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."

Regret

I think one of life's greatest regrets is when you're unable to help a friend in need.

 Seeing someone suffer from something such as depression and no matter what you say or do, the person won't let you in. They constantly push you away, possibly to a point where it's too late. We blame ourselves for things that are so vastly out of our own control.

WIP - thorny

Here's hoping I decide on a color scheme (A/D, right? I always use too much green, guess it's time to do something else).

 Currently working on inks! Hoping the final gets posted up soon enough.

2dots book!

An enormous thank you to Aaron Yeboah of 2dots who put together a curated book full of creative work, and I had the lucky opportunity to be included.  The book looks gorgeous and is chocked full of gorgeous imagery from graphic design, photography, illustration, and more!

 my pages! woo!

The book is also available for purchase here! 
 An added bonus is Blurb has a sale going on so there's 15% off everything until May 31st, with the promo code: ROCKSTARS

Have at it!

Archer Commission

I've been doing a lot of wedding commissions lately that are all parodies! Guess that's the popular trend at the moment.

Had a lot of fun with this one that's obviously based on an Archer poster.  Some of the quota to be filled: Halo's Master Chief as a 'hidden easter-egg' found somewhere in the back, and the commissioner himself is punching a raptor in the face.  

Hope the happy couple likes it when they receive the print!