The monday after

Back home (although i probably needed to rest more as i thought i was a bit rude to my coworkers but no matter. They should know better than to stroll in @2pm and wonder why nothing gets done). I had to visit my aunt in the hospital. She is doing better but still a long road ahead. I find it really...difficult to see people in hospitals. Maybe its seeing people you care about hooked up to machines. The drive was no picnic either. I need to invest in a better car radio.

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The monday after

Back home (although i probably needed to rest more as i thought i was a bit rude to my coworkers but no matter. They should know better than to stroll in @2pm and wonder why nothing gets done). I had to visit my aunt in the hospital. She is doing better but still a long road ahead. I find it really...difficult to see people in hospitals. Maybe its seeing people you care about hooked up to machines. The drive was no picnic either. I need to invest in a better car radio.

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Will travel

Eh. Family is family so you might as well get used to them. Early tomorrow am going to visit my aunt. Before you say roadtrip, its not a fun trip. i was tempted not to write anything but i got a few minutes.

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Dive! Dive!

This really doesn't feel like a holiday season to me, not this year. Maybe it's the lack of cold and snow? I'm employed this year but not sure how long that's going to last as my current boss has, well...I'm pretty much in shock honestly. My brother had to talk me out of quitting tomorrow. Or rather, be smart about quitting.
I also haven't done any Christmas shopping. I have no motivation to get it done. Nor any ideas about what to get. The homeopathic detective agency is doing well, as I've consistently put out a weekly update. Which is kind of impressive because I wasn't sure I'd be able to do so. The pacing and dialogue are still a bit off to me and I'm still trying out different techniques but all in all, pretty good. When I get some time, I'll try the fine dip pens again. I liked the results earlier but I'm much tighter this time around.

Ditching the dead weight

The homeopathic detective agency is going along well. In fact, I just posted this week's update. I'm shooting to get another panel or two done before Thursday so this will be the 2nd week in a row with 2 updates! My goodness, I guess I started that a bit early. I wasn't planning on doing that until 2012.
Unfortunately, I had to 86 a friend this past week. It wasn't very easy but well, the sheer amount of arrogance, bigotry, and intolerance coming out of their mouth was just too much for me to ignore any longer. The kicker was when they were talking about how much more important they were than someone else...while waiting in the therapist's office. *facepalm* So, for someone with their own mental and physical issues to pass judgement like that? You'd think they would be more understanding of others. I wrote them an email and have been avoiding their calls. Despite knowing them for over a year, it's pathetic. It's been a complete waste of my time. To "know" someone that harbors this much hate, still, I am not about to waste one more second of my life in their hatred. They need help but it's obvious that they still do not "get it." No matter how much your therapist costs, if you can make fun of someone else, it proves it isn't working. So, no more. At least not for Philip. However they want to live is fine with me. I can only imagine them playing the victim to their real friends and family. Kind of sad and funny but well, that's what life is, at times.

Month-long slumber

Yay. Just after posting of page 4 of The Homeopathic Detective Agency. I'm learning a few things about this process. One, it takes more time than you think. I also am a work-in-progress. Things work out in your head but don't always work in paper. One of my issues, at least art-wise was not just being sketchy but how to get the best line and energy on the page. On some pages, it works better than others. Sometimes things look a bit...forced to me. This is one of the reasons I was tempted to do another quick series-see if I could get some better technique down. This time, I redrew panels. Which I've only done a handful of times.  I'm glad I did but when you do it's difficult, you know? You've spent all that time doing it the first time just to erase it and start over. Haha.
I do see myself getting better-not just technique wise but pacing and things like that. It's odd...as I don't think I've had a chance to show my strengths yet. I don't know how many people are actually following but it was important to me to get something out there. A body of work that you could look at after some time. You think about it a different way when everyone else can see. A lack of net, as it were. Some things are good and some things are bad. However, I do like producing things on a regular basis. I just have to shore up the regular job and drive situation and I think we'll be in business.

Re-organizing.

Been a busy few days here. I've been re-organizing my stuff. I've been here at my bro's house over a year and it just strikes me that there's still stuff just laying around and misplaced. I never did intend to be here this long but getting laid off does that to a person. (The past two years haven't been the best professionally for me) I cleaned off my drawing desk so I am not bumping into things as I try to use a t-square.
It's funny, as there never seems to be enough time to do what you want to do in a day. No matter how much (or how little) you're working. I'm trying my best to find something else but I don't think that's going to happen until at least January. I've said that even when I didn't want/need a new job though. It's the end of the year with ending budgets and the holidays coming up. Unless it's something unexpected...you don't hire someone only for them to take a few days off (thanksgiving and christmas). I am sure there are exceptions but well...so far, no personal experience with them! (still trying though)
One thing about doing the Rob Kracker strip is how much it changes. At first, I thought of it like regular comics but I think that's the wrong approach. This is more like a newspaper strip. So, a few things (like framing etc) have to change to be more effective but I think it'll help the overall product. Inking wise, I've been getting better and I think I just get too nervous and start adding weird shit all over the page. Part of inking is to give things more emphasis-like the foreground. It's okay for a background to be just lines, etc...you still have to add text and things to the panel. As long as I can keep up with that, I will be fine and continue to improve. I'm determined to start using my hunts 102 pen nib this weekend as well. I think my rapidiographs are too far gone (eg. broken) to be saved but those bastards certainly earned their worth. I feel bad about not using them but broken needles are broken needles.

Pre-vember

Wow, now that was a great World Series. I'm a little biased as I was rooting for the Cardinals. The Rangers were/are a very good team but they came up a little short. I think their best shot was in game 6 and after losing that like they did...well, that was just killer. I think the other difference was Chris Carpenter. He pitched against them 3 times in 2 weeks and they didn't really figure him out. Freese had a boatload of RBIs and such and deserves the MVP. However, Carp is a close second. The Rangers didn't have an "ace" pitcher to really shut down the Cardinals and I think that really cost them. They couldn't stop and demoralize us like we could to them.
Ah yes, and the latest update is up a day early. :oD

Halloween

Things at the homeopathic detective agency are going pretty well. Aside from last week (which i blame the world series) my schedule is still a go. Many thanks to the friends and strangers who are following along. I know i am going to get better and cant wait.

End of Any-tober

Aside from the Homeopathic Detective Agency, I am also working (finally) over at a place across the river in Swansea, IL. Somehow, when you say "across the river" it seems like it's much farther and weirder place than the one you know, the one where you live, and the one you're trying to leave. However, they do pay me money for art-related services, which keeps bill collectors and those pesky law suits away from me. So, it's not all bad. I should think about fixing the radio in my car because talking to myself is starting to seem kind of repetitive.
And yes, also working on the next Homeopathic Detective Agency page. I had to buy some other art supplies, which I haven't had to do in awhile. I realized that some of my brushes have had bristles fall out. It was like a receding hairline or something. Kind of creepy.

The New Home

Hey there all. Just wanted to let you know that I've made another blog/site for the Homeopathic Detective Agency to keep the mis-adventures rolling along. You can find it HERE! I'll probably list updates here but won't throw up the artwork to keep things as organized (yes, you're not misreading) as possible.

It's Official

I suppose it's really too late now isn't it?

Project-ile malfunction

Well, the news I was going to say previously, (which for some reason isn't pulling up. I sent it from my phone so that may be why) is that I'm getting back into comics. More specifically a web comic. I was considering starting a new 4 page series for my friend, Sally, but realized that I had some ideas that were already further along. And well, it's one of the reasons I started thinking I could illustrate in the first place.
   It's the further adventures of Rob Kracker. Only it's ten years later. (Really, I will buy you a krispy kreme if you bought Low-Phat comics #1 in 1997. I still have some copies in my basement. I think the printer took pity on me) Only this time, things are a bit more complicated. He now works for the Homeopathic Detective Agency. Which, is the first time I'm writing the title down for everyone. New updates via twitter and facebook. And I will post the first few ads here before launching into the site.

New projects

Hey all. A lot going on for me. I finally wrapped up my end of steampunk skyes (title screen and logo) which really is a load off. Funny how everyone else seemed to have ideas afterwards but whatever. Its a collaborative process. Ideas and direction are there to help. Had there been more of it...nah, it would have still taken this long. Haha.

I have somehow been roped into doing some updating for some psychics. Oyvey. That should be done soon. Afterwards i will make my next project. Its a bit of a labor of love for me. I was considering doing something easier, but you know what? It is who i am and one of the things i promised myself i would do. So, stay tuned. Oddly enough, some of you already know. Haha.

Sept. Ends

Closing out sept. Has me a lot busier than i imagined. The good news is the title screen and logo for steampunk skyes are done. They turned out better than i thought. I just have to make more time for the stuff i want to do next. More web design and language study. However, getting things accomplished is never a bad thing.

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Page 2

Page 2 panel 1. I was really concerned about how the grass would look but it turned out great.

Page 2 panel 2. 

Page 2 Panel 3. 

 Page 2 notes: I really like the top half of the page but the bottom half I didn't like it at all. The grass in panel 1 turned out great and really adds something to me about the scene. I think this is because I didn't really have a script to go from (which I normally do). I was just winging it. I did a lot of thumbnails for this page because I wasn't sure which direction to go. I could either reveal some bad guys and have a showdown or go right into an action sequence. Plus, I was trying to decide whether to continue this series/story or not. Ultimately, I am going to do a small script (so things don't get lost next time) and move into a different genre. I'm going to do a Western this time. In honor of my friend, Sally Anderson, whose first novel is being published at the end of the month. This will give me more practice with animals and hats. And guns.

Mid september

I hope everyone is enjoying the comic pages. I am working on page 2 right now. I am getting a better feel for things so that is really good. I might switch to an ink wash as that prismacolor really absorbs into the bristol. This might be because its old too. Either way, i would like a lighter touch.

just waiting to hear back from some other people on the job front so keep your fingers crossed for me.

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Full page layout 9/2011

Panel 1

Panel 2

Panel 3

Here is the first entry in hopefully an ongoing series. I am trying out a new inking technique and thought the best way to do that is do a page (or a few) and see how it turned out. On the whole, it turned out better than I thought.
I did have some concerns-the first of which, would this get too repetitive page-after-page? My brush technique is pretty rough and using a lot of heavy blacks (IMO) doesn't work over time. Maybe for a stand-alone piece but afterwards, you're just going to get lost. We can't all be Mike Mignola! The second was my layout. Does it "grab" the viewer? For a working theme of "Castlevania-ish" I think it does. The dark and somber atmosphere with a brooding lone hero comes through in just these better than I initially thought.
That being said, I can see some technical mistakes I made that I should correct. I think my line weights are a little funky and not fully taking advantage of the "brush" part of it. I also could go a bit further in the ink and less gray. I also think my pencils could be a bit tighter.
 The full page is 8.5" x 11" ( 21cm x 28cm I think for those metrically inclined). Using a pentel brushpen and a prismacolor 60% gray marker
For page 2, I am thinking of tackling another genre, this one as a Western (in honor of my friend, Sally Anderson who has her first book coming out next month).

Sleeping weather

Just a few things. My cat has now taken to sleeping on my chair, so that must mean its officially fall. Also, finished inking my experiment pages. Better than i hoped but still room for improvement. They should be up (with notes) later this week.

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Labor day

I hope everyone in the usa is having a good labor day. To be honest, this just feels like a day to me. Haha. Also congrats to my cousin and his wife as they just got married yesterday.

My drawing project is doing okay as i have 2 panels finished and just need to scan them. Already, i can see areas where i can improve. The 3rd panel will be tougher so i might not ink that one and move into a different genre.

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Mixed Bag

First of all, wanted to hope that everyone on the East Coast is recovered from the hurricane, or at least the best that you can. The news was saying it could have been much worse. Then again, 4 million folks without power and a foot of rain is...okay?

The other reason is, I'll be posting some pics relatively soon as I'm going to be experimenting with a new inking style. And it's piqued my interest-well, I don't think it's earth-shattering but it's new-to-me (much like my car). I think right now just a few panels here and there in genres to see if it'll work. I have my doubts that you could do it over a few pages without getting repetitive-which is my main fear. However, up until then, it'll be a gas.

New week. Same ole. Same ole.

I do not wish this on anyone. Its been...a few months since i was laid off and man, does it mess with your head. You think about lots of things. Some imaginary and some real. You feel powerless to a certain degree because its so abrupt. You are so used to working. Or going...somewhere and doing...stuff. that when you don't, it is a trip. I think this time hurts more than the last as i didn't see it coming. It is a very surreal feeling. And not in an all good way.

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Poor choices

I always wonder what possesses people to get horrible trendy tattoos. Like, they know that those dont wash off easily, right? Like that strand of barbed wire or tribal is going to mark and date yourself worse than a barcode or expiration date.

Its not that i am against ink. Far from it. I have considered getting a gun myself and giving it a whirl. I just think...before the ink. Nothing worse than a few thousand dollars worth of laser surgery regret.

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Strikeforce thoughts: Fedor

What a great fight for Strikeforce this past weekend. It was exactly the kind of thing they needed on Showtime as their last event (with Werdum vs. Overeem) was just simply a snoozer! The big surprise was Fedor's third consecutive loss. Now, this is unknown territory for the big Russian and I'm sure he's like "what the hell?!" however, I don't think he should retire. He has had some bad luck, true, and without the aura of invincibility he had in his PRIDE days...people are challenging him. It makes the gaps in his training more apparent. I think he needs to change his training camp and rededicate himself with partners that will push him and use the "worst-case scenario" against him. It seems like Fedor was/is almost over-confident coming into his last few `bouts. True, he has power in both hands but vs. Werdum, he got caught going for the finish (ground and pound) in a triangle choke. Silva, he got caught on the bottom of a larger opponent and absorbed too much damage for the dr. stop. And vs. Hendo, getting knocked out from an odd position.
It is doubtful that he will move camps, which is kind of sad. As I think he does have a few more good fights (and years) in him but his management/part ownership of M1 Global is going to prevent him from seeking the help he needs. Yes, he's a big deal...but big deals still need to be pushed in training as no fighter is just going to lay down for him.

Fingers crossed

Woke up to hear about the attacks in norway. Hope they get through that. Although, one has to ask. Norway? Seriously? What have they done to anyone? Much less lately. Now, its too early to call them terrorist attacks as terrorists do love to prance in front of the camera. And i dont think anyone has yet. So, prayers and thoughts out to all of you.

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Good deeds done

Yay. My package finally made it to my pal, harmony who is currently laid up in the hospital. I kind of got the timing wrong and sent it where she wasnt. Doh. However, it worked out.

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Updates galore

Just updated the new portfolio blog. Kind of cool when you think about it. I just gotta add illustrations and freelance work next.

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Health update (not serious)

Man, my left knee is still acting up but I'm determined to test it out on Monday. I am going to try some yoga and stretching type stuff and that's hard on the joints but the rather high heat should give me a decent stretch without any sort of dynamic motion, right? Or rather, that's the theory anyway.

Delays upon delays

Actually not really. I was using that mobile app (the 3rd one. Bloggeroid I think this time) and it seems to work alright, but I found myself depending on my phone a bit too much for my taste. (Which has always been a bit of a fear of mine. It does everything...so does it really need me?) I also wanted to take a bit of a break to update my resume and do s'more job searching. Recently, I've started my chinese lessons again too. It was really visiting my aunt over the holiday weekend that did that to me. I have been dragging my feet on it for a few weeks. I guess a lot of 2nd or cross-cultural folks have this problem. You don't feel like you belong in either culture...yet you don't know anything else. In my case, I don't really feel American or Chinese...but I'm both. I guess all those stereotypes really come out to bite me in the ass. I don't like math or play piano. (Sorry, guys).
Recently, I found out about an MMA fighter, Denis Siver, that deals with the same thing. He's German-Russian. So, it isn't easier no matter where or what you are. I think with the world getting smaller and inter-breeding, it's only a matter of time before we all start looking like Tiger Woods.

4th of July roadtrip

Made it back in one piece from the roadtrip (with fam-mom, dad, oldest bro) to see my younger bro in Chicago. It was pretty bizarre and we made good time. I guess the weird part was the diversions we made while we were over there. I got to see my aunt (actually my mom's oldest sister). I had not seen her in awhile and it was good to see her. I think we saw her a bit longer than we wanted, as my mom and I would wind up staying the night at her place...instead of my brother's (more comfortable) house.
Other than that, we did get some relaxing done but sadly no bbq. Apparently, his propane tank either had a leak or was not closed properly. D'oh. However, I mean to fix that tomorrow. ;o)

Before a roadtrip

Yay! Going to be driving up to chicago to see my bro (and maybe a few friends) for the holiday weekend. I hope everyone is planning on a safe july 4th! The major thing to me is putting my contacts on so early in the morning. Like 6am early. Its just easier with regular sunglasses and not those crazy old people cyclops visor.

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The New Season

I can't believe they just had American Idol auditions @ the scottrade center yesterday. Didn't the season...just end? The tour of contestants hasn't even come around yet. That's so bizarre and wrong to me.

Mobile blogging

Wow, third app is the charm, right? I'm kind of mixed about it mostly because my cell phone is giving me trouble at the moment. I seem to get a lot of slow connection speeds and not the prime 4G network I've been paying for all this time.
Does that make me a cell phone diva? How did those poor iPhone users ever use that 3G network?! It's like crawling. Muha ha ha ha ha.
The other question that bothers me about it, is how to "un-plug" from all the technology we're plugging into our society (and soon, our bodies)? Maybe I just feel like throwing it all away and going off-grid? I never thought I'd be taking advice from a Sandra Bullock movie. Oy vey. I feel like the more these things do, the more we need them. Much like an addiction. Soon, you can't see your life without a smartphone. And you need more speed. More. More. More!! Bah, and my life doesn't revolve around technology, a smartphone, or a computer. It revolves around me. They are tools to help us. Not replace us. Just very fancy large stone knives. With fire inside.

Rule of 3 update

It is peter falk. Rip



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Another clever third title

This, for once doesnt have anything to do with death or dying but the amount of mobile blogging apps i have used. Haha. This way, my cat can still snooze on my leg while writing.

Rule of Three a'comin' to town

Yes, it's about time for another "rule of 3" to come down the pike. Although, you can call this one a bit of a stretch. Clarence Clemons (RIP) passed away due to stroke complications. Wow, talk about sad on that one. He's done so much but after his stroke, I'm sure the writing was already on the wall. At least he was at peace.
Secondly, we have Ryan Dunn, of Jackass fame. And if there never was a title more fitting. First of all, it really just seems like a bunch of suburban kids decided to film themselves doing a bunch of dumb...stuff. And honestly, Mr. Dunn was killed via drunk driving. Maybe as much as 130mph. He was no saint, that's for sure but I can't really mourn a guy who does something so absolutely stupid. (Ironic, as the stunts didn't kill him but this did) Do I confess to being the morality police? No. The dangers of drunk driving are universal and very real-even for pseudo-celebrities.
for #3...?

Post-Father's Day

Well, hope everyone had a good father's day. Mine was alright, except my dad is still crazy. Just kidding, dad. I normally try to take my dad out to lunch the week-of, etc. (mostly because he works at night, so taking him out to dinner isn't a possibility) and I think it's also cool to have that one-on-one less formal stuff. Sometimes holidays, birthdays, and things like that get a little hectic with people calling and/or visiting. However, we went post and not pre- this year.
Otherwise, still relatively uneventful. Still unemployed but looking and hoping some things pan out. Not sure what to make of some of them as well, I've had a lot of promises made to me that never really panned out. How do you deal with that? It's frustrating but you never stop.

A better idea

Just thinking about how best to group my portfolio together. Tags are good but I don't want any of my other blogs to get in the way. Hhmmm...maybe a seperate section?

Laser cats

I must have some sort of pheromone that makes people want to have awkward conversations around me. Damn, I'm in the wrong business.

As Promised (Stuff from APSI)

Here's a selection of works that I had done for APSI. All of the images are used with permission and their shapes are copyrighted, so, well, if you feel like dealing with their attorneys...go ahead. I'm not going to stop you.

Redesigned Cell phone (@2001) Note the stylish "faceplate"

Catalog Page (@2004)

Diabetic/Blood Sugar Machine. I forget the brand

Safety Barrel

Tool Box

Trash Can. There was a team that redesigned this one, so, not just me.

Transamerica Tower they did for a promotion

Double standards?

Hello all. Trying another mobile app and we will have to see if it works better than the last one. Anyway, been catching up on the anthony weiner news. I find it really weird that there is a big movement for him to resign. Both sides of the aisle finally agree on something! However, I can't help but think of the bill clinton/monica lewinsky scandal. I don't remember a unanimous call for clinton to resign. I think he took it like a big joke. Yet...isn't sleeping with an intern (and lying about it) just as bad as twitpics?
Just some food for thought.

Mobile and dangerous

Okay, trying out a new app that let's me blog remotely. Or at least not sitting at my computer. Yeehah.

Low-Class Mendicant

After doing my own bit of research on fighting games, I'm realizing why the world's (not just America's) children are so messed up and un-coordinated. Too much dependent on the "big punch." Seriously, have you heard of a jab? Hell, or even a low kick? Too interested in looking cool than getting the job done, eh? Then you should "stick to playing with your windmills!" (Marshall Law/Pat Mills & Kevin O'Neill 1993)You have to set up those power shots or they'll be easy to avoid. And yes, I speak from experience.
Take, for instance, the redone Splatterhouse (xbox360/ps3). Yes, you've got a magic and about 100lbs of evil hemoglobin...and yet all you throw are power punches. *facepalm*. That makes me sad. No wonder you are getting your ass kicked by a shadow. Or zombies. Or, well, whatever. You have no technique, young padawan. And if the Gracie family has taught us anything, without technique...you are lost.
Sure, I enjoy a good screen-clearing blast of ball lightning but I also know that any enemy worth a salt is not going to give me the two seconds it takes to quarter-circle+Punch his ass back into the abyss.
Just my thoughts. Discuss.

Wednesday amidst the heat

Good morning/afternoon internet. I have been contemplating doing a blog for awhile but never did it until now. There are a few reasons for that:
1) Do I really have anything to say?
2) Do I have the time to commit to a blog and not totally forget it in a few weeks?
3) Isn't blogging...like so...1999?!

Which are legitimate questions to ask yourself before starting a blog. The last thing I want to do is half-ass myself, much less anyone else. So, with that, we're off. I should be posting random things such as my opinions on current events, my current job search, and later on photos of my illustration, memorial, and other assorted works (portfolio stuff. No stealing).