Happy Birthday to Meeeee

Oh, boy. These birthdays are coming waaay to fast. I've been told I'm a creepy kid. I now know why.

Freelancers Union

Finally got around to becoming a part of the Freelancers Union of New York City. Part in fact they offer affordable benefits.

Got more Magic Cards to be signed in the mail - the fan from Canada was really sweet. She sent me two thank you cards along with the cards. Never had that happen before.

A Fall Soiree

I'm attending a Client Banquet at my reps office tonight. Looking forward to meeting the art directors and art buyers (the two most powerful people in the advertising illustration business). Overall, it's been a very quiet two quarters this summer and fall. Hope I can finish off as much of the book projects before the industry gets back into full gear.

Getting colder all of a sudden, here in Jersey City. Gotta bundle up and dust off the portable heaters soon!

SVA Journal Interview

I've been asked to give an interview about the influence of Manga on art students. More details to follow.

My new business cards came in this week. I can't believe how long it's been the last time I had new cards made. Too long!

In the meanwhile...
GO BOSTON RED SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q and A

I recently got a good question from an attendee from Manga NEXT. With his permission, I thought it would be a good idea to share his question and my response.

Hello Mr.Okabayashi,
My question is how would one go about drawing blurred images in manga? I
apologize for taking up your time with this since I know you
must be busy, but I'd be grateful if you can give me a reply.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and hope to hear from
you soon.

-Carlos

P.S. I read your current entry on your blog and Death Note is a great manga work. Just as you keep progressing in the story be sure to know when to draw the line between supporting cleverness and true justice o_o

Hi Carlos,

Great meeting you at the convention.

To answer your question, I would say do the coolest thing and use the Gaussian blur tool or motion blur tool in photoshop. Just keep the setting fairly low.

Kensuke

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.