Wednesday 29 December 2010

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.

Thursday 23 December 2010

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.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

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!

Thursday 16 December 2010

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.

Monday 13 December 2010

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.

Sunday 5 December 2010

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.

Thursday 2 December 2010

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