'School's In!'

Hey all, just started another semester at SVSU today--I'm majoring in Social Work, btw.  Making a point to pursue that bachelor degree--but the road is LONG.  I actually do have a degree already--I have an Associate degree from a two-year art college I graduated from waaaay back in 2003.  I wish I could say that degree has been of some use, but it hasn't at all!  What's worse is that when I first applied at SVSU, I had attempted to have my graphic arts credits transferred--to no avail!  Turns out the art college was not accredited.  Bummer.  I'm really enjoying the social work path, though--and I'm hoping a career will come of it.  Scratch that.  I'm hoping AND praying!  Keep me in your prayers.  Cheers.:)

'Quote of the Day'(8/27/10)

"Keeping the faith is easier said than done--but easier done than understood."


                                                                                                 -Me
                                    

'Quote For The Day' (Thursday, 8/26/10)

"Well, if Jhonen Vasquez can do it, so can I!"


                                          -Daniel Brian Mobley, on a future in the comic book industry

'Transcend' (Quote of The Day--8/25/10)

"To transcend past the trials and pains of this place, you must learn to live IN the world but not live AS the world does.  And ultimately, you must learn that the world is not a place you should live IN(therefore being consumed with its endless debates and trivial skirmishes), but it is simply a place you should live THROUGH.  Make no mistake--despite its joys and pleasures--the purest of which are gifts from God--the world is frankly, an ordeal.  Heaven is the DESTINATION."

'Oktopus:Matrix-Style'

I actually drew this image down in TN while visiting family, just like the Randy Orton.  I'm a huge fan of The Matrix mythos, and I've wanted to do a parody drawing featuring my character Oktopus for a long while now.  

This started out as sketch, and I opted to finish it up.  Once I returned to Michigan, I colored the piece and added to my portfolio.  I'm planning to do future Matrix parodies featuring Okto, maybe even including some of his supporting cast as well.  The "there is no Spongebob" line is an homage to the "there is no spoon" line in the original Matrix film--as Oktopus is an all-ages(and aquatic) character, and will more than likely be in direct competition with characters like  Spongebob. :D  

If you like Spongebob, don't take this personally.  It's just a joke.:)

'Oktopus Issue 2 Cover'

The cover of the second issue of my independent comic, the first issue is already available at comixpress.com  .  I actually drew this cover way back in the latter part of 2008.  I was planning to release Oktopus #1 in early 2009, but the hustle and bustle of going back to college brought that plan to a screeching halt.  So this cover sat around for nearly a year and a half--uncolored.  Finally did get around to it, and to be honest, I'm glad I waited.  I don't think I would've had the skills to do what I wanted at the time I originally conceived it.  I came pretty close to what I wanted as far as the overall feel.


This was the first time I've ever attempted rain or lightning, and I really enjoyed the experimentation.  As always, it could be better--but I enjoyed coloring it, mistakes and all.  

People have said it's one of my best pieces.  In five years, I hope I can say it was one of my worst.:)

'Notable Quote'

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

-Unknown


*I learned this quote from John Cebollero via one of his journal entries over at deviantart. :)

'Randy Orton Caricature' (World Wrestling Entertainment)

My brother and I have been Sports-Entertainment (Pro Wrestling) fans ever since we were kids, and although I'm not nearly as impressed with the talent/creativity of the new guys as much as I was with the old-school guys, I still have a few favorites.  Randy Orton happens to be one of those favorites.

This drawing was actually done as an entry into WWE magazine's Fan Art of the Month contest.  While I was vacationing down in my home state of TN, I discovered through my brother's copy of the magazine that they were having an art contest, with a dvd giveaway highlighting a WWE Legend as the prize.  I've never entered anything like this before, and I'm hoping to get an honorable mention if nothing else! The "split-face" motif is an homage to the wrestler's nickname--The Viper.  I grayed out most of the color a tad bit--I only left the eyes of both the man and the serpent a pure tone, in order to draw the onlooker's eyes into theirs(his).

'Quote For The Day' (Tuesday, 8/24/10)

"Hate equals strife, and strife equals envy--Jesus told me that I should really let it go.  Heaven's not made for the wicked or the weary, if I don't hold out then how will I know?...The love and the peace and the joy that is waiting--Christ has prepared a mansion for me.  But the world and its trials are hard--if I'm gonna go, BIGGER I've gotta be!

                                                            -Slugger Bear on BIGGER, The Sluggerman Cometh(2010)

'Robert Pattinson' (Caricature)

Created: August 17th, 2010

-I briefly entertained the idea of redoing a caricature I completed a few months ago of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, but my wife Crystal convinced me that I didn't need to.  But not before I began drawing this pic of ol' RPatz.  Originally intended to be a replacement for the Twilight caricature, this piece initially had a crescent moon in the background and the smile on his face was less pronounced. After I had drawn it, I decided to let the drawing reflect the actor over the character, and made the necessary changes in Photoshop to reflect that.  I must say that I am particularly pleased with the final result, as I'm glad that this version looks more like the man than not.  Cheers. :)