HEROES CON PORTFOLIO REVIEW_update

At this year's upcoming HEROES CONVENTION 30th ANNIVERSARY (Woot!) in Charlotte, NC, there will be a 5K (3.1 miles) Fun Run which RICO RENZI (who lent his substantial coloring skills tot he promotional image above) is helping to organize. I think it's a brilliant idea which I am looking forward to participating in. On top of that, there will be a small modest monetary collection taken from the participants - the total sum of which will be generously given to a local charity. It's gonna be a hoot.

Onto the 'Portfolio Review' part.

For me, Heroes Con is a great convention to meet young, up-and-coming artists coming out of school looking for critiques about their work from the professionals attending the show. I'm excited to help as much as I can with whatever insight and advice I can give. But I've always believed that (just based on my experience with drawing actual comic books) there are other artists and illustrators who could offer up better, more applicable advice than I ever could. So I wanted to try something new. It's something like this:

New Artists, I would love to review your portfolio; 30 minutes at a time, all day Sunday, the day after the Fun Run. But here's the only caveat: YOU HAVE TO RUN ON SATURDAY.

In my effort to help any future illustrator who's chosen to have a semi/fully-sedentary lifestyle, whose chosen profession may lead to future health issues, I would like to help in changing their attitude and their culture towards health. I'm speaking from personal experience, folks. I was 5'5" and nearing 200lbs at one point in my life - all because I made poor choices regarding my health as it pertains to and contradicts with my art and my deadlines. It was/is a horrible reality everyone has to deal with in our industry: You're out of shape because you love drawing. If you believe as I do that the long term value of becoming a relevant artist in your craft is exclusively about only drawing, then you're not seeing the bigger picture, and you've already started down the path of the riskiest of futures. The word you need to pay attention to now is 'longevity'. While your 'art' will get you recognized, appropriated with accolades, and celebrated among your peers - your 'life' and the fashion in which you are living it as you are exploring that 'art' has a lot to do with proper diet and exercise, your attitude towards balance and outlook, and the ability to visualize what/where you want to be 5-10-15 years from now.

But that's a lot to take in and put into practice all at one time. So for now, let's focus on health, yes?

That said, if you'd like to have 30mins of my time where I carefully go over your pages/samples - panel by panel, if need be, then that's the standing, non-negotiable offer: 3.1 MILES GETS YOU A 30 MINUTE PORTFOLIO REVIEW. Jog, run or sprint- its all the same to me. But on SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd, you're on the starting line with me at 6:30 AM. There's plenty of time to prepare between now & then, and there's a plethora of ARTICLES online that will help you train for the event. Now it just comes down to your determination.

On a personal note: There are many things that we may not be able to control nor agree upon within the business of this industry. I'm being candid with you when I say that more than half of the things I read about what's happening with mainstream comic books leave me saddened and shaking my head because things have gotten this way. But I understand that's not really in my control and accept that I can't change those things. What I can do is try to live up to the MOEBIUS quote that's in the header of this blog. That I can try for.


I hope you will help me.




-Eric

"NOT SINCE I WAS TWLEVE..."_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

Oh no, love - you're not alone.
You're watching yourself, but you're too unfair.
You've got your head all tangled up, but if I could
only make you care.


Oh no, love - you're not alone.
No matter what or who you've been, 
No matter when or where you've seen.
All the knives seem to lacerate your brain.
I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain.


You're not alone.

ST~GERMAIN_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

"C'mere..."

ILLYANA NIKOLIEVNA RASPUTINA_commission

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 100lb/300 series bristol board]

Apologies for making you wait, fellow who owns this image. Thanks for your patience.

YES_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

What you can't see is that there's a pencil on that table over there where the gulls are.

Which in turn begs the question, "Why is the pencil on the table?"

The thing is, as I've come to learn, the answer isn't really the most important part.

