Caricature - Jack Black

Very busy right now with commissioned illustration work and the usual editorial cartoons. I've also got two caricature pieces I'm currently gathering photo reference for, that will both be very detailed and nitpicked to death. More on that later.

But for now, I'm realizing that I'm just not getting enough sketch practice, especially with caricature work. So I'm going to make a concerted effort to do more sketches like this. While they are still digitally painted, these images will be a lot less detailed and clean than any of those that I would consider my 'finished' pieces.

The problem I normally have is knowing when to stop, something I reluctantly did on this one.

Avoiding the Freelance Pitfalls

I never get tired of singing the praises of Tom Richmond's blog. You gotta love a guy who is always busy creating wonderful cartoons and caricatures, has a number of enterprises on the go, manages to make time for his family and STILL finds time to share advice with other creative types. I've sought Tom's advice a few times over the past year about some of my business dealings and he has always been gracious with his time and help.

Case in point, found this little nugget on his blog today that I just had to share, because it has to do with an area that many creative folk are uncomfortable with, and that's getting paid. Most artists have a hard time figuring out the line between cash now or cash later, and they often get duped into thinking that being published is better than being paid.

This link will take you to Tom's blog, which in turn has some links to other blogs, all of which are worth the read. Especially if you ever want to make a living at drawing or writing.

Inspired Reading

Went to see 'The Hangover' yesterday, given that everybody we know that has seen it loved it, and a good comedy is hard to find these days. Canmore has a population of 15,000 people but no theatre. We could go to the Banff theatre, but it sucks, and I'm being generous. So we go to Calgary.

A trip to the city always involves some shopping, and while I tried to be the amiable purse holder for a few years, I'm just not that good of an actor. So while my lovely wife shops, I pretty much hightail it for the closest Chapters or Indigo (Barnes and Noble clones, for those of you south of the 49th.) I generally try to exercise restraint, but books are my crack cocaine and it's a rare day I leave without at least one. Yesterday was no exception.

I found two gems that I thought I'd share.

Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod.
Such chapter headings include:
- If your business plan depends on suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
- Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.
- The choice of media is irrelevant.
- You have to find your own shtick.
- Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.

If you're not familiar with Hugh's blog, www.gapingvoid.com, I suggest you check it out. Hugh is somewhat famous for drawing cartoons on the backs of business cards. And while I admire his taking a leap for something less conventional, I'm more impressed by his insights into the lifestyle of being an artist. Divided into 39 short chapters (hence the title), each little pearl of what should be common sense, is a ray of light in the void of the obscurity most of us toil in. First, because it hits on all of the universal insecurities and false assumptions that plague most artists, and second, because it offers some perspective on how to avoid them. Once I opened it, I couldn't put it down, and I can honestly say that I will be keeping this one within easy reach. The next time one of those nasty little doubts or unreasonable expectations (either mine or someone else's) of success and art creeps in, this book will be the antidote.

And no, it really doesn't advocate ignoring everybody. Just the naysayers.

Now, for gem #2...

I'm a firm believer that there are no coincidences. I accidentally backed into the photography shelf while looking at the one opposite. When I turned around, I was awestruck by one of the most amazing photos of Clint Eastwood I've ever seen.

It's a large book called 'Wisdom' by Andrew Zuckerman. It is a book of headshots of fifty notable actors, artists, politicians, writers and other well known figures from around the world who are now senior citizens. In addition to some of the most beautiful photos of the elder human face, there are thoughts and ideas from these people throughout. There is also a DVD film included, that I've yet to sit down and give my full attention. I knew within a few seconds of picking this book up that I wasn't leaving without it. While the photos are just headshots on a flat off-white background, the quality and light is almost ethereal, in that it captures every line, crease, pore and wonderful detail in the face of the subject. Rarely does a book make me say, 'Wow,' out loud, but this one did.

With such subjects as Dame Judi Dench, Henry Kissinger, Nelson Mandela, Willie Nelson, Billy Connolly, Buzz Aldrin, Robert Redford, Jane Goodall, Madeleine Albright and many more, this book is a beautiful compilation of a small part of the collective experience gathered from these 50 lifetimes.

One of my favorite quotes from this book.

"Risk it, go for it. Life always gives you another chance, another go at it. It's very important to take enormous risks." Mary Quant.

Have a wonderful week.

Happy Canada Day!

First of all, my apologies for the couple of weeks between posts. It would seem that I've had a number of things on the go, some of which are art pieces that I can't yet post on here. But soon, I promise.

After swallowing my pride and finally creating a Facebook page, I figured I might as well take my hypocrisy all the way. So, I bought a BlackBerry, contrary to previous exclamations that I would never get one. Apparently I've not yet learned to 'never say never.' I find myself away from my office more and more these days, whether I'm at meetings, out sketching, or in Calgary for art supplies, events or appearances. I recently discovered that by avoiding being that connected, I was coming close to shooting myself in the foot. Well, taking aim, anyway. Took me awhile to figure out which one I wanted, and I ended up with the BlackBerry Storm, mainly because I wanted the large screen and full keyboard. I also prefer touchscreens to tiny buttons.

After having only had it for a week, I can honestly say that I really am enjoying it. Not only is it a mobile portfolio (great screen resolution), but I can store my cartoons on it and if an editor wants one while I'm out and about, it's quite easy to email.

This past weekend I managed to get away camping to the badlands of Drumheller, about three hours east of here. I really love that place. That area is well known for its very rich deposit of dinosaur fossils and the town really plays up that theme. I camped in a very nice spot by the Red Deer River and although that area is very hot and dry, I had the shade of some very large trees and was quite comfortable. Even took a couple of dips in the river. A friend I hadn't seen in years joined me and it was a lot of fun catching up. Too short a visit, as is often the case, but it was a very nice break after a busy winter and spring. As I've mentioned in previous entries, it's important to recharge those batteries.

And as I had left early Friday morning, this was the first time I didn't need to inform my editors that I'd be away if they needed a cartoon, as I'm now able to stay connected. Now the trick is to remember that the BlackBerry works for me, I don't work for it. And no, I did not leave it on all weekend, otherwise, why bother camping at all?

Once again, I find myself recommending yet another of Stephen Silver's endeavors. It would seem that Stephen's penchant for inspiring other artists has no limitations and he has launched another blog called, "Passion for Life," in conjunction with the release of his new book by the same name. Being an artist is often a solitary existence, and one can easily become discouraged. Stephen is one of those artists who enjoys helping others through those valleys, and his attitude is a credit to the profession. I encourage you to check it out.

I'll have some new work on here soon. In the meantime, keep thinking happy thoughts.

Mmmm...this crow sure is tasty!

Don't judge me. I joined Facebook. Right now, many of you that know me personally are laughing out loud, and those who know me just through the blog, well, you're probably laughing out loud, too.

As you know, I'm big on looking for new ways to market and for the longest time I was convinced that Facebook was just a tool to show people how many friends you can gather online. But lately, it seems everything I read about online marketing mentions Facebook. For awhile, I figured I could ignore it, and I did. But it now seems that I just might be missing the boat, because I've got a number of colleagues who are successfully using it for business, many of whom emailed me to comment on their disagreement with some of the things I said in a recent post (alright, it was a soapbox rant) against all things social networking.

Apparently, it takes some discipline to keep it that way, to avoid getting sucked in to spending hours on the site, time that would be better spent working. So I'm going to give it a try and see if it really does help my business. I've already spent a few hours on it today, just making sure I have all the settings right, and making sure that everybody and their dog can't post to my 'wall' whatever the heck that is.

While I'm still not convinced that I'm wrong about Facebook, I'm willing to give it a shot. I used to say the same thing about blogs and I was wrong about that. In fact the title of my first blog entry at the beginning of last year was "I'll Blog...but I still won't Facebook."

So I'm on Facebook, dammit, but please don't make me Twitter. I really don't want to Twitter.

You're going to make me Twitter, aren't you?

To Con or Not To Con

When it comes to conventions, seminars, and gatherings in the art world, there is no shortage of choice. There are conventions for 3D creators, illustrators, cartoonists, comic fans, movie fans, painters, sculptors, writers, and every art form under the sun. Whatever you're into, chances are that you can easily find a gathering of like minded individuals.

Truth be told, aside from one day at the Calgary Comic-Con the last couple of years, I've never travelled to a convention, which makes it all that more odd that I organized one last year for the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists in Banff. It went very well, and I had a lot of fun, but it was incredibly exhausting.

This year, I decided to attend at least one convention a year, and I had three to choose from, so I spent the last month weighing the pros and cons (pun intended). It wasn't so much the cost of attending three of them (although that did factor in, of course), it was the exhaustion factor that would very likely occur from all of that travel while still trying to maintain a business.

Here are the three, all of which I think are worthwhile.

Success in Comics Seminar: Two 2 day seminars in Las Vegas from September 26th to 29th. I actually registered for this one and then canceled. Even though I've got a project in development that would have benefited from the information I would learn there, I won't have it ready in time for those dates, and I don't want to show up half-prepared. Doesn't mean I won't try to attend next year, however.

International Society of Caricature Artists Convention (formerly the National Caricature Network): November 2nd - 7th in Sandusky, Ohio. I've been a member of the NCN (now ISCA) for a few years and they're a great bunch of people. This was definitely tied for first place. There's a lot of talent in this group and honestly, I want to be a better caricaturist before I spend a week drawing and painting among them. Many of my favorite artists regularly attend this one. Tom Richmond, Jason Seiler, Stephen Silver, Joe Bluhm...it's a BIG list. Unfortunately by skipping it this year, the earliest I can attend is now 2011, as I'm already committed to the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists Convention in Hamilton next year. So 2011 it is for the ISCA.


Photoshop World in Las Vegas. October 1st-October 3rd. This convention happens twice a year, once on the east coast (Boston this year) in the waning days of winter, and the other in Las Vegas in the fall. I've been a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals for the past 5 years and even though I plan to go to this convention each year, something always comes up or I find an excuse not to go. This year, however, I am finally attending. Flight and hotel have been booked and my registration is paid.

Consisting of three days of classes and events, in addition to a tech expo with all the latest hardware and software, this is also a great opportunity for networking and making connections in the commercial art world. This conference actually starts on the 29th of September for me as I've signed up for the pre-con classes as well.

While I could have still attended the 'Success in Comics Seminar' right before this one, as I'd be in Vegas anyway and they are back to back, it would have meant taking a full week off work, plus the added expense and exhaustion. From what I understand, Photoshop World is tiring enough, so adding more onto it ahead of time, means I probably would have been dealing with sensory overload and wouldn't end up retaining anything from either convention.

So it's Vegas and the Mandalay Bay in September. The classes I've chosen are largely related to painting in Photoshop and Painter, in addition to learning more about lighting, colour and composition in general.

Of course, this means I'll be spending my summer painting caricatures, building up my portfolio and preparing promotional material, but I can think of worse ways to spend my day.

All About Soul - Billy Joel

I've been wanting to paint this since my wife and I went to see his concert in Calgary for our 12th anniversary, over a year and a half ago. Just hadn't goten around to it until this weekend. Easily one of my favorite performers, this piece was a lot of fun. I had his music playing most of the time while painting this, which means I'll now have 'New York State of Mind' stuck in my head for the next few days.

Another Course Finished

Submitted my final assignment this morning for Stephen Silver's 9-week Character Design course at Schoolism.com. The above image is a 'before and after'. The one on the left is the character assignment from Week 1, and the one on the right is designing the same character after taking the course. The difference is primarily in the structure and design, which I think is dramatically improved, if I do say so myself. Funny thing, I thought the first one was pretty good when I submitted it. Now...not so much. I still have a critique coming for the one on the right, and I'm sure Stephen will tell me ways I can improve it.

There is a BIG difference between cartooning and character design. While I enjoy putting a lot of texture and brush strokes in cartoons, you really can't do that with character design or some animator that has to reproduce that image over and over again in different poses will likely come to your house and beat you senseless.

While I'd love to go into great detail about what I learned on this course, I don't think you want to read that much, and I try to keep my REALLY lengthy entries to a minimum.

In short, I loved this course and I learned a lot. Stephen is an excellent teacher, with a very positive attitude about art and life in general, which makes learning from him that much more enjoyable. While I will always have more to learn, this course gave me a new perspective on characters and cartooning in general. And best of all, I'm sketching from life a lot more now, which is something I've never done enough of.

In a perfect world, I'd take course after course in perpetuity, but I find that one of these a year is about all I can handle right now, while still getting the rest of my work done. As in all things, there is a balance to try and maintain.

As I've said before, whether it's this course or another one, keep educating yourself! If you put away your ego, and approach it with humility, you will be amazed at how much a course like this can push your work forward. You will always have something to learn. Why wouldn't you want to be the best artist you can be?