National Lampoon's Commission

If anyone grew up in the 80s, you'll easily remember the National Lampoon's film posters by Boris Vallejo; if you didn't grow up in the 80s, he also did the epic poster for the Aqua Teen Hunger Force film. Well, I had a commission a few weeks ago from a friend who wanted something in that style. This is hilarious as I just... don't paint remotely in a style like Boris Vallejo, and he's basically up there with Frank Frazetta. It's just ridiculously daunting.

But I like a challenge and my friend had yet to get one of his best buddies a wedding gift. This became a belated Congratulations-you're-married-and-now-you're-having-your-first-child, gift.  So here's my take on attempting to paint like Boris Vallejo. Some quota to fill: Make it a National Lampoon's film poster with bad ass stuff like lightning, something involving San Francisco, video games etc.

Reference Material

I didn't even complete the film, but I just took over one hundred screen captures from the original 2d Star Wars: The Clone Wars for reference material. I am completely floored by how amazing these backgrounds are! Some of them are on screen for just a second too.  I'm so excited to study all of the compositions and colors from these guys.  Here are a few samples.

1? or 2?

Samus vs. Mother Brain as the last piece to Bottleneck Gallery's Nintendo Gallery show at the end of summer. So... 1 or 2?  Decisions, decisions...

Sneak Peek

Sneak peek of the progress made on my Super Mario piece. Only 2 more to go after this one... aiya.

3NES Show

Nintendo illustrations for an upcoming Bottleneck Gallery show are coming, end of summer! Wee!

Dogs First

Today, many of my friends were laid off from their jobs. It's extremely frustrating and unfortunate.

What's worse is it reminded me of a quote from Office Space. We used to say it, and laugh nervously afterwards because of the dark truth behind it.

"For five years now, you've worked your ass off at Initech, hoping for a promotion or some kind of profit sharing or something. Five years of your mid-20s now, gone. And you're gonna go in tomorrow and they're gonna throw you out into the street. You know why? So Bill Lumbergh's stock will go up a quarter of a point."