FOUR BLACK_update

[12 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

Go tell that long tongue liar, go and tell that midnight rider. Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter, tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down. Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down

Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news, my head's been wet with the midnight dew. I've been down on bended knee talkin' to the man from Galilee. He spoke to me in the voice so sweet, I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet. He called my name and my heart stood still, when he said, "John go do My will!"

"FIVE MORE MINUTES..."_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

"...then we've really gotta go."

BIRDIE_udpate

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

"It's funny because it has the words 'pee' and 'cock' in its name."

CHEST, OPEN_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

Stone heart: Check.
Iron heart: Check.
Paper heart. _____

WAIT, GIRL...WAIT_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 100lb/300series bristol board]

Don't worry. I know you're waiting.

NAZI FIGHTER_commission

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb. bristol board]

It was a HUGE honor for me to do his image for BEN TEMPLESMITH - who proclaimed upon asking me for the above drawing, "I've never had someone do a commission for me before. This will be my first!"

If you don't know who Ben is, a quick run down: He's a formidable illustrator, a creator of the highest degree, and looks most dapper in his three piece suits. Visit the link above for more proof.

It is to say that as a whole, he is an intimidating individual on multiple fronts. And now... I had to draw for him. I don't mind telling you, it made for a very long Saturday night which turned into a Sunday morning trying to come up with the concept. I just hope that he's happy with the results.



PS - If I've turned Ben off from ever getting any other commissions from fellow professionals in the future because I did such a piss-poor job with this image which popped his proverbial commissions cherry (and now he's completely allergic to the idea of ever doing it again because of the whole ordeal), I sincerely apologize for f*cking it up for everyone else. Really, really sorry.

GREAT HELM_commission

[9 x 12" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on sketchbook paper]

"We will not be the the tail, wavering in our resolve... Instead, we shall be the head. We shall be the heart and the horns of the ox; charge forward to lay low, to render into waste all in our path... This is our course. This is what we are, and we are not the tail..."

UNZIPPER_commission

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on sketchbook paper]

It's truly flattering when some one who's connected to my work via this blog approaches me and says, "Whatever it is that you're doing with those recent images...well, I want that." That pleases me to no end.

His only request was to include an attractive woman, one or both of his cats, and an image which had a small narrative. I wasn't comfortable drawing his cat.

I hope I got the other two things.

CHOOSE, CHOOSE_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 300lb bristol board]

"Which mask will you choose today?" 

"The one that shows just enough without showing everything, of course."

POULAROID_update

[11 x 14" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen on 300lb bristol board]

Getting back into drawing for myself again as I am suddenly filled by a flush of unexpected inspiration. Don't know where it's coming from but I hope it doesn't stop any time soon.


Thanks, inspiration.

C2E2_update

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

[9 x 13" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board] 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board]

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil & technical pen, on 300lb bristol board]

Here are some images from this past weekend's C2E2 in Chicago. The majority of them were done as part of the first thirteen copies of ENCORE sold at the show. The only true commission I did was the one of the dragon - done with COPIC marker.

Good show. Great weekend. Even better company.

I'm tired so I'll keep the writing of this update short. Have a great week.


Eric.

ARCHMONK_sketch

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

This armor is probably intended to be ceremonial. Can you imagine charging out into the battle field with this cumbersome number on? Maybe it's made of really very light mystical metals that wouldn't be too heavy to bear while tackling/slashing/maiming his opponents? Maybe.

Normally, I try to create a story with each and every image I draw so that I can somehow justify certain design choices. And on occasion I purposefully go for flair. Ridiculous amounts of flair. It's fun and allows me to practice designing outside of the practical.

Lame excuses, folks - that's all I have.

POST ECCC 2012_update

 

[9 x 12" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

[9 x 12" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[9 x 12" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

 

 

[3 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

I had a fine time at the show. And due to the good graces of professionals and fans alike, the copies of ENCORE I had brought with me to the convention were all sold.

Also, it was encouraging to hear the support for the new commission policy from my respected peers; DAVID PETERSEN, JOHN LAYMAN and BILL SIENKIEVICZ - just to name (drop?) a few. And more importantly, of the fans that came to my table to ask for a commissions or an image, ALL of them knew about the direction I wanted to go with my art and thankfully, they were more than happy to participate. It was trough their positive reactions that really put the convention as an over-the-top experience for me.

So, I'd like to give my most sincere gratitude to ALL of you - for giving me your trust and your patience. The images above are some of the ones awarded to the first thirteen buyers. Oh.. and that last image was a commission drawn as part of themed sketchbook where the subject matter somewhat mimics what director BRETT RATNER did with his photo book project, 'THE HILLHAVEN LODGE'. I believe that they are really charming concepts on both fronts.

Anyway... C2E2 in Chicago is the next convention I will be attending, and the same deal applies: The first 13 copies of Encore that are sold will come with a free sketch comparable to the ones you see above. Actually, the first TWO images are commissions and are not part of the premium. You can distinguish the difference via the measurements mentioned in the brackets below each image; the commissions are 9x12", whereas the 'rewards' only measure 6x9".

And just so we're clear - the images that you get are at my discretion. This is NOT like getting a commissions where you can request something of your preference; it is simply a bonus and a 'Thank You!' for your patronage and support. Cool? Cool.

Have a great week all. Again - thank you so much.



Eric.

EMERALD CITY COMIC CON 2012_update

[6 x 9" - blue pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

I will be attending this year's ECCC in Seattle, WA - March 30-31 and April 1.

If you're attending, please drop and say hello to me as I don't know anyone in my area. I'll be at TABLE I-09.

I will have copies of my art book 'ENCORE' available for purchase, and as a piece of my gratitude for your support and patronage I will include a grey marker sketch comparable to the one you see above. Should you have a specific request for your sketch, please refer to my previous blog entry for my new commissions policy. I will limit this offer to the first thirteen (13) copies sold the entire weekend so I can spend a little bit of time on each image without overextending myself.

Thank you all in advance. I hope to see many of you there. And to those traveling to the show - please be safe and remember to drink plenty of water.


Eric.


[**NOTE: There are still Kickstarter images still yet to be finished and sent out to their contributors. I assure you, I'm working on them as quickly as possible and your sketches will be out to you shortly. Please accept my sincerest apology for the delay and I thank you kindly for your continued patience.]

SHARK SOUP_sketch

[12 x 16" - red pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker, white pencil on 98lb pastel paper]

*AVAILABLE: $300.00USD

I started messing around with shapes during my downtime at Wondercon. More exploration and experimentation coming soon - I just have to find some time to actually do them.




Eric.

'IN THE SPIRIT OF...'_update

[9 x 12" - red pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

[9 x 12" - red pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

[9 x 12" - red pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

[9 x 12" - red pencil, brush & technical pen, COPIC marker on 300lb bristol board]

It was probably during a delivery drive to STUART NG BOOKS in Torrance, CA earlier this year when I had the inkling of an idea that I would put into place when WONDERCON 2012 came around to Anaheim this past weekend. The story goes something like this:

AMANDA LI had opened her copy of ENCORE and when there was a safe distance between me and the car in front of me, I would sneak a peak at some of her wonderful layout and design work (most highway patrol officers would probably argue there is no safe distance between cars moving at 60+ MPH that would appropriate reading a book while one is driving..but whatever).

"What do you do after this? How do you follow up five years worth of work," she asked?

"I dunno. I would hope that I'd be around another five years to put together another book like this one, I guess?"

But even before I could put a period to that reply - a reply that had a very unsatisfying, unsure tone - I already knew I wasn't fully convinced that it was all together true. And I was wondering 'Why?' Why was I unconvinced at the idea of having another art book like Encore in me?


Perhaps I should jump back a little to add more context.

I was in LUCCA COMICS AND GAMES in November of 2011 to sign at the LATERAL STUDIO booth for my book 'FOTO'. The turn-out was great and the response to the publication was more than positive, making the venture a very successful one. I am fortunate that many people were kind enough to show their support and appreciation for my work that they bought copies - even more so that they asked me for a sketch in each of the copies that sold. Whenever prompted, I would always say, "You'd be doing me a great favor if you chose a character for me to draw."  Inevitably, they would ask for some mainstream fare and I guess that was easy enough to do. I had done that sort of image multiple times for however many years. It ought to be a cake walk.

Except this time, it wasn't easy. But neither was it 'hard', per se. It just...was.

As I drew a Poison Ivy, and a Batman, and a Deadpool, and a Thor, and a Captain America..et al, over and over again - I realized that, unlike before, I no longer had the connection to the images I was drawing. I didn't have the same voracious attitude that I used to have; to attack each character with as much creativity as possible to the point where I was practically drooling as I started them. What's worse was the fact that generous people were giving their hard earned monies to show their support of me and my work, and the best I could do for them was (at least as I felt it) NOT my 110%. That was sobering.


Jump forward to that afternoon in the car with Amanda.

The reason why I couldn't answer her with any conviction regarding what the future of my work would  be was because I hadn't fully come to terms with this reality:

In the 5+ years of images that I've put into my blog, I have done more - by way of style, design and flourish - with the characters I've wanted to draw than if I was actually directly hired by the companies who own them. I did all of that with full liberty and without censor. It's sort of like this: I grew up wanting to draw my version of Character/Team X, Y and Z. With this blog, I did exactly that. And having accomplished all of that, I believe for the time being, I have said all I can about them. Put simply, I don't know if I can draw another Mr. Freeze, or another Harley Quinn, or another Galactus that could better what I've done already.

But let me be clear: I am not saying that what I've done with those characters are the 'perfect' versions of how I will draw them. And I'm not saying, "No more mainstream superheroes. Forever." What I am saying is that for now, I think that's as good as I can draw them - without going into some unsatisfying, auto-pilot version of that character. What I'm saying is that for now, I'm going to put those guys aside.


And, so..

From here forward, until I find that I have something else to contribute to the cannon that are licensed/copyright/trademarked mainstream characters, whenever asked to do a commission of them, I will respectfully decline and say,

"If you wouldn't mind, rather than doing 'Character X', I would prefer doing an image in the spirit of that character."

And that's what I said during this past Wondercon.

Naturally, after hearing that line, the question was put to me if I was changing my policy in reaction to what had happened a few weeks back regarding a very publicized legal dispute between a creator and the company they had worked for over the title and ownership of a character.

"No. I'm happy to tell you that's not the case," I'd say. "I'd like to believe that you would want me to be drawing my ass off if you paid me good money to do it. This is simply my way of addressing that."

Then I crossed my fingers, I told them the story about driving while reading, about my experience at Lucca, and hoped they'd understand.


I worried that I would lose some business, and admittedly I did. My commissions list was not as busy as it normally would be. But to be honest, considering how much money is involved in getting a quality, original piece of art these days, I'd rather you leave from my table knowing to myself that I had put my best effort forward into this thing that you bought from me, instead of just 'mailing it in' because I wanted to fill slots on my sign up sheet.

And for as many who declined (and by the way, I respect and understand their decision to walk away - it is after all, their money and they can spend it as they want), there were just as many people who were gracious enough to trust me to draw for them - even though they didn't have a point of reference of what the end result would look like. The images above are what I delivered and based on my conversations with them when they collected their drawings, I think that they were happy with the results. It gave me faith that changing the culture and expectations of what I'll do for my commissions list had started off on the progressive foot.

There are still things I need to work out, but I'm thinking and designing and drooling again. While they're not the recognizable standards that most may expect from me, my intention is to give you the best that I can for the money you will spend. And if you can find it within yourself to trust me during this early period of change, I'd like to draw for you... something different.

I hope to see you at a convention very soon. Thanks.