited for this project and glad that I can share it. 

Portrait Study

Since my freelance work keeps me on the computer, I enjoy making a quick traditional drawing for fun every now and then to revitalize me. Then, I can come back to the computer with a fresh perspective and tackle my work. I'm not sure why, but something about using paper and pencil just makes the entire process more enjoyable.

Although this was created from a photograph, I didn't just copy it. Instead, I used the photograph to inform my sketch and emphasized the areas that characterized the person. In drawing, what you leave out is just as important as what you include.

If you can guess who this study was based on, you get 5 bonus points. 

In Aeternam Teaser

Exciting news! If you have been keeping up with this blog, you might remember that I did some concept and storyboard work on "In Aeternam," a short film directed by Stephen Venezia. They finally revealed a teaser for the movie, so check it out here:

In Aeternam Teaser

April showers work (and when it rains, it pours), but May brings a bloom of updates. Stay tuned!