Recent sighting 02

Wicked Thing.

Wicked thing's live in dark places and take many forms. This one was captured in our utility room, right next to the hoover.

Maybe next time I spot him, I'll ask if he'll make himself useful and run the hoover over the living room for us.

Recent sighting 01

A Venusian Slug. (BLOB)

He popped round from next door to borrow a cup of sugar, but struggled to get up the driveway due to their being a ton of rock salt down to combat the winter weather conditions.

Despite being a little testy regarding the salt, Steve (that's his name) seemed like a decent sort of neighbour. We never hear him.

The Gentleman Caller.

For some reason whilst drawing the Wolfman, the term 'Gentleman Caller' kept popping into my head. Before I knew it I'd drawn him up with a briefcase and bowler... and here he is!

Experiments in terror 04

Loosening up a little with the POSCA. Here's an alternative design for Fishman Maxwell.

Experiments in terror 03

POSCA Maxwell.

Experiments in terror 02

More POSCA experimenting.

Experiments in terror 01

Got me some POSCA pens the other day... they take a bit of getting used to!!! Here's one of the sketches I produced for a possible remodel of the wolfman.

Some Festive Cheer!

Here's some Christmassy type images I've been working on.

More monster sketch work.

Maxwell would like to raise a glass, and wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Erm.. I'm still here!

Here's some of the original sketches for the 'revised' monsters. I've done a little more development sketchwork for them recently (but haven't scanned them in yet). I'm still in a quandry over which approach to take with the band (and the story) and my heart is telling me to stick with the original designs and work on a stronger narrative for them.. but my head keeps telling me that it's just my heart telling me to 'cop out' and stick with what I know... Grr!

In an alternative universe...

Here's a colour work up for the alternative designs.

I am Monster

Hear me roar!

The Monster Mash

Hi All.

Had my first assessment on Monday afternoon (for the Masters) and I have to say it went really well. I was expecting bad news as it's felt like I've not been firing on all engines as yet, but head lecturer Steve had lots of good things to say about my work (and my ability). The only thing that let my grading down was the fact that I've been playing it safe with my artwork and "playing to type". Steve mentioned an interesting point regarding my developing Monster Band comic, the characters seem to be far too cute looking and friendly for the age range I'm aiming for (Early Teen). If I'd have been producing the artwork for my original intended market (6-10) it would have been perfect.

Steve suggested that I either have these really cute characters doing disgusting, monsterous things (a-la Ren & Stimpy) or I make them more monsterous in their appearance. I forgot to tell Steve that originally the characters were 'second division' monsters, less famous (and therefore less effective) than their well known counterparts, and I could use the fact that they are clearly not monsterous looking to my advantage, hence why they start a band (to become more famous).

I'm left with a little dilemma regarding this now (as to what direction I follow visually). I've been working on some variations for the characters and I've attached the working drawing of my favoured variants here. The other important factor I have to consider is a strong and definate storyline... and that is proving more difficult than anything (because I'm not a natural writer)..

Ultimately though, it's all good, and if this was too easy it wouldn't be worth doing.

What does everyone else think about the characters? Original or alternative?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Maxwell clothing test

What do you think? I quite like the idea that Maxwell is a dapper chap, who not only knocks out some serious guitar chops, but rocks the sharp suit look.

War of Words... FILM

Here's my entry for (a very late) word of the week. FILM.

Cousin It discusses the relevance of a 2011 Munsters Film, and whether or not he'd be happy to make a cameo in it.

Dave's will be posted when he sends it over (it's aready on his blog along with Heather's) It's interesting to see they both had similar approaches to the word.

I've been pre-occupied with crapping my pants over my Masters assessment for the past 2 weeks.. after today (Monday) I hope I'll feel a little more like drawing. I'm still not getting any pleasure from doing any at the moment (which is a worry).. although, Cousin It was a mild distraction.

Revenge of the Creature...

Maxwell is causing me problems!!!

Ralph Colour Test

Here's some colour tests for Wolfman Ralph I've been looking at.

Maxwell and Socks

Here's a sketched layout for an idea I had for some interaction between Maxwell and Socks.

Drummer Wanted..

Here's some sketches of some of the candidates to fill the drum stool of the band (prior to SOCKS joining them).

More Monsterous works in progress

Here's an update on a few more character development sketches for the band.. This is the revised Wolfman design (he fits better with Vampire Renton now) notice the Invisible Man's socks.. hence his nickname 'SOCKS'.

Black Lagoon Boy MAXWELL is still developing at the moment (as you can see from the floating heads). But the text on the torso shot for RALPH is sort of a train of thought I had to try and develop a back story for him. The small floating head to the left of him is a portrait of his dad, reknowned Blues Legend 'HOWLING WOLF WILLY'.

War of Words... PAINT

Here's my entry for last weeks War of Words - PAINT. Only had the one idea (right from the off) so I ran with it. Inspired by the book 'Hunter Painter' by the splendid Tom Gauld. Dave's entry to follow, though you can see it on his blog already (davehiggins.wordpress.com) along with that of a new addition to the WOW cannon, fellow Masters student Heather.

This week's word - FILM

Renton Colour Test

Erm... maybe I should have posted this prior to posting the original Renton image. I was just too excited by that finished image!!

Anyway.. here's a few colour tests I looked at for Renton's skin tone.. He was always going to be pale blue for me though!

Rockin' Ralph

Here's a sketch and Color comp for Wolfman Bass Player (and old School Heavy Metal fan) Ralph. Since putting this together I've revisited his design and he's changed quite a bit.. but I thought it would be interesting to post what I'd got as I went along.

Incidentally, I've named the guitar playing Creature from the Black Lagoon (Maxwell) and Invisible Teen Drummer (Socks)... Just got to come up with a name for the band now.... Any suggestions?

I am the master...

Kinda!

Here is Renton. He's the first character I've created for my first proper Masters project. Renton is a vampire, he also happens to be the Vocalist/Organ player in a rockabilly surf band (who I haven't named yet) alongside Stand-up Bass player Ralph (a Wolfman) a Gill-man Guitarist (who I haven't named yet) and an Invisible Drummer.

The idea is that I'll work on producing a rolling comic strip or story book that follows the band on their adventures... Who knows how that will pan out though.. I'm still really struggling to get motivated on the course, despite finally doing some artwork that I'm happy with!!

War of Words... MANUSCRIPT

Here's last weeks word from Dave and myself.. I haven't had my head in the right space for art lately, struggling with the Masters (having produced NOTHING in the last 7 weeks for it) It's pretty much dragged me down and sucked out any desire I've had to do any work recently.

Hence why my effort is a revisit to an older post I made (for ENTRY). Dave's effort is (once more) much more involved.

This weeks word is PAINT... maybe I'll have a creative epiphany over it or something?

The true story of Bigfoot.

How do I look?

Elvis... has left the tomb!

Trick or Treat (a slight return)

Posted the sketch a little while back, but here's the worked up version I put together yesterday. Wanted to have a more organic feel to the artwork so I messed about with the line.. nothing fancy!

Enter the dragon..

Watched the splendid Bruce Lee classic 'Enter the Dragon' last night as I was mucking about on Illustrator.. this is what happened!

That movie also has a flippin amazing soundtrack too!

Dinner Time

GRRR!

War of Words... HILLBILLY

Yee Haw!!! or something like that..

Struggling to get motivated to do any drawing whatsoever at the moment.. and I'm getting little worried about it to tell you the truth. Even this entry is a worked up version of a sketch I posted a while back. I haven't picked up a sketchbook for over a week now.

War of Words... CHINA

Here's my entry for this weeks word CHINA. It was near as damn it my first choice for the image and I wanted to do produce it with a nod to the work of Josh Agle (Shag).

Next weeks word HILLBILLY.

Yee Haw!!

War of Words... CHICKEN

Hullo.

Still suffering with access to a computer at the minute.. Finally managed to get my entry for last weeks word 'CHICKEN' done.. and here it is!

Been wanting to draw some HE-MAN images for a while now so it was a good opportunity to do something. Liking Skeletor especially.

I will kiss the stars for you my love

Here's a (long time coming) companion piece to a spaceman image I put up here a looooonnnng time ago!

A Halloween Treat

Seeing as you've all been such good boys and girls this year (and to tie in with a project I've created to produce a 'multiple' for my Masters) here is a template that you can print out on to an A4 sheet, cut out and make up your very own monster. It's real easy to do (just a tiny bit fiddly) and he looks so cute!

Thanks for following my blog folks!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN One and ALL!

...or in my case... CRAPPY Halloween. My computer went down earlier in the week and I'm still not sure if it (or any of the work on it) is recoverable. As such, I'm behind on my Masters work and the word of the week (next weeks word is CHINA) I have a sketch for chicken but this machine I'm running to post this message is having a real problem with updating so I can install my scanner on to.. To cap it all, I've got a dose of 'Man Flu' and I recently started a part time Christmas Job to get some cash in the coffin and the early start is killing me!

Regardless of that.. Have a Great Halloween everyone!

War of Words... SAVAGE

Here's my entry for SAVAGE. It was inspired by the work of Ben Caldwell, who's a rather splendid illustrator if I may say. Dave's entry to follow shortly.

Next Week.. CHICKEN..

Oh BUCK!

The Wolfman's dream

I know I've posted the sketch a while back, but here (finally) is the worked up visual. Really pleased with this. I've recently started working part time to pay for the Masters Degree, so that's the reason the posting has gone a bit relaxed in the last week.

Also, Dave's having trouble with his server at the minute, hence the delay in posting last weeks word. I'll pop my entry for SAVAGE up in a bit and add Dave's when it arrives.

Watch the skies...

In the darkness of night, see the Witch take flight.

The Mummy Returns

I love this image so much it's now available as a T Shirt over at Society6

http://www.society6.com/studio/thisishorrorbusiness/Have_you_seen_my_Mummy/tshirts

Go have a look.. it's lovely!!

Do the Mummy

My good friend and fellow art fiend Dave Higgins over at http://davehiggins.wordpress.com/ has been posting away at his 'Halloween Advent Calendar' and produced these brilliant sketches of some of the cutest monsters I've ever seen. I was so inspired (and fell in love with the Mummy sketch) that I decided to pay tribute in the best way I know how.. So here is my rendition of Dave's Mummy (no, I don't mean Mrs Higgins)..

I'm really pleased with this illustration. In much the same way as I've been studying the likes of Shane Glines and Ben Caldwell of late, I've really enjoyed putting my spin on Dave's artwork, and it's made me realize that I may have been labouring over my own work a little too much lately... which may explain my frustration any time I pick up a pencil..

War of Words... POLICE

Dave has done it again, with a brilliant rendering of the Keystone Cops.. This great image belies the fact that in prepping it for posting it almost drove him mad. I hope that seeing it here will give Dave a sense of fulfillment.. you did a great piece again my friend.

I set out on a similar path, with a view of producing an image of Sting and cohorts.. however, unlike Dave.. when I was constantly buggering up the sketches because I couldn't visualize what was in my head I threw in the towel. So here's an illustration of Judge Anderson and Judge Death. Surprised with myself that I've not done anything Dredd related before.

Next week... SAVAGE!