Redesigning the Cover

Currently redesigning the cover for the Wiley Project. They're eight characters that need to be squeeezed on to a 6 by 9 inch space. Just think how many different character types the author had to come up with.

Rainy day in Jersey City with an overdose of humidity. These gloomy days make me remind myself how freelancing is never easy. Not for the faint of heart you guys out there who are thinking about doing it!

Finished the pencils for DS #1

Finally finishing off the pencils for the first issue of Deep Salvage. Not completely satisfied with the results - I'm still trying to get a better idea of all of the characters.

Blast from the Past.

Here's a photo from a Magic Signing event with fellow friends and colleague Thomas Gianni and Anthony Waters! The event was to commemorate the release of Cold Snap.

Late night at the Studio

Just came back from the studio. I'm in the process of trying to sort out all the contacts and addresses on my computer. What a mess - three years of unsorted junk! Can't seem to find that right "syncing" method between my mac computer and my hand held device (not that many software made for the mac I hear.)

Finished a draft for my new business card (another thing that's way over due!)

Death Note

It's been a while since I've read a manga title that I like. I picked up a copy of Death Note and fell in love with the story. My mother was the one who fist mentioned it to me. According to her students, there's a movie adaptation that posted on YouTube. I can't wait to watch it. By the way, the artwork is pretty awesome.

The pursuit of a new Mac!

I've been looking at upgrading my laptop very soon. There are a couple of options of either getting a intel chip macintosh laptop or getting that bulky tower. Either way, it looks like another huge investment. I just wish we could just get one computer which would self-evolve according to our needs. . . .

Yes, that would be just so nice!

Manga NEXT

Another panel event coming up this weekend! I've been invited to do several panel discussions at Manga NEXT Convention from Friday to Sunday. I'll be demonstrating on drawing from life as well as lectures on publishing your works. To learn more about this event, follow this link:
http://www.manganext.org/
I look forward to seeing you there!

No Figure Drawing Classes this Fall

Unfortunately, my figure drawing class is canceled for this fall semester. My apologies to those who were interested.

While the Five Dysfunctions project is being edited in Singapore, I'm been working on a project called Deep Salvage and Tiki Road for Archaia Press and Arcana Books. I'm loving my new studio set up. I just wished I didn't have to take that extra bus ride from the PATH train station!

Deadline Extension - I Luv it!

The deadlines for the Five Dysfunctions book have been extended. Quite frankly, what a relief! There are two other major projects that I've been placing on hold or haven't been able to get to because of freelance commitments. Manga for Dummies has seen top rankings on Amazon.com. Thank you for all your support! You guys rock!

Storyboards finally completed!

Man, all that typing was a pain in the neck! Glad it's finally done. There's just a lot of editing that needs to get done and I'm praying that the editors will be able to take care of it on their end since I simply won't have time to do any of it (literally, it's getting that crazy)! I finally got around to picking up my paint brush and painting. It's been really too long (haven't seriously done a piece since working for Wizards of the Coast). Anyways, I'm working on some long overdue comic book artwork. I'm thinking that the writers are seriously ticked off at me by now since I've been MIA. Gotta get busy . . . . again!!!

Loew-Cornell project completed!

The project for the Manga for Dummies art set is finally done. I'm excited to have that monkey off my back! I'm working on the cover for the FD (Five Dysfunctions) book for Wiley Publishing.

Storyboard Blues

I'm currently writing in the dialog for the storyboards for the Five Dysfunctions Book. What a drag and boring task - but it's gotta get done! Someone's gotta do it!

RIP Ringo

I was really shocked to hear about Mike. No words. Really ... just no words can describe.

Moving the last of the Studio Equipment

Finally got around to moving the last of the major equipment to the Studio in Kearny, NJ. I decided to bring in my large scanner rather than relying on the portable Canon scanner which I've been using for my powerbook (it was just too slow). Sketches for the Manga for Dummies Art Set have been approved (yay). Beautiful day here in Jersey City. Really wished I could just take my painting stuff and go outside to paint instead of doing thumbnails.

I'm finding it's going to be a very busy fall this year. Another possible large project may come out. I'll keep the blog posted.

Oh, I'm putting my digital SLR camera (Canon 20D) on e bay for sale. Any one interested can follow the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290154747265

Ungh - Tired!

Spent a loong day yesterday at the studio working on the "Dysfunction" book. I'll be working all day on the MFD (Manga for Dummies Art Set today. On a recreational note, I'm going to see the Mets play against the San Diego Padres tonight! Can't wait to get out of work.

Transparent Gesso?

I've been meaning to try out this transparent gesso and use it instead of the matte medium to seal my drawings before painting over it for my illustrations. Haven't been in the city lately to drop by the local art stores yet.

Storyboards for the "Dysfunctions" book is moving along. The page count is probably coming close to 200 pages (the maximum limit). It's going to be a blast trying to trim out the "fat" pages.

Hey - I rented out and saw TNMT. Nothing to scream about, but it's definitely a fun watch. Recommend it!

Contract for Project with Loew-Cornell Signed

I've just signed a contract with Loew-Cornell to do some illustrations for their Manga for Dummies Art Set. Deadline is set for next month. I'm not sure if I'll be able to post the images, but if they say I can, I will do so. Weather is turning out to be quite nice out here. Starting to cool down from the hot summer days. I haven't been out to the studio much this week (I'll see if I can haul myself out there today). Still need to post pictures - sorry for the delay.

Wiley / Asia - Book Deal Signed

Finally signed a book deal with Wiley/Asia (Singapore). It's been in the works for a long time, but it's finally official. The title is called "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Manga Edition" based off of New York Times Bestseller book written by Patrick Lencioni. I'm currently doing the thumbnails of the 150 page graphic novel. It's a challenge in the sense that the original book is twice the number of pages jam packed with dialog. Condensing everything is going to be a challenge!

First day in new studio

Today's my first day working in my new off-location studio! Things are great and going well.

I've been approached with a project contract from an art materials company. Can't reveal the details yet since I have yet to negotiate the details. Once everything is finalized, I will make the posting.

Busy first day at my new studio. Trying to get my daily 10 pages of thumbnails done for the new Wiley book project.

New Studio Space

Back from San Diego and fully recovered. This past weekend, I've decided to move into a separate studio space with my colleague and friend, Mark Smylie, of Archaia Studios. I've already moved my painting and some drafting supplies along with basic digital equipment. I'm very excited about this move. Mark and I have been talking about this for some time (since last year to be exact). It's a very large place in Kearny, NJ. I'll be posting pictures shortly.

Had another rough deadline come up last night. Had to knock out frames for Sam's Club which were due at midnight. It wouldn't have been that hard to do had they not called me right before my comic book art class started. I had to cut the class fifteen minutes short so that I could go back to my studio and crank it out. Aaaahh, the freelance world - some things just never change.