Sketching with the Hanzo

Once again, using the Pentel Pocket brush pen. It's a nice simple tool for exercises in contrast, ink, decisions, etc. This is just a colorized version of a study while at dinner with my buddy Adam. Nothing special, but it was scanned with some other sketches for work, and I was mildly charmed by it. :)

Superdrag break...

I've been storyboarding and working my ass off lately, and I'm really happy with this project and where I'm currently at. The downside to having a salaried or 'full-time' art job is that I can't share as much with you through the process, but it's great and you'll soon see what we're cooking! I'll also make an effort to take on personal projects and try new things, which I'll share with you all here.

For now, here's something that's been exciting me lately:

This band has been on break for a while and they've finally regrouped and released their new album, "Industry Giants" You can get it and other Superdrag albums HERE.

I've been a huge fan of these guys since the late '90s and to put it simply (quoting a music critic), "If you don't like Superdrag, you don't like ROCK." I couldn't agree more. There's something for everyone there and you should check it out. I recommend Last Call for Vitriol, Head Trip in Every Key, Regretfully Yours and In the Valley of Dying Stars. They're all amazing in their own right and all very rocking with some lighter ballads and anthems.

Here is a way for you to get up to speed and see how they are now. Click the link halfway down the page to watch Superdrag interview, backstage...

Here's their latest video release, Aspartame:

Karma & William Joyce

William Joyce is a seasoned illustrator, writer, director, producer, and designer who lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Joyce has done a ton of work which you may have heard of, like Rolie Polie Olie, Meet the Robinsons, Robots, George Shrinks, Dinosaur Bob, and the upcoming Dreamworks film, The Guardians of Childhood. I found this little video series on a great website promoting illustrators and writers called Reading Rockets. Joyce has a great outlook and puts out good karma, and I think he sees great returns because of his fun attitude and open way of imparting knowledge and technique.

You can catch the entire series of videos (well worth your time) by clicking HERE.

SYNCOPATED

My good buddy Brendan is having a release party for his new edition to the SYNCOPATED anthology comic line. His and other artists' work and stories are included in this very cool collection, which he will have available this coming weekend for MoCCA. I'll be in NY for the festival (see two posts below), so I'll definitely be congratulating my buddy with a free beer... for me. Come join us!

Sketchbook, brush pen

I've been finally back to sketching as much as I can, lately. My buddies at work are inspiring and motivating in this avenue, so I'm trying to keep focused. I'm trying to keep my facebook album for "daily sketches" at least updated weekly.

I recently purchased a Pentel Pocket brush pen which has a great sumi-style brush with replacement ink capsules, so you just have to keep buying ink. The ink is pure India ink and flows wonderfully.

My friends jokingly call it the "Hanzo" (as in Hatori Hanzo) for its master-samurai-blade-like qualities and cutting lines on the paper. It can also be pushed heavily on the page to create wonderful bits of chaos. Below are some drawings I've done with the Hanzo, with a detail from one of the sketches. The people are drawn from a great photo book called "Nylon Streets", similar to the line of "Fruits" books, but a bit more anchored to realistic-looking clothes in the US and Europe.

detail

TCAF & MoCCA

It's officially deep into convention season, and I've already gone to a few this year, including Orlando's MegaCon, New York Comic Con, and the Toronto Comic Art Festival, or "TCAF". This exhibition is my favorite of the year, and this year was no different.

comic artist "J.Bone" gets his 2nd caricature in as many years

t's bitter-sweet that I didn't have much free time to walk around and see what everyone had to offer or show, because there are so many talented artists there, but I was swamped with many loving friends and fans, so I was busy drawing and signing the entire show... but I did get to socialize during after-hours with some old and new friends. It was a blast, and I can't wait until next year.

Coming up in two weeks is the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) Festival. This one has a very similar 'independent' vibe, and it's a great time. It will be my first time hosting a table at the show, and I hope to see you stop by-- I'll be drawing caricatures and selling some new books, so if you're in New York City, check out the show on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7.

Also featured at my Art Squared Publishing table is the author of FAMOUS CORPSES, Danielle Griffith. Danielle will be signing books that weekend, as well as selling original paintings. If you were lucky enough to get one in Toronto, you know how cool those little framed pieces are!

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TCAF 2009

This coming weekend is one I've been looking forward to for quite a while. The Toronto Comic Arts Festival is afoot, and I can easily say there is not an event/ con/ show that I look forward to more!

The people are amazing, inviting, talented and very cool. You MUST come check out this free show at the beautiful Toronto Reference Library if you have the time. I may live in New York, but I feel like a true Canadian around these folks, and there is not a better place to be this week!

Joe, TCAF 2007

Last time, I was selling my first book, REJECTS, and it went over really well. This year I'll be representing myself and Art Squared Publishing with several books, as well as drawing more finished caricatures, much like in the pages of REJECTS.

Drop by and see what all the hubbub is about... and get Joe's NEW BOOK!

Cartoon Comic!

I've edited this post to include the entire 4 page comic. I hope you enjoy it!
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Comic, pt 3

Comic, pt 